In today's fast-paced lifestyle, the Instant Pot has become a kitchen essential for many, offering a quick and effortless way to whip up delicious meals. Here, we'll explore five easy and quick Instant Pot chicken recipes that you can prepare in minutes, perfect for those busy weeknights or when you simply crave a hassle-free meal.
1. Lemon Garlic Chicken
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1⁄2 cup chicken broth
- 1⁄4 cup lemon juice
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
Instructions:
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode, add olive oil, and brown the chicken on both sides for about 3 minutes each side.
- Remove chicken, add garlic, and sauté until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, and scrape any bits off the bottom of the pot.
- Place chicken back into the pot, add lemon slices and thyme.
- Close the lid, set to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Do a quick release.
- Serve with the sauce poured over the top.
🍋 Note: For an extra zesty flavor, you can add a teaspoon of lemon zest before cooking.
2. Spicy Chicken Tacos
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless chicken breast
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 jar salsa
- 1 cup water
- Tortillas
- Toppings: avocado, cilantro, lime, sour cream, shredded cheese
Instructions:
- Place chicken, taco seasoning, salsa, and water into the Instant Pot.
- Cook on high pressure for 20 minutes, then do a natural release for 10 minutes followed by a quick release.
- Shred the chicken with two forks, mix with the sauce in the pot.
- Serve on warmed tortillas with your favorite toppings.
🌮 Note: Adjust the heat level by choosing a mild or spicy salsa!
3. Chicken and Rice Pilaf
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into pieces
- 1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1⁄2 teaspoon each salt and pepper
- Frozen peas and carrots
Instructions:
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté. Add a little oil, then cook the onion until soft.
- Add garlic, chicken, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in rice, broth, peas, and carrots. Give everything a good stir.
- Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Let it naturally release for 10 minutes before doing a quick release.
- Fluff with a fork before serving.
🍚 Note: This recipe doubles well, making it great for meal prep or family meals.
4. BBQ Chicken Legs
Ingredients:
- 6 chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1⁄2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Season chicken legs with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour water into the Instant Pot, insert the trivet, and place chicken on top.
- Seal and cook on high pressure for 12 minutes, then do a quick release.
- Brush with BBQ sauce, set Instant Pot to sauté, and cook for an additional 3 minutes per side for caramelization.
🍗 Note: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in half the BBQ sauce for a few hours before cooking.
5. Butter Chicken
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken thighs, cut into chunks
- 1⁄2 cup yogurt
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1⁄2 cup tomato sauce
- 1⁄2 cup cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix chicken with yogurt, garam masala, turmeric, and salt. Let it marinate while you prepare other ingredients.
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté, add butter, onions, and garlic. Cook until onions are translucent.
- Add marinated chicken, tomato sauce, and 1⁄4 cup water. Stir well.
- Close the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Let it naturally release for 10 minutes, then quick release.
- Stir in the cream before serving.
🍛 Note: If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a little more cream or water.
As you can see, the Instant Pot is truly a versatile tool in the kitchen, allowing you to create a variety of flavors quickly and easily. From the zesty lemon garlic chicken to the comforting butter chicken, each recipe offers a different taste profile while maintaining simplicity in preparation. Not only do these recipes save you time, but they also promise a delightful meal that everyone at the table will enjoy.
Can I cook frozen chicken in the Instant Pot?
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Yes, you can cook frozen chicken in an Instant Pot. However, increase the cooking time by about 50% and ensure you use a sufficient amount of liquid to avoid the “burn” warning.
How do I prevent my Instant Pot from giving a “burn” warning?
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To prevent the “burn” warning, always start with enough liquid in the pot, and avoid cooking high-starch ingredients like rice at the bottom. Use a trivet or steamer basket when possible to keep food off the bottom.
Are these recipes good for meal prep?
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Yes, these recipes are excellent for meal prep. They keep well in the fridge for several days and can also be frozen. Just remember to portion them into meal-sized containers for convenience.
