In today's fast-paced world, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can be a challenge. However, with the advent of kitchen appliances like the Instant Pot, meal preparation has become simpler and quicker than ever. Here are five easy Instant Pot recipes that will ensure you have quick meals ready in no time, whether it's for a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend.
Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
This classic comfort food dish is both nutritious and satisfying:
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup rice (preferably long grain)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 lb chicken thighs, cut into chunks
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, pepper, and herbs to taste
How to Prepare:
- Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode, heat olive oil, and then cook the onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add chicken pieces, sauté until lightly browned, then add rice, chicken broth, and seasoning.
- Close the lid, set to "Manual" or "Pressure Cook", and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Once cooking is done, allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot.
👉 Note: Ensure your Instant Pot has enough liquid to create steam for the pressure cooking process. It's crucial for cooking the rice evenly.
Instant Pot Chili
Chili is perfect for cold nights or when you need a hearty meal:
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: jalapeños or bell peppers for heat and flavor
How to Prepare:
- Using the sauté function, cook the onions and garlic, then add the meat and brown it.
- Add the remaining ingredients, stir to combine.
- Set the Instant Pot to high pressure and cook for 15 minutes.
- Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes then use a quick release if necessary.
👉 Note: You can adjust the chili's heat by adding or reducing the amount of chili powder or using different peppers.
Instant Pot Potato Soup
Warm, creamy, and loaded with all your favorite toppings, this potato soup is a must-try:
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Ingredients:
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: bacon, cheese, green onions, sour cream
How to Prepare:
- In sauté mode, cook onions and garlic until soft. Add potatoes, broth, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Close the lid, set to "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" for 10 minutes at high pressure.
- After cooking, manually release the pressure, then stir in the cream or milk.
- Blend half of the soup for a creamier consistency or mash some of the potatoes with a potato masher.
- Serve hot with your choice of toppings.
Instant Pot Salsa Chicken
This easy recipe is perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, or just as a standalone dish:
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup salsa of your choice
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water or chicken broth
- Optional: 1/2 cup of cream cheese for a creamier texture
How to Prepare:
- Add chicken to the Instant Pot, pour over salsa, sprinkle with taco seasoning, and add liquid.
- Pressure cook on high for 15 minutes.
- After cooking, quick release the pressure and shred the chicken using two forks.
- If using cream cheese, mix it in until melted and blended.
Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Herb Chicken
Transform basic chicken into a flavourful meal with minimal effort:
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Ingredients:
- 4-6 chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 3 lemons (juice of 2, slices from 1)
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon each of fresh rosemary, thyme, and oregano, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried each)
- Salt, pepper, and olive oil
How to Prepare:
- Sauté the chicken in some olive oil until browned on both sides, then remove and set aside.
- Add the garlic to the pot, then deglaze with chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom.
- Return chicken to the pot, add herbs and lemon slices, and pressure cook on high for 10 minutes.
- Quick release the pressure, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve with your choice of sides.
👉 Note: When cooking with acidic ingredients like lemon juice, make sure not to overfill your Instant Pot. Acidic foods can increase foam, which might clog the vent.
These quick meals from your Instant Pot are not only time-saving but also allow for versatile flavoring and nutritional benefits. By incorporating these recipes into your meal rotation, you'll save time without compromising on taste or health. Experiment with the ingredients or spice levels to suit your palate, and you'll have a collection of go-to meals that are both comforting and convenient.
Can I use frozen chicken in these Instant Pot recipes?
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Yes, you can use frozen chicken in the Instant Pot. However, you may need to increase the cooking time by 5-10 minutes to ensure it’s cooked thoroughly.
How do I adjust the recipes if I want more or fewer servings?
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Most Instant Pot recipes can be scaled up or down by simply adjusting the amount of ingredients proportionally. For larger quantities, keep in mind the pot’s capacity and pressure limits.
Is it safe to open the Instant Pot immediately after cooking?
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After cooking, you can either use the natural release method where pressure drops naturally or quick release for foods with a lot of liquid. However, be cautious with hot steam; always release the steam away from your face and make sure the valve is clear before turning it.
