Are you tired of endless meal prep and complicated recipes? Craving a delicious, healthy dinner that's ready in minutes? Then look no further! This Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker recipe for Lemon Herb Chicken and Veggies is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's a complete one-pot meal packed with flavor, requiring minimal cleanup – the ultimate in easy recipes and healthy meals! This recipe is a testament to the power of homemade cooking, proving that delicious dishes don't have to be difficult. It's one of the best recipes I've discovered for quick dinner ideas.
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 into 1-inch pieces
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
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Prep the Ingredients: Begin by washing and prepping all your vegetables. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and cut the potatoes and carrots to ensure even cooking. This step makes the cooking process much smoother.
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Sear the Chicken (Optional): For extra flavor, you can sear the chicken pieces in olive oil in the Ninja Foodi's pressure cooking pot before adding the other ingredients. Sear in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. This step adds a lovely depth of flavour and helps the chicken brown beautifully.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté for about 2 minutes, until softened. Then, add the potatoes, carrots, chicken broth, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
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Pressure Cook: Place the chicken pieces on top of the vegetables. Secure the lid and set the Ninja Foodi to the "Pressure Cook" setting for 8 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Then, manually release any remaining pressure.
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Serve: Once the pressure is released, carefully open the lid. Give everything a gentle stir and check if the chicken is cooked through. If needed, you can cook for a further 2-3 minutes. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli florets, green beans, or bell peppers. Adjust cooking time accordingly depending on the vegetable's cooking time.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Use fresh herbs: Substitute fresh oregano and thyme for a more intense flavor. Use about 2 tablespoons of each fresh herb.
- Thicken the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the pot during the last few minutes of cooking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 35-40g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This easy and healthy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It's a delicious and nutritious meal that the whole family will enjoy. The convenience of the Ninja Foodi makes this a go-to recipe in my household for its quick cooking time and minimal cleanup. This recipe perfectly demonstrates how easy it is to create delicious, healthy meals using simple ingredients and readily available kitchen appliances. Enjoy!