10+ Instapot Chicken Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners
Cooking chicken in an Instant Pot can be a game changer for your meal prep. Quick cooking times and delicious results mean you can enjoy tender, flavorful chicken in just minutes. Whether you’re making a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, these recipes will make your kitchen experience enjoyable and efficient.
Instant Pot chicken recipes are diverse and easy to follow. From classic dishes to unique flavor combinations, there’s something for everyone. You’ll find that using the Instant Pot not only saves time but also ensures juicy and tasty results every time you cook.
1) Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken
Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken is a quick and tasty meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without too much effort. You can whip it up in under 30 minutes.
The chicken comes out tender and packed with flavor. The lemon and garlic create a fresh and zesty taste that everyone will love. Pair it with rice or veggies for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon (juiced and zested)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Cooking Instructions
- Set your Instant Pot to sauté.
- Heat olive oil and add minced garlic. Cook until fragrant.
- Add chicken thighs, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Pour in chicken broth and seal the lid.
- Cook on manual high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Let it release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick release the rest.
- Serve hot and enjoy your meal!
2) Instant Pot Chicken Marbella
Instant Pot Chicken Marbella is a delicious dish that is perfect for any dinner. It combines savory and sweet flavors, making it unique and tasty. You’ll enjoy the mix of olives, capers, and dried fruits.
To start, dice your chicken into bite-sized pieces. Sauté it in olive oil using the sauté mode on your Instant Pot for about 7 to 8 minutes. Once browned, add your seasoning and other ingredients.
After you mix everything, cook the chicken on high pressure for about 10 minutes. Let it naturally release pressure for 5 minutes before doing a quick release. This will keep the chicken juicy and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup olives
- 1/2 cup dried apricots or prunes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/8 cup dried oregano
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Dice chicken thighs.
- Add olive oil to the Instant Pot and sauté chicken for 7-8 minutes.
- Add olives, dried fruit, garlic, oregano, and broth.
- Seal the pot and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Let pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then do a quick release.
3) Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is a delicious and easy recipe. With tender chicken and a sweet garlic sauce, it’s perfect for a quick meal. You can use fresh or frozen chicken thighs for this dish.
Start by mixing honey, soy sauce, and garlic in a bowl. Then, place the chicken in the Instant Pot and pour the sauce over it. Cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes.
Once done, let it release pressure naturally for a few minutes before doing a quick release. Serve the chicken with rice or veggies for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) honey
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Cooking Instructions
- Mix honey, soy sauce, and garlic in a bowl.
- Place chicken thighs in the Instant Pot.
- Pour the sauce over chicken.
- Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then quick release.
- Serve with rice or veggies.
4) Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes
Cooking chicken and potatoes in the Instant Pot is quick and simple. You can have a delicious dinner ready in about 30 minutes. The chicken turns out juicy, and the potatoes are buttery and soft.
To make this dish, you will need chicken breasts, baby potatoes, olive oil, and your favorite seasonings. Many people like to use ranch seasoning for extra flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5-2 lbs)
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons ranch dressing seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and ranch seasoning.
- Add olive oil to your Instant Pot and set it to sauté mode.
- Brown the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side.
- Add the baby potatoes to the pot.
- Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook for 10 minutes.
- Once done, do a quick release of steam and serve warm.
5) Instant Pot Chicken with Quinoa
Instant Pot Chicken with Quinoa is a tasty and healthy meal. It combines protein from chicken and nutrients from quinoa. You can prepare this dish quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Start by adding chicken broth and rinsed quinoa to your Instant Pot. Next, season the chicken with your favorite spices, and place it on top of the quinoa. You can even add vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for extra flavor.
Cook it all on high pressure for about 10 minutes. After cooking, you can let the pressure release naturally for a few minutes before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 1 cup broccoli (optional)
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water.
- Add quinoa and chicken broth to the Instant Pot.
- Season the chicken and place it on top.
- Close the lid and set to high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes before serving.
6) Instant Pot Lemon Frozen Chicken with Orzo
This recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want a delicious meal without much fuss. You can use frozen chicken, which makes it super convenient. The combination of lemon and orzo adds a bright flavor to the dish.
To start, you’ll need some basic ingredients. The creamy texture of the dish, along with tender chicken, makes it a family favorite. You can serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Place the frozen chicken in the Instant Pot.
- Add the orzo, chicken broth, and heavy cream.
- Stir in the lemon juice and zest, then season with salt and pepper.
- Close the lid and set to high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Once done, quick release the pressure and check the chicken’s temperature; it should be 165°F (74°C).
- Stir everything together before serving. Enjoy!
7) Instant Pot Chicken Stew
Instant Pot Chicken Stew is a warm and hearty dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. This recipe combines tender chicken with flavorful vegetables and a rich broth. It cooks quickly, making it an ideal choice for busy days.
You will need chicken, potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, and seasonings. The Instant Pot does the hard work for you, blending all those delicious flavors together.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups potatoes, diced
- 2 cups carrots, sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
Cooking Instructions
- Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat olive oil.
- Add onions, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 3 minutes.
- Stir in chicken and cook until browned.
- Add potatoes, carrots, broth, salt, and pepper.
- Close the lid and set to manual pressure for 10 minutes.
- Once done, allow natural release for 5 minutes, then quick release.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
8) Instant Pot Chicken Breast
Cooking chicken breasts in an Instant Pot is quick and easy. You can use fresh or frozen chicken, making it a convenient option for dinner.
For fresh chicken breasts, pressure cook on high for 8-10 minutes. If the chicken is frozen, cook it for 10-12 minutes. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
The Instant Pot locks in flavor and moisture, so your chicken will be juicy. You can even make delicious sauces or gravies with the leftover juices.
Ingredients
- 2-4 chicken breasts (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
- Seasonings of your choice (salt, pepper, garlic powder, etc.)
Cooking Instructions
- Add chicken and broth to the Instant Pot.
- Season the chicken as desired.
- Close the lid and set the valve to sealing.
- Choose pressure cook and set for 8-10 minutes (fresh) or 10-12 minutes (frozen).
- Allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
9) Instant Pot Chicken Rice Bowls
Instant Pot Chicken Rice Bowls are a simple and tasty meal option. You can easily customize them with your favorite ingredients. This dish combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and savory spices.
Start by adding chicken, rice, enchilada sauce, black beans, and your choice of spices to the pot. The Instant Pot cooks everything quickly, ensuring a delicious dinner in no time.
You can serve these bowls with toppings like cheese, avocado, or fresh cilantro for extra flavor. They make a great meal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) chicken breast
- 1 cup (200 g) rice (any type)
- 1 cup (240 ml) enchilada sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon of spices (your choice)
Cooking Instructions
- Add chicken, rice, enchilada sauce, black beans, and spices to the Instant Pot.
- Pour in 1 ¼ cups (300 ml) of water.
- Close the lid and set to pressure cook on high for 10 minutes.
- Allow natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
- Stir and serve with your favorite toppings.
10) Instant Pot Chicken for Sandwiches
Instant Pot chicken sandwiches are perfect for a quick weeknight meal. The chicken turns out tender and flavorful, making it a great filling for buns.
You can make BBQ chicken sandwiches by cooking the chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce. Shredded chicken also works well with creamy ranch dressing for a tasty twist.
These sandwiches are crowd-pleasers and can be easily customized. Add coleslaw, pickles, or your choice of toppings to make them even better.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- Buns for serving
- Optional toppings (coleslaw, pickles)
Cooking Instructions
- Place the chicken in the Instant Pot.
- Pour BBQ sauce or ranch dressing over the chicken.
- Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes (165°F/74°C).
- After 10 minutes, allow the pressure to naturally release for 5 minutes. Then, quick release the rest.
- Shred the chicken and serve on buns with optional toppings.