5 Best Chicken Instant Pot Recipes

top chicken recipes instant pot

If you're looking to simplify your weeknight dinners, the Instant Pot can transform your chicken game effortlessly. You might be surprised at how versatile this kitchen appliance is, turning basic ingredients into standout meals. From a comforting Classic Chicken Curry to zesty Spicy Chicken Tacos, there's a recipe for every taste. And let's not forget the rich, creamy goodness of Chicken Alfredo. Curious about how these dishes can enhance your cooking while saving time? The details might just change the way you approach dinner.

Classic Instant Pot Chicken Curry

instant pot chicken curry

Classic Instant Pot Chicken Curry is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a rich, aromatic curry sauce. This recipe is a perfect way to enjoy the warm spices of curry while leveraging the convenience of the Instant Pot to achieve perfectly cooked chicken in a fraction of the time. The dish can be served over rice or with naan for a complete meal that's sure to impress family and friends.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • Cooked rice or naan, for serving

Cooking Instructions:

Start by setting your Instant Pot to the "Sauté" mode and heat the olive oil.

Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.

Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.

Add the chicken pieces and sprinkle the curry powder, cumin, and turmeric over the top, stirring to coat the chicken evenly with the spices.

Pour in the coconut milk, chicken broth, and tomato paste, mixing well.

Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and select "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" for 8 minutes.

Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.

Stir in the frozen peas and season with salt and pepper to taste before serving over rice or with naan, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Extra Tips:

For a spicier curry, consider adding a chopped jalapeño or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper when sautéing the onions.

You can also customize the recipe by adding vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or carrots during the pressure cooking process.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can use the "Sauté" function after cooking to reduce the sauce to your desired consistency.

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Finally, this curry can be made ahead of time and reheated, as the flavors deepen and improve with time, making it a great option for meal prep.

Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

honey garlic chicken thighs

Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are a deliciously sweet and savory dish that can be easily prepared in an Instant Pot, making them perfect for busy weeknight dinners. The combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates a rich glaze that infuses the chicken with flavor while keeping it tender and juicy.

This recipe is quick to prepare, requiring minimal prep time, and the Instant Pot does the heavy lifting, allowing you to enjoy a delightful meal with very little fuss.

Ingredients:

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
  • Chopped green onions (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions:

Start by setting your Instant Pot to the 'Sauté' mode and add the olive oil. Once hot, sear the chicken thighs skin side down for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown, then flip them over.

In a separate bowl, mix together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ginger, and black pepper. Pour this mixture over the chicken thighs in the Instant Pot. Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.

Once the cooking time is up, allow for a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then perform a quick release to let out any remaining pressure. If you'd like a thicker sauce, combine the cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then stir it into the sauce and sauté for a couple of minutes until it thickens.

Serve the chicken garnished with chopped green onions.

Extra Tips:

For an even more flavorful dish, consider marinating the chicken thighs in the honey and soy sauce mixture for a few hours or overnight before cooking.

You can also use boneless chicken thighs if you prefer a quicker cooking time. Additionally, adjusting the amount of honey allows you to customize the sweetness to your liking, and adding vegetables like broccoli or snap peas during the last few minutes of cooking can create a complete meal in one pot.

Enjoy this dish with steamed rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce!

Creamy Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo

creamy chicken alfredo recipe

Creamy Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and creamy sauce, all made effortlessly in your Instant Pot. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal fuss. The pressure cooker infuses the chicken with flavor while simultaneously cooking the pasta to al dente perfection, guaranteeing a delicious meal in no time.

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Ingredients:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Start by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté mode and adding the olive oil. Once hot, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the pot, browning for about 2-3 minutes on each side.

Remove the chicken and set aside. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

Place the fettuccine in the pot, followed by the chicken on top. Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.

Once the cooking time is complete, do a quick release of the pressure. Remove the chicken and shred it, then stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning into the pasta.

Return the shredded chicken to the pot, mix well, and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Extra Tips:

For an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in Italian dressing or spices before cooking.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) after mixing in the cream and cheese.

Additionally, feel free to customize your Alfredo by adding vegetables like spinach or broccoli for added nutrition and taste. Just make sure that any added ingredients don't exceed the liquid capacity of your Instant Pot.

Spicy Chicken Tacos

spicy chicken filled tacos

Spicy Chicken Tacos are a delicious and easy meal that can be prepared quickly in your Instant Pot. The combination of tender, flavorful chicken and zesty spices makes for a satisfying dish that can be served in soft tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends, these tacos are sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Tortillas for serving
  • Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, avocado, sour cream, salsa, cheese

Cooking Instructions:

Begin by setting your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add the olive oil and diced onion, cooking until the onion is translucent.

Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute. Next, add the chicken breasts to the pot, then sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper over the top.

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Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is mostly submerged. Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.

Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural release for 5 minutes, then perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.

Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks before returning it to the pot to soak up the juices.

Extra Tips:

For an extra kick, consider marinating the chicken in the spices for a few hours or overnight before cooking.

You can also customize your toppings based on your preferences—try adding pickled jalapeños for heat or a squeeze of lime for brightness.

If you prefer a crunchier texture, consider toasting the tortillas on a skillet before filling them with the spicy chicken mixture.

Enjoy your tacos with a revitalizing side of Mexican corn salad or a simple avocado salad for a complete meal!

Lemon Garlic Rotisserie Chicken

lemon garlic seasoned chicken

Lemon Garlic Rotisserie Chicken is a flavorful and juicy dish that can be easily prepared in your Instant Pot, bringing the taste of a classic rotisserie right into your kitchen. The combination of fresh lemon juice, garlic, and herbs infuses the chicken with a zesty flavor while the pressure cooking method guarantees it remains tender and moist.

This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, as it can be served with a variety of sides or used in salads and sandwiches.

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
  • 1 lemon, juiced and zested
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • Fresh herbs (such as rosemary or thyme) for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

Start by combining the lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and onion powder in a small bowl to create a marinade.

Rub this mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get it under the skin for maximum flavor.

Place the trivet in the Instant Pot and pour in the chicken broth. Carefully set the seasoned chicken on top of the trivet.

Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 6 minutes per pound. Once done, allow for a natural pressure release for about 15-20 minutes before carefully removing the chicken.

Extra Tips:

For an even more pronounced flavor, marinate the chicken for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.

If you prefer crispy skin, you can finish the chicken under the broiler for a few minutes after it's cooked in the Instant Pot.

Be sure to brush it lightly with olive oil before broiling to achieve that golden, crispy texture.

Finally, save any leftover broth in the pot to use as a base for soups or sauces, adding more depth to your future meals.


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