A Spicy Twist on a Comfort Food Classic
Some days call for the fiery kick of buffalo wings, and other days demand the soul-warming comfort of a hearty stew. What if you didn’t have to choose? This Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Stew is the ultimate fusion of flavor and comfort, delivering that tangy, spicy buffalo sauce goodness in a rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying meal. It’s packed with tender chicken and crisp-tender veggies, all while being perfectly keto-friendly. Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite 40-minute weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
• 4 large chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680g), cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 cups / 480ml chicken broth
• ½ cup / 120ml heavy cream
• ½ cup / 120ml keto-friendly hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 4 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 medium onion, minced
• 2 oz / 56g cream cheese, softened
• 4 tbsp / 56g butter, divided
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Directions
2. Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Add 2 tbsp of butter and allow it to melt.
3. Add the diced carrot, chopped celery, and minced onion to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened.
4. Add the cubed chicken and the remaining 2 tbsp of butter. Continue to sauté until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and hot sauce, using a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
6. Secure the lid, ensure the steam valve is set to “Sealing,” and select the “Stew” or “Manual/Pressure Cook” setting for 10 minutes.
7. Once the timer finishes, allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 10 minutes before performing a quick release to vent any remaining steam.
8. Carefully open the lid. Stir in the softened cream cheese and heavy cream until the cream cheese is fully melted and the stew is smooth and creamy.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with blue cheese crumbles or fresh chives if desired.
Nutritional Information
• Per Serving
• Calories: 563
• Total Fats: 32.5g
• Net Carbs: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 57g
Pro Tips
• for the Perfect Stew
• For a thicker, more luscious stew, whisk 1/4 teaspoon of xanthan gum with a tablespoon of the hot broth in a small bowl to create a slurry, then stir it back into the pot during the final step.
• Garnish with crumbled blue cheese, a drizzle of ranch dressing, and fresh chives to capture that authentic buffalo wing experience.
• You can easily adjust the spice level. For a milder stew, reduce the hot sauce to 1/4 cup and increase the chicken broth by 1/4 cup.
• This stew is fantastic for meal prep. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will meld and become even better overnight.
FAQ
Q: Is this Buffalo Chicken Stew really keto-friendly
A: Yes, absolutely! This recipe was designed to be keto-friendly, containing only 3g of net carbs per serving. The use of heavy cream, cream cheese, and xanthan gum (optional) for thickening keeps it perfectly low-carb.
Q: How can I make the stew spicier or milder
A: You can easily adjust the heat. For a milder stew, reduce the hot sauce to 1/4 cup and increase the chicken broth by 1/4 cup. To turn up the heat, simply add more hot sauce to your personal preference.
Q: What can I do to make the stew thicker
A: For a thicker, more luscious stew, whisk 1/4 teaspoon of xanthan gum with a tablespoon of the hot broth in a separate small bowl. Stir this slurry back into the pot after pressure cooking until it reaches your desired consistency.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts
A: Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great substitute. They will add extra flavor and fat, making the stew even richer. The cooking time in the Instant Pot will remain the same.
Q: How should I store and reheat leftovers
A: This stew is perfect for meal prep. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
