Get ready to satisfy your taste buds with our mouthwatering recipe for Delicious Instant Pot Chicken Stew! Packed with tender chicken and hearty vegetables, this comforting dish is the perfect comfort food for any season. With the help of your trusty Instant Pot, you’ll have a warm and flavorful meal on the table in no time. So grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in a bowl of pure deliciousness.
Ingredients
Chicken
To make a delicious chicken stew, you will need boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Chicken thighs are perfect for stew as they have more flavor, remain tender during cooking, and don’t dry out easily. You can also use chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option.
Vegetables
The key to a flavorful and hearty stew is a variety of vegetables. We recommend using carrots, potatoes, celery, and onions. These vegetables add depth and texture to the stew, and their flavors blend perfectly with the chicken. Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like peas, bell peppers, or mushrooms to suit your taste.
Liquid
Liquid is essential for creating the stew base and keeping the ingredients moist. You will need chicken broth or stock to enhance the flavors and create a rich broth. For an extra layer of flavor, you can also use a combination of chicken broth and white wine. The liquid will infuse the stew with savory goodness and make it even more satisfying.
Seasonings
Seasonings are what bring the stew to life and make it truly delicious. You will need garlic, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper to give your stew a robust and aromatic flavor profile. These seasonings work harmoniously with the chicken and vegetables, imparting a comforting and inviting aroma to your kitchen.
Preparation
Preparing the Chicken
Before you start cooking, it’s essential to prepare the chicken properly. Firstly, trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and cut them into bite-sized pieces. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and allows the flavors to penetrate every piece. If you prefer larger chunks of chicken, adjust the size according to your preference.
Chopping the Vegetables
Next, it’s time to chop the vegetables. Peel and dice the carrots, potatoes, and celery into uniform pieces. Chopping them into similar sizes ensures that they cook evenly and maintain their texture. Finely chop the onions as well, as they will add a sweet and savory flavor to the stew base. Once the vegetables are ready, set them aside and move on to the next step.
Adding the Liquid
To create a flavorful stew base, pour chicken broth or stock into the Instant Pot. The liquid should cover the ingredients but not surpass the maximum fill line. If you want to add a touch of richness and complexity, you can replace a portion of the broth with white wine during this step. The liquid will infuse the stew with depth and merge the flavors together beautifully.
Seasoning the Stew
Once you have added the liquid, it’s time to season your stew. Crush a few garlic cloves and add them to the Instant Pot, along with fresh thyme sprigs, rosemary, and bay leaves. Sprinkle salt and black pepper to taste, keeping in mind that you can always adjust the seasoning at the end. These aromatic seasonings will permeate the stew, creating a fragrant and comforting aroma as it cooks.
Cooking
Sautéing the Chicken
To begin cooking the stew, select the sauté function on your Instant Pot and add a small amount of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces and cook until they are golden brown on all sides. Sautéing the chicken helps to seal in the juices and adds a delightful caramelized flavor to the stew. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside for now.
Adding the Vegetables
After sautéing the chicken, it’s time to add the chopped vegetables to the Instant Pot. Stir them gently to coat them with the remaining oil and any flavorful bits from the chicken. The vegetables will absorb the aromatic flavors from the seasonings, creating a robust base for your stew. Allow the vegetables to cook for a few minutes until they begin to soften.
Pressure Cooking
Once the vegetables have softened slightly, it’s time to lock the lid of your Instant Pot and switch to the pressure cooking mode. Set the cooking time according to the guidelines for your specific model and let the Instant Pot work its magic. The pressure cooking method infuses the flavors and tenderizes the chicken and vegetables, resulting in a restaurant-quality stew in a fraction of the time.
Natural Release
After the pressure cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally. Natural release helps the juices to settle, and the flavors to meld together even further. This step ensures that the chicken and vegetables retain their tenderness and avoids any potential accidents from rapid steam release.
Thickening the Stew
Once the pressure is fully released, it’s time to thicken the stew. You can do this by selecting the sauté function again, allowing the stew to simmer gently. To thicken the broth, mix a small amount of cornstarch or flour with cold water to create a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the stew while stirring continuously until it reaches your desired consistency. The stew will gradually thicken and become velvety, ready to be enjoyed.
Serving
Garnishing
Before serving your Instant Pot Chicken Stew, you can add some optional garnishes to enhance both its appearance and taste. Fresh parsley, chopped chives, or a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese all make excellent garnishing options. These additional touches elevate the presentation and lend a burst of freshness to the final dish.
Pairing with Sides
To make your meal complete, consider pairing the chicken stew with some delicious sides. It goes exceptionally well with crusty bread or fluffy dinner rolls, perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth. If you prefer a heartier option, try serving the stew over a bed of cooked rice or mashed potatoes. The sides will complement the stew and add texture to each bite, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them properly to ensure their freshness. Transfer the cooled stew into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to three days. For longer storage, freezing is a great option. Divide the stew into portion-sized containers or freezer bags and store them in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy the stew again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Tips and Variations
Using Different Cuts of Chicken
While chicken thighs are the recommended choice for their tenderness and flavor, you can certainly experiment with different cuts of chicken based on your preference. Chicken drumsticks or a combination of thighs and drumsticks work well, offering slightly different textures and flavors.
Adding Sausage
For a twist on the classic chicken stew, consider adding some sausage to the mix. Smoked or spicy sausage can bring an extra dimension of smokiness or heat to the stew. Slice the sausage into bite-sized pieces and brown them with the chicken during the sautéing step, allowing their flavors to meld with the other ingredients.
Incorporating Different Vegetables
While carrots, potatoes, celery, and onions are traditional vegetables for chicken stew, you can get creative and incorporate other vegetables. Consider adding green beans, corn, diced tomatoes, or butternut squash for added variety and nutrition. Don’t be afraid to mix and match vegetables to suit your taste and make the stew uniquely yours.
Customizing Seasonings
Feel free to personalize the seasonings to suit your taste preferences. If you enjoy a spicier stew, add a pinch of chili flakes or some smoked paprika. For a touch of earthiness, sprinkle in a little turmeric or cumin. The beauty of cooking at home is the ability to experiment with flavors and adapt recipes to your liking, so don’t be shy to customize your stew seasoning.
