Hearty & Healthy Instant Pot Chicken Stew: Your Ultimate One-Pot Comfort Meal

Classic chicken stew is a timeless dish, renowned for its hearty warmth and deeply satisfying flavors. It evokes feelings of home, comfort, and cozy evenings, especially as the temperatures drop. Traditionally, this robust meal often features bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, which contribute a rich, savory depth to the broth. Paired with a generous assortment of garden vegetables like sweet carrots, pungent onions, and crisp celery, and typically served over a bed of fluffy white rice, it’s a complete meal that truly nourishes the soul.

However, in today’s fast-paced world, finding the time for slow-cooked perfection can be a challenge. That’s where the Instant Pot revolutionizes this classic. I’ve been eager to adapt this beloved recipe, aiming to make it not only quicker and more convenient but also a healthier option for modern diets. My goal was to significantly boost the vegetable content while keeping starches, like potatoes, to a minimum. The Instant Pot proved to be the ideal tool for this transformation, allowing us to achieve that slow-simmered taste in a fraction of the time, all within a single pot for easy cleanup. This means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a wholesome, flavorful meal with your loved ones.

This particular Instant Pot Chicken Stew recipe is designed to be a Weight Watchers-friendly option, offering approximately 10 points per serving. It’s also an excellent way to utilize leftover chicken, though we’ll be starting with fresh for maximum flavor. Get ready to embrace the warmth and simplicity of a truly satisfying meal that doesn’t compromise on taste or nutrition.

Why Instant Pot Chicken Stew Will Become Your Go-To Meal

1. A Family Favorite for All Ages: This healthy Instant Pot chicken stew is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making it an ideal choice for busy families. Its tender chicken and soft, flavorful vegetables are easy for little ones to enjoy, especially when served alongside their favorite rice. For adults, it offers a sophisticated yet comforting flavor profile that satisfies without being overly heavy. The versatility means you can easily adjust seasonings to cater to different palates, ensuring everyone at the table finds something to love. It’s a complete meal in one, minimizing fuss and maximizing enjoyment.
2. Effortless & Efficient One-Pot Cooking: The Instant Pot transforms the traditional multi-step stew-making process into a seamless, one-pot experience. Its “Sauté” function allows you to perfectly brown your chicken and gently cook your aromatics and vegetables right in the same pot, building a foundational layer of flavor. Crucially, the process of deglazing the pot with broth after sautéing ensures that all those delicious browned bits, known as “fond,” are incorporated into the stew, adding incredible depth and richness. Once everything is in, the pressure cooking feature takes over, dramatically reducing cook time while infusing all the ingredients with robust flavor, making it perfect for weeknights.
3. Nutrient-Packed Warmth for Body and Soul: On chilly winter days, there’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of stew. This Instant Pot Chicken Stew is brimming with a colorful assortment of wholesome vegetables, ensuring each serving is packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The lean chicken breast provides a significant protein boost, contributing to satiety and muscle health. The rich, savory broth, infused with herbs and spices, offers a satisfying warmth that comforts both the stomach and the soul, making it a truly nourishing and delicious meal choice.

Choosing Your Ingredients for the Perfect Stew

To truly elevate your Instant Pot Chicken Stew, selecting high-quality ingredients is key. While the recipe calls for specific quantities, understanding the role each ingredient plays can help you make informed choices and even adapt the stew to your preferences.

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are chosen for their leanness and ease of preparation, fitting perfectly into a healthier profile. However, if you prefer, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can also be used for a slightly richer flavor, though this will alter the nutritional values and Weight Watchers points. Always ensure your chicken is fresh and cut into uniform cubes for even cooking.
• Vegetables: The vibrant medley of onions, garlic, carrots, peas, green beans, and red bell peppers not only adds essential nutrients but also contributes significantly to the stew’s flavor and texture. Opt for fresh, crisp vegetables whenever possible. Frozen peas and green beans are perfectly acceptable for convenience without sacrificing much quality. Don’t be afraid to add other favorites like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach towards the end of cooking for extra freshness and color.
• Broth & Seasonings: A good quality chicken broth forms the base of your stew, so choose one with a flavor you enjoy. Low-sodium options are often preferred to allow you more control over the salt content. Oregano and black pepper are classic additions, but feel free to experiment with other herbs like thyme or rosemary, or a touch of bay leaf for an aromatic boost. Tomato paste and diced tomatoes provide a lovely acidity and depth of color, making the broth wonderfully rich.
• Potatoes: We’ve kept potatoes to a minimum in this version for a lighter stew, but they still offer a comforting creaminess. Cut them into uniform cubes so they cook evenly without becoming mushy. If you want to omit them entirely, you might need a bit more cornstarch to achieve the desired thickness.
• Optional Olives: The olives add a delightful briny kick, complementing the rich flavors of the stew. While optional, they introduce an unexpected layer of complexity that many enjoy.

Ingredients

• 680 g. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
• 1 teaspoon 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: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Sear the Chicken: Begin by activating the “Sauté” mode on your Instant Pot and allowing it to heat up for a few minutes. Add the oil, then carefully place the cubed boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the hot pot in a single layer if possible. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until it achieves a beautiful golden-brown color. This crucial step, known as the Maillard reaction, is essential for locking in flavor and creating a richer, more complex taste profile for your stew. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate; it will finish cooking under pressure later.

2. Build the Flavor Base with Aromatics and Vegetables: With the Instant Pot still on “Sauté” mode, add the chopped onions to the pot. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot (this is a preliminary deglazing and adds immense flavor). Next, add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for another minute until it becomes aromatic, being careful not to burn it. Now, incorporate the sliced carrots, peas, green beans, and diced red bell peppers. Sauté these vegetables for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly and release their natural sweetness, further building the stew’s robust flavor foundation.

3. Add the Tomato Base: Stir in the tomato paste, ensuring it’s well combined with the sautéed vegetables and aromatics. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously. This step helps to deepen the tomato paste’s flavor and color. Then, add the diced fresh tomatoes, cooking for another 2 minutes until they begin to break down and meld with the other ingredients, creating a rich, savory tomato base for your stew.

4. Pressure Cook for Tenderness: Return the previously seared chicken back into the Instant Pot, nesting it among the vegetables. Add the cubed potatoes, along with the salt, oregano, and black pepper. Stir all the ingredients thoroughly to ensure everything is well combined and seasoned. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure that all the solid ingredients are mostly submerged in the liquid. If needed, you can gently press them down. Cancel the “Sauté” mode. Secure the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the sealing ring is properly in place and the steam release valve is set to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Pressure Cook” (or “Manual”) mode and set the cooking time for 8 minutes on high pressure.

5. Achieve Perfect Consistency: Once the pressure cooking cycle is complete, allow for a natural pressure release (NPR) for approximately 10 minutes. This is important to prevent the chicken from drying out and to allow the flavors to further meld. After 10 minutes, carefully perform a quick release (QR) by turning the steam release valve to the “Venting” position, making sure to keep your hands and face away from the steam. Once all the pressure has been released and the float valve drops, open the lid. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with 2-3 tablespoons of cold water to create a smooth slurry. Set the Instant Pot back to “Sauté” mode (on a low setting if available). Slowly stir the cornstarch slurry into the simmering stew. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for 2-5 minutes until the stew reaches your desired thickness. The stew will thicken further as it cools.

6. Final Touches and Serving: Gently stir in the olives (if using) into the thickened stew. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper to suit your preference. Ladle the hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew into bowls and serve it hot. For an extra touch of freshness and color, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro just before serving. This comforting, rich, and nutrient-packed meal is perfect on its own or served over rice, quinoa, or with a side of crusty bread.

This hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew truly embodies the essence of comfort food. It brings together tender, perfectly cooked chicken, a vibrant medley of wholesome vegetables, and a rich, savory broth, all harmonized into a truly satisfying meal. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you simply crave a nutritious and easy-to-prepare dinner, this stew is a fantastic option for any occasion.

Versatile Variations and Healthy Substitutions

1. Endless Vegetable Possibilities: The beauty of this stew lies in its adaptability. Feel free to unleash your culinary creativity by swapping or adding vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Excellent additions include zucchini, yellow squash, broccoli florets, cauliflower, or even a handful of fresh spinach or kale stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking for a vibrant green boost. Root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes can also be wonderful additions for extra sweetness and depth.
2. Elevate the Flavor Profile: Beyond the classic oregano and black pepper, consider introducing new aromatic dimensions. Two teaspoons of mild curry powder can lend an intriguing, warm spice, transforming the stew into a more exotic dish. A hint of Dijon mustard (about a teaspoon) stirred in at the end can add a subtle tang and enhance the overall savory notes. For a Mediterranean twist, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a splash of red wine vinegar just before serving to brighten the flavors.
3. Protein Alternatives: While chicken breast is specified for its health benefits, you can certainly experiment with other cuts or even other proteins. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will result in an even more tender and succulent stew with a slightly richer flavor. For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and add chickpeas or white beans for protein, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
4. Thickener Options: If cornstarch isn’t your preference, an equal amount of arrowroot powder can be used as an alternative thickening agent. For a gluten-free option, ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free. If you prefer a lighter consistency, you can reduce the amount of cornstarch or omit it entirely.

Expert Tips and Tricks for Your Best Instant Pot Chicken Stew

1. Marinate for Maximum Flavor: While not strictly necessary, marinating your cubed chicken for as long as possible – ideally overnight in a simple mixture of olive oil, salt, pepper, a dash of garlic powder, and a pinch of paprika – will significantly enhance its tenderness and infuse it with deeper flavors. This extra step guarantees a more robust and memorable stew.
2. Achieve a Delectable Golden Sear: Don’t skip the crucial step of searing the chicken until it’s beautifully golden brown. This browning process, known as the Maillard reaction, creates rich, complex flavors that form the backbone of a truly delicious stew. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pot, which can steam the chicken instead of searing it.
3. Boost Aromatics with Herbs: Elevate the stew’s aroma and taste by incorporating additional herbs. A bay leaf added during the pressure cooking phase can infuse a subtle, earthy undertone. A sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme, added with the broth, will contribute a wonderfully fragrant essence. Remember to remove bay leaves and herb stems before serving.
4. Mastering the Art of Thickening: Since this recipe minimizes potatoes for a healthier profile, the stew might appear slightly thin after pressure cooking. The cornstarch slurry is your secret weapon for achieving that desired hearty consistency. Always mix cornstarch with cold water before adding it to hot liquid to prevent lumps. Add it gradually while on “Sauté” mode until the stew thickens to your preference. If you find it still too thin, you can add another small slurry.
5. The Fresh Herb Finishing Touch: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro, parsley, or dill just before serving is not merely for garnish. Fresh herbs add a vibrant burst of flavor, brightness, and a beautiful pop of color that elevates the entire dish, making it look and taste even more appealing.
6. Make Ahead & Storage: This Instant Pot Chicken Stew is fantastic for meal prepping. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, this stew freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little headspace. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to adjust consistency.
7. Serving Suggestions: While delicious on its own, this stew pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Classic choices include fluffy white rice or brown rice, quinoa, couscous, or even a creamy polenta. For a low-carb option, serve it with cauliflower rice or a simple green salad. Don’t forget some crusty bread for soaking up every last drop of that savory broth!

Related Recipes

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Savor the Delightful Goodness of Mushroom Stew

WW Points Calculation

For those tracking Weight Watchers points, here’s a breakdown of the point values for the core ingredients in this Instant Pot Chicken Stew:

• 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