If you’ve been longing for a soul-warming meal that bursts with flavor and comes together quickly, you’re going to adore this Instant Pot Creole Chicken and Sausage Recipe. It’s a vibrant, hearty dish where tender chicken and spicy Andouille sausage mingle perfectly with fire-roasted tomatoes and fragrant Creole spices. Whether you’re a busy weeknight cook or crave the comforts of Louisiana right at home, this recipe delivers big on taste without the fuss, making every mealtime feel like a cozy celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients make all the difference in this recipe. Each one plays a crucial role in building the deep, layered Creole flavors while adding texture, color, and a bit of kick. Gathering these staples means you’re just moments away from a fantastic meal.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 pound): Perfect for quick cooking and easy shredding in the Instant Pot.
- Andouille sausage (12-16 ounces): Adds smoky, spicy depth that’s classic to Creole cuisine.
- Fire roasted crushed tomatoes (1 14-ounce can): Bring a rich, smoky tomato base that enhances every bite.
- Tomato paste (2-3 tablespoons, optional): Use this for a thicker, more concentrated sauce.
- Bell peppers (2, green or red, chopped): Provide vibrant color and a mild sweetness.
- Onion (½, diced): Adds foundational savory notes.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth.
- Creole seasoning (1 tablespoon): The star spice blend that brings authentic Southern flavor.
- Salt (1-2 teaspoons): Adjust depending on the seasoning’s sodium content.
- Cooked rice: The perfect base to soak up all those amazing juices.
- Cheese, cilantro, green onions, hot sauce, sour cream: Optional toppings to personalize each plate.
How to Make Instant Pot Creole Chicken and Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
First things first, get your ingredients ready: chop the bell peppers into bite-sized pieces, dice the onion finely, and mince the garlic cloves. Slice the Andouille sausage into rounds so it cooks evenly and releases its smoky flavor into the dish. Make sure the chicken breasts are trimmed and ready to go. Having everything measured and prepped upfront makes the cooking process smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Instant Pot
Next, layer all your ingredients into the Instant Pot. Start with the chicken breasts, then scatter the sliced Andouille sausage, diced onion, chopped peppers, and minced garlic on top. Pour in the fire roasted crushed tomatoes and optional tomato paste if you want a thicker sauce. Sprinkle the Creole seasoning and salt evenly over everything. This harmonious blend of ingredients ensures every bite bursts with complex, comforting flavor.
Step 3: Pressure Cook to Perfection
Seal the Instant Pot lid tightly and set it to manual high pressure for 8 minutes. If you’re using frozen chicken breasts, just increase the cooking time following your Instant Pot’s guidelines. While it cooks, the magic happens — the chicken tenderizes beautifully and absorbs all the vibrant Creole spices and smoky sausage essence. It’s like a flavorful hug in your kitchen.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken and Finish
Once the cooking cycle is done and the pressure has naturally released, carefully open the lid. Use two forks right in the pot to shred the chicken breasts into succulent pieces that blend effortlessly with the sausage and vegetables. Give everything a good stir, taste, and adjust the seasoning with more salt or Creole spice if needed. This is where the flavors truly come together into that iconic Creole harmony.
How to Serve Instant Pot Creole Chicken and Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
Toppings elevate this dish to the next level. Fresh cilantro leaves bring a hint of brightness, while chopped green onions add a lovely crunch and pop of color. Melted cheese offers rich creaminess, and a swirl of sour cream balances the spice with cool tanginess. Don’t forget a dash or two of hot sauce if you’re craving more heat — it’s all about making each serving uniquely yours.
Side Dishes
Traditionally, this Creole chicken and sausage couples beautifully with fluffy white or brown rice which soaks up every bit of that delicious sauce. For extra texture and freshness, a simple green salad or steamed vegetables work wonders. Cornbread or crusty bread can help scoop up the sauce and add a satisfying contrast in texture. The key is to keep sides simple and let the main dish shine.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Creole chicken and sausage stuffed inside warm tortillas or over creamy polenta for a Southern comfort food mashup. You can also pile it on a toasted baguette for a hearty, flavorful sandwich. If you’re feeding a crowd, a large casserole dish baked briefly with cheese on top turns it into a bubbling, crowd-pleasing bake. The possibilities are as exciting as the flavors!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Instant Pot Creole Chicken and Sausage Recipe tastes even better the next day once the flavors have melded. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cool the dish completely before refrigerating to keep everything fresh and safe.
Freezing
It’s a fantastic dish for freezing — portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you want a quick meal, pull it out the night before to thaw in the refrigerator or reheat it straight from frozen on low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly. If the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of water or broth to bring back that perfect consistency. Serve over freshly cooked rice for an easy and satisfying meal all over again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?
Absolutely! The Instant Pot is perfect for cooking frozen chicken. Just increase the pressure cooking time according to your Instant Pot’s manual, usually adding about 5 extra minutes, and the chicken will cook beautifully along with the other ingredients.
Is Andouille sausage spicy? Can I substitute it?
Andouille sausage has a smoky and moderately spicy flavor that’s essential for authentic Creole taste. If you prefer less heat, you could substitute it with a milder smoked sausage, but you’ll miss some of that signature flavor. You might want to add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne to compensate.
Do I need to add tomato paste to the Instant Pot Creole Chicken and Sausage Recipe?
The tomato paste is optional and mainly used to thicken the sauce. If you enjoy a thinner, stew-like consistency, feel free to skip it. Adding it will give you a richer, more concentrated tomato flavor and a slightly thicker sauce.
Can I make this recipe spicy or mild?
This recipe is very flexible! You can adjust the heat by choosing a mild or spicy Creole seasoning, controlling the amount of Andouille sausage, or adding hot sauce when serving. Start mild, then add heat gradually according to your taste buds.
What is the best rice to serve with this dish?
Traditional white jasmine or long-grain rice works beautifully to soak up the savory sauce, but brown rice or even cauliflower rice can be great healthier alternatives. The key is to have a neutral, fluffy base that complements without overpowering the flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Creole Chicken and Sausage Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a busy day. It’s simple to make, packed with classic Creole flavors, and endlessly adaptable to your preferences. Trust me when I say, once you try it, it will quickly become a favorite to add to your dinner rotation — perfect for cozy nights in or sharing with friends and family. Go ahead and make some magic in your kitchen tonight!
Print
Instant Pot Creole Chicken and Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes (plus pressure build and release time)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Creole
Description
This Instant Pot Creole Chicken and Sausage recipe is a flavorful, one-pot meal combining tender chicken breasts, spicy Andouille sausage, and vibrant vegetables simmered in fire-roasted crushed tomatoes with Creole seasoning. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect served over rice with optional toppings like cheese, cilantro, green onions, hot sauce, and sour cream for a hearty, satisfying dish with a kick of Southern charm.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 12–16 ounces Andouille sausage, sliced
Vegetables
- 2 green or red bell peppers, chopped
- ½ onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Base
- 1 14-ounce can fire roasted crushed tomatoes
- 2–3 tablespoons tomato paste (optional – for thickness)
Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning
- 1–2 teaspoons salt (if Creole seasoning is low-sodium)
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.
- 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. For frozen chicken, increase the cooking time accordingly based on 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, mixing it well with the sausage and vegetables.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust salt or seasoning to 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
- If your Creole seasoning is low-sodium, adjust salt accordingly.
- Tomato paste is optional but helps thicken the sauce.
- You can substitute fresh bell peppers with frozen if needed.
- This recipe can be doubled; adjust pressure cooking time accordingly.
- Use natural pressure release for best texture and flavor.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
