Easy 5-Ingredient Instant Pot Chicken Stew – Ready in 30 Mins!
You want dinner done fast, but you’re tired of sad salads and sadder sandwiches. Enter: this 5-ingredient Instant Pot chicken stew.
It’s the culinary equivalent of a mic drop—minimal effort, maximum flavor.
No fancy techniques, no obscure spices, just a bowl of comfort that cooks while you pretend to adult. Who said delicious can’t be lazy?
Why This Recipe Slaps
Five ingredients. One pot.
Zero excuses. This stew is the ultimate weeknight cheat code.
The Instant Pot does the heavy lifting, transforming basic ingredients into something that tastes like you simmered it for hours.
It’s hearty, flavorful, and idiot-proof. Even if you burn toast regularly, you can’t mess this up.
Easy 5-Ingredient Instant Pot Chicken Stew – Ready in 30 Mins!
Course: Chicken, Dinner, Low-Carb4
servings10
minutes20
minutes350
kcalIngredients
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (because breasts are overrated and dry)
4 cups chicken broth (store-bought is fine, we’re not judging)
1 lb baby potatoes (halved unless you’re into choking hazards)
1 cup baby carrots (or regular carrots cut into coins, but who has time?)
1 packet onion soup mix (the secret weapon)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Dump everything in the Instant Pot. Chicken, broth, potatoes, carrots, soup mix. No pre-cooking, no browning—just pure chaos.
- Seal the lid and set to high pressure for 10 minutes. Walk away. Scroll TikTok. Pet your cat. Live your life.
- Let it naturally release for 5 minutes, then quick release. If you skip the natural release, the stew gods will frown upon you.
- Shred the chicken with forks. Or don’t. Chunks are fine if you’re feeling rebellious.
- Serve. Optional: garnish with parsley if you want to impress your cat.
Storage: Because Leftovers Are Life
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove—just add a splash of broth if it’s too thick. Freezing?
Go for it. It’ll last 3 months, but let’s be real, it’ll be gone by Tuesday.
Why You Need This in Your Life
It’s fast. It’s cheap.
It’s stupidly easy. This stew is the ultimate dinner hack for busy nights, lazy nights, or “I forgot to grocery shop” nights. Plus, it’s customizable—swap ingredients, add spices, or keep it basic.
The Instant Pot does all the work while you take credit.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the chicken. 10 minutes is plenty. Any longer, and you’ll need a chainsaw to cut it.
- Using frozen chicken. Thaw it first, unless you enjoy uneven cooking and regret.
- Skimping on broth. Too little liquid = burn notice. Too much = soup.
Find the balance.
Alternatives: Mix It Up
- Vegetarian? Swap chicken for chickpeas and use veggie broth.
- No onion soup mix? Use 1 tsp garlic powder + 1 tsp onion powder + a pinch of salt.
- Want more veggies? Toss in celery, peas, or corn. Live dangerously.
FAQs: Because You Have Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead?
Sure, if you like dry, sad chicken. Thighs are juicier and more forgiving, but breasts will work in a pinch.
Cook time stays the same.
Can I double the recipe?
Yep, but don’t overfill your Instant Pot. Keep it below the max line, or you’ll have a stew-pocalypse.
Why natural release?
It keeps the chicken tender. Quick release = tough meat.
Patience is a virtue, especially in cooking.
Can I make this on the stove?
Absolutely. Simmer everything for 30-40 minutes until the chicken cooks through. But where’s the fun in that?
Final Thoughts
This 5-ingredient Instant Pot chicken stew is the hero your weeknights deserve.
It’s fast, flavorful, and foolproof. Whether you’re a kitchen newbie or a seasoned pro, this recipe delivers every time. Now go forth and stew responsibly.
