Name: Instant Pot Chicken Stew
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts 3 carrots, peeled and chopped 3 potatoes, chopped (Yukon Gold or Russet) 2 celery stalks, chopped 1 onion, diced 3 garlic cloves, minced 2 tablespoons tomato paste 3 cups chicken broth 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1.5 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning or dried thyme 1 bay leaf 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional) 1 tablespoon water (for slurry, optional) 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of chicken stew, especially when it’s made effortlessly in the Instant Pot. I love how it fills the kitchen with cozy, savory aromas and comes together in a fraction of the time it would take on the stovetop. This Instant Pot Chicken Stew is hearty, nourishing, and packed with wholesome ingredients like tender chicken, carrots, and potatoes.

What makes this stew a staple in my weekly rotation is its versatility and ease. Whether I’m feeding a hungry family after a busy weekday or looking to prep something satisfying for my lunches, this dish never disappoints. It’s simple enough for beginners but delicious enough to impress, and the Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting.

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Chicken Stew

This recipe combines all the comfort of a slow-cooked stew with the convenience of modern pressure cooking. You’ll get deep, rich flavors in under an hour without sacrificing tenderness. It’s a one-pot meal, meaning fewer dishes to clean up, and it’s naturally gluten-free and easy to adapt to different diets. It freezes well, making it a great option for batch cooking, and the ingredients are all budget-friendly pantry staples.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

I prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this stew because they stay juicy and tender under pressure, but chicken breast works just as well if you’re looking for a leaner option. If you have bone-in chicken on hand, go ahead and use it—just be sure to remove the bones before serving.

Options for Substitutions

You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs. Swap the potatoes for sweet potatoes or parsnips if you’re avoiding nightshades. Add green beans, peas, or mushrooms for more veggie variety. Don’t have chicken? Turkey or even beef stew meat makes a great substitute. For a richer flavor, replace some of the broth with white wine or a splash of cream at the end.

Ingredients for this Instant Pot Chicken Stew

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts – The core protein of the dish, providing hearty, tender bites that soak up all the savory stew flavors.
Carrots – Add natural sweetness, color, and a bit of texture contrast.
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes – These break down just enough to thicken the stew while still holding their shape.
Celery – Brings a subtle earthy depth and traditional stew aroma.
Onion – Essential for the flavor base, adding mild sweetness and umami when sautéed.
Garlic – Enhances the overall flavor profile with a gentle pungent kick.
Tomato paste – Provides umami depth and a touch of richness.
Chicken broth – The flavorful liquid base that binds everything together.
Olive oil – For sautéing and adding a light richness.
Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
Italian seasoning or dried thyme – Adds herby, aromatic notes that make the stew feel complete.
Bay leaf – Infuses subtle background flavor during pressure cooking.
Cornstarch slurry (optional) – Thickens the stew to your preferred consistency.
Fresh parsley (optional) – A finishing touch that adds freshness and a pop of color.

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Set the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode. Add olive oil, then stir in chopped onions, celery, and garlic. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 2: Add Chicken and Brown Lightly

Add the chicken pieces to the pot and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Brown the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side, just to lock in flavor.

Step 3: Stir in Tomato Paste and Vegetables

Add the tomato paste and stir to coat the chicken and vegetables. Toss in the chopped carrots and potatoes, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.

Step 4: Pour in Chicken Broth and Add Bay Leaf

Pour in the chicken broth, enough to cover most of the ingredients. Add the bay leaf and give everything a good stir to combine.

Step 5: Pressure Cook

Seal the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and pressure cook on high for 10 minutes. It will take about 10-15 minutes to come to pressure.

Step 6: Quick Release and Thicken (Optional)

Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release by turning the valve to “Venting.” For a thicker stew, set the pot to ‘Sauté’ and stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water), cooking for 2-3 minutes until thickened.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with crusty bread or over rice.

How Long to Prepare the Instant Pot Chicken Stew

Prep Time: The preparation usually takes around 15-20 minutes. This includes chopping all the vegetables, cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces, and measuring out spices and broth. If you’re using pre-chopped veggies or leftover cooked chicken, this time can be shortened considerably.

Cook Time: The Instant Pot requires about 10-15 minutes to come to pressure. Then, the actual pressure cook time is 10 minutes, followed by a quick release. If you opt to thicken the stew with a cornstarch slurry, add another 3-5 minutes. Total time from start to finish is approximately 40-45 minutes.

Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Chicken Stew

Cut your veggies uniformly so they cook evenly and hold their shape.
Deglaze the pot after sautéing the chicken to prevent a burn warning.
Layer ingredients properly, placing potatoes and carrots on top to avoid overcooking.
Season generously at each step to build layers of flavor.
Use low-sodium broth so you can better control the salt level.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overcrowding the pot can lead to uneven cooking and longer pressurization times.
Skipping the sauté step means missing out on flavor development.
Using too much liquid will make the stew soupy rather than thick.
Forgetting to taste before serving can result in a bland dish; always adjust seasoning.
Not letting the stew rest a few minutes before serving can make it overly hot and watery.

What to Serve With Instant Pot Chicken Stew?

1. Crusty Bread

Perfect for soaking up every drop of that rich, flavorful broth.

2. Steamed White or Brown Rice

A great base to pour the stew over and make it extra hearty.

3. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

For a comfort food pairing that’s rich and creamy.

4. A Simple Green Salad

Adds freshness and a light crunch to balance the meal.

5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Their earthy flavor pairs beautifully with the savory stew.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Let the stew cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until hot.

Freezer: This stew freezes very well. Pour into freezer-safe containers or bags (leave room for expansion), and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating Tip: Add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to bring back the original consistency.

Estimated Nutrition

Calories: ~320 per serving
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 3g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Sodium: 580mg
Sugar: 4g

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this stew spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeño, or a splash of hot sauce before pressure cooking.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but you’ll need to increase the pressure cook time by 2-3 minutes and skip sautéing.

How do I thicken the stew without cornstarch?

You can mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot or use flour mixed with water.

Is this recipe Whole30 or Paleo friendly?

It can be! Just use compliant broth and skip the cornstarch.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely, just make sure not to go over the “Max Fill” line in your Instant Pot.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Chicken Stew is everything you want in a comfort meal: simple, satisfying, and soul-warming. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a busy weeknight, this recipe delivers a bowl of nourishment with minimal effort and maximum flavor. It’s a go-to favorite in my kitchen, and I know it will become one in yours too.