Bacon Cheddar Chicken "Pot Pie"

 

I loved pot pie growing up (and even as an adult!), but it can be time consuming to make. This recipe takes all the ingredient -- plus BACON -- and cooks them all easily in the Instant Pot. Then you just top some biscuits for the "pie" part! I use either frozen or canned biscuits to make it even easier, unless my husband is willing to make his amazing homemade buttermilk biscuits... yum.

1 cup chicken broth
1-1/2 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces

2 cups peeled, cubed potatoes (about two medium potatoes)

1 cup sliced carrots

1/2 cup diced celery

1/2 tsp each kosher salt, black pepper, poultry seasoning

1 cup frozen peas

1 cup whole milk

3 tbsp flour

1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

6 pieces of bacon, diced and cooked

Add broth, chicken, potatoes, carrots, celery, salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning to the Instant Pot. Secure the lid and make sure valve is set to sealing. Manual cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. Let naturally release for 5 minutes, then move valve to venting. Remove lid. Set on saute and add the peas, stirring to combine.

In a large glass measuring cup add the flour and milk; whisk together. Add in about 1/2 cup of liquid from Instant Pot to temper it, then add mixture and stir well. Cook on sauté for a few minutes then add the cheese and bacon. Salt and pepper to taste.

Dirty Rice

 

I made this once, and now it is a frequently made dinner in our house! Super delicious on its own, but I pair it with a salad and crusty bread for a rounded meal.

4 oz bacon, chopped

1 lb breakfast sausage

1 medium onion, chopped

1 rib celery, chopped

1/2 bell pepper, chopped

1 tbsp garlic, minced

2 tsp Cajun seasoning

1 bay leaf

1/2 tsp dried thyme

14 oz chicken broth

1-1/2 cups long grain rice

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Set your instant pot to saute and toss in the first 6 ingredients. Saute until onions are clear (about 10 minutes). Make sure you break up the sausage well and stir often. Turn IP off and pour in rest of ingredients; stir to combine. Set IP to manual (high) for 15 minutes. Once time is up, let it naturally release for 10 minutes, then manually release pressure. Remove the bay leaf, stir, and serve.