Instant Pot Chicken Thighs with Tomatoes, Garlic, Turmeric & Celery Seed Brothy Stock
(A GAPS-friendly, gut-healing meal for the whole family, especially toddlers!)
When it comes to nourishing our little ones, we want every bite to be packed with gut-healing, brain-boosting, and immune-supporting nutrients. This Instant Pot chicken thigh recipe is an easy, nutrient-dense meal made with pasture-raised chicken, homemade meat stock, anti-inflammatory turmeric, and digestion-friendly celery seed—all in a delicious, brothy base that toddlers and adults alike will love!
Why This Meal is Perfect for Toddlers & Gut Health
This meal is GAPS-friendly, meaning it follows the Gut and Psychology Syndrome (GAPS) diet, which focuses on healing the gut lining and restoring microbiome balance through nourishing, easy-to-digest foods. Each ingredient in this dish serves a specific purpose in supporting digestion, immunity, and brain development.
🧠 Healthy Fats for Brain Development
Pasture-Raised Chicken Thighs & Skin – Rich in healthy animal fats, collagen, and amino acids for brain function and gut lining support.
Ghee or Butter – High in butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that reduces inflammation and nourishes gut cells.
🦠 Gut-Healing & Immune-Supporting Ingredients
Homemade Meat Stock – Unlike long-cooked bone broth, meat stock is gentler on digestion and packed with gelatin, amino acids, and minerals that help seal the gut lining, reducing inflammation and improving nutrient absorption.
Garlic & Onion – Natural prebiotics that feed beneficial gut bacteria, supporting digestion and immunity.
Turmeric – A powerful anti-inflammatory that helps balance gut bacteria, supports liver function, and reduces histamine reactions (great for eczema-prone toddlers!).
Celery Seed – Supports digestive enzyme production and soothes bloating and gas, making food easier to digest.
🩸 Iron, Protein & Mineral Support for Growing Toddlers
Chicken Thighs – High in heme iron, which is more absorbable than plant-based iron, preventing anemia and supporting oxygen transport in the body.
Tomatoes – Contain vitamin C, which helps with iron absorption while providing antioxidants for immune health.
Sea Salt & Black Pepper – Helps maintain electrolyte balance for hydration and energy.
Ingredients
✅ 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (pasture-raised if possible)
✅ 1.5 tbsp ghee or butter (for searing)
✅ ½ small onion, chopped
✅ 3 cloves garlic, minced
✅ 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
✅ ⅓ cup homemade meat stock (adds gut-healing nutrients)
✅ 1 to 1½ cups filtered water (for a brothier consistency)
✅ 1 tsp sea salt (adjust to taste)
✅ ½ tsp black pepper (adjust to taste)
✅ ½ tsp dried oregano (or swap with thyme, basil, or Italian seasoning)
✅ ½ tsp turmeric powder (anti-inflammatory boost)
✅ ½ tsp celery seed (adds depth & mild bitterness, supports digestion)
✅ ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for warmth & flavor)
Instructions
1️⃣ Sear the Chicken & Aromatics
Set the Instant Pot to "Sauté" mode and melt ghee or butter.
Season chicken thighs with salt & pepper.
Place chicken skin-side down and sear for 3-4 minutes until golden. Flip and sear for another 2 minutes.
While the chicken is still in the pot, add onions and stir around the chicken for 2-3 minutes.
Add garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2️⃣ Add Liquid & Seasonings
Pour in homemade meat stock and filtered water, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom (adds extra flavor).
Stir in diced tomatoes, oregano, turmeric, celery seed, and paprika.
3️⃣ Pressure Cook
Seal the Instant Pot and cook on High Pressure for 35 minutes.
Allow a Natural Release for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
4️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
Spoon the brothy stock over the chicken or serve as a soup.
Pair with mashed cauliflower, roasted veggies, or zucchini noodles for a complete meal.
Serving Ideas for Toddlers
🥣 Pureed for Early Eaters – Blend the stock, chicken, and veggies into a smooth, easy-to-eat meal.
🥄 Shredded Chicken for Finger Foods – Serve the soft chicken pulled into bite-sized pieces.
🍚 Serve Over Mashed Veggies – The brothy stock adds a delicious and nutrient-rich base.
🥄 Use as a Soup with a Spoon – Perfect for older toddlers learning to self-feed.
Ingredient Swaps & Customizations
🥕 Want to add veggies? Toss in chopped carrots, zucchini, or spinach after cooking and let them soften in the hot broth.
🥣 Want a thicker broth? Blend a portion of the tomatoes and broth before serving.
🧀 Want extra flavor? Top with aged Manchego or Parmesan for a GAPS-friendly cheesy finish.
🍋 Need a dairy-free option? Swap ghee for coconut oil or duck fat for a healthy fat alternative.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in single portions for easy toddler meals. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Why Gut-Healing Meals Like This Matter
This GAPS-friendly recipe is nutrient-dense, supports gut health, and reduces inflammation—all essential for growing toddlers. If your child struggles with:
✔ Eczema, allergies, or skin issues – This meal helps reduce histamine reactions and support immune function.
✔ Reflux, bloating, or gas – The gelatin-rich broth and digestive-supporting spices make this an easy-to-digestoption.
✔ Picky eating or low appetite – The flavors and textures encourage variety, while the nutrient density ensures they get the right building blocks for growth.
Want More Gut-Healing, Toddler-Friendly Recipes?
Grab my FREE guide: Nutrient-Dense Meals Made Simple!
✔ Toddler-friendly, gut-healing recipes
✔ Inspired by GAPS, Weston A. Price & ancestral nutrition
✔ Batch cooking tips & easy meal-prep ideas
✔ Allergy-friendly swaps & food diversity tips
📩 Click here to download your FREE copy today!
Feeding our toddlers nutrient-dense, gut-healing foods doesn’t have to be complicated. This Instant Pot chicken thigh recipe is a simple, one-pot meal packed with bioavailable nutrients, healing amino acids, and essential vitamins to support their growing brains and bodies. Try it out and let me know how your little one enjoys it!
💕 Have questions about GAPS cooking or healing foods for toddlers? Drop a comment!