Chicken and Vegetable Stew

Instant Pot Chicken and Vegetable Stew

February 28, 2025

This recipe for Instant Pot Chicken Vegetable Stew is one of my new Instant Pot recipes and is not included in my ebook. Members have access to the full book for more pressure cooker recipe ideas for bariatric patients! It can be purchased individually or you can join as a member, and it’s included.

The Instant Pot came to popularity quickly, or so it felt like! I remember being hesitant to have another kitchen appliance, and one that was so large, taking up too much space and feeling confusing to operate.

Now that I’ve been using my Instant Pot for a few years, I do appreciate how quickly it can make boiled eggs and meats that keep moisture. For quick chicken breast dinners, I like Instant Pot Taco Chicken or the Instant Pot Pesto Chicken.

The key is to have at least a cup of liquid in your Instant Pot. I keep chicken broth on hand at all times in the event I want to throw together a quick Instant Pot dinner. While I prefer grilled chicken, if it’s raining or snowing, I can quickly change my plans to the pressure cooker.

Bariatric Patients keeping moisture in meats

Even in the Instant Pot, chicken can feel really dry for post-op patients. For sure keep the liquid content high, but also watch the cook times and the natural release time.

It can be easy to forget to go back to the pot after the 10 minutes of naturally releasing because it does not beep: the time just keeps logging. You may need to set a timer on your watch, phone, or microwave for ten minutes after the pressure cook time is finished.

Also be mindful that your bites are small, about the size of a black bean. Taking too large of bites will make the meat feel heavy, hitting your stomach. Patients often describe chicken as feeling too dry when it’s more related to the size of the bite.

Keep the stew thick to avoid liquids with meals

One important habit for post-op bariatric surgery patients is to avoid liquids with meals. This is to help your meal stay in your pouch longer and keep hunger at bay in between meals.

Soups, stews, and chilis sound so good at certain times of the year, and they can certainly be enjoyed after surgery! The key is to pay attention to the broth content. Chili is a great example of a thick and hearty protein-based meal that is typically not high in liquid content.

Stews likewise can be eaten with a fork and avoid extra liquid. Soup can be a little tricky, and these are the times it’s best to limit the amount of liquid in the recipe or use a slotted spoon to scoop out your portion. This Chicken and Vegetable Stew is really thick and hearty, especially with shredded chicken.

The vegetables are soft and moist and lend themselves really nicely to the warm and hearty experience of the recipe!

Instant Pot Chicken and Vegetable Stew

Recipe by: Steph Wagner (Bariatric Food Coach)
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 mins; Cook Time: 30 mins; Total Time: 45 mins

Ingredients

  • 4 tsp olive oil
  • 1/2 large white onion diced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 1 cup white mushrooms diced
  • 2 carrots peeled, diced
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 lb chicken boneless, skinless
  • 2 tbsp cilantro fresh, minced

Directions

  1. Turn pressure cooker to sauté mode. Add oil, onion, pepper, garlic, mushroom, carrot and seasonings.
  2. Cook until soften then add broth and scrape bottom of the pot. Turn the pot off. Add chicken and push into the broth. Return lid and turn valve to sealing position. Pressure cooker for 15 minutes and allow pressure to naturally release 10 minutes.
  3. When pressure is released, open the lid and remove chicken to a cutting board. Shred the chicken then return to the pot. Serve with minced cilantro.

Nutritional Info

Calories 185; Carbohydrates 9 grams; Fat 4 grams; Protein 28 grams

Check out more from Steph of Bariatric Food Coach on ObesityHelp!

Chicken and Vegetable Stew
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Steph Wagner MS, RDN has worked as a dietitian and food coach to bariatric patients since 2009. She is the co-founder Bariatricfoodcoach.com with her husband Kevin, a web developer. Together they've built an extensive, user-friendly website and community for post-op patients. Steph also has a published cookbook “Best Fork Forward: Everyday Dinners After Weight-Loss Surgery.” Read more articles by Steph!
Recipe Disclaimer: If you have specific dietary restrictions, allergies or a nutrition plan that you are following, make sure to read the ingredient list prior to consumption. All information on ObesityHelp.com is intended for informational purposes only. The information is not intended to be a replacement or substitute for consultation with a qualified medical professional. Please contact a medical professional with any questions and concerns.