If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful meal that combines the bold spices of the South with the convenience of modern cooking, look no further than this Instant Pot Creole Chicken and Sausage Recipe. This dish is a vibrant medley of tender chicken, smoky Andouille sausage, and a rich tomato-based sauce bursting with Creole seasonings. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress friends with minimal effort but maximum taste. The Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting, locking in deep flavors and getting a delicious dinner on the table in just about 30 minutes. This is one recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Instant Pot Creole Chicken and Sausage Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each contributing to its perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. Fresh vegetables bring brightness, Andouille sausage adds smokiness, and the Creole seasoning infuses a lively kick that makes every bite sing.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that cooks up tender and shreds beautifully.
- 12-16 ounces Andouille sausage, sliced: Adds a smoky, spicy depth that is signature to Creole dishes.
- 1 14-ounce can fire roasted crushed tomatoes: Gives a rich, slightly smoky tomato flavor plus gorgeous color.
- 2-3 tablespoons tomato paste (optional – for thickness): Thickens the sauce for a heartier texture and boosts tomato intensity.
- 2 green or red bell peppers, chopped: Bright crunch and a sweet earthiness that balances the spice.
- ½ onion, diced: Adds savory sweetness and aromatic foundation to the dish.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Injects pungent warmth and depth.
- 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning: The star spice blend that brings authentic flavors of Louisiana cuisine.
- 1-2 teaspoons salt (if Creole seasoning is low-sodium): Enhances all the other ingredients without overpowering them.
- Cooked rice: Perfect to soak up all those luscious juices.
- Cheese, cilantro, green onions, hot sauce, sour cream: Optional toppings that add freshness, creaminess, and an extra pop of flavor.
How to Make Instant Pot Creole Chicken and Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Prep Ingredients
Getting your ingredients ready before you start the cooking process makes everything run smoothly. Chop your bell peppers, dice the onion, mince the garlic, and slice the Andouille sausage. Having everything measured and ready to go ensures no last-minute scrambling, so your Instant Pot can work its magic without delay.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Instant Pot
Layer the boneless chicken breasts, sliced sausage, chopped peppers, diced onion, and minced garlic right into the Instant Pot. Pour in the fire-roasted crushed tomatoes and, if you want a thicker sauce, add the tomato paste. Sprinkle your Creole seasoning on top, and add salt based on your seasoning’s sodium content. This simple yet flavorful combination promises a rich and vibrant stew that’s bursting with southern charm.
Step 3: Pressure Cook
Seal the Instant Pot lid and select manual high pressure for 8 minutes. If you’re using chicken straight from the freezer, remember to increase the cook time according to your Instant Pot’s guidelines. This step lets everything meld beautifully under pressure, turning raw ingredients into a tender, spicy marvel.
Step 4: Shred Chicken
Once the cooking cycle finishes and the pressure naturally releases, open the lid and shred the chicken right in the pot using two forks. This step is where the juicy chicken soaks up the rich tomato and sausage flavors, joining the vibrant mix of vegetables and spices for a hearty, homestyle dish.
Step 5: Adjust Seasoning and Serve
Give your dish a taste and adjust salt or seasoning if needed. Serve the Creole chicken and sausage over steaming bowls of cooked rice, and top with cheese, fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, hot sauce, or sour cream for an extra layer of flavor and freshness that’s sure to delight.
How to Serve Instant Pot Creole Chicken and Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes can elevate the dish in both flavor and presentation. Fresh green onions bring a mild crunch and vibrant color, cilantro adds bright herbal notes, and a sprinkle of cheese melts into the warm stew for creamy richness. Don’t forget a dash of hot sauce for those who crave a little extra heat, or a spoonful of sour cream to cool things down and add smoothness.
Side Dishes
While rice is the classic and most delicious accompaniment to this Instant Pot Creole Chicken and Sausage Recipe, you can also serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy grits for a Southern-inspired feast. A crisp green salad or steamed vegetables offer a refreshing counterbalance to the bold, spiced main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond just a bowl. Serve your Creole chicken and sausage over crispy baked polenta rounds for delightful texture contrast. Or fill warm tortillas for quick Creole-inspired wraps. For a family dinner, scoop it into colorful bell peppers and bake briefly for an eye-catching presentation that tastes as good as it looks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Instant Pot Creole Chicken and Sausage Recipe keeps incredibly well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store leftovers in an airtight container to preserve freshness and vibrant flavors. The spices actually have a chance to deepen overnight, so leftovers can sometimes taste even better.
Freezing
If you want to save some for a later date, this dish freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. When properly sealed, it can last up to 3 months in the freezer, making it an excellent meal prep option for busy weeks ahead.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm gently in a saucepan over medium heat or microwave until hot. Adding a splash of water or broth while reheating helps maintain the perfect saucy consistency. Be sure to stir occasionally for even heating and freshness.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Instant Pot Creole Chicken and Sausage Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and richness to the dish. The cooking time remains the same, and the result will be just as delicious with a slightly more tender texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your Creole seasoning and sausage don’t contain gluten additives. Always double-check ingredient labels to be sure, especially with packaged seasonings and sausage varieties.
How spicy is the dish, and can I adjust the heat?
The heat level depends mostly on your Creole seasoning and Andouille sausage. If you prefer milder flavors, use less seasoning or choose a milder sausage. You can always add hot sauce at the end to control the spice level on your plate.
Can I cook this recipe without an Instant Pot?
While the Instant Pot makes this recipe incredibly quick and convenient, you can simulate the process by cooking the chicken and sausage in a covered pot over low heat on the stovetop for about 45 minutes or until the chicken is tender and flavors meld. Just keep an eye on moisture levels and stir occasionally.
What’s the best rice to serve with this dish?
Traditional white long-grain rice works beautifully, but you can also try jasmine or basmati for a fragrant twist. Brown rice is a good option for adding fiber and has a pleasant nuttiness that pairs well with the bold Creole flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Creole Chicken and Sausage Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s comforting, full of bold Southern flair, and incredibly easy to pull together. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe has all the juicy, spicy, and savory notes you crave. Give it a try soon—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner!
Print
Instant Pot Creole Chicken and Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes (plus pressure build and release time approx. 10 minutes)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Creole, Cajun, Southern American
Description
This Instant Pot Creole Chicken and Sausage recipe is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish combining tender shredded chicken, spicy Andouille sausage, and a medley of bell peppers, onions, and garlic simmered in a rich tomato base with Creole seasoning. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it’s served over rice and can be personalized with cheese, cilantro, green onions, hot sauce, and sour cream.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 12–16 ounces Andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 14-ounce can fire roasted crushed tomatoes
- 2–3 tablespoons tomato paste (optional – for thickness)
- 2 green or red bell peppers, chopped
- ½ onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning
- 1–2 teaspoons salt (if Creole seasoning is low-sodium)
For Serving
- Cooked rice
- Cheese (optional)
- Cilantro (optional)
- Green onions (optional)
- Hot sauce (optional)
- Sour cream (optional)
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Chop the bell peppers and dice the onion. Mince the garlic cloves. Slice the Andouille sausage and measure out the chicken breasts and other ingredients to have everything ready for cooking.
- Combine Ingredients in Instant Pot: Place the boneless chicken breasts, sliced Andouille sausage, chopped bell peppers, diced onion, minced garlic, fire roasted crushed tomatoes, and optional tomato paste into the Instant Pot. Add Creole seasoning and salt as needed.
- Pressure Cook: Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to manual high pressure for 8 minutes. If using frozen chicken, increase the cooking time according to Instant Pot guidelines.
- Shred Chicken: Once cooking is complete and the pressure has naturally released, open the lid and shred the chicken directly in the pot using two forks. Mix well with the sausage and vegetables.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust salt or seasoning to your preference. Serve the Creole chicken and sausage mixture over cooked rice and top with optional cheese, cilantro, green onions, hot sauce, or sour cream as desired.
Notes
- Adjust salt quantity depending on the salt content of your Creole seasoning.
- For a thicker sauce, add tomato paste as preferred.
- Natural pressure release helps keep the chicken moist and tender.
- Frozen chicken can be used but will require longer cooking time.
- Customize toppings to taste for added flavor and texture.
