Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Risotto: Comfort Food Reinvented

Chicken pot pie. Risotto. Two comfort food titans, each delivering warm, fuzzy feelings with every spoonful. But what happens when you combine them and, more importantly, cook the whole shebang in an Instant Pot? Magic. Pure, unadulterated culinary magic. This Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Risotto is the answer to your weeknight dinner prayers – a creamy, dreamy, flavorful dish that comes together quickly and easily, all thanks to the convenience of the Instant Pot.

Forget standing over a hot stove, stirring risotto for what feels like an eternity. The Instant Pot takes care of the constant stirring, freeing you up to prep your veggies, wrangle the kids, or simply relax with a well-deserved glass of wine. This recipe is a game-changer, especially for busy weeknights when you crave comfort food but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **It’s fast:** The Instant Pot significantly cuts down on cooking time compared to traditional risotto methods.
* **It’s easy:** No constant stirring required! The Instant Pot handles the hard work.
* **It’s comforting:** Combines the creamy richness of risotto with the familiar flavors of chicken pot pie.
* **It’s customizable:** Easily adapt the vegetables and seasonings to your liking.
* **It’s a crowd-pleaser:** Kids and adults alike will devour this delicious dish.
* **One-Pot Wonder:** Minimal cleanup, which is always a win!

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients. This recipe uses common pantry staples and fresh vegetables, making it easy to whip up on a whim.

* **Chicken:** 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor. If using frozen chicken, be sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
* **Arborio Rice:** 1.5 cups Arborio rice. Arborio rice is a short-grain rice that is essential for making creamy risotto. Its high starch content releases during cooking, creating the signature creamy texture.
* **Onion:** 1 medium yellow onion, diced. Onion forms the aromatic base of our risotto.
* **Carrots:** 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced. Carrots add sweetness and texture to the dish.
* **Celery:** 2 stalks celery, diced. Celery contributes to the classic pot pie flavor profile.
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves garlic, minced. Garlic adds a pungent and savory note to the risotto.
* **Chicken Broth:** 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth. Low-sodium broth allows you to control the saltiness of the dish. You can also use homemade chicken broth for even more flavor.
* **Dry White Wine:** 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio). White wine adds acidity and complexity to the risotto. If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with an equal amount of chicken broth and a splash of lemon juice.
* **Frozen Peas:** 1 cup frozen peas. Peas add a pop of color and sweetness to the dish.
* **Frozen Corn:** 1 cup frozen corn. Like peas, corn adds sweetness and texture.
* **Heavy Cream:** 1/2 cup heavy cream. Heavy cream adds richness and creaminess to the risotto. You can substitute it with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version, but the texture will be less creamy.
* **Butter:** 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Butter adds richness and flavor to the risotto.
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon olive oil. Olive oil is used to sauté the vegetables and chicken.
* **Fresh Thyme:** 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped. Thyme adds an earthy and aromatic flavor to the dish. You can substitute it with 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
* **Bay Leaf:** 1 bay leaf. Bay leaf infuses the risotto with a subtle herbal flavor. Remember to remove it before serving.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors of the dish.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, or a dollop of sour cream.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Instant Pot:** A 6-quart or larger Instant Pot is recommended.
* **Cutting Board and Knife:** For prepping the vegetables and chicken.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Wooden Spoon or Spatula:** For stirring the risotto.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get cooking! Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Risotto.

**Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Chicken**

* Turn your Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ function.
* Add olive oil and butter to the pot. Once the butter is melted, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery.
* Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, or until they are softened and slightly translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
* Add the cubed chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.

**Step 2: Toast the Rice**

* Add the Arborio rice to the pot and stir to coat it with the vegetables and chicken.
* Toast the rice for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until it becomes slightly translucent. Toasting the rice helps to release its starch and contributes to the creamy texture of the risotto.

**Step 3: Deglaze the Pot**

* Pour the dry white wine into the pot and stir to deglaze the bottom. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits that are stuck to the bottom of the pot. These browned bits add flavor to the risotto.
* Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the wine to reduce slightly.

**Step 4: Pressure Cook the Risotto**

* Pour the chicken broth into the pot. Add the fresh thyme and bay leaf.
* Stir to combine all the ingredients.
* Close the Instant Pot lid and seal the valve.
* Set the Instant Pot to ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ mode and cook for 6 minutes on high pressure.

**Step 5: Natural Pressure Release**

* After the cooking time is up, let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally for 10 minutes. This allows the risotto to continue to cook and absorb the liquid.
* After 10 minutes, carefully release any remaining pressure manually by opening the valve.

**Step 6: Stir in the Finishing Touches**

* Open the Instant Pot lid and remove the bay leaf.
* Stir in the frozen peas and frozen corn. The residual heat will cook the peas and corn.
* Stir in the heavy cream and butter. This will add richness and creaminess to the risotto.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste.

**Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!**

* Serve the Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Risotto immediately.
* Garnish with fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, or a dollop of sour cream, if desired.

## Tips and Variations

* **Vegetable Variations:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the risotto, such as mushrooms, green beans, or potatoes. Just be sure to dice them into small pieces so they cook evenly.
* **Protein Variations:** Instead of chicken, you can use turkey, sausage, or even shrimp. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Cheese Variations:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Fontina, or Asiago. Add the cheese at the end, along with the heavy cream and butter.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra vegetables, such as mushrooms and zucchini, to make it a hearty vegetarian meal.
* **Make it Dairy-Free:** Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free version. Use olive oil instead of butter.
* **Use Pre-Cooked Chicken:** If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the pot along with the peas and corn.
* **Don’t Skip the Wine:** The white wine adds a crucial layer of flavor to the risotto. If you don’t want to use wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth and a splash of lemon juice, but the flavor will be slightly different.
* **Adjust the Liquid:** The amount of liquid needed may vary depending on your Instant Pot and the type of rice you use. If the risotto is too dry, add a little more chicken broth. If it’s too wet, cook it on the ‘Sauté’ function for a few minutes to allow the excess liquid to evaporate.

## Serving Suggestions

This Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Risotto is a complete meal in itself, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread.

* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing complements the richness of the risotto.
* **Crusty Bread:** For soaking up the creamy sauce.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts are great side dishes.
* **Soup:** A light soup, such as tomato soup or chicken noodle soup, makes a comforting starter.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

This risotto is best served immediately, but you can prepare some of the ingredients ahead of time to save time on busy weeknights.

* **Chop the Vegetables:** Dice the onion, carrots, and celery ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Cube the Chicken:** Cut the chicken into cubes and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Make the Chicken Broth:** Homemade chicken broth can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover risotto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the risotto in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a little chicken broth or water to loosen it up, as it will thicken as it cools.
* **Freeze:** While not ideal, you can freeze leftover risotto. However, the texture may change slightly after freezing. To freeze, spread the risotto in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Then, transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

* Calories: 450-550
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g

*Please note that the nutrition information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Q: Can I use brown rice instead of Arborio rice?**

A: While you can technically use brown rice, it will not produce the same creamy texture as Arborio rice. Brown rice has a lower starch content and requires a longer cooking time.

**Q: Can I use frozen chicken?**

A: It is best to use thawed chicken for this recipe. If you use frozen chicken, it will take longer to cook and may not cook evenly.

**Q: Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?**

A: Yes, you can make this recipe on the stovetop. However, it will require more attention and stirring. Follow a traditional risotto recipe, adding the vegetables and chicken in the appropriate steps.

**Q: My risotto is too thick. What should I do?**

A: Add a little more chicken broth or water to loosen it up. Stir well and heat through.

**Q: My risotto is too thin. What should I do?**

A: Cook the risotto on the ‘Sauté’ function for a few minutes to allow the excess liquid to evaporate. Stir constantly to prevent burning.

**Q: Can I add cheese to the risotto?**

A: Yes, you can add cheese to the risotto. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, Gruyere, Fontina, or Asiago at the end, along with the heavy cream and butter.

**Q: Can I use different herbs?**

A: Yes, you can use different herbs, such as rosemary, sage, or oregano. Adjust the amount to your liking.

**Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?**

A: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and white wine.

**Q: Can I make this recipe vegan?**

A: Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and use olive oil instead of butter.

## Conclusion

This Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Risotto is a delightful twist on two classic comfort foods. It’s easy to make, customizable, and incredibly delicious. The Instant Pot makes the cooking process a breeze, freeing you up to enjoy other things. So, ditch the stovetop stirring and embrace the magic of the Instant Pot! This recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Enjoy your creamy, dreamy, and oh-so-comforting Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Risotto!