Easy And Delicious Instant Pot Chicken Stew

This Instant Pot Chicken Stew is classic home cooked comfort food.

Classic chicken stew is perfect for cold winter days, and it is always the perfect comfort food. Classic stew is simple, but full of flavor. Often classic stew uses bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, which gives the stew a rich, meaty flavor. And a good stew has plenty of vegetables, like carrots, onions, and celery. And of course, it is classically served over a bed of white rice.

I’ve been wanting to recreate chicken stew for a while now, but I wanted to make it a little bit healthier. So, I decided to try making it in the Instant Pot with more vegetables and minimum amount of potatoes. The Instant Pot is a great way to cook stews because it’s quick and easy, and it uses just one pot.

This recipe is Weight Watchers-friendly, with 10 points per serving. It’s also a great way to use up leftover chicken.

Why You Should Try Instant Pot Chicken Stew:

1. Ideal for the whole family, especially kids who can enjoy it with rice.
2. Quick and easy preparation using the Instant Pot’s sauté function. Deglazing the pot with broth enhances the depth of flavor.
3. Packed with plentiful vegetables, Instant Pot Chicken Stew is a satisfying, tasty stew that brings warmth to both stomach and soul on a winter day.

Ingredients

• 680 g. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
• 1 teapoon oil
• 1 cup (150g) onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (150g) carrots, sliced
• 1 cup (150g) peas
• 1 cup (150g) green beans, chopped
• 1 cup (150g) red bell peppers, diced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tomatoes, diced, 250 g.
• 1 cup (150g) potatoes, peeled and cubed
• Salt to taste
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups (960ml) chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
• 10 olives (optional)

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes (plus additional time for Instant Pot to pressurize and release steam)
Servings: 6

How To Make Instant Pot Chicken Stew:

1. Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and heat the oil. Add the cubed chicken and sear until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.

2. In the same pot, add onions and garlic. Sauté until softened. Incorporate carrots, peas, green beans, and red bell peppers. Sauté for a few minutes until vegetables start to soften.

3. Stir in tomato paste and diced tomatoes. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.

4. Return the seared chicken to the pot. Add potatoes, salt, oregano, and black pepper. Mix well to combine. Pour in chicken broth, ensuring all ingredients are submerged. Cancel “Sauté” mode. Secure the Instant Pot lid, set to “Pressure Cook” mode, and cook for 8 minutes.

5. Allow for a natural release for about 10 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the stew, then set the Instant Pot back to “Sauté” mode. Cook until the stew thickens to your desired consistency.

6. Add the olives to the stew, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the Instant Pot Chicken Stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

This hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew brings together tender chicken and a medley of vegetables in a rich broth—a comforting meal for any occasion.

Variations and Substitutions:

1. Vegetable Creativity: Experiment with vegetables—peas, zucchini, squash, broccoli, or even cauliflower. The stew accommodates a variety of choices.
2. Flavor Twists: Consider adding two teaspoons of curry powder or a hint of mustard for a unique flavor profile.

Tips and Tricks Section for Making Instant Pot Chicken Stew:

1. Marinate the Chicken: Marinate the chicken cubes as long as possible; overnight marination enhances flavors.
2. Golden Sear: Ensure the chicken is well-browned for an appetizing appearance.
3. Aromatic Enhancements: Opt for pleasant seasonings like a bay leaf or a sprig of fresh rosemary.
4. Thickening the Sauce: As potatoes aren’t used, the sauce may be slightly thin. Towards the end of cooking, add a tablespoon of cornstarch diluted in a quarter cup of water to thicken.
5. Herb Finishing Touch: Sprinkle fresh cilantro or parsley over the stew just before serving.

Related Recipes

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Savor the Delightful Goodness of Mushroom Stew

WW Points

Uncooked boneless skin-less chicken breast 0 points
Olive oil 1 point
Onion 0 points
Garlic 0 points
Carrots 0 points
Frozen green peas 0 points
Uncooked French green bean 0 points
Black pepper 0 points
Tomato paste 1 point
Tomato 0 points
Uncooked potato 3 points
Table salt 0 points
Dried oregano 0 points
Bell pepper 0 points
Chicken broth 1 point
Cornstarch 1 point