Instant Pot Chicken Stew

by

Introduction

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes are as satisfying as a hearty chicken stew. Rich, flavorful, and filled with tender chicken, vegetables, and herbs, chicken stew is the perfect meal to enjoy on a chilly evening or whenever you’re craving something warming and filling. The beauty of this Instant Pot Chicken Stew is that it brings together the convenience of a pressure cooker with the soul-warming flavors of a traditional stew.

Made with halal-friendly ingredients and no pork, bacon, or wine, this dish is suitable for everyone and easy to prepare. The Instant Pot dramatically reduces cooking time while allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe guarantees a delicious, comforting stew every time.

In this article, we’ll take you through why Instant Pot Chicken Stew is a must-try recipe, provide step-by-step instructions on how to make it, and offer tips and variations to personalize the dish. Get ready for a comforting and flavorful stew that your whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: Using the Instant Pot reduces cooking time, making this a perfect meal for busy weeknights.
  • Flavorful: The stew is packed with savory flavors from herbs, spices, and the natural goodness of the chicken and vegetables.
  • Versatile: This recipe is easily customizable with your favorite vegetables, grains, or legumes.
  • Healthy: With lean chicken, vegetables, and simple seasonings, this stew is nutritious and satisfying.
  • Halal-Friendly: This recipe contains no pork, bacon, or alcohol, making it suitable for those who follow a halal diet.

Preparation Time and Servings

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (15 minutes for prep, 1 hour for cooking)
  • Servings: 6 servings, depending on portion size.
  • Nutrition Facts (per serving): Calories: 320, Protein: 32g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 10g, Fiber: 5g.

Ingredients

For the Stew:

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, if preferred): Chicken thighs provide a juicy and tender texture, but chicken breasts can be used for a leaner option.
  • 4 cups chicken broth (preferably low-sodium): The base of the stew. You can also use vegetable broth if you prefer.
  • 1 large onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the stew.
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic enhances the aroma and taste of the dish.
  • 4 large carrots (peeled and sliced): Carrots add natural sweetness and color to the stew.
  • 3 medium potatoes (peeled and cubed): Potatoes make the stew hearty and filling.
  • 1 cup celery (diced): Adds a crunchy texture and mild flavor to balance the dish.
  • 1 cup frozen peas: For a pop of color and added freshness.
  • 1 tsp dried thyme: A key herb for flavor.
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary: A fragrant herb that pairs well with chicken.
  • 1 bay leaf: Adds depth to the stew’s flavor.
  • Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
  • 2 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables and chicken before pressure cooking.

For the Optional Thickening (if desired):

  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free): To thicken the stew to your desired consistency.
  • ¼ cup water: To mix with the flour or cornstarch for a slurry.

Garnish (Optional):

  • Fresh parsley (chopped): For a burst of color and a fresh finish to the dish.

Step-by-Step Preparation

FIRST STEP: Sauté the Chicken and Vegetables

  1. Heat the Instant Pot: Start by pressing the “Sauté” button on your Instant Pot. Allow it to heat up for about 2 minutes.
  2. Sauté the Chicken: Add the olive oil to the Instant Pot and place the chicken thighs (or breasts) in the pot. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Brown the chicken on both sides for about 3-4 minutes per side. You don’t need to cook the chicken through at this stage, as it will cook fully under pressure.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables: After the chicken is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot, stirring occasionally. Sauté the vegetables for about 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften and become fragrant.

SECOND STEP: Add the Broth and Seasonings

  1. Add the Broth and Chicken Back to the Pot: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any bits of chicken or vegetables that are stuck to the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon (this adds flavor). Place the chicken back into the pot.
  2. Season the Stew: Add the thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, and more salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine the ingredients.

THIRD STEP: Pressure Cook the Stew

  1. Set the Instant Pot: Close the lid of the Instant Pot and make sure the venting knob is set to “Sealing.” Press the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button and set the timer for 20 minutes on high pressure.
  2. Cook the Stew: Once the cooking time is up, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release the pressure for 10 minutes, then carefully turn the venting knob to “Venting” to release the remaining pressure.

FOURTH STEP: Shred the Chicken and Finish the Stew

  1. Shred the Chicken: Open the Instant Pot and remove the chicken thighs. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the stew.
  2. Add the Potatoes and Peas: Add the cubed potatoes and frozen peas to the stew. Stir to combine.
  3. Optional Thickening: If you want a thicker stew, mix the flour (or cornstarch) with ¼ cup of water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the stew and press the “Sauté” button again. Allow the stew to simmer for 5 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
  4. Final Adjustments: Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.

FINAL STEP: Garnish and Serve

  1. Garnish with Parsley: Sprinkle the stew with fresh chopped parsley before serving for a pop of color and a burst of freshness.
  2. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot. This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad.

How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Stew

Instant Pot Chicken Stew is a perfect meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas to enhance your meal:

1. Serve with Crusty Bread

A warm, rustic bread is the perfect accompaniment to chicken stew. You can dip it in the stew to soak up all the rich broth and flavors.

2. Pair with Rice

For a more filling meal, serve your stew over steamed rice. The rice soaks up the flavorful broth and makes the dish even more comforting.

3. Serve with a Green Salad

A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a light contrast to the richness of the chicken stew. The crispness of the salad adds texture to the meal.

4. Serve with Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, zucchini, or sweet potatoes complement the stew and add a savory, slightly sweet balance to the meal.

Additional Tips

  1. Make Ahead: You can prepare the stew ingredients ahead of time by chopping the vegetables and storing them in the fridge. Simply sauté the chicken and vegetables, then follow the recipe steps when you’re ready to cook.
  2. Leftovers: Leftover chicken stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a bit more broth if necessary.
  3. Spicy Kick: For a spicy variation, add chopped green chilies or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stew during cooking. The heat will complement the rich flavors of the chicken and vegetables.
  4. Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian twist, substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, cauliflower, or lentils. You can also add tofu for protein.

Recipe Variations

While this Instant Pot Chicken Stew is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to customize it:

1. Add Different Vegetables

Feel free to swap out or add additional vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Consider adding parsnips, turnips, or butternut squash for variety.

2. Use Different Herbs

While thyme and rosemary are classic choices for chicken stew, you can experiment with other herbs like oregano, sage, or tarragon for a different flavor profile.

3. Add Grains

To make the stew even more filling, add grains like quinoa, barley, or rice to the Instant Pot along with the other ingredients. These grains will absorb the broth and add texture to the stew.

4. Use Bone-In Chicken

For added flavor, you can use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks. Bone-in chicken will provide a richer flavor, and the bones can be discarded after cooking.

Freezing and Storage

Instant Pot Chicken Stew is ideal for making in bulk and storing for later:

  • Refrigerate: Store the stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze: To freeze the stew, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Special Equipment

While you don’t need a lot of special equipment to make this stew, having the following kitchen tools will make your job easier:

  • Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker: The key appliance for this recipe, allowing you to cook the stew quickly and efficiently.
  • Sharp Knife: For chopping the vegetables and chicken.
  • Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: For stirring the ingredients in the Instant Pot.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes! You can substitute chicken breasts for chicken thighs. However, chicken breasts tend to dry out more easily, so be careful not to overcook them.

2. Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the chicken and sauté the vegetables in a skillet, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

3. Can I add beans to this stew?

Yes! You can add beans like white beans or chickpeas to the stew for added protein and texture. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if you’re using dried beans.

4. How do I make the stew thicker?

You can make the stew thicker by adding a flour or cornstarch slurry, or by simmering the stew uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the broth.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Chicken Stew is the perfect dish for a cozy, satisfying meal. With its tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and rich broth, this stew is a comforting dish that will warm you from the inside out. Thanks to the Instant Pot, you can enjoy a flavorful, tender stew in a fraction of the time it takes to make traditionally. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing a meal for yourself, this chicken stew will quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Try it today and enjoy the ultimate comfort food!

Leave a Comment