Name: Instant Pot Creole Chicken and Sausage Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Creole
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); Cooked rice; Cheese; Cilantro; Green onions; Hot sauce; Sour cream

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 137 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, hearty, and comes together in a flash, this Instant Pot Creole Chicken and Sausage Recipe is going to be your new best friend. I absolutely love how this recipe captures the smoky, spicy essence of Creole cooking without needing hours over the stove. Plus, making it in the Instant Pot means you get tender chicken and perfectly melded flavors in under 30 minutes—trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to keep it in your regular rotation!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: You get deep Creole flavors in less than 30 minutes using your Instant Pot—perfect for busy weeknights.
One-Pot Convenience: Minimal cleanup since everything cooks together, which means more time enjoying your meal.
Flavorful and Comforting: The combination of smoky Andouille sausage and tender chicken makes this dish a crowd-pleaser every time.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice, with cheese, or your favorite toppings to make it uniquely yours.

Four clear white bowls are filled with a hearty dish made of shredded chicken, sliced sausage, and white rice mixed in a rich red tomato sauce. Each bowl is topped with small, chopped green onions that add a bright fresh contrast to the deep red and brown colors of the stew-like mixture. The bowls sit on a white marbled surface, arranged with two near the top and two closer at the bottom of the image, showing a close view of the thick, chunky texture in each bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Instant Pot Creole Chicken and Sausage, Creole chicken and sausage recipe, quick Creole chicken dish, flavorful sausage and chicken recipe, easy Instant Pot Creole meal

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about bold Creole-inspired ingredients that work brilliantly together, bringing heart and soul to every bite. Don’t worry if you can’t find Andouille sausage; I’ll explain some good swaps below.

Flat lay of boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced Andouille sausage, a simple white bowl of fire roasted crushed tomatoes, a small white bowl with smooth red tomato paste, two chopped green and red bell peppers arranged side by side, half a diced yellow onion, three peeled garlic cloves, a small white bowl of Creole seasoning powder, and a small white bowl of coarse salt all neatly arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Instant Pot Creole Chicken and Sausage, Creole chicken and sausage recipe, quick Creole chicken dish, flavorful sausage and chicken recipe, easy Instant Pot Creole meal

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: I like using breasts because they shred nicely and cook quickly, but thighs work too if you prefer juicier meat.
Andouille sausage: This smoked sausage is key for that authentic Cajun flavor; if unavailable, kielbasa or smoked chorizo make good substitutes.
Fire roasted crushed tomatoes: They add a lovely smoky depth and slight sweetness—if you can’t find fire-roasted, regular crushed tomatoes work fine, too.
Tomato paste (optional): Adds extra thickness and richness if you want a heartier sauce.
Green or red bell peppers: They bring freshness and a subtle sweetness that balances the spice.
Onion: Adds natural sweetness and rounds out the sauce.
Garlic: Essential for that aromatic punch that Creole dishes are known for.
Creole seasoning: This is your flavor powerhouse—if your blend doesn’t contain salt, add a little extra to taste.
Salt: To enhance all the other flavors, especially if your seasoning is salt-free.
Serve with: I love fluffy white rice, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, hot sauce, and even sour cream for added creaminess.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this Instant Pot Creole Chicken and Sausage Recipe is a great base for experimenting! You’ll find that a few simple swaps or additions can make the dish feel brand new every time.

Vegetable boost: Adding chopped celery or okra really steps up the Creole authenticity and adds texture—my family actually loves the extra veggie kick.
Spice level adjustment: For a milder version, reduce the Creole seasoning or skip the hot sauce topping; for heat lovers, add cayenne or diced jalapeños.
Protein swap: I’ve made this with boneless chicken thighs and even shrimp tossed in at the end—both make delicious variations.
Low-carb option: Skip the rice and serve over cauliflower rice or alongside steamed greens for a lighter meal.

How to Make Instant Pot Creole Chicken and Sausage Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Ingredients Prepped

This is the part where you chop your peppers and onions, mince the garlic, and slice the sausage. I like to have everything ready to go in bowls so once you start adding to the Instant Pot, it’s seamless. Trust me, prepping upfront makes the whole cooking process feel breezy.

Step 2: Layer the Flavor in the Instant Pot

Into the pot goes the chicken breasts first, followed by the sliced Andouille sausage, bell peppers, onions, garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste (if using), Creole seasoning, and salt if needed. Don’t stir too much here—just get everything in there to avoid burnt bits, and the pressure cooking will take care of the rest.

Step 3: Set and Forget (Well, Almost!)

Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to manual high pressure for 8 minutes. If you’re using frozen chicken, add a few more minutes. When the timer goes off, do a quick release and be careful of the steam. This part really amazed me the first time—I couldn’t believe how tender and flavorful everything became in just a short time.

Step 4: Shred and Serve

Remove the chicken breasts and shred them right in the pot with two forks—low-effort but so satisfying. Give everything a good stir, taste, and tweak seasoning if needed. Serve everything over fluffy rice, then jazz it up with cheese, cilantro, green onions, or hot sauce—you do you!

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Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot Creole Chicken and Sausage Recipe

Use quality Andouille sausage: It really makes a difference in flavor—don’t skimp here if you can help it.
Don’t skip the tomato paste: It thickens the sauce beautifully and adds richness, making it feel like a true Creole stew.
Shred chicken in the pot: Saves dishes and ensures the meat soaks up all those wonderful juices.
Don’t overcook: The chicken can dry out if pressure cooked too long—stick to 8 minutes and adjust only if using frozen meat.

How to Serve Instant Pot Creole Chicken and Sausage Recipe

The image shows two white bowls on a white marbled surface with a soft gray cloth underneath. Each bowl is filled halfway with white rice, and the other half contains a rich red stew with shredded meat and slices of sausage, garnished with small green onion pieces. In the foreground, a woman's hand with dark nail polish holds a spoon digging into the stew in the closest bowl. The lighting is bright and natural, focusing closely on the food to show the texture of the rice and the saucy stew photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Instant Pot Creole Chicken and Sausage, Creole chicken and sausage recipe, quick Creole chicken dish, flavorful sausage and chicken recipe, easy Instant Pot Creole meal

Garnishes

I usually top this with shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese because it melts into the sauce deliciously. Fresh chopped cilantro and sliced green onions add color and brightness, while a dash of hot sauce wakes up those Creole spices even more. Sour cream is my secret creamy topper when I want to mellow the heat.

Side Dishes

Serve this Creole chicken and sausage over steamed white rice for the classic experience, or jazz it up with dirty rice for extra drama. I’ve also paired it with a simple green salad to balance the richness, or some crusty bread to mop up those fantastic juices.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve served this in individual bowls with colorful toppings arranged on the side, so guests can customize their bowls. It’s also fantastic spooned into bell pepper halves for a fun, low-carb option that looks impressive on the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Creole chicken and sausage in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day! Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well—I portion leftovers into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When I’m ready to eat, I let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm it slowly in a pan so the sausage and chicken stay tender.

Reheating

Reheat leftover Instant Pot Creole Chicken and Sausage gently to maintain moisture—stovetop on low heat with a splash of chicken broth works wonders. If using a microwave, cover the dish to keep steam in and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Instant Pot Creole Chicken and Sausage Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving under pressure, and they shred beautifully. Just keep the cooking time the same—they’ll come out flavorful and tender every time.
What can I substitute for Andouille sausage if I don’t have it on hand?

If Andouille sausage isn’t available, smoked kielbasa or a smoky chorizo works well to maintain that rich, smoky flavor profile. Just slice it into similar-sized pieces so it cooks evenly with the chicken.
Is this recipe spicy, and can I adjust the heat level?

This Instant Pot Creole Chicken and Sausage Recipe has a moderate kick from the Creole seasoning, but it isn’t overwhelming. Feel free to adjust by adding more or less seasoning, skipping the hot sauce, or adding fresh chilies for extra heat.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can make it ahead and reheat when ready to serve. The flavors actually improve overnight in the fridge. Just remember to reheat gently so the chicken stays tender.
How long does this recipe take in the Instant Pot?

The pressure cooking time is only about 8 minutes for fresh chicken breasts. Including prep and pressure release time, the total dish comes together in about 30 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Creole Chicken and Sausage Recipe is hands down one of my go-to dishes when I want a soul-warming meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The smoky sausage, tender chicken, and rich, spicy sauce come together so effortlessly, and the Instant Pot really takes the hard work out of cooking. I’d say give it a try this week—you might just impress everyone at the dinner table and create a new family favorite!