Instant Pot Keto Chicken and Kale Stew Recipe

Chicken breast: Cubed pieces of lean protein that become tender and flavorful when cooked.

Olive oil: Used for sautéing, it adds a rich, fruity flavor to the base of the stew.

Onion: Chopped and sautéed to add sweetness and depth to the stew.

Garlic: Minced to provide a pungent, aromatic flavor.

Kale: Chopped leafy greens that are packed with vitamins and minerals.

Chicken broth: A flavorful liquid base that enhances the overall taste of the stew.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor.

Dried thyme: A herb that adds an earthy, slightly minty flavor to the stew.

When sautéing the onion and garlic in the olive oil, make sure to cook them until they are just starting to turn golden brown. This will enhance their natural sweetness and add a deeper flavor to the stew. Additionally, when adding the kale, give it a good stir to ensure it is well-coated with the other ingredients. This helps the kale to soften evenly and absorb the flavors of the chicken broth and spices.

• Chicken breast - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast is lean and has a similar texture and flavor profile to chicken breast, making it a suitable low-carb alternative.

• Olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it an excellent substitute for olive oil in cooking.

• Onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to onions, which can add a subtle depth to the stew.

• Garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic for convenience and a longer shelf life, though it may lack the fresh aroma.

• Kale - Substitute with spinach: Spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green that cooks down quickly and can easily replace kale in most recipes.

• Chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a vegetarian alternative while still providing a rich and savory base for the stew.

• Salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor to the stew, though it will also introduce a different taste profile.

• Black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used to maintain the peppery taste without altering the color of the stew.

• Dried thyme - Substitute with dried oregano: Dried oregano has a robust flavor that can complement the other ingredients in the stew, providing a similar herbal note.

• Allow the stew to cool completely before storing. This helps maintain the texture and flavor of the chicken and kale.

• Transfer the cooled stew into airtight containers. For portion control, consider using individual serving-sized containers.

• Label the containers with the date of preparation. This ensures you keep track of freshness and consume the stew within a safe timeframe.

• Store the containers in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the stew within 3-4 days. The flavors will meld together beautifully over this period.

• For longer storage, place the containers in the freezer. The stew can be frozen for up to 3 months without significant loss of quality.

• When ready to reheat, thaw the frozen stew in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the integrity of the ingredients.

• Reheat the stew on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Alternatively, you can use the microwave, heating in short intervals and stirring in between.

• If the stew appears too thick after reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach the desired consistency.

• Enjoy the reheated stew hot, savoring the rich flavors of the chicken, kale, and aromatic thyme.

• Stovetop: Place the leftover Instant Pot Keto Chicken and Kale Stew in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the stew is heated through. This method helps maintain the texture of the kale and ensures the chicken stays tender.

• Microwave: Transfer the stew to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to prevent splatters. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Let it sit for a minute before serving to allow the heat to distribute evenly.

• Instant Pot: Use the sauté function to reheat the stew. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the stew has thickened too much. Stir occasionally until the stew is hot. This method is convenient if you want to maintain the original cooking vessel.

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the stew to an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until the stew is thoroughly warmed. This method is ideal if you are reheating a large portion.

• Slow Cooker: If you have time, transfer the stew to a slow cooker and set it on low for 1-2 hours. This gentle reheating method ensures the flavors meld even more, making the stew taste even better the next day.

• Instant Pot: A multi-functional electric pressure cooker used for sautéing, pressure cooking, and more.

• Olive oil dispenser: A container used to pour olive oil easily and accurately.

• Cutting board: A flat surface used for chopping and preparing ingredients.

• Chef's knife: A versatile knife used for chopping, slicing, and dicing ingredients.

• Measuring spoons: Tools used to measure small quantities of ingredients like salt, pepper, and thyme.

• Measuring cup: A tool used to measure liquid ingredients like chicken broth.

• Mixing spoon: A spoon used to stir and combine ingredients in the Instant Pot.

• Garlic press: A tool used to mince garlic cloves quickly and efficiently.

• Serving ladle: A large spoon used to serve the stew once it's cooked.

Prep ingredients ahead: Chop the onion, garlic, and kale in advance to save time during cooking.

Use pre-cubed chicken: Buy chicken breast that is already cubed to skip the cutting step.

Instant pot settings: Familiarize yourself with the Instant Pot settings to quickly switch between modes.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later.

Quick release: Use the manual pressure release to save time instead of waiting for natural release.