If you’re craving something soul-satisfying and incredibly easy, you need this Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew in your life. Packed with juicy chicken, vibrant veggies, and a savory tomato broth, it’s pure comfort in a bowl. The beauty is all in the simplicity—using everyday ingredients, but coaxed into a deliciously rich and thick stew in under an hour, thanks to the magic of your Instant Pot. One taste and this recipe will become your go-to for busy nights or cozy weekends, promising warmth and flavor in every spoonful.

Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew lies in its honest, no-fuss ingredients coming together in the coziest way. Each one brings something delightful to the stew, from depth and tenderness to pops of color and flavor that make every bite a treat.

Chicken thighs or breasts: Choose your favorite—or a mix—for tender, juicy bites that soak up all the flavors.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps build a tasty base when sautéing the aromatics.
Onion: A diced onion brings a wonderful, sweet depth to the stew.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic means loads of savory aroma and taste in every bowl.
Carrots: Peeled and sliced, they add just the right touch of sweetness and bright color.
Celery: The secret to a flavorful stew, celery’s subtle earthiness is essential.
Potatoes: Cubed potatoes break down slightly, adding heartiness and thickening the stew naturally.
Frozen peas: Tossed in at the end for a pop of color and a burst of sweetness.
Green beans: Chopped and tender, they offer extra texture and earthy flavor.
Diced tomatoes (with juice): Adds tanginess and a savory backbone to the broth.
Chicken broth: Use low-sodium for control; it’s the flavorful liquid foundation of your stew.
Tomato paste: This little addition punches up the umami and gives the stew a gorgeous red hue.
Dried thyme: A lovely, woodsy note that lifts up all the veggies and chicken.
Dried rosemary: Infuses the stew with aromatic, pine-like flavor—don’t skip this one.
Paprika: Just a bit rounds out the flavors with a gentle warmth.
Bay leaf: Classic for a reason, it subtly perfumes the whole pot with savory depth.
Salt and black pepper: A pinch of both to taste, ensuring every bite is just right.
Cornstarch slurry (optional): For stew lovers who prefer a thicker, creamier finish.
Chopped fresh parsley: A final sprinkle for color and freshness at serving time.

How to Make Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Begin your Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew adventure by setting your Instant Pot to sauté mode and warming up the olive oil. Add the onions and garlic, letting them soften and mellow for 2 to 3 minutes—this builds that foundation of cozy flavor that every great stew needs. Stir occasionally and enjoy the toasty, savory aroma filling your kitchen.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Add your chicken chunks right into the pot with the aromatics, then cook for about 3 to 4 minutes. You’re not looking for a deep sear, just enough to give the chicken a little color and coax out even more flavor. This step makes a surprising difference—it seals in that juiciness that defines a truly hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew.

Step 3: Add the Veggies and Seasonings

Time to pile in the carrots, celery, potatoes, and green beans, followed by the diced tomatoes (plus all their unforgettable juice). Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, paprika, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a gentle mix—it will look vibrant and inviting already!

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Cancel sauté mode and secure the lid. Set your Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. As it cooks, the flavors will fuse together in true Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew harmony. Once it beeps, let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes before carefully quick-releasing any remaining steam.

Step 5: Thicken and Finish

Remove the bay leaf and give your stew a taste test. If you love a thicker consistency, stir in the optional cornstarch slurry and set the pot to sauté for just a few minutes until it reaches your ideal texture. Then add the frozen peas, stirring them in for 2 to 3 minutes until luscious and heated through. Now, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top, and you’re ready to serve!

How to Serve Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew

Garnishes

Keep it classic and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over each steamy bowl, or go a little wild with a handful of fresh dill or a dusting of grated parmesan. A delicate swirl of extra-virgin olive oil also adds a touch of richness. These simple garnishes make every bowl of Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew extra special and photo-worthy.

Side Dishes

This stew is perfectly satisfying on its own, but it truly sings when paired with hunks of crusty bread for dipping. Fluffy dinner rolls, garlic knots, or even a scoop of buttery mashed potatoes are right at home next to Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew, soaking up every last drop of that savory broth.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your stew in rustic bread bowls for a show-stopping meal, or ladle it into wide, shallow bowls scattered with microgreens for a modern touch. For family gatherings, let everyone build their own bowl by offering a variety of toppings—chopped herbs, grated cheese, and a squeeze of lemon all give this Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew a fun twist that keeps it feeling fresh and exciting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any cooled leftover Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew into airtight containers and tuck them safely in the fridge. The flavors only intensify overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch even better. Leftovers will stay delicious for up to 4 days—plenty of time to enjoy every last bit.

Freezing

This stew is a superstar in the freezer. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for a soul-warming meal, thaw overnight in the fridge and you’ve got a ready-made dinner in your back pocket.

Reheating

Warm your stew gently in a saucepan over medium heat or microwave it in intervals, stirring well for even heating. If it thickens too much in the fridge, splash in a bit more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency. Either way, Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew tastes just as cozy and delicious as day one.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Both boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs will work well. Thighs tend to stay a bit juicier and more flavorful, but breasts are lighter and just as delicious in this Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure your chicken broth and any other store-bought ingredients are certified gluten-free to play it safe.

Can I swap out the veggies?

Definitely! This stew is super flexible. Try adding parsnips, sweet potatoes, zucchini, or whatever’s in season. Swapping the veggies keeps dinner interesting and lets you use what you have on hand.

What if I want a thicker stew?

The easy solution is the optional cornstarch slurry: just mix cornstarch with a bit of water, stir it in after pressure cooking, and heat until thickened. It’s the quickest way to tailor the consistency of your Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew.

What are some fun garnishes or ways to change up the flavor?

For extra flair, add a squeeze of fresh lemon, stir in a handful of spinach in the last minutes, or add a few drops of hot sauce. Garnish with shredded parmesan or fresh dill for a new twist on your Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew is the comforting meal you’ll want to cozy up with all year long. Whether it’s a weeknight or a weekend, a single pot delivers warmth, flavor, and heart to your table. Give it a try and let it become your new family favorite—you’ll be glad you did.

Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew is a comforting and flavorful dish that is easy to prepare in your pressure cooker. Packed with tender chicken, vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this stew is perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Stew:

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
3 celery stalks, sliced
3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 bay leaf
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the olive oil. Add the onion and garlic, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
Cook Chicken: Add the chicken and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until lightly browned.
Add Ingredients: Stir in the carrots, celery, potatoes, green beans, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, paprika, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Cancel sauté mode.
Pressure Cook: Secure the lid and set to cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release.
Thicken Stew: Remove the bay leaf. For a thicker stew, stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer on sauté mode until thickened.
Finish: Stir in the peas and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.