Craving a warm, hearty meal that's ready in a flash? Look no further than this Instant Pot Chicken Stew! This easy recipe delivers a delicious, healthy meal perfect for busy weeknights. Forget hours of simmering – your Instant Pot does all the work, leaving you with tender chicken and flavorful vegetables in a fraction of the time. It's one of those best recipes that’s both satisfying and simple, making it a staple in our home.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup diced potatoes
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
-
Sauté the Aromatics: Set your Instant Pot to the "Sauté" function. Add olive oil and once hot, add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
-
Brown the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. This step adds depth of flavor to your stew.
-
Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the chicken broth, potatoes, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. If using, whisk the flour into a small amount of cold water to create a slurry and add it to the pot for thickening.
-
Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to "Sealing." Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
-
Stir in Vegetables: Once the pressure is released, carefully open the lid and stir in the frozen peas and corn. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are heated through.
-
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. This healthy meal is perfect served with a crusty bread for dipping!
Tips for the Best Instant Pot Chicken Stew:
- Don't overcrowd the pot: Ensure there's enough space for the ingredients to cook evenly.
- Adjust seasonings to taste: Feel free to add more herbs, spices, or salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Use bone-in chicken: For an even richer flavor, substitute bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks. You may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like mushrooms, green beans, or zucchini.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken Stew: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Creamy Chicken Stew: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a richer, creamier texture.
- Lemon Herb Chicken Stew: Add the zest and juice of one lemon along with the herbs for a bright and zesty flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary depending on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g
This easy Instant Pot Chicken Stew is a delicious and healthy meal option perfect for busy weeknights. It's a versatile recipe that can be easily customized to your liking, making it a true staple in any home cook's repertoire of homemade cooking. Enjoy!