Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and delicious vegetables, all enveloped in a flaky crust. This incredible recipe offers a quick and easy way to enjoy a classic meal that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds. The Instant Pot makes the cooking process significantly faster, meaning you can whip up this delightful meal even on the busiest of nights.
Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a family-friendly dinner or someone who enjoys the ease of using an Instant Pot, this recipe is for you. With its combination of familiar flavors and efficient preparation, Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie has become a beloved choice for many households. Not only does it capture the happiness of homemade meals, but it also fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.
If you’ve ever had the joy of enjoying a chicken pot pie but dreaded the time it takes to make one from scratch, you’re in for a treat. Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie provides a heartwarming dish without the hours of effort typically required. In this guide, you’ll discover why this recipe is so remarkable, how to prepare it with ease, and fun ideas on how to serve it uniquely.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The beauty of Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie lies in its simplicity and flavor. Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore this recipe:
1. Quick Preparation: The Instant Pot speeds up cooking, reducing traditional cooking time significantly.
2. Simple Ingredients: Most ingredients are pantry staples and easily accessible, making it a convenient option.
3. Flavorful Comfort Food: The combination of chicken, vegetables, and spices creates a delightful flavor profile that comforts anyone.
4. One-Pot Meal: With everything cooked in a single pot, clean-up is a breeze, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
5. Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
6. Impressive Presentation: The golden crust looks appetizing and will impress anyone you serve it to.
Given these amazing factors, it’s easy to see why this dish is a favorite among families and friends alike. Each bite offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors that are sure to evoke feelings of warmth and satisfaction.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Preparing Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie is straightforward and efficient. In total, you can have it ready in about 1 hour and 10 minutes, including both preparation and cooking. Here’s a breakdown of the time required:
– Preparation Time: 20 minutes
– Cooking Time: 30 minutes
– Natural Release Time: 10-15 minutes
– Baking Time (for crust): 10-15 minutes
These times may vary slightly based on your experience and kitchen equipment, but this framework provides a reliable estimate.

Ingredients

– 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
– 1 cup carrots, diced
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 1 cup potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup milk
– 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade equivalent)
– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie is simple if you follow these easy steps:
1. Sauté Chicken: Turn on your Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function. Add olive oil, then dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and cook until browned. About 5-7 minutes should suffice.

2. Add Vegetables: Add diced onions, carrots, garlic, and potatoes to the pot. Sauté for an additional 3-5 minutes until the onions become translucent.
3. Season: Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Stir to combine.
4. Thicken Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and milk. Gradually whisk in the flour until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps.
5. Pressure Cook: Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode for 8 minutes. Make sure the valve is set to the sealing position.
6. Natural Release: After the cooking time ends, allow for natural pressure release for 10 minutes before venting any remaining pressure.
7. Prepare Pie Crust: While the filling is cooking, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and roll out your refrigerated pie crust in a pie dish.
8. Combine: Open the Instant Pot and give the filling a good stir. Carefully spoon the mouthwatering mixture into the pie crust.
9. Top with Second Crust: Place a second layer of pie crust on top of the filling. Seal the edges and make small slits on top for steam to escape.
10. Bake: Transfer the pie to the preheated oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
11. Garnish: Once baked, remove the pie from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and then garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

How to Serve

To make a lasting impression with your Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie, consider the following tips:
1. Presentation: Serve the pie warm, directly from the oven, or on a decorative pie plate for an elegant appearance.
2. Accompaniments: Enjoy it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
3. Slice Size: Cut generous slices to ensure everyone can enjoy a satisfying portion.
4. Beverage Pairing: Pair with a crisp white wine or a glass of iced tea to enhance the flavors.
5. Comfort Touch: For an extra touch of comfort, serve with buttery mashed potatoes or fresh bread.
By thoughtfully considering how you serve this beautiful dish, you not only make mealtime enjoyable but also create memorable moments for yourself and your guests. Enjoy your delicious Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie!

Additional Tips

– Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken will elevate the flavors of your Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie.
– Adjust Seasonings: Don’t hesitate to modify seasonings based on your taste preferences. A bit of cayenne pepper can add a nice touch of heat.
– Let It Rest: Allow the pie to sit for a few minutes after baking to let the filling set. This will make serving easier and help avoid spills.

Recipe Variation

Explore these creative variations for your Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie:
1. Vegetable-Loaded Pie: Add other vegetables like corn, green beans, or bell peppers for more color and nutrition.
2. Herb-Infused: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or sage for a fragrant twist that enhances the dish.
3. Creamy Alternatives: Substitute milk with heavy cream or half-and-half for a richer filling that adds indulgence.

Freezing and Storage

– Storage: Store leftover chicken pot pie in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.
– Freezing: This dish freezes well! Ensure it is cooled completely before wrapping individual slices in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Special Equipment

To successfully create Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie, you will need:
– Instant Pot or another brand of pressure cooker
– Mixing bowls for preparation
– Measuring cups and spoons
– A rolling pin for pie crust
– A pie dish or baking dish

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes! If you have rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken, you can easily substitute it to save time.
What size Instant Pot do I need?
A 6-quart Instant Pot is typically suitable for this recipe, allowing enough space for the ingredients without overflowing.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free all-purpose flour and a gluten-free pie crust to keep the dish gluten-free.
How do I know when the pie is fully cooked?
Check for a golden-brown crust and a bubbling filling as indicators. Also, the internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C).

Conclusion

Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie is a delightful dish that brings comfort and warmth to any dining occasion. With its tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and flaky crust, this recipe is destined to become a favorite in your household. Plus, its quick preparation makes it ideal for weeknight dinners. Enjoy every bite of this classic comfort food and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills.