An Instant Pot is three appliances in one. You can saute, steam, or brown foods like an electric skillet; you can slow cook foods like a slow cooker, and you can pressure cook foods like a pressure cooker. One of the best foods to cook in the Instant Pot is chicken.
Instant Pot Chicken Divan
The combination of chicken and broccoli, cooked in a creamy white sauce, is delicious, with a mild flavor. This recipe uses the saute and slow cook functions of the Instant Pot. Serve over hot cooked brown rice for a great meal and add a crisp green salad.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
- 1 (16 ounce) jar Alfredo sauce
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Set the Instant Pot to Saute.
- When the Pot is hot, add the olive oil, onions, and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, for 3 to 5 minutes or until crisp-tender.
- Meanwhile, cut the chicken into 2" pieces and sprinkle with the salt, pepper, and basil leaves.
- Add the chicken and Alfredo sauce to the Instant Pot and stir.
- Add the lid and lock it.
- Set to Slow Cook, and cook for 3-1/2 hours.
- Unlock the lid and add the broccoli.
- Add the lid and lock it. Cook for 30 minutes.
- Unlock the lid, turn it off, and add the cheese; stir gently. Cover the pot again but leave it off. Let stand 5 minutes until the cheese melts. Serve immediately.
Serves 4
Variations and Tips
Try switching the recipe up with these options:
- You can make this recipe with chicken thighs if you'd like. The cooking time in Step 6 should be 5-1/2 hours.
- You can use frozen broccoli florets in place of the fresh. Cook for 20 minutes instead of 30.
- If you like a spicier recipe, use Pepper Jack cheese instead of the Swiss cheese.
- You can also serve this rich dish over hot cooked pasta or mashed potatoes.
Instant Pot Chicken Tacos
Everyone loves tacos, but they are usually made with shredded or ground beef. Make some chicken tacos for a great change of pace. The Instant Pot cooks chicken just like a pressure cooker does, so it becomes meltingly tender. This spicy dish should be served with some fresh fruit for a cooling contrast.
Ingredients
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeno pepper, minced
- 1/2 cup taco sauce
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 8 corn taco shells
- 1 cup prepared coleslaw
- 2 avocados, peeled and cut into chunks
Instructions
- Combine the chicken thighs, chili powder, oregano, salt, pepper, onion, garlic, and jalapeno pepper in the Instant Pot.
- Add the taco sauce and salsa and stir to coat.
- Add the lid and lock it into place.
- Press the "Poultry" button and set the timer for 13 minutes.
- When the timer beeps, use the quick release function.
- Uncover the Pot and, using a large fork, shred the chicken.
- Heat the taco shells according to package directions.
- Make tacos with the shells, the chicken filling, coleslaw, and avocados. Serve immediately.
Serves 4
Variations and Tips
Change the heat level or add cheese to make the tacos suit your taste.
- You can make this recipe mild or spicy depending on the taco sauce and salsa you choose.
- If you like a really hot taco, use a habanero chili instead of the jalapeno pepper. Or add more jalapenos!
- This recipe is also good with cheese. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Pepper Jack on the chicken so it melts before you assemble the tacos.
Enjoy Your Instant Pot Chicken Recipes
The Instant Pot cooks chicken beautifully whether you use the slow cook or pressure cook function. And because you can also saute in this appliance, you don't need to clean a saucepan.
