Instant Pot Creole Chicken and Sausage Recipe

If you love bold, hearty flavors packed into one easy pot, you’re going to adore this Instant Pot Creole Chicken and Sausage Recipe. I absolutely love how quickly it comes together, especially when you want a comforting, spicy meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe hits that perfect combo of tender chicken, smoky sausage, and vibrant Creole seasoning, all simmered to perfection in your Instant Pot. Stick around—I promise you’ll want to make this on repeat.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses ingredients that complement each other beautifully, balancing smoky sausage with tender chicken and a bright tomato base. When shopping, I always grab quality Andouille sausage and fire-roasted tomatoes for that extra smoky depth.

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: They shred so nicely and cook quickly in the Instant Pot.
• Andouille sausage: This smoked sausage brings essential Creole flavor; opt for slices with some nice fat marbling.
• Fire roasted crushed tomatoes: Adds smoky sweetness and a little bit of chunkiness to the sauce.
• Tomato paste: Totally optional, but I add it when I want a thicker, richer sauce.
• Green or red bell peppers: Adds that classic Creole color and subtle sweetness.
• Onion: Diced finely for even cooking and a natural base flavor.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic makes all the difference in flavor.
• Creole seasoning: The soul of this dish—balanced heat, herbs, and spices.
• Salt: Depends on your seasoning; always taste and adjust at the end.
• Rice and toppings to serve: Think cheese, fresh cilantro, green onions, hot sauce, sour cream—make it your own!

Variations

I love how versatile the Instant Pot Creole Chicken and Sausage Recipe is—there are plenty of ways to switch up the flavors based on what you have or your dietary needs. Feel free to experiment!

• Spicy Kick: I sometimes add a diced jalapeño or extra cayenne to ramp up the heat, which my family totally enjoys.
• Meat Swap: If Andouille isn’t available, kielbasa or smoked chorizo work beautifully for that savory smoky flavor.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and double down on bell peppers, onions, and add mushrooms or smoked tofu for texture.
• Thickness Adjustments: Play with more or less tomato paste depending on how saucy you want it.

How to Make Instant Pot Creole Chicken and Sausage Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by chopping your bell peppers and onions into even pieces—this helps them cook evenly. Slice the Andouille sausage into bite-sized rounds, mince the garlic, and have your chicken breasts ready to go. I always taste my Creole seasoning beforehand, so I know if I need to add extra salt later.

Step 2: Add Everything to the Instant Pot

Layer the chicken breasts first, then scatter the sausage, vegetables, tomatoes, garlic, Creole seasoning, and tomato paste on top. Seal your Instant Pot lid and set it to manual high pressure for 8 minutes. If using frozen chicken, just bump to 12-14 minutes—super easy! Once it’s done cooking, do a quick release carefully so you don’t lose any sauce.

Step 3: Shred and Serve

Remove the chicken breasts and shred them directly in the pot with two forks. This part is so satisfying—I love seeing it all pull apart and soak up that amazing sauce. Then stir everything together, taste for seasoning, and adjust salt or heat if you want. Serve it on fluffy rice with whatever toppings you like. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

How to Serve Instant Pot Creole Chicken and Sausage Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of layering textures and fresh flavors here. I usually sprinkle chopped green onions and fresh cilantro right on top, maybe even a handful of shredded sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese if I’m feeling indulgent. A drizzle of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream adds a lovely cooling contrast to the spicy Creole kick.

Side Dishes

This tastes best served with steaming, fluffy white rice, which soaks up every bit of the saucy goodness. I also sometimes add a side of creamy coleslaw or roasted veggies to balance the boldness. For a low-carb twist, cauliflower rice works great too!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve plated this in a shallow bowl to highlight the colors, and topped it with a fried egg for extra richness. Using colorful garnishes like sliced radishes or avocado adds a fresh crunch and brightens things up beautifully. It also makes a fantastic filling for warm tortillas if you’re in a wrap mood!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually transfer leftovers into airtight containers and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, which means it tastes even better the next day. Just make sure to cool it down before sealing so condensation doesn’t make the sauce watery.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully, so if you want to meal prep, divide into portions and freeze in freezer-safe containers or zip bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much. You can also microwave it covered in short bursts—just be sure to stir well to avoid dry patches.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I love this Instant Pot Creole Chicken and Sausage Recipe because it feels like a hug on a plate—robust, flavorful, and downright satisfying without the fuss. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, you’ll find it’s one of those dishes that everyone raves about and asks for again. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—it’s become a staple in my kitchen, and I’m pretty sure it’ll earn a spot on your go-to list, too!

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