Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

There's nothing quite like the soul-warming comfort of a homemade chicken pot pie, and when you can make it in your Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie style, magic happens in your kitchen. This beloved comfort food transforms from a lengthy cooking project into a quick weeknight dinner that delivers all the creamy, savory goodness your family craves. With tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich, velvety sauce, this Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie recipe brings restaurant-quality flavors to your dinner table in just 30 minutes.

What makes this Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie truly special is how the pressure cooking process locks in all those incredible flavors while keeping the chicken incredibly moist and tender. You'll discover how this modern twist on the classic recipe maintains all the traditional charm while cutting your cooking time in half, making it perfect for busy families who refuse to compromise on taste.

Why This Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe Will Become Your Go-To Comfort Meal

This isn't just another chicken pot pie recipe; it's a game-changer that brings together convenience and incredible taste. The Instant Pot creates the perfect environment for developing deep, rich flavors that typically take hours of traditional cooking. The pressure cooking method ensures that every bite of chicken is fall-apart tender, while the vegetables maintain just the right texture without becoming mushy.

What sets this Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie apart from others is the foolproof method that guarantees success every time. Whether you're a beginner cook or a seasoned chef, this recipe delivers consistent, restaurant-quality results. The creamy filling is perfectly seasoned, and the addition of fresh herbs elevates the entire dish to gourmet status without any complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Step 1: Prep and Sauté the Aromatics
• Expert Cooking Tips
• Recipe Variations & Substitutions
• Equipment Recommendations
• Storage & Meal Prep Tips
• Grandma's Secret That Changes Everything
• FAQ
• Perfect Comfort Food Conclusion
• Related
• Pairing
• Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• Chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• Mixed frozen vegetables (carrots, peas, green beans, corn)
• Yellow onion, diced
• Celery stalks, chopped
• Carrots, diced
• Garlic, minced
• All-purpose flour
• Low-sodium chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Olive oil

Seasonings & Flavor Enhancers

• Fresh thyme (or 2 teaspoons dried)
• Fresh rosemary, chopped
• Bay leaf
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika

Optional Toppings

• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Refrigerated biscuits
• Puff pastry

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Step 1: Prep and Sauté the Aromatics

1. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the olive oil until shimmering.
2. Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots to the pot, cooking for 4-5 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the flour and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a light roux.

Step 2: Add Liquids and Seasonings

1. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
2. Add the heavy cream, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Stir in the cubed chicken pieces, ensuring they're evenly distributed.
4. Add the frozen vegetables and give everything a final gentle stir.

Step 3: Pressure Cook to Perfection

1. Cancel the sauté mode and secure the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the valve is set to sealing.
2. Select manual/pressure cook mode and set the timer for 8 minutes at high pressure.
3. When cooking is complete, allow for a 10-minute natural pressure release.
4. Carefully perform a quick release for any remaining pressure and remove the bay leaf.

Expert Cooking Tips

Temperature and Timing Mastery

Getting the perfect texture in your Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie requires attention to timing and temperature control. Always allow the pot to fully come to pressure before the timer starts counting down; this ensures even cooking throughout. The 10-minute natural release is crucial for preventing the chicken from becoming tough and maintaining the creamy consistency of your sauce.

Key timing tips:

• Don't rush the pressure build-up process
• Natural release prevents overcooking
• Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety
• Taste and adjust seasoning after cooking

Ingredient Quality Matters

Choose high-quality ingredients for the best results. Fresh herbs make a noticeable difference compared to dried ones, but if using dried herbs, use about one-third the amount called for in fresh. When selecting chicken, thighs tend to stay more tender than breasts due to their higher fat content, but either works beautifully in this recipe.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

Dietary Modifications

Transform this classic recipe to meet various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor. For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half the heavy cream, or use coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative. Those following a gluten-free diet can easily swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or use cornstarch as a thickener.

Popular substitutions include:

• Turkey instead of chicken for holiday leftovers
• Coconut cream for dairy-free version
• Cauliflower rice for low-carb option
• Sweet potato for regular potatoes

Creative Flavor Twists

Experiment with different flavor profiles to keep this recipe fresh and exciting. Add curry powder and coconut milk for an Indian-inspired version, or incorporate Mexican seasonings with corn and black beans for a southwestern twist. Fresh mushrooms, leeks, or fennel can replace traditional vegetables for a more gourmet approach.

Equipment Recommendations

Having the right equipment makes all the difference when preparing your Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie. A 6-quart or 8-quart Instant Pot works perfectly for this recipe, providing enough space for all ingredients without overcrowding. A good wooden spoon prevents scratching the inner pot during the sautéing process, and a reliable meat thermometer ensures your chicken reaches the perfect internal temperature for food safety.

Essential equipment includes:

• 6-8 quart Instant Pot or pressure cooker
• Sharp chef's knife for uniform vegetable cuts
• Cutting board with juice groove
• Wooden spoon for stirring
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Instant-read thermometer

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Proper Storage Techniques

Store your leftover Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in airtight containers. The filling actually improves in flavor after a day, making it perfect for meal prep. For longer storage, freeze portions in individual containers for up to 3 months, though the texture of the vegetables may change slightly upon thawing.

Storage guidelines:

• Cool completely before refrigerating
• Use glass containers to prevent staining
• Label with date for food safety
• Reheat gently to prevent separation

Meal Prep Success

This recipe is ideal for weekly meal preparation since it reheats beautifully and serves 6-8 people generously. Prepare the filling on Sunday and portion it into individual containers for easy weeknight dinners. You can also freeze the cooked filling in freezer-safe bags, laying them flat for efficient storage and quick thawing.

FAQ

Perfect Comfort Food Conclusion

This Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie recipe delivers all the cozy comfort of traditional pot pie with modern convenience that fits your busy lifestyle. The rich, creamy filling packed with tender chicken and perfectly cooked vegetables creates that soul-satisfying meal your family will request again and again. What makes this Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie truly special is how it maintains all the classic flavors while cutting your active cooking time in half.

Once you master this recipe, you'll discover it's the perfect foundation for experimenting with seasonal vegetables, different proteins, and creative toppings. The versatility of this Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie means you'll never run out of delicious variations to try. For more incredible comfort food recipes, don't miss our Instant Pot Chicken Tacos Recipe for weeknight Mexican flavors, or try our Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks Recipe for another family-friendly favorite that's ready in minutes.

With love from my kitchen to yours,
Aubrey James

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Pairing

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