This German-Inspired Instant Pot Chicken with Sauerkraut and Spaetzle takes the comfort and heartiness of the slow cooker version and speeds it up, while still delivering the same savory, rich flavors. The Instant Pot locks in all the flavors of tender chicken, sauerkraut, and creamy potato soup, creating a deliciously tangy sauce that pairs perfectly with spaetzle or wide noodles. The use of the Instant Pot reduces the cooking time dramatically, making it an excellent option for a quick yet satisfying dinner with a traditional German touch.

Ingredients

• 1 27 – 28 ounce can sauerkraut, rinsed and drained
• 2 10 3/4 ounce cans condensed cream of potato soup
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme, crushed
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 12 bone-in chicken thighs, skinned (3 1/2 to 4 pounds)
• Hot cooked spaetzle or wide noodles
• Snipped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Procedure

1. Sauté the Ingredients: Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add the 1/2 cup of water, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to the pot, then stir to combine. Add the sauerkraut and potato soup, mixing well. Allow the mixture to heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Add the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with a little salt and pepper, then add them to the Instant Pot. Stir gently to coat the chicken with the sauce mixture.
3. Pressure Cook: Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to Manual or Pressure Cook on High Pressure for 15 minutes. Make sure the valve is set to Sealing. After cooking, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure by turning the valve to Venting.
4. Shred the Chicken: Once the pressure is fully released, open the lid and remove the chicken thighs from the Instant Pot. Discard the bones and shred the chicken using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring it into the sauce.
5. Serve: Prepare the spaetzle or wide noodles according to package instructions. Serve the shredded chicken and sauerkraut sauce over the hot spaetzle, garnishing with fresh parsley if desired.

Serving Suggestion

For a complete meal, pair this dish with a light salad or roasted vegetables. The tangy, savory sauce will also pair well with crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce.

Wine Pairing

A Riesling or Grüner Veltliner is an ideal pairing for this dish, as their crisp acidity and fruitiness will complement the richness of the sauce and balance the tang of the sauerkraut.

This German-Inspired Instant Pot Chicken with Sauerkraut and Spaetzle delivers all the flavors of the traditional dish in a fraction of the time, making it a great option for a quick yet flavorful meal that will satisfy your cravings for German comfort food.