Description

This hearty and flavorful Instant Pot Chicken Stew is the ultimate easy dinner recipe that brings comfort and nourishment to your table in under an hour. Made with tender chicken, soft potatoes, sweet carrots, and rich broth, this one-pot meal is a family favorite for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. It’s perfect for quick meal prep, freezer-friendly, and naturally gluten-free—ideal for anyone looking for healthy food ideas or easy stew recipes.

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)

Instructions

1. Set Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’. Add olive oil, onion, celery, and garlic. Sauté 3–4 minutes until softened.

2. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Brown for 2–3 minutes.

3. Stir in tomato paste, then add carrots and potatoes. Mix everything well.

4. Pour in chicken broth and add bay leaf. Stir to combine.

5. Seal lid, set to “Sealing”, and pressure cook on high for 10 minutes.

6. Quick release pressure. If thickening, mix cornstarch and water; stir into pot and simmer 2–3 minutes.

7. Remove bay leaf, taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness, but chicken breast works well too.

Deglaze the pot after sautéing to prevent burn warning.

You can add other veggies like peas or green beans at the end of cooking.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 320
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 580mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: instant pot, chicken stew, easy recipe, quick dinner, comfort food