If you’re searching for a cozy, nourishing meal that comes together with minimal fuss yet delivers maximum flavor, look no further than this Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew. Brimming with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a fragrant blend of herbs, this stew is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or anytime you crave something wholesome and satisfying. The Instant Pot makes it all possible in under an hour, and every spoonful is proof that simple ingredients can truly shine.

Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew keeps things refreshingly simple, relying on a handful of kitchen staples that each play an important role. From the juicy chicken to the colorful mix of veggies and the fragrant herbs, every ingredient works together to create a stew that’s hearty, flavorful, and oh-so-comforting.

Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Choose thighs for extra richness and tenderness or breasts for a leaner option—just be sure to cut into bite-sized chunks for even cooking.
Olive Oil: Adds a lovely depth and helps sauté the aromatics for a flavorful base.
Onion: Brings natural sweetness and a touch of savory backbone to the stew.
Garlic: Essential for aromatic complexity; don’t skip it!
Carrots: Provide subtle sweetness and a pop of orange color.
Celery: Adds a mild, earthy crunch and classic stew flavor.
Potatoes: Make the stew extra hearty and satisfying; Yukon Gold or Russet both work well.
Green Beans: Offer a crisp, vibrant contrast and a burst of green.
Chicken Broth: The flavorful liquid that brings all the ingredients together—opt for low-sodium if you like to control salt levels.
Tomato Paste: Gives a subtle tang and a touch of richness to the broth.
Dried Thyme: Adds herbal warmth that complements the chicken perfectly.
Dried Rosemary: Infuses the stew with woodsy, aromatic notes.
Paprika: A gentle smokiness and mild warmth—don’t overdo it!
Bay Leaf: Lends deep, savory flavor as the stew simmers.
Salt and Black Pepper: For seasoning the stew to taste—add a little, taste, and adjust as needed.
Cornstarch Slurry (optional): Mix with water for a thicker, silkier broth if you like your stew extra hearty.
Fresh Parsley: A fresh garnish that brightens every bowl just before serving.

How to Make Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Start by setting your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and drizzle in the olive oil. When it’s shimmering, toss in your diced onion and let it cook for a couple of minutes until it softens and turns translucent. Add the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds—just enough to release its irresistible aroma. This step builds the foundation of flavor for your Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Add the chicken pieces to the pot and give them a good stir so they get a little color on all sides. Browning the chicken isn’t just about looks—it adds a subtle layer of rich, meaty flavor to the stew that you’ll definitely taste in the final dish. It takes about 4 to 5 minutes for the chicken to lose its pinkness and pick up some golden edges.

Step 3: Season and Add Tomato Paste

Stir in the tomato paste, dried thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mixing these in now allows the tomato paste to caramelize slightly and the dried herbs to bloom, infusing your stew with earthy, aromatic notes. This is the moment where the kitchen really starts smelling amazing!

Step 4: Add Vegetables and Broth

Next, pile in your carrots, celery, potatoes, and green beans. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure everything is nestled comfortably in the pot, and don’t forget the bay leaf. The broth will soak up all those flavors as it cooks, creating the hearty, soul-warming base of this stew.

Step 5: Pressure Cook

Cancel Sauté mode, secure the Instant Pot lid, and set it to Pressure Cook (Manual) on High for 10 minutes. This is where the magic happens! While it cooks, the flavors meld and the chicken turns fall-apart tender. After it’s done, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure.

Step 6: Thicken and Finish

If you love a thick, luxurious stew, turn Sauté mode back on and stir in the cornstarch slurry. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the broth thickens to your liking. Fish out the bay leaf, give everything a taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Now, your Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew is ready to serve—don’t forget to sprinkle on a handful of fresh parsley!

How to Serve Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic, but you can also try a little fresh thyme or a dusting of cracked black pepper for extra flair. If you’re feeling indulgent, a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lemon adds brightness that beautifully balances the rich flavors of the stew.

Side Dishes

Serve your Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew alongside a crusty piece of bread, warm dinner rolls, or even a bowl of fluffy rice to soak up every drop of the delicious broth. If you want something lighter, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette makes a perfect pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, ladle your stew into hollowed-out bread bowls for an extra-cozy presentation. You can also serve it in mugs for a casual, portable meal—great for game days or movie nights. Don’t forget big soup spoons to scoop up all those tender veggies and chunks of chicken!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew keeps beautifully in the fridge. Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, and the flavors actually deepen as it sits, making leftovers even more delicious.

Freezing

This stew is a freezer superstar. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags (remove as much air as possible) and freeze for up to 3 months. Just remember to leave a little room at the top for expansion. When you’re ready for a cozy meal, thaw it in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the stew gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave—just cover to avoid splatters and stir halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Both chicken thighs and breasts work well in this Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew. Thighs are a bit more forgiving and stay juicy, but breasts will give you a lighter stew. Just be sure not to overcook the breast meat to keep it tender.

What vegetables can I swap in?

This stew is wonderfully flexible. Feel free to swap in other veggies like peas, corn, mushrooms, or even sweet potatoes. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly with the rest of the ingredients.

How do I make the stew thicker?

If you prefer a thicker stew, the cornstarch slurry at the end is your friend. Stir it in while the stew simmers, and it will quickly thicken up. For an even heartier texture, you can also mash a few of the potatoes right in the pot.

Is Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew gluten-free?

Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and double-check your cornstarch. It’s a fantastic option for anyone avoiding gluten but craving comfort food.

Can I double the recipe?

You sure can! Just make sure not to go over the Instant Pot’s maximum fill line. Doubling the ingredients is great for feeding a crowd or stocking your freezer with extra portions of Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew for busy days.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe inspires you to gather around the table, savor every bite, and make Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew a regular part of your comfort food rotation. There’s something truly special about a bowl of homemade stew, and with the Instant Pot, it’s never been easier to bring that warmth and flavor to your kitchen. Give it a try—you just might find your new favorite!

Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew Recipe

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4.5 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew is a delicious and comforting one-pot meal packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and fragrant herbs. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner, it’s easy to prepare using your Instant Pot for fast, hands-off cooking. The stew is naturally gluten-free, wholesome, and ideal for meal prep or freezing for later.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks

Vegetables

1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, sliced
3 celery stalks, sliced
2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 cup green beans, trimmed and halved

Liquids & Sauces

2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste

Herbs & Spices

1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
½ teaspoon paprika
1 bay leaf
Salt and black pepper to taste

Thickening Agent (Optional)

2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (optional for thickening)

Garnish

Fresh parsley

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Sauté Aromatics and Brown Chicken: Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and heat the olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned on all sides, about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste, dried thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and black pepper to coat the chicken and aromatics evenly.
Add Vegetables and Broth: Add the sliced carrots, celery, cubed potatoes, and green beans into the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and drop in the bay leaf. Give everything a gentle stir to combine the ingredients.
Pressure Cook the Stew: Cancel Sauté mode, secure the Instant Pot lid, and ensure the valve is set to sealing. Set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook (Manual) on High for 10 minutes. Once the cooking cycle finishes, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
Optional Thickening: If a thicker stew is desired, switch back to Sauté mode and stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water). Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes while stirring until the stew thickens to your liking.
Finish and Serve: Remove and discard the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

This stew freezes well and is great for meal prepping in advance.
You can swap in other vegetables such as corn, peas, or mushrooms according to preference or seasonality.
For more rich, juicy chicken pieces, opt for thighs instead of breasts.
If using chicken breasts, be careful not to overcook to keep the meat tender.
The cornstarch slurry is optional and can be omitted if you prefer a brothier stew.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes plus 10 minutes natural pressure release
Category: Main Course
Method: Pressure Cooking
Cuisine: American