Instant Pot – FoodWatcher

Restaurant Quality Short Ribs

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Easy Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore

This hearty Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Packed with flavor from tomato based sauce, mushrooms, chicken, and herbs! This hearty Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Packed with flavor from tomato based sauce, mushrooms,…

This hearty Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Packed with flavor from tomato based sauce, mushrooms, chicken, and herbs!

I love easy dinners in the Instant Pot. My Instant Pot Chicken Adobo packs flavor and ready in 30 minutes! Readers love my easy Instant Pot Chicken Tacos too!

Chicken cacciatore in the pressure cooker with a spoon.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Cacciatore

I don’t recall having Chicken Cacciatore as a child. I do remember trying it at a restaurant during my college years.

I love mushrooms and I went through a period where I would order any and everything that had mushrooms. Chicken cacciatore fit that description.

You’ll love that this comfort food classic is now an easy Instant Pot recipe!

Here’s what makes this dish a winner:

Chicken cacciatore is comfort food, but with a bit of an elegant spin. A hearty dinner that will keep you feeling warm and satisfied, but it’s also something you might find at a restaurant.
Almost a one-pot dinner since it combines chicken and vegetables in a single recipe. Serve with rice or noodles and you’re good to go!
The Instant Pot makes chicken cacciatore quick, easy, and extra flavorful. You’ll love the combination of tender, juicy chicken, herb-infused tomato sauce, and all those vegetables!

Important Ingredient Notes

Ingredients needed to make chicken cacciatore in the Instant Pot.

Boneless skinless chicken thighs – I prefer using thighs in the Instant Pot. They’re perfect and juicy every time!
Canned crushed tomatoes – Crushed tomatoes form the base of our sauce. They’re saucier than diced tomatoes, but they’ve got more texture than tomato sauce.
Vegetables – Onion, green bell peppers, and sliced mushrooms.
Garlic – Add extra if you’d like!
Balsamic vinegar – Balsamic vinegar adds some depth to the sauce.
Herbs – Italian seasoning, fresh parsley, and fresh basil infuse the dish with flavor.

How to Make Chicken Cacciatore in the Instant Pot

Step by step photos showing how to make chicken cacciatore.

Start the Chicken: Add the olive oil to the Instant Pot and select “SAUTE.” Add the boneless chicken thighs to the pot and cook for about 2 minutes per side.

Deglaze the Pot: Pour the can of crushed tomatoes into the Instant Pot and use a wooden spoon to scrape the browned bits of chicken from the bottom of the pot.

Add the Vegetables and Seasonings: Add the onion, green pepper, mushrooms, salt, pepper, garlic, balsamic vinegar, and Italian seasoning to the Instant Pot.

Cook:

Secure the lid and turn the pressure valve to SEALING position.
Select “HIGH PRESSURE” and a cook time of 12 minutes.
Allow to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes, then do a quick release.
Open the lid of the Instant Pot and stir.

Finish: Add the chopped parsley and basil and serve the chicken cacciatore over noodles.

Chicken cacciatore served over noodles on a white plate.

Tips and Tricks

This pressure cooker chicken cacciatore recipe was made using a 6qt Instant Pot. Prep time does not include time it takes to come to pressure (about 12 minutes).
I prefer using boneless skinless chicken thighs, but you can use chicken breasts without changing the cook time. I find the thighs have more flavor and moisture.
For a thicker sauce, use the sauté feature and mix cornstarch and water to thicken it after cooking.
To make chicken cacciatore in a slow cooker, combine all the ingredients in the bottom of a large slow cooker. Stir and cover. Cook on low heat for 6 hours. Serve with chopped parsley and basil over egg noodles.

Egg noodles topped with chicken cacciatore.

What to Serve With Chicken Cacciatore

Egg Noodles- my favorite
Pasta – any other style noodle would be great too
Gnocchi
Polenta Recipe
Rice
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

More Easy Dinner Recipes

Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

This hearty Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore Recipe is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Packed with flavor from tomato based sauce, mushrooms, chicken, and herbs!

Course Instant Pot

Cuisine Italian

Keyword chicken, instant pot, instant pot chicken recipes

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 16

Total Time 26

Servings servings

Calories 225kcal

Author Aimee

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon olive oil
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 can crushed tomatoes 28 ounce
1 medium onion chopped
1 medium green pepper chopped
8 ounce sliced mushrooms any variety
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
4 cloves garlic
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 Tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
1 Tablespoon fresh basil chopped

Instructions

Add 1 Tbsp olive oil to the instant pot and select "SAUTE." Add the boneless chicken thighs to the pot and cook for about 2 minutes per side.
To deglaze the pot, add the can of crushed tomatoes to the instant pot and using a wooden spoon scrape the bits of chicken from the bottom of the pan.
Add onion, green pepper, mushrooms, salt, pepper, garlic, balsamic vinegar, and Italian seasoning to the instant pot.
Secure the lid and turn the pressure valve to SEALING.
Select "HIGH PRESSURE" and a cook time of 12 minutes.
Allow to naturally release pressure for ten minutes, then do a quick release.
Open the lid of the Instant Pot and stir.
Add chopped parsley and basil and serve over noodles. ENJOY.

Notes

This recipe was made using a 6qt Instant Pot. Prep time does not include time it takes to come to pressure (about 12 minutes).
I prefer using boneless skinless chicken thighs, but you can use chicken breasts without changing the cook time. I find the thighs have more flavor and moisture.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can use the saute feature and make a slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken when the cook time ends.
Slow Cooker: Combine all the ingredients in the bottom of a large slow cooker. Stir and cover. Cook on low heat for 6 hours. Serve with chopped parsley and basil over egg noodles.
See blog post for more recipe tips and tricks.

Nutrition

Hearty Chicken Cacciatore Recipe made in the Instant Pot for an easy weeknight dinner. Packed with flavor from tomatoes, mushrooms, chicken, and herbs!

Instant Pot Cheesecake

Rich and creamy, this Instant Pot cheesecake is just as delicious as traditional cheesecake yet so much easier to make.

Southern Style Red Beans and Rice

Get a taste of Southern comfort food at home with red beans and rice that’s full of Cajun flavor and smoky andouille sausage. Go the from-scratch route with dried beans or take the shortcut and use canned beans.
The post Southern Style Red Beans and Ri…

Get a taste of Southern comfort food at home with red beans and rice that's full of Cajun flavor and smoky andouille sausage. Go the from-scratch route with dried beans or take the shortcut and use canned beans.

The post Southern Style Red Beans and Rice appeared first on The Stay At Home Chef.

Pork Banh Mi Bowl

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There's more room to play with flavors and textures!

Instant Pot Pulled Pork

Saucy and tender pork served on buns make this Instant Pot pulled pork a great option for a quick dinner on busy weeknights.

Pressure Cooker Ribs

We confess, we’d never imagined you could turn ribs fall-off-the-bone tender in 30 minutes. Until this recipe made believers out of us.

We confess, we'd never imagined you could turn ribs fall-off-the-bone tender in 30 minutes. Until this recipe made believers out of us.

Slow Cooker Pulled Beef Recipe – for Sandwiches

Imagine this: fluffy hamburger buns overflowing with tender, smoky BBQ beef that practically melts in your mouth. Craving satisfied? This dream becomes a reality with our incredibly easy Slow Cooker Pulled Beef Recipe featuring a unique, sweet-and-tangy, smoky BBQ sauce. Let your slow cooker do all the work while you enjoy the mouthwatering aroma filling…

The post Slow Cooker Pulled Beef Recipe – for Sandwiches appeared first on A Well Seasoned Kitchen.

Imagine this: fluffy hamburger buns overflowing with tender, smoky BBQ beef that practically melts in your mouth. Craving satisfied? This dream becomes a reality with our incredibly easy Slow Cooker Pulled Beef Recipe featuring a unique, sweet-and-tangy, smoky BBQ sauce. Let your slow cooker do all the work while you enjoy the mouthwatering aroma filling your kitchen.

white plate holding a BBQ Beef Sandwich and Dorothy's Potato Salad — *(Photo by Rick Souders)*

Why This Slow Cooker Pulled Beef Sandwich Recipe is a Winner

This recipe, a gift from my excellent cook cousin Barb Keller, is a game-changer for BBQ lovers. Barb’s secret weapon? The slow cooker (or crock pot)! It transforms any cut of beef into juicy, fall-apart perfection, bursting with flavor. The slow cooking coaxes out rich, deep notes that mingle beautifully with the tangy BBQ sauce. Every bite is a symphony of sweet, savory, and smoky deliciousness.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, feeding a hungry crowd at a holiday gathering, or simply meal prepping for future lunches, this great recipe has got you covered!

What is Pulled Beef

Pulled beef is a dish made with shredded beef that’s been slow-cooked until it’s incredibly tender and flavorful. It’s typically made with a tougher cut of beef, like chuck roast or brisket, which benefits from the long, slow cooking process. This allows the connective tissue to break down, resulting it incredibly tender meat and easy to shred with forks.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Pulled Beef Recipe

To create this amazing slow cooker pulled beef, you’ll need just a handful of key ingredients that work together like magic to produce a dish bursting with flavor and tenderness:

Boneless chuck or arm roast – well-marbled meat works best in a slow cooker to deliver a moist and tender result.
Kosher salt
Fresh ground black pepper
Neutral, high-smoke point oil (vegetable, canola, or avocado oil) – for searing the meat before slow cooking.
Beef broth (or water)
Worcestershire sauce – while an optional ingredient, it adds depth of flavor, and the acid in it helps to break down the muscle fibers in the beef, resulting in a fork-tender texture.
4 cups Oklahoma BBQ Sauce – both sweet and tangy, this is the best BBQ sauce ever! It has just the right amount of spice from three different kinds of ground peppers, and it perfectly complements the pulled beef.

How to Make Slow Cooker Pulled Beef

Here’s all you have to do to prepare this delicious pulled beef. I recommend starting the day before serving because the total cook time is anywhere from 8 to 16 hours:

Prep roast.
Rinse meat and pat dry with paper towel. Season all over with salt and pepper.
Sear roast.
Heat oil in a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over high heat. Sear meat on all sides until nicely browned.
Put all ingredients in slow cooker; cook.
Place the roast in the bottom of a slow cooker and add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Cover and cook on high for 4 to 5 hours, or on low for 8 to 10 hours.
Drain, shred.
Take the roast out of the cooker and drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid. Shred the meat with two forks.
Cook shredded meat with sauce.
Return shredded beef to slow cooker. Stir in 2 cups of barbeque sauce and reserved liquid. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours.
Adjust seasoning.
Taste and stir in more sauce if desired.

Tips for Achieving Tender and Flavorful Pulled Beef

Achieving tender and flavorful pulled beef requires attention to detail and a few key tips to ensure the best results:

Select the right cut of beef. Opt for a well-marbled cut like chuck roast, as the intramuscular fat will melt during cooking, keeping the meat moist and tender.
Don’t skip the searing step. This caramelization not only adds flavor but also helps to lock in the meat’s natural juices.
Be patient. Low and slow is the key to tender pulled beef. Resist the urge to rush the cooking time, as this can result in tough, chewy meat.
Pick the right BBQ sauce. If you opt for another homemade barbecue sauce (or purchased) instead of our recipe, choose a high-quality, tangy sauce that complements the richness of the beef and enhances its savory notes. Try to find one that has a touch of sweetness, too, to balance out the flavors.

Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes

My favorite way to serve this recipe is as BBQ beef sandwiches. Brioche buns, pretzel buns, or even ciabatta rolls are excellent choices that are sturdy enough to hold the meat. Whatever kind of bun you use, brush the insides with butter and lightly toast before filling.

Here are some recommended side dishes that pair perfectly with these BBQ Beef Sandwiches for a delicious meal:

Dorothy’s Potato Salad
Lemon Mayonnaise Coleslaw Recipe
Easy Corn Pudding Recipe
Corn and Prosciutto Salad
Tossed green salad with Dijon Mustard Vinaigrette

For a large gathering, add our Turkey Sloppy Joes as a second sandwich option for non-beef eaters.

Variations and Substitutions for Slow Cooker Pulled Beef Recipe

While I think these BBQ Beef Sandwiches made with pulled beef are amazing as is, here are a few ways you can modify this recipe to make it your own:

Use beef brisket instead of chuck roast.
Go even further and use shredded pork shoulder, pork roast or pork butt for a BBQ pork sandwich!
Substitute apple cider vinegar for the Worcestershire sauce.
Simply use water to slow cook the beef instead of beef broth.
Use your own homemade BBQ Sauce or purchased.

And, here’s another way to serve this pulled beef: as a quesadilla. Sprinkle shredded gouda or pepper jack cheese inside a large flour tortilla. Fill with pulled beef. Top with more cheese, then a second tortilla. Place in a hot, large skillet sprayed with cooking spray and cook on one side until browned and cheese is melting. Flip over and cook until the cheese is fully melted and the second side is browned.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Pulled Beef

If you make this pulled beef recipe ahead of time or have leftovers, allow it to cool to room temperature then place in an airtight container and refrigerate, It will last for up to 4 days.

To reheat, place pulled beef in a saucepan with a splash of beef broth or water. Cover and heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the beef is warmed through. Alternatively, reheat the pulled beef in the microwave, using short intervals and stirring in between to ensure even heating.

BBQ Beef Sandwiches

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Print Recipe

Imagine this: fluffy hamburger buns overflowing with tender, smoky BBQ beef that practically melts in your mouth. Craving satisfied? This dream becomes a reality with our incredibly easy Slow Cooker Pulled Beef Recipe featuring a unique, sweet-and-tangy BBQ sauce. Let your slow cooker do all the work while you enjoy the mouthwatering aroma filling your kitchen.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 720 minutes
Total Time: 12 hours 5 minutes
Yield: 8 to 10 servings