Are you looking for delicious and healthy dinner ideas that won't keep you chained to the stove all evening? Then look no further! This Whole30 Instant Pot Chicken and Vegetables recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. It's packed with flavor, incredibly easy to make, and completely compliant with the Whole30 dietary guidelines. Get ready to enjoy a healthy, homemade meal in minutes! This easy recipe is perfect for those seeking quick dinner ideas and best recipes, making it a staple in your homemade cooking repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
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Sauté the Aromatics: Set your Instant Pot to the "Sauté" function. Add the olive oil and once hot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
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Add Chicken and Spices: Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook for another 2-3 minutes, browning lightly on all sides. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), chicken broth, broccoli, and green beans to the Instant Pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
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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.
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Serve: Open the lid and give the chicken and vegetables a gentle stir. Serve immediately. This delicious dish is perfect on its own or served over a bed of cauliflower rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Results:
- Don't overcrowd the Instant Pot: Ensure there's enough space for the steam to circulate properly. If necessary, cook in batches.
- Adjust cooking time: Depending on the size of your chicken pieces and the desired tenderness, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. For thicker pieces, add an extra 2-3 minutes of pressure cooking time.
- Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other Whole30-compliant vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. Add them along with the broccoli and green beans.
Delicious Variations:
- Spicy Chicken and Veggies: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
- Lemon Herb Chicken: Add the zest and juice of one lemon along with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
- Coconut Curry Chicken: Stir in 1 tablespoon of coconut aminos and 1 teaspoon of curry powder for an exotic twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This Whole30 Instant Pot recipe is a fantastic example of quick and easy healthy meals that don't compromise on flavor. Enjoy this delicious and nutritious dish any night of the week! It’s a guaranteed winner amongst the best recipes for healthy eating. Remember to adapt it to your liking and enjoy the wonderful world of homemade cooking!