Imagine a world where comfort food becomes an artistic expression, where the familiar flavors you love are elevated to new heights. That’s the essence of this Savory Bacon Cheddar Chicken Stew in the Instant Pot. As Chef Crenn, I’m here to guide you on a culinary journey that transforms a classic dish into a visually stunning, feel-good creation that will make your heart and taste buds sing.
Why You’ll Love This Savory Bacon Cheddar Chicken Stew in the Instant Pot
This Savory Bacon Cheddar Chicken Stew is a cozy, comforting delight that will warm you from the inside out. The rich, velvety broth is infused with the smoky, salty goodness of bacon, while the tender chicken and melted cheddar cheese create a decadent, satisfying texture. The best part? This one-pot wonder can be easily made in the Instant Pot, ensuring a hands-off, hassle-free cooking experience that allows you to enjoy the process and savor the final result.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a carefully curated blend of ingredients that elevate the classic chicken stew. You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken thighs, thick-cut bacon, onions, garlic, chicken broth, cheddar cheese, heavy cream, and a few herbs and spices to add depth of flavor.
- 1 lb – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 6 slices – Thick-cut bacon, diced
- 1 medium – Yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 4 cups – Chicken broth
- 1 cup – Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup – Heavy cream
- 1 tsp – Dried thyme
- 1 tsp – Dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp – Smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts — a leaner swap that still delivers juicy, tender results.
- Cheddar Cheese: Gruyère or Gouda — for a more pronounced or nutty flavor profile.
How to Make Savory Bacon Cheddar Chicken Stew in the Instant Pot
This Savory Bacon Cheddar Chicken Stew in the Instant Pot is a straightforward one-pot meal that comes together quickly and effortlessly.
Step 1 — Prep Work
Begin by cooking the bacon in the Instant Pot until crispy, then remove it from the pot and set it aside. Sauté the onions and garlic in the bacon fat, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 2 — Main Cooking Process
Add the chicken thighs, chicken broth, and a blend of herbs and spices to the Instant Pot. Secure the lid and cook the stew on high pressure for 25 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before quick-releasing the remaining pressure.
Step 3 — Final Steps/Assembly
Shred the cooked chicken using two forks, then return it to the Instant Pot. Stir in the heavy cream and cheddar cheese until the cheese has melted and the stew is creamy and smooth. Top with the crispy bacon pieces.
Step 4 — Serve & Enjoy
Serve this Savory Bacon Cheddar Chicken Stew in the Instant Pot in deep bowls, with crusty bread or biscuits on the side to soak up every last bit of the delicious broth. Savor the harmonious blend of flavors and textures, and let the comfort and elegance of this dish warm your soul.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Garnish with Herbs: For an even more elevated experience, garnish the stew with fresh parsley, chives, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
- Thicken the Stew: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stir it into the stew.
- Cheese Variation: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyère or Parmesan, to add a unique twist to the dish.
- Stovetop Option: If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can easily make this stew on the stovetop. Simply follow the same steps, but simmer the stew for 45-60 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors have melded together.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Crusty bread, biscuits, or a fresh green salad.
Storage: Leftover stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Reheat the stew on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Make-Ahead: This Savory Bacon Cheddar Chicken Stew in the Instant Pot is the perfect make-ahead meal. You can prepare the entire dish in advance and reheat it when ready to serve. The flavors will only continue to develop, making it even more delicious.
Nutrition Information
This Savory Bacon Cheddar Chicken Stew in the Instant Pot is a comforting and satisfying dish that provides a balance of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. Each serving is hearty and nutritious, making it a wholesome choice for a cozy meal.
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbs: 20 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken thighs with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly, as chicken breasts tend to cook faster than thighs.
Can I make this stew on the stovetop instead of the Instant Pot?
Absolutely! If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can easily make this stew on the stovetop. Simply follow the same steps, but simmer the stew on the stovetop for 45-60 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors have melded together.
Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Yes, this Savory Bacon Cheddar Chicken Stew in the Instant Pot is the perfect make-ahead meal. You can prepare the entire dish in advance and reheat it when ready to serve. The flavors will only continue to develop, making it even more delicious.
Is this stew gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it does not contain any wheat-based ingredients. It’s a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
Can I add any vegetables to the stew?
Absolutely! Feel free to add diced carrots, celery, or even mushrooms to the stew for extra flavor and nutrition. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Try These Next
- Savory Slow Cooker Bacon Cheddar Chicken Stew
- Savory Bacon Ranch Chicken Stew
- Savory Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
Savory Bacon Cheddar Chicken Stew in the Instant Pot
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Savory Bacon Cheddar Chicken Stew is a hearty and comforting dish made in the Instant Pot, perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast, diced
4 slices bacon, chopped
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup potatoes, diced
1 cup carrots, sliced
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Turn on the Instant Pot and select the sauté function.
2. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, then remove and set aside.
3. In the bacon fat, sauté the onion and garlic until translucent.
4. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned.
5. Stir in the potatoes, carrots, thyme, paprika, and chicken broth.
6. Close the lid, set to high pressure, and cook for 10 minutes.
7. Once done, quick release the pressure and stir in the cheddar cheese and cooked bacon.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.
Notes
For a thicker stew, you can add a cornstarch slurry at the end.
Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or corn for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Slow Cooker & Instant Pot
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg