Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen preparing dinner? Do you crave healthy, delicious meals without sacrificing precious time? Then look no further! This Instant Pot healthy chicken recipe is your answer. It's quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights. Forget complicated recipes and lengthy cooking times; this dish delivers a restaurant-quality meal in a fraction of the time. Let's dive into this amazing recipe, perfect for those seeking easy recipes and healthy meals.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (any color)
- 1/2 cup chopped carrots
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics: Set your Instant Pot to the "Sauté" function. Add olive oil, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the onions are softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. This simple step builds a delicious flavor base for your healthy chicken.
Step 2: Add Chicken and Vegetables: Place the chicken breasts in the Instant Pot. Add the chopped bell peppers and carrots. Stir gently to combine everything with the sautéed onions and garlic.
Step 3: Season and Add Broth: Season the chicken and vegetables generously with oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and the bay leaf (if using). Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is mostly submerged. If needed, add a little more broth.
Step 4: Pressure Cook: Secure 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 quick-release any remaining pressure.
Step 5: Shred and Serve: Once the pressure has released, carefully remove the chicken from the Instant Pot. Shred the chicken with two forks. You can either add the shredded chicken back into the sauce or serve it alongside. Serve this healthy and delicious chicken over rice, quinoa, or with a side of roasted vegetables.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the Instant Pot. If you have a large amount of chicken, cook it in batches.
- For a thicker sauce, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
Variations:
- Lemon Herb Chicken: Add the zest and juice of one lemon along with your herbs for a bright and zesty flavor.
- Spicy Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Creamy Chicken: Stir in a 1/2 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk after pressure cooking for a richer, creamier sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This Instant Pot healthy chicken recipe is a perfect example of how quick dinner ideas can also be healthy and delicious. It's a fantastic option for homemade cooking, offering a simple yet satisfying meal that's perfect for the whole family. Enjoy!