If you’re in need of a hearty and flavorful dish that can be cooked in a short amount of time, look no further than this Chicken and Black Eyed Pea Stew Recipe in a Pressure Cooker. Bursting with tender chicken, earthy black eyed peas, and a medley of aromatic spices, this stew is a true comfort food. The pressure cooker not only reduces the cooking time, but also helps to infuse all the flavors together, resulting in a delicious and satisfying meal. Get ready to enjoy a bowl of warm and comforting stew that will leave you feeling nourished and satisfied.
Ingredients
To make this delicious Chicken and Black Eyed Pea Stew in a Pressure Cooker, you will need the following ingredients:
Boneless chicken thighs
Tender and juicy boneless chicken thighs are the star of the show in this stew. They add amazing flavor and richness to the dish.
Black eyed peas
Black eyed peas are not only tasty but also have a wonderful buttery texture. They are packed with protein and fiber, making them a nutritious addition to the stew.
Onion
Chopped onions add a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the stew. They also provide a great base for all the other ingredients to shine.
Carrot
Carrots add color, sweetness, and a slight earthy flavor to the stew. They also contribute to the overall nutritional value of the dish.
Celery
Celery adds a fresh, herbaceous note to the stew. It provides a pleasant crunch and brings balance to the flavors.
Garlic
Minced garlic is an essential ingredient in this stew as it adds a wonderful aroma and intensifies the savory flavors. It’s a must-have for any stew recipe!
Bay leaves
Bay leaves add a subtle earthy and floral flavor to the stew. They bring depth and complexity to the overall taste profile.
Thyme
A touch of thyme enhances the flavors of the stew, giving it a warm and comforting taste.
Chicken broth
Chicken broth serves as the liquid base for the stew, infusing it with a rich, savory taste. Homemade chicken broth is recommended for the best flavor, but store-bought will work just fine.
Salt and black pepper
To season the stew, salt and black pepper are added. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences for the perfect balance.
Olive oil
Olive oil is used for sautéing the chicken thighs and vegetables, adding a light and fruity flavor to the dish.
Preparation
To prepare this delectable Chicken and Black Eyed Pea Stew, follow these simple steps:
Rinse black eyed peas
Start by rinsing the black eyed peas thoroughly under cold water. This not only helps remove any dirt or impurities but also ensures a clean and delicious final result.
Chop onion, carrot, and celery
Take the onion, carrot, and celery and finely chop them into small, uniform pieces. This will ensure even cooking and distribution of flavors throughout the stew.
Mince garlic
Next, mince the garlic cloves. You can either use a garlic press or finely chop it with a knife. The goal is to release all the wonderful flavors of the garlic into the stew.
Season chicken thighs
Season the boneless chicken thighs generously with salt and black pepper. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken and make it even more delicious.
Sauté chicken thighs
Heat some olive oil in the pressure cooker and add the seasoned chicken thighs. Sauté them until they are golden brown on both sides. This step helps seal in the juices and adds a rich caramelized flavor to the stew.
Add vegetables and garlic
Once the chicken is browned, add the chopped onion, carrot, celery, and minced garlic to the pressure cooker. Sauté them until they are tender and fragrant, releasing their flavors into the stew.
Add black eyed peas
Add the rinsed black eyed peas to the pressure cooker. These will cook alongside the other ingredients and absorb all the delicious flavors of the stew.
Pour in chicken broth
Pour the chicken broth into the pressure cooker, covering all the ingredients. The broth will serve as the base of the stew, infusing it with savory goodness.
Add bay leaves and thyme
To add depth and complexity to the stew, drop a couple of bay leaves and a sprig of thyme into the pressure cooker. These herbs will infuse the stew with their delightful flavors.
Close pressure cooker lid
Securely close the lid of the pressure cooker to create a sealed environment for cooking. This will allow the ingredients to cook under pressure, resulting in tender and flavorful chicken and perfectly cooked black eyed peas.
Cook under pressure
Set the pressure cooker to cook for the specified time according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Let the pressure build, and allow the stew to cook until the chicken is tender and the black eyed peas are soft and creamy.
Release pressure
Once the cooking time is complete, carefully release the pressure from the cooker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Be cautious of the hot steam and ensure the pressure has fully released before opening the lid.
Shred chicken
Using two forks, shred the cooked chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. The tender meat will break apart easily and blend beautifully with the other ingredients in the stew.
Serve and enjoy
Ladle the Chicken and Black Eyed Pea Stew into bowls or plates. Serve it piping hot and enjoy the comforting and flavorful goodness. This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or rice, providing a satisfying and hearty meal.
Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Chicken and Black Eyed Pea Stew turns out absolutely amazing:
Soak black eyed peas overnight
To reduce the cooking time and ensure the black eyed peas are tender, it is recommended to soak them overnight. This helps soften the peas and allows for more even cooking.
Use homemade chicken broth
For the best flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth. This adds a homemade touch and enhances the overall taste of the stew. However, if you don’t have the time or resources, store-bought chicken broth will work perfectly fine.
Adjust seasoning according to taste
Taste the stew before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed. Everyone’s taste preferences are different, so feel free to add more salt, pepper, or any other spices you desire to make the stew uniquely yours.
Serve with crusty bread or rice
To complete the meal and make it more filling, serve the Chicken and Black Eyed Pea Stew with crusty bread or rice. The chewy bread or fluffy rice will help soak up the flavorful broth and add a pleasing texture to each bite.
With these simple steps and tips, you’ll be able to create a delicious and hearty Chicken and Black Eyed Pea Stew right in your pressure cooker. Enjoy the comforting flavors of tender chicken, creamy black eyed peas, and aromatic vegetables in every mouthful. Happy cooking!