There’s something special about cooking chicken at home. Whether it’s a warm stew on a cold night or a light lemon herb chicken for lunch, these moments are memorable. The first time I used my Instant Pot was a game-changer. It made cooking faster without losing flavor.
If you’re always looking for quick and tasty Instant Pot chicken recipes, you’re in the right spot. Imagine having dinner ready in no time, with tender chicken. No more rushing or stress, just simple, tasty meals.
Table of Contents
By the end of this article, you’ll have a collection of the best Instant Pot chicken recipes. These recipes will make every day a culinary adventure, with little effort. Let’s explore the world of Instant Pot cooking together.
An Introduction to Cooking Chicken in an Instant Pot
Cooking chicken in an Instant Pot is a great way to cook. It cooks chicken evenly and quickly. Plus, it keeps the chicken juicy and full of flavor. If you’re looking for easy Instant Pot chicken recipes, knowing the basics is key.
Why Use an Instant Pot for Chicken?
Using an Instant Pot for chicken is a big advantage. It cooks chicken fast without losing flavor. For example, chicken breasts cook in 8 minutes, and a whole chicken in 20 minutes.
You can even cook chicken straight from frozen. This makes preparing meals super easy. The Instant Pot also keeps the chicken moist and flavorful.
Essential Ingredients and Tools
To get the most out of your Instant Pot, you need the right ingredients and tools. You’ll need chicken broth, olive oil, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. You might also add fresh herbs and lemon for extra taste.
The main tool is, of course, the Instant Pot. A trivet is handy for some recipes. And a sauté pan is great for pre-searing the chicken before pressure cooking.
Tips for Perfectly Juicy Chicken
To make juicy Instant Pot chicken, follow a few tips. Use high pressure for quick cooking and let it release naturally for 15 minutes. This keeps the chicken juicy.
Make sure the chicken’s internal temperature is at least 165°F. This ensures it’s fully cooked. For even better results, let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking.
| Type of Chicken | Fresh Cooking Time | Frozen Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Breast (Boneless) | 8 minutes | 12 minutes |
| Chicken Breast (Bone-in) | 10 minutes | 16 minutes |
| Chicken Thighs (Boneless) | 12 minutes | 15 minutes |
| Chicken Thighs (Bone-in) | 15 minutes | 20 minutes |
| Chicken Legs (Quarters) | 15 minutes | 20 minutes |
| Chicken Drumsticks | 15 minutes | 20 minutes |
| Chicken Wings | 10 minutes | 15 minutes |
| Chicken Tenders | 6 minutes | 8 minutes |
| Whole Chicken | 20 minutes | 25 minutes |
Quick and Easy Instant Pot Chicken Recipes
Looking for fast and easy chicken recipes? The Instant Pot is perfect. It makes cooking a breeze. Here are three recipes that will make your weeknights easier.
Honey Garlic Instant Pot Chicken
Try the Honey Garlic Instant Pot Chicken for a sweet and savory dish. It’s fast to prepare and packed with flavor. Prep time is 15 minutes, and cooking takes 25 minutes. You’ll have dinner ready in 40 minutes.
Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta
For a creamy, comforting meal, try Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta. It’s easy because you cook pasta and chicken together. In under 45 minutes, you’ll have a dish that’s creamy and satisfying.
Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken & Rice
The Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken & Rice is another quick recipe. It combines chicken, rice, and teriyaki sauce in one pot. It’s quick and easy, perfect for busy nights.
| Nutritional Info | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories per serving | 684 |
| Protein content per serving | 54 grams |
| Fat content per serving | 23 grams |
| Saturated fat per serving | 12 grams |
| Trans fat per serving | 0.5 grams |
| Cholesterol per serving | 156 milligrams |
| Sodium per serving | 1860 milligrams |
| Potassium per serving | 940 milligrams |
| Total carbohydrates per serving | 63 grams |
| Fiber content per serving | 2 grams |
| Sugar content per serving | 2 grams |
| Total servings from the recipe | 4 servings |
| Average rating | 4.90 out of 5 stars |
Healthy Instant Pot Chicken Recipes
Discovering healthy Instant Pot chicken recipes is a great way to make tasty, nutritious meals easily. These recipes mix whole foods with strong flavors, making them both delicious and good for your diet.
Lemon Herb Chicken
The Lemon Herb Chicken is a tasty choice that highlights the chicken’s natural taste. It’s quick to prepare and cooks in 20 minutes under high pressure. This dish is low in calories and has clean ingredients, making it a healthy option.
Chicken and Vegetable Stew
The Chicken and Vegetable Stew is a hearty dish filled with various veggies. It balances flavor and nutrition, featuring carrots, red bell peppers, garlic, and ginger. Each serving has 375 kcal, 30 g of protein, and 47 g of carbs, offering a full and satisfying meal.
Quinoa and Chicken Bowl
The Quinoa Chicken Bowl is great for those who care about their health. It combines grains and protein, perfect for a balanced diet. The quinoa and chicken provide lasting energy and important nutrients. It cooks in 35 minutes, ideal for a quick meal. You can also store it in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for 3 months, great for meal prep.
Popular and Flavorful Recipes
Exploring flavorful instant pot chicken recipes opens up a world of possibilities. This section highlights some of the most popular instant pot chicken recipes. They offer unique flavors that cater to various tastes and dietary needs.
The Instant Pot Orange Chicken is a favorite among many. It uses 2 lbs of chicken, cut into 1-2 inch pieces. The mix includes 1 cup of orange juice, 1 tablespoon of grated ginger, and 6 cloves of minced garlic.
It also has 1 tablespoon of rice wine vinegar or dry white wine, and optional ½ cup of tomato sauce. The sauce is made with ¼ cup each of granulated sugar, brown sugar, lite soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of sriracha sauce. Plus, it includes zest from one orange.
A cornstarch slurry is added to help thicken the sauce. It’s made with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of orange juice. This makes the orange chicken a hit, with 337 kcal per serving and a good mix of vitamins and minerals.
Cooking the Instant Pot Orange Chicken takes under 30 minutes. It includes a 10-minute natural release and a quick release. This makes it great for busy weeknights. Leftovers can be stored for 3-4 days in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer.
The Honey Garlic Chicken is another favorite. It cooks in just 30 minutes, with only 10 minutes of prep time. The honey and garlic give the chicken a sweet and savory taste that many love.
The Instant Pot is a versatile tool for these flavorful instant pot chicken recipes. It’s great for cooking from frozen chicken or making meals for the week. The Instant Pot keeps the chicken moist and tender. It also saves time on cleaning, so you can enjoy your meals more.
With these tips and recipes, you’ll master some of the most popular instant pot chicken recipes. Try different ingredients and add your own twist to these dishes.
Instant Pot Chicken Recipes for Meal Prep
Instant Pot chicken recipes are a big help for meal planning. They save time and make food taste better. Shredded chicken and chicken and rice recipes make meal prep easy.
Shredded Chicken for Multiple Meals
Shredded chicken is great for many dishes. Cook 1 pound of chicken with garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in the Instant Pot. Then, shred it with two forks.
This chicken can go in salads, tacos, sandwiches, or soups. It remains fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. This makes it perfect for several meals.
Chicken and Rice for Week-Long Dinners
Chicken and rice is a complete meal that’s easy to portion. Try an Instant Pot chicken burrito bowl. Mix chicken, onion, garlic, salsa verde, chicken broth, green chiles, black beans, and rice in the Instant Pot.
Cook for about 30 minutes. This recipe makes 4-5 meals, each with 239 kcal. It’s 12% of your daily calories.
Instant Pot chicken recipes make meal prep quick and delicious. Choose shredded chicken or chicken and rice for easy, tasty meals.
FAQ
Why use an Instant Pot for chicken?
The Instant Pot makes cooking chicken fast and easy. It cooks quickly and keeps the chicken moist and flavorful. This makes it perfect for quick meals.
What are the essential ingredients and tools for Instant Pot chicken recipes?
You’ll need chicken, broth or water, and spices like garlic and herbs. You’ll also need an Instant Pot, a trivet, and measuring tools.
What tips can help achieve perfectly juicy chicken in an Instant Pot?
To get juicy chicken, don’t overcook it. Check the temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F. Natural pressure release and good seasoning also help.
How can I make Honey Garlic Instant Pot Chicken?
Mix chicken, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and spices in the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Then, quick release and serve with rice or veggies.
What’s the recipe for Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta?
Sauté chicken in the Instant Pot. Add pasta, broth, and seasonings, then cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. Stir in cream and parmesan for a creamy dish.
How do you prepare Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken & Rice?
Put chicken, rice, teriyaki sauce, and veggies in the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 12 minutes. Use a natural release for a balanced meal.
Is Lemon Herb Chicken a healthy Instant Pot recipe?
Yes, it’s healthy. It uses lemon juice, herbs, and olive oil for a light dish. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
What goes into making Chicken and Vegetable Stew in the Instant Pot?
It has chicken, carrots, potatoes, celery, and broth. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes for a nutritious stew.
Can I prepare a Quinoa and Chicken Bowl in the Instant Pot?
Absolutely! Mix chicken, quinoa, veggies, and broth in the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes for a healthy meal.
What makes Instant Pot chicken recipes so popular and flavorful?
They’re easy to make, cook fast, and keep flavors locked in. The pressure cooking method makes the dishes very tasty.
How can I prepare shredded chicken in the Instant Pot for multiple meals?
Cook chicken with broth and seasonings on high pressure for 10 minutes. Shred it and use in tacos, salads, and sandwiches all week.
What’s the method for making Chicken and Rice for week-long dinners?
Mix chicken, rice, broth, and veggies in the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then allow the pressure to release naturally. This creates a flexible base for various meals throughout the week.