If you are craving something that wraps you up in coziness and satisfies your hunger in the best way possible, this Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender chicken pieces swimming in a rich, savory broth loaded with vibrant carrots, celery, and baby potatoes, all seasoned perfectly with herbs and spices. Cooking it in the Instant Pot means you get all that deep, comforting flavor without spending hours in the kitchen, making this stew an absolute weeknight hero. Each spoonful bursts with warmth and homestyle goodness that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet essential—they work together to build layers of flavor, texture, and color that make every bite so satisfying. Fresh vegetables add crunch and sweetness, while the herbs and spices bring that inviting aroma and depth.
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Choose thighs for juiciness or breasts for a leaner option, cut into chunks for quick cooking.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This adds a subtle fruity flavor and helps brown the chicken and soften the onions.
- 1 medium onion (chopped): Onion forms the savory base and infuses the stew with sweetness.
- 3 garlic cloves (minced): Garlic brings a gentle pungency that brightens the whole dish.
- 3 carrots (peeled and sliced): For a natural sweetness and vibrant pop of color.
- 3 celery stalks (sliced): Adds a fresh, aromatic crunch that balances the richness.
- 1½ pounds baby potatoes (halved): These provide hearty texture and soak up the delicious broth.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for amplifying all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick to the background.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: This herb lends an earthy, herbal note that pairs beautifully with chicken.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Adds an aromatic pine-like fragrance that enhances the stew’s depth.
- ¼ teaspoon paprika: A mild smoky warmth that rounds out the seasoning.
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste: Gives the stew a rich color and tangy, concentrated flavor.
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth: The heart of the stew, creating a comforting, flavorful base.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (optional): Makes a slurry for thickening the stew to your desired consistency.
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds a fresh burst of color and brightness just before serving.
How to Make Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Chicken
Start by setting your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and adding olive oil. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the chopped onions and cook them for 2 to 3 minutes until they become soft and translucent. This step unlocks their sweetness and creates a flavorful base. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds—you want that fragrant pop without burning it. Stir in the tomato paste next, letting it mingle with the aromatics for a minute to deepen the flavor. Now add your chicken chunks and sauté them for 3 to 4 minutes until they’re lightly browned on all sides. This browning seals in flavor and adds nice texture.
Step 2: Add Vegetables and Seasonings
Next, pile in the sliced carrots, celery, and halved baby potatoes. Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, dried thyme, rosemary, and paprika, then pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Give everything a good stir to combine all those vibrant ingredients. This is where your stew starts coming together visually and flavor-wise, with the broth wrapping around every piece of chicken and vegetable.
Step 3: Pressure Cook to Perfection
After stirring, cancel the Sauté mode on your Instant Pot, secure the lid, and ensure the valve is set to Sealing. Cook the stew on High Pressure for 10 minutes. Once the cook time ends, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 10 minutes to finish cooking gently, then do a quick release to release any remaining steam. This process locks in moisture, making your chicken tender and your vegetables perfectly cooked without turning to mush.
Step 4: Optional Thickening
If you prefer a richer, thicker consistency, turn Sauté mode back on and add the cornstarch slurry (mix cornstarch and water beforehand). Stir it into the stew and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens up beautifully. This final touch is fantastic if you’re in the mood for a stew that clings to your spoon more luxuriously.
How to Serve Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing your Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew Recipe with freshly chopped parsley not only adds a lovely splash of green but brightens the flavors beautifully. You can also sprinkle some cracked black pepper or even a little grated Parmesan for an extra hint of indulgence. The garnish elevates the presentation and adds freshness to each mouthful.
Side Dishes
This stew is hearty on its own, but pairing it with a slice of crusty bread or warm dinner rolls makes it even more satisfying. A crisp green salad with light vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast, and for something heartier, mashed cauliflower or buttered egg noodles work like a charm. These sides complement the stew’s richness without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your stew in rustic bowls for that cozy, homey vibe, perfect for family dinners. For a fun twist, ladle it into hollowed-out bread bowls for edible serving vessels that soak up every bit of broth. You can also top the stew with a sprinkle of shredded cheese and broil briefly for a bubbling cheesy crust. These presentation ideas make the meal feel special, whether for casual gatherings or an impressive weeknight treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew Recipe keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store leftovers in airtight containers to lock in freshness and flavors. Stews often taste even better the next day as the ingredients have time to meld beautifully.
Freezing
This stew freezes exceptionally well, making it a perfect candidate for batch cooking. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just remember to leave some room for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your stew gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the stew has thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. You can also reheat it in the microwave in microwave-safe bowls, covering to avoid splatters, heating in short intervals and stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While thighs give a juicier, more tender result, chicken breasts work well too—just be careful not to overcook them as they can dry out faster.
Is it necessary to use tomato paste?
Tomato paste adds richness and depth to the stew’s flavor and color, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute with a bit of tomato sauce or leave it out for a milder taste.
Can I add other vegetables to this stew?
Yes! Green beans, peas, or even mushrooms make wonderful additions. Just add them near the end of cooking or after pressure release to maintain their texture.
How thick should the stew be?
That’s totally up to your preference. Some like it soupy, others thick and hearty. Use the cornstarch slurry to thicken it up gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
Can this stew be made without an Instant Pot?
Definitely. You can simmer everything in a large pot on the stove for about 45 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making a dish as comforting and nourishing as this Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew Recipe, especially when it comes together so quickly and easily. It’s one of those meals that fills your home with inviting aromas and your heart with joy. Whether you’re feeding a family or just craving some delicious warmth, give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite cozy dinner staple.
Print
Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (plus pressure build-up and release time)
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender chunks of chicken, savory vegetables, and aromatic herbs. Cooked quickly under high pressure, this stew is perfect for busy weeknights or make-ahead meals, delivering rich taste and satisfying textures with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Chicken and Meat
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1½ pounds baby potatoes, halved
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Seasonings and Liquids
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Optional Thickener
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Prepare the Instant Pot: Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and allow it to heat up.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to release the aroma.
- Add Tomato Paste and Chicken: Stir in 3 tablespoons of tomato paste to coat the onions and garlic. Add the chicken chunks and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 4 minutes until the chicken is lightly browned on the outside.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Add sliced carrots, celery, halved baby potatoes, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, dried thyme, rosemary, and paprika. Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and stir everything together to combine.
- Pressure Cook: Cancel Sauté mode, secure the Instant Pot lid, and set the valve to Sealing. Choose the Pressure Cook (Manual) setting on High Pressure and set the timer for 10 minutes.
- Release Pressure: When cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully use quick release to release any remaining pressure.
- Thicken the Stew (Optional): If you prefer a thicker stew, turn the Instant Pot back to Sauté mode. Mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to create a slurry, then stir it into the stew. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the broth thickens to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Ladle the hearty chicken stew into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- This stew improves in flavor when allowed to sit, making it a perfect make-ahead meal.
- For variation, swap chicken with turkey or add green beans or peas towards the end of cooking for extra color and texture.
- Use low-sodium broth to better control salt levels.
- The cornstarch slurry is optional and can be omitted if you prefer a lighter broth.
