If you're looking to simplify your meal prep while still enjoying flavorful chicken dishes, you've come to the right place. The Instant Pot offers a range of recipes that not only save you time but also deliver on taste. From the comforting Creamy Chicken Alfredo to the zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken, there's something to suit every palate. You might be surprised at how easy it is to create these standout meals. Let's investigate these top five recipes that could transform your weeknight dinners into something truly special.
Creamy Chicken Alfredo
Creamy Chicken Alfredo is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, rich cream, and savory Parmesan cheese into a comforting meal, all made effortlessly in your Instant Pot.
This one-pot wonder is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, and it's sure to please both adults and kids alike. With minimal prep and a quick cook time, you can enjoy a homemade Alfredo sauce that's creamy, flavorful, and downright irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Start by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté function and adding the olive oil.
Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the pot, browning on both sides for about 2-3 minutes.
Pour in the chicken broth and add the fettuccine on top, ensuring it's submerged in the liquid.
Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
Once the cooking time is up, perform a quick release of the pressure.
Open the lid, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until well combined, and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Extra Tips:
For an even creamier texture, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or add a bit more cheese to the sauce.
If you prefer a little extra flavor, consider adding Italian seasoning or a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce.
Feel free to add vegetables like broccoli or spinach during the cooking process for a nutritious twist.
Finally, remember that the pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so serve immediately for the best texture!
Spicy Chicken Tacos
Spicy Chicken Tacos are a delicious and easy meal that can be prepared in your Instant Pot in no time. These tacos are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends. The chicken is infused with bold flavors, making every bite a treat. Serve them with your favorite toppings, such as avocado, cilantro, and lime, for a fresh and zesty finish.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- Toppings: diced avocado, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, sliced jalapeños, sour cream
Cooking Instructions:
Start by seasoning the chicken thighs with the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
In the Instant Pot, heat the olive oil on the sauté setting and brown the seasoned chicken for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Add the chicken broth to the pot, scraping up any browned bits. Place the chicken back in the pot, seal the lid, and set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
Once the cooking time is up, allow for a natural release for 5 minutes, then switch to a quick release. Shred the chicken using two forks and mix it with the cooking juices.
Extra Tips:
For added flavor, marinate the chicken in the spice mixture for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
You can also customize the spice levels according to your preference by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper or adding hot sauce to the shredded chicken.
Experiment with different toppings to find your perfect combination, and consider serving the tacos with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans for a complete meal.
Teriyaki Chicken Bowl
If you're looking for a quick and delicious meal that brings together the bold flavors of teriyaki sauce with tender chicken, this Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Bowl is the perfect choice. This recipe isn't only easy to prepare but also allows you to have a complete meal ready in under 30 minutes.
Serve it over rice or noodles, and top it with your favorite vegetables for a wholesome dish that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup steamed broccoli (optional)
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Green onions, sliced for garnish
Instructions:
Start by placing the chicken thighs in the Instant Pot.
In a separate bowl, mix together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and chicken broth. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the pot.
Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and pressure cook on high for 10 minutes.
Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural release for about 5 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to venting to release any remaining pressure.
Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes.
Serve the shredded chicken over cooked rice, topped with steamed broccoli, sesame seeds, and sliced green onions.
Extra Tips:
For a burst of flavor, marinate the chicken in the teriyaki sauce for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
You can also customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas during the final few minutes of cooking.
If you like a spicier kick, adding a splash of sriracha or chili flakes can enhance the dish.
Finally, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, making this not only a delicious meal but also a great option for meal prep!
Lemon Garlic Chicken
Lemon Garlic Chicken is a zesty and aromatic dish that brings a burst of flavor to your dinner table. Cooking this dish in an Instant Pot not only speeds up the process but also allows the chicken to absorb the delicious lemon and garlic essence, resulting in tender and juicy meat.
Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this recipe will surely impress your family and friends with its fresh flavors and simplicity.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme.
Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function and add olive oil. Once the oil is hot, sear the chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they're golden brown.
Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside. In the same pot, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest, scraping any brown bits off the bottom of the pot.
Return the chicken to the pot, close the lid, and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, then allow a natural release for 5 minutes before switching to quick release.
Once safe to open, serve the chicken garnished with fresh parsley.
Extra Tips:
For an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
You can also add vegetables such as asparagus or broccoli to the pot during the last few minutes of cooking for a complete meal.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, after removing the chicken, you can set the Instant Pot to sauté mode again and let the remaining liquid reduce for a few minutes.
Enjoy your Lemon Garlic Chicken with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad for a delightful meal!
Hearty Chicken Stew
Hearty chicken stew is a comforting and satisfying dish that's perfect for chilly days or when you need a little extra warmth. Utilizing the Instant Pot makes this recipe quick and easy, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while keeping the chicken tender and juicy. This stew is packed with vegetables and aromatic herbs, making it a wholesome option that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 carrots, diced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
Begin by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté mode and adding the olive oil. Once heated, add the chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until the onions become translucent.
Next, add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Sauté until the chicken is browned on all sides.
Add the carrots, potatoes, green beans, chicken broth, and bay leaf. Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
Once the timer goes off, allow for a natural release of pressure for about 10 minutes before performing a quick release to let out any remaining steam.
If you prefer a thicker stew, mix cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry, then stir it into the stew and sauté for a few minutes until thickened.
Remove the bay leaf before serving and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Extra Tips:
For added depth of flavor, consider browning the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
You can also experiment with different vegetables based on what you have on hand, such as peas, corn, or parsnips.
If you like a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
Make sure to adjust the seasoning before serving and enjoy the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen while it cooks!
This hearty chicken stew isn't only a meal in itself but also makes for great leftovers, so don't hesitate to double the recipe!