Delicious Instant Pot Chicken Recipe

Name: Delicious Instant Pot Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked); 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce; 1 tablespoon honey

Recipe By:

Ava Mack

Posted:

February 4, 2025

Updated:

February 4, 2025

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Have you ever craved a dish that combines convenience with rich flavors? Imagine biting into tender chicken infused with savory spices and herbs, all prepared in the blink of an eye. With the Instant Pot Chicken recipe, you can experience this delightful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This dish not only satisfies hunger but also brings warmth and comfort to your table.

The magic of the Instant Pot lies in its ability to lock in moisture and flavor, creating a satisfying meal that cooks quickly. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into why you’ll love making this delicious Instant Pot Chicken!

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Chicken

Quick Cooking Time: One of the standout features of this Instant Pot Chicken recipe is its incredible speed. You can have a delicious meal ready in just 30 minutes! This makes it an ideal choice for busy weekdays when time is limited but flavor is still desired.

Tender and Juicy Results: The pressure cooking method ensures that your chicken remains moist and tender throughout the cooking process. Say goodbye to dry chicken breasts; instead, enjoy perfectly cooked poultry every time.

Versatile Flavor Options: This recipe serves as a fantastic base for various flavors. Whether you prefer tangy barbecue sauce or aromatic herbs and spices, you can easily customize the taste to suit your palate.

Minimal Cleanup: The beauty of using an Instant Pot is that it acts as both a slow cooker and a pressure cooker. With just one pot to clean up after cooking, you’ll spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.

Recipe preparation

Ingredients for Instant Pot Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor.
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth works well to control saltiness while enhancing flavor.
Onion Powder: This adds depth to your dish without overwhelming other flavors.
Paprika: Use sweet or smoked paprika for an added layer of richness.

For the Sauce:

Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness.
Honey: Adds sweetness to balance out savory elements.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all ingredients listed above. Chop any vegetables you may want to include or set aside as sides.

Sauté Aromatics: Select the sauté function on your Instant Pot. Add olive oil and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant (about one minute). This step builds flavor before adding other ingredients.

Add Chicken and Broth: Place boneless skinless chicken breasts into the pot. Pour in chicken broth along with onion powder and paprika. Ensure that everything is evenly distributed.

Seal and Cook: Close the lid securely and set the valve to sealing position. Cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes followed by a natural release for another five minutes.

Prepare Sauce While Cooking: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce and honey together until well combined. Set aside until your chicken finishes cooking.

Serve It Up!: Once done cooking, release any remaining pressure carefully. Remove chicken from pot and drizzle with prepared sauce before serving over rice or pasta for an amazing finishing touch.

Serving and storing

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: If you’re making more than four servings at once, consider cooking in batches. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.

Use Fresh Ingredients when Possible: Fresh garlic or herbs enhance flavor more than dried versions. Opt for fresh whenever available for better results.

Adjust Seasoning According to Taste: Feel free to modify seasonings based on personal preferences; add more spices if needed after tasting during cooking stages.

Add Vegetables for Extra Nutrition: Consider incorporating vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli into your dish during cooking time for added nutrition without much effort.

Enjoy this convenient yet mouthwatering meal that transforms everyday ingredients into something extraordinary!

Serving Suggestions

This Instant Pot Chicken is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

Steamed Vegetables

Serve your Instant Pot Chicken alongside a medley of steamed vegetables for a healthy and colorful plate. Broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers complement the savory flavors of the chicken. The crunchiness of the veggies adds texture, while their natural sweetness balances the dish perfectly. Drizzle with a little olive oil or lemon juice to enhance the freshness.

Rice or Quinoa

A bed of fluffy rice or nutty quinoa makes an excellent base for Instant Pot Chicken. These grains soak up the delicious juices from the chicken, creating a satisfying meal. You can also spice up your rice or quinoa by cooking them in chicken broth instead of water for extra flavor.

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes pair beautifully with Instant Pot Chicken. The richness of the potatoes complements the savory sauce, making each bite delightful. You can add garlic or herbs to your mashed potatoes to elevate their taste and create a comforting, hearty meal.

Salad

A fresh salad can lighten up your meal when serving Instant Pot Chicken. Use crisp greens like spinach or romaine, topped with cherry tomatoes, avocado, and a light vinaigrette. This balances out the richness of the chicken while adding vibrant colors and essential nutrients to your plate.

FAQs

What is the best way to store leftover Instant Pot Chicken?

To store leftover Instant Pot Chicken, allow it to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. Refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze portions for longer storage; just ensure to use freezer-safe containers and consume them within 2-3 months for optimal taste.

Can I use frozen chicken in my Instant Pot?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken in your Instant Pot for this recipe. Just increase the cooking time by 5-10 minutes depending on the thickness of the chicken pieces. The Instant Pot will cook everything thoroughly while keeping it juicy and tender.

How do I know when my Instant Pot Chicken is done?

To check if your Instant Pot Chicken is done cooking, make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken without touching bone for accuracy. If it’s not fully cooked, simply seal and cook for an additional few minutes.

Can I customize the flavors in my Instant Pot Chicken?

Absolutely! You can customize flavors by adding various spices, herbs, or marinades before cooking. Consider using garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, or even soy sauce for different flavor profiles that suit your taste preferences while preparing this delicious Instant Pot Chicken.

Conclusion

In summary, this Instant Pot Chicken recipe offers a quick and flavorful solution for busy weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Whether you serve it with steamed vegetables, rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or a refreshing salad, you can easily create a well-balanced meal that delights everyone at your table.