Are you craving a hearty, mouth-watering meal that comes together in less than an hour? Look no further! This Instant Pot Chicken Stew is about to become your new favorite go-to recipe that will have your family begging for seconds. Imagine tender chicken, perfectly cooked vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth that will warm you from the inside out – all prepared with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs, chopped
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Chop the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, dice the potatoes, slice the carrots, and chop the onion. This will help ensure that everything cooks evenly and quickly in the Instant Pot.
- Set your Instant Pot to the 'Sauté' mode. Once it's hot, add a small amount of oil (optional) to the pot. If you prefer, you can skip the oil and just use the natural fat from the chicken.
- Add the chopped chicken thighs to the pot. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are browned on the outside. This step enhances the flavor of the stew.
- Next, add the chopped onion to the pot. Sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Now, add the diced potatoes and sliced carrots to the pot. Stir everything together to combine the ingredients well.
- Pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth, ensuring that all the ingredients are submerged. This will provide the necessary liquid for the Instant Pot to create steam and cook the stew.
- Sprinkle in the teaspoon of rosemary, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir the mixture gently to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot and ensure that the steam release valve is set to the 'Sealing' position. Select the 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' setting and adjust the cooking time to 30 minutes on high pressure.
- Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully switch the steam release valve to 'Venting' to release any remaining pressure.
- After all the steam has been released and the pin has dropped, open the lid carefully. Stir the stew gently to combine all the flavors.
- Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary. If you prefer a thicker stew, you can use the 'Sauté' function to simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.
- Serve the chicken stew hot in bowls, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your easy and delicious Instant Pot chicken stew!
Tips
- Prep is Key: Chop all ingredients before starting to ensure smooth cooking and even distribution of flavors.
- Browning Matters: Take the time to sauté the chicken and onions first. This extra step adds depth and richness to the overall taste of the stew.
- Don't Overfill: Make sure not to exceed the maximum fill line in your Instant Pot to prevent potential pressure cooking issues.
- Natural Release is Your Friend: Allow the stew to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes to keep the meat tender and juicy.
- Customize Your Stew: Feel free to add other vegetables like celery or peas, or swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer.
- Thickening Options: If you want a thicker stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in after cooking to create a more hearty consistency.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This stew tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance and reheat for an easy meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 151kcal
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 37mg
