5 Easy Chicken Instant Pot Recipes You'll Love

The Instant Pot has revolutionized the way we cook, making it easier than ever to whip up delicious meals in record time. If you're a fan of chicken dishes, you're in for a treat with these five Instant Pot chicken recipes. These recipes are not only simple to prepare but also incredibly tasty, ensuring your weeknight dinners are both stress-free and delectable. Let's dive into these easy and mouth-watering chicken recipes that you'll absolutely love.

Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken

Here's a quick recipe that combines the fresh zest of lemon with the aromatic punch of garlic:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Fresh parsley for garnish

To prepare this dish:

1. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode, heat the oil, and season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Brown the chicken on both sides.
2. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until they're translucent.
3. Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir to combine.
4. Close the lid, set to manual high pressure for 15 minutes, and perform a quick release.
5. Serve with parsley for a pop of color and additional freshness.

🍋 Note: For a crispier skin, broil the chicken in the oven for 2-3 minutes after cooking.

Instant Pot Chicken Curry

Curry lovers will appreciate how this recipe brings the rich flavors of Indian spices right to your dinner table:

• 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cubed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 1 cup coconut milk
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Here's how you can make this flavorful curry:

1. Use the sauté function to cook onions in oil until they're soft. Add garlic and ginger.
2. Stir in curry powder, cooking for a minute to bloom the spices.
3. Add chicken, tomatoes, and coconut milk. Mix well.
4. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, then perform a quick release.
5. Garnish with cilantro before serving.

🌶 Note: Adjust the curry powder to suit your taste for heat.

Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

This one-pot wonder combines chicken with fluffy rice for a filling meal:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 boneless chicken breasts, cubed
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1.5 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parsley for garnish

The preparation involves:

1. Sauté onions in butter, then add chicken and brown slightly.
2. Stir in rice, broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Lock the lid, set to high pressure for 10 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural release.
4. Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with parsley.

Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip

This party favorite is a must-have for game days or gatherings:

• 2 lbs chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 1 cup hot sauce (like Frank's RedHot)
• 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese
• 1 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Here's how to whip it up:

1. Add shredded chicken, hot sauce, cream cheese, and dressing to the pot.
2. Set to sauté to melt and combine ingredients, then switch to the warm setting.
3. Stir in shredded cheese until melted. Serve with veggies, crackers, or chips.

Instant Pot Chicken Soup

A comforting bowl of chicken soup is just a pressure cooker away:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: egg noodles or rice

To make this soup:

1. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery in oil.
2. Add garlic, followed by broth, chicken, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
3. Set to high pressure for 15 minutes, then do a quick release.
4. Shred the chicken, add back to the pot, and serve.

In wrapping up our culinary journey with these five Instant Pot chicken recipes, we've explored the simplicity and versatility of this fantastic kitchen appliance. From the zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken to the heartwarming Chicken Soup, these dishes prove that you can enjoy gourmet-like meals without the gourmet effort. Whether you're looking to streamline your meal prep or impress dinner guests, these recipes are guaranteed to become staples in your home cooking repertoire. Enjoy the convenience and the flavors of your Instant Pot, and let these recipes add joy and satisfaction to your dining experience.

How long does it typically take to cook chicken in an Instant Pot?

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Chicken can be cooked in an Instant Pot in 8-20 minutes depending on the size and thickness of the pieces, with additional time for pressure buildup and release.

Can I use frozen chicken in these Instant Pot recipes?

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Yes, but cooking time will need to be adjusted. Add about 50% more time for frozen chicken compared to fresh or thawed.

What other ingredients can I add to enhance the flavor?

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Consider adding herbs like rosemary or thyme, or spices like paprika or cumin. Fresh ingredients like lemon zest, fresh parsley, or even a splash of vinegar can also boost flavor profiles.