If you’re craving cozy comfort in a bowl, Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew is your one-pot ticket to pure happiness. This recipe delivers everything you want in a stew: loads of tender chicken, colorful veggies, and rustic herbs all coming together in a luscious, flavor-packed broth. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal prepping for the week, or just looking for a satisfying dish to warm you through a chilly night, this stew hits the mark every time. And the best part? You get stunning results in under an hour, thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot!

Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the secret behind the irresistible texture and deep taste of this stew. Each element—no matter how simple—brings its own special touch to the pot, and together they create the colorful, savory foundation that makes Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew unforgettable.

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (1.5 lbs, cut into chunks): For incomparable tenderness and rich flavor, thighs are ideal, but breasts work beautifully if you prefer a leaner stew.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds silkiness and depth when sautéing your veggies and chicken.
Yellow onion (1 medium, chopped): Creates the aromatic backbone and a slightly sweet note as it softens.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Brings an irresistible boldness—don’t skip the garlic boost!
Carrots (3, peeled and sliced): Offer sweetness and color, plus they hold up beautifully under pressure.
Celery stalks (2, sliced): For an herby crunch and classic stew flavor.
Potatoes (2 medium, peeled and diced): Add comforting heft and turn velvety soft in the stew.
Green beans (1 cup, trimmed and cut): Deliver a pop of color and a pleasant fresh snap.
Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Enhances every ingredient with a gentle earthiness.
Dried rosemary (1 teaspoon): Just a sprinkle gives a fragrant, woodsy lift to the whole dish.
Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds subtle warmth and dimension—try smoked paprika if you like a hint of campfire flavor!
Salt and black pepper: To taste; season generously for vibrant flavor in every spoonful.
Chicken broth (3 cups): The flavorful base that ties everything together.
Tomato paste (1 tablespoon): Gives a hit of umami and rich color.
Cornstarch mixed with water (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water, optional): Stir in at the end if you crave a stew that’s especially thick and hearty.
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): A sprinkle of green at the finish lifts and brightens every serving.

How to Make Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by setting your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add the olive oil. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the chopped onion and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it’s fragrant and just beginning to soften. Stir in the garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds—just long enough to release its unmistakable aroma without burning. This toasty, golden base creates the foundation of flavor that takes your Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew from good to unforgettable.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Add the chicken pieces straight into the pot with the sautéd onion and garlic. Give them a good stir and let them cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until they’re lightly browned on all sides—don’t worry about cooking them through just yet. This step locks in juiciness and adds a savory depth to your stew’s final flavor.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables and Seasonings

Now the fun part—pile in your carrots, celery, potatoes, and green beans. Sprinkle over the dried thyme, rosemary, paprika, and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and add the tomato paste. Give everything a thorough stir to mix the seasoning throughout. This vibrant mix promises beautiful color and rich, layered flavor in your finished Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew.

Step 4: Pressure Cook to Perfection

Cancel sauté mode, secure the Instant Pot lid, and set it to high pressure for 10 minutes. After the cooking cycle is complete, let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes to help all the flavors meld. Then use quick release to let out any remaining steam. This careful pressurizing ensures your chicken stays fork-tender, while the veggies become perfectly soft without turning mushy.

Step 5: Thicken the Stew (Optional)

If you love a stick-to-your-ribs texture, switch the Instant Pot back to sauté mode and stir in the cornstarch slurry. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until your Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew has reached your ideal degree of thickness. This simple final touch transforms your stew into a hearty, spoon-coating delight.

How to Serve Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew

Garnishes

A sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness that perfectly accents the rustic richness of Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew. If you like even more flair, a little cracked black pepper or a touch of grated Parmesan cheese can make each bowl special. Presentation is half the delight—don’t skip the greens!

Side Dishes

Soak up every ounce of savory goodness with a crusty loaf of bread, warm biscuits, or even a fluffy batch of rice on the side. If you want something lighter, serve this stew with a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal. The tender chicken and vegetables are filling enough on their own, but a great side helps catch every last drop of broth.

Creative Ways to Present

Ladle the stew into rustic mugs for a cozy, fireside vibe—perfect for casual gatherings. For something extra, fill hollowed-out bread bowls with the hot stew, or serve family-style in a big cast iron pot right on the table. Sometimes, those little touches can turn Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew into an unforgettable dinner party centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftovers into airtight containers and store them in the fridge for up to four days. In fact, the flavors deepen overnight, making your second-day bowl of Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew even more comforting and delicious. A quick stir before serving is all it takes to revive the stew for the next meal.

Freezing

This stew freezes like a dream, perfect for stocking up on effortless dinners. Let the stew cool completely, ladle it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, and freeze for up to three months. When you need a quick dinner or a comforting lunch, you’ll be glad you made extra!

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen as needed. The microwave works just as well—heat in short bursts and stir in between for even warming. Make sure everything is piping hot, especially the chunks of chicken and potatoes, for the best possible Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew experience.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?

Absolutely! Just add a few extra minutes to the pressure cooking time (about 2 to 3 minutes more). Cut the chicken into chunks after cooking if starting from larger pieces, and be sure your chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.

What vegetable substitutions work well?

You can get creative—swap potatoes for sweet potatoes, add corn or peas for extra sweetness, or toss in bell peppers for a peppery bite. The stew is delightfully flexible, so use up whatever hardy veggies are calling your name.

How can I make this Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew even richer in flavor?

Browning the chicken and sautéing the onions well at the start is key. For extra depth, deglaze the pot with a splash of white wine after browning the chicken, scraping up any browned bits before adding the other ingredients.

Is it possible to make this stew gluten-free or dairy-free?

It already is! All the ingredients are naturally gluten- and dairy-free, making Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew perfect for many dietary needs. Just check your chicken broth label to be sure it’s gluten-free if that’s a concern.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes—just don’t fill your Instant Pot past the “max fill” line. You may need to extend the pressure cooking time by a couple minutes to ensure every bite is fully cooked, but the result is a crowd-pleasing stew for any gathering.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been looking for a soul-warming, no-fuss dinner that tastes like a big culinary hug, you can’t go wrong with Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew. Each spoonful is brimming with wholesome goodness and flavor, and I really hope you’ll make it part of your weeknight rotation. Happy cooking and even happier eating!

Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 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’s perfect for a cozy family dinner. Packed with tender chicken and a variety of vegetables, this stew is easy to make and delicious to eat. The Instant Pot cuts down on cooking time while intensifying the flavors, making it a great option for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Stew:

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
3 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook briefly.
Cook the Stew: Add chicken and sauté until browned. Add vegetables, herbs, spices, broth, and tomato paste. Pressure cook for 10 minutes.
Thicken (Optional): For a thicker stew, use cornstarch slurry. Serve hot, garnished with parsley.

Notes

For added flavor, deglaze the pot with a splash of white wine after browning the chicken.
You can substitute sweet potatoes or add peas and corn for variation.
Leftovers taste even better the next day.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Instant Pot
Cuisine: American