Are you tired of boring chicken breasts? Do you crave delicious, healthy meals that don't take all night to prepare? Then you've come to the right place! This post is all about unlocking the flavor potential of chicken breasts using your Ninja Foodi or similar pressure cooker. We'll explore several ninja chicken breast recipes – perfect for busy weeknights and satisfying even the pickiest eaters. These easy recipes are also great for healthy meal prepping! Get ready to transform your dinner routine with these quick dinner ideas.
Ninja Chicken Breast with Lemon Herb Sauce
This recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken breasts with a bright, zesty sauce. It's a simple yet impressive dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or oregano), chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Sear (Optional): For added flavor, you can sear the chicken breasts in olive oil for 2-3 minutes per side in the Ninja Foodi's pressure cooking setting before adding liquid. This step isn't necessary, but it creates a beautiful browned crust.
- Pressure Cook: Add the minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and herbs to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the pot. Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
- Natural Pressure Release: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
- Serve: Remove the chicken breasts and serve immediately with the delicious pan sauce.
Cooking Tips:
- Don't overcrowd the pot. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary for even cooking.
- For extra flavor, add a bay leaf during cooking. Remove before serving.
- Thicker chicken breasts may require an extra 2-3 minutes of cooking time.
Ninja Chicken Breast with Creamy Tomato Sauce
This recipe is a comforting classic, elevated with the speed and convenience of your Ninja Foodi. It’s a delicious and healthy meal, perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Sauté: Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in olive oil until softened.
- Add Tomatoes: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Add Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the sauce. Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 6 minutes.
- Natural Pressure Release: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
- Stir in Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Serve: Serve the chicken with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Variations:
- Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to either recipe for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Use different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile. Italian seasoning, paprika, or Cajun seasoning all work well.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for heavy cream in the creamy tomato sauce for a healthier option.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving):
The nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes. However, a general estimate for a 4-ounce serving of Ninja Foodi chicken breast (without added sauces or sides) is approximately:
- Calories: 165-190
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 4-6g
- Carbohydrates: 0-1g
These Ninja chicken breast recipes offer a fantastic way to enjoy quick, healthy, and delicious homemade cooking. They are perfect examples of best recipes for those looking for easy recipes and effortless weeknight meals. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and creating your own delicious variations!