Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen, only to have your family turn up their noses at dinner? Do you dream of healthy, homemade meals without the hefty time commitment? Then you've come to the right place! This blog post is dedicated to sharing some of the best instant pot chicken recipes, perfect for busy families who crave delicious, easy-to-make dinners. We'll show you how to transform simple ingredients into hearty, flavourful meals in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional cooking methods. Get ready to experience the magic of the Instant Pot!
One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Veggies
This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, combining tender chicken with vibrant vegetables all cooked to perfection in one pot. It's a healthy, delicious, and incredibly easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 1 lb carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Sauté: Turn your Instant Pot to the "Sauté" function. Add olive oil and brown the chicken pieces for about 3-4 minutes, ensuring they are seared on all sides. This step adds incredible flavor!
- Add Veggies and Seasoning: Add potatoes, carrots, and broccoli to the pot. Stir in chicken broth, lemon juice, Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pressure Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to "Sealing." Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure manually.
- Serve: Fluff the vegetables with a fork and serve immediately. This dish is perfect on its own or served with a side of rice or quinoa.
Cooking Tips:
- For extra flavor, add a bay leaf during cooking and remove it before serving.
- Don't overcrowd the Instant Pot. If you have a large amount of vegetables, you may need to cook in batches.
- Feel free to substitute other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken
This recipe offers a comforting and flavorful twist on classic chicken, perfect for a cozy family dinner. It's another example of how easy and quick delicious homemade meals can be.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place chicken breasts in the Instant Pot.
- Add diced tomatoes, Rotel, heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Close the lid and set the valve to "Sealing." Cook on high pressure for 12 minutes. Allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure manually.
- Shred the chicken using two forks and stir to combine with the sauce. Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Variations:
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes instead of regular diced tomatoes for a more intense flavor.
- Substitute spinach or kale for a healthier twist.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving, will vary based on ingredients and portion size):
One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Veggies: Calories: 300-350, Protein: 30-35g, Fat: 10-15g
Creamy Tuscan Chicken: Calories: 400-450, Protein: 35-40g, Fat: 20-25g
These recipes provide healthy, delicious, and quick dinner ideas for your family. Enjoy the ease and convenience of Instant Pot cooking! Remember to always prioritize food safety and follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific Instant Pot model.