When chicken dishes are this packed with flavor, it's hard to guess they came together in a flash. That's the power of tried and true Instant Pot chicken recipes!
1/24
Pressure-Cooker Risotto with Chicken and Mushrooms
From the Recipe Creator:
Portobello mushrooms add an earthy flavor to this creamy classic, while shredded rotisserie chicken makes it a snap to prepare. You'll savor every bite. —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 636 calories, 26g fat (10g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 1411mg sodium, 66g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 29g protein.
Normally, risotto requires standing over the stove for almost an hour, slowly adding hot broth at just the right moment. The Instant Pot takes away that tedious step, and precooked rotisserie chicken makes it even easier!
2/24
Pressure-Cooker Spicy Lime Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
This tender pressure-cooker chicken with light lime flavor is a natural filling for tacos, but my son also loves it spooned over cooked rice and sprinkled with his favorite taco toppings. —Christine Hair, Odessa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 132 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 420mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
This chili-spiced shredded chicken, pressure-cooked with lime juice and chicken broth, is a quick way to prepare dinnertime tacos in about 10 minutes. Serve it with tortillas, a side of refried beans and all your family’s favorite taco toppings.
3/24
Pressure-Cooker White Bean Chicken Chili
From the Recipe Creator:
My sister shared this chili recipe with me. The jalapeno adds just enough heat to notice but not too much for my children. —Kristine Bowles, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 343 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 897mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 6g fiber), 24g protein.
Before pressure-cooking the chili, we saute the chicken and veggies in the Instant Pot to add a little color and big flavor. All in all, there’s about 20 minutes of cooking time standing between you and a bowl of comforting, satiating chicken chili.
4/24
Pressure-Cooker Autumn Apple Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
Fill the whole house with the aroma of chicken with apples and barbecue sauce. This is a meal you won’t want to wait to enjoy. —Caitlyn Hauser, Brookline, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 1/2 cup apple mixture: 340 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 458mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fruit.
Cooked with apples, onions, honey, barbecue sauce and apple cider, this Instant Pot chicken recipe has zero shortness of flavor, and the chicken thighs are fall-off-the-bone tender. This is the perfect fall recipe for a chilly evening that doesn’t take all day to cook.
5/24
Pressure-Cooker Orange Chipotle Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
The citrus in this delicious chicken dish keeps things fresh and lively. We're big on spice in our house, so sometimes I use two chipotle peppers. —Deborah Biggs, Omaha, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast with 1/4 cup sauce: 246 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 315mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 starch.
Anyone who loves a bit of heat will devour this chipotle chicken, brightened with orange zest and orange juice. While it’s cooking, prepare a side of Spanish rice or get together your taco bowl fixings.
6/24
Pressure-Cooker Chicken Chop Suey
From the Recipe Creator:
If you’re in for a busy evening, here’s a wonderful way to ensure you can still have a healthful supper. It’s tasty, traditional—and easy too. —Melody Littlewood, Royal City, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 182 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 709mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
Need to sneak in some vegetables with dinner? This chicken chop suey has seven. Since they all cook together with the chicken and sauce, they meld right in, so even picky eaters won’t mind trying a bamboo shoot.
7/24
Pressure-Cooker Spring-Thyme Chicken Stew
From the Recipe Creator:
During a long winter (and spring), we were in need of something warm, comforting and bright. This stew always reminds me of the days Mom would make her chicken soup for me. —Amy Chase, Vanderhoof, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 389 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 113mg cholesterol, 699mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 37g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 starch.
Spring soups are perfect for the “April shower” evenings, and this thyme chicken soup is the perfect contender. It’s made with lots of spring produce, like carrots, potatoes, onions, thyme and parsley, with fresh lemon juice to brighten and chicken to keep you satiated. Serve with cute bunny rolls and everyone will be requesting this dinner for the rest of the season.
8/24
Pressure-Cooker Mushroom Chicken and Peas
From the Recipe Creator:
Some amazing fresh mushrooms at our local farmers market inspired this dish. Start with the best ingredients and you can’t go wrong. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 3/4 cup vegetable mixture: 282 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 558mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 41g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
Those new to the Instant Pot should try this simple and straightforward chicken dinner. Toss in almost everything, minus the peas, and cook according to the recipe. Once it’s done, change over to the saute setting, add the peas and cook through. Dinner’s ready!
9/24
Pressure-Cooker Chicken with Raisins and Capers
From the Recipe Creator:
Capers, golden raisins and fresh basil give this dish a sweetly savory flavor. And what's even better than that? The kids love it! —Nadine Mesch, Mount Healthy, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 250 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 494mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
With eight chicken thighs, this recipe feeds a crowd. We bulk up the plate a bit with lots of onions, peppers and mushrooms that pressure-cook right in the sauce with the chicken. Serve this over a bed of couscous or rice, and everyone will devour it.
10/24
Instant Pot Chicken Broth
From the Recipe Creator:
There’s nothing better or more satisfying than making your own chicken broth. You control the amount of seasoning and salt, so you can customize it for whatever recipes you’re using it in. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 25 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 130mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
Homemade chicken broth is a wonderful thing, but not everyone has time to simmer it on the stove for hours. Instead, an Instant Pot extracts the nutrients and concentrates the flavors in just about 45 minutes.
11/24
Pressure-Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
From the Recipe Creator:
The flavors of this Indian-style entree keep me coming back for more. The dish isn’t fancy, and it’s simply spiced—but it’s simply amazing. —Jaclyn Bell, Logan, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup chicken mixture: 279 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 856mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
This pressure-cooked version of chicken tikka masala has all the same comfort and flavor we expect from the favorite dish but cuts the cooking time exponentially. Instead of four hours in the slow cooker, the Instant Pot does the job in just 10 minutes.
12/24
Pressure-Cooker Mediterranean Chicken Orzo
From the Recipe Creator:
Orzo pasta with chicken, olives and herbes de Provence has the bright flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. Here’s a bonus: Leftovers reheat well. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 415 calories, 19g fat (5g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 941mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 medium-fat meat.
Those following the Mediterranean diet will love this quick, easy dinner. With lots of veggies, orzo, chicken and light seasonings, it’s nice to know that fresh flavors and simple ingredients can taste oh, so good.
13/24
Pressure-Cooker Saucy BBQ Chicken Thighs
From the Recipe Creator:
Barbecued chicken gets a makeover in this recipe. The combination of ingredients makes for a mellow, not-too-sweet flavor that's more grown-up than the original and super over rice, pasta or potatoes. —Sharon Fritz, Morristown, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 240 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 582mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch.
Between barbecue sauce, tomato sauce, onions, orange juice, hot sauce and canned tomatoes, there’s so much flavor built into this dish and cooked into the chicken thighs. I love that there’s a lot of sauce leftover for serving. Try it over polenta; it’s outstanding.
14/24
Pressure-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I own and operate a busy farm. On some days there's just no time left for cooking! It's really nice to be able to come into the house at night and have dinner ready in just a few minutes. —Aggie Arnold-Norman, Liberty, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 207 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 787mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 medium-fat meat.
This chicken cacciatore recipe cooks an entire chicken and from-scratch tomato sauce in just 15 minutes, seriously. Avid cooks know that each would usually take over an hour! Serve them over pasta and savor this Italian favorite.
15/24
Pressure-Cooker Black Bean Chicken Nachos
From the Recipe Creator:
One of my favorite local restaurants, Zeppelins, has the best chicken nachos. Its famous dish inspired me to create my own, with the added convenience of using the pressure cooker. I recommend fresh cilantro because it makes the dish pop with flavor. —Natalie Hess, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without chips): 280 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 708mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 8g fiber), 27g protein.
When chicken is cooked with vegetables and beans, then served over tortilla chips, it’s hard to argue that nachos aren’t at least a little healthy and make an excellent, filling dinner. Serve these nachos with your favorite toppings, like shredded cheese and homemade guacamole.
16/24
Pressure-Cooker Chicken Mole
From the Recipe Creator:
Chocolate with chicken? If you’re not familiar with mole, don’t be afraid of this versatile Mexican sauce. I love sharing this recipe because it’s a great one to experiment with. —Darlene Morris, Franklinton, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 311 calories, 18g fat (5g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 378mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 medium-fat meat.
Whereas the usual chicken mole takes six hours in the slow cooker, the pressure cooker makes the chicken, including the flavorful mole, in just 15 minutes. While the list is long, try not to skip any of the mole ingredients. The layered flavors are rich and abundant, especially on something as light as chicken.
17/24
Instant Pot Salsa Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
I had this dish at a local Mexican restaurant when celebrating a friend's birthday. I fell in love with the spicy, smoky flavor from the tequila and decided to try Instant Pot salsa chicken at home. Boy, was it a success! It's also great stuffed into flour tortillas or for making nachos. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 187 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 1107mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein.
There are only four ingredients needed to make this salsa chicken, and one is tequila! Who couldn’t love that? While the chicken pressure-cooks, get the rice going and prep any toppings, like cilantro, avocados and limes.
18/24
Instant Pot Chicken Curry
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this pressure-cooker chicken curry after searching for a flavorful chicken dinner. Making it in a pressure cooker, like an Instant Pot, means it's easy to whip up on weeknights. Plus, leftovers taste great for lunch. —Jess Apfe, Berkeley, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 278 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 356mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein.
Pressure-cooked curry is best for anyone in a hurry. It takes about 15 minutes, start to finish, and has all the delicious spices we expect. Spoon this spicy chicken dish over a bed of rice and a side of naan.
19/24
Pressure-Cooker Lemon Chicken Pasta
From the Recipe Creator:
I was recently prepping for a big race in the mountains of the Lake Tahoe area. Normally, to perform at your best, you want to eat a lot of carbs and some protein the day before a race. It inspired me to make this very special creamy pasta dish with chicken, mushrooms, artichokes, capers and lemons. —Ilya Khayn, San Jose, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 577 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 1260mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 49g protein.
In this recipe, even the pasta pressure-cooks with the chicken and veggies, so it’s like a one-pot dinner that takes even less than half the time. Dress up each bowl with lemon slices, Parmesan, red pepper flakes and minced parsley for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
20/24
Pressure-Cooker Cajun Chicken Alfredo
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is true comfort food! Cajun spice adds a nice heat to the creamy Alfredo sauce. Add more or less seasoning depending on your preferred spice level. And nothing beats having to clean only one pot. The dish would also be tasty with shrimp or smoked sausage. —Jennifer Stowell, Deep River, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups: 717 calories, 40g fat (22g saturated fat), 131mg cholesterol, 935mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 31g protein.
Creamy chicken Alfredo is delicious on its own, but with a kick of Cajun spice, it’s a whole new world of flavor. Best of all? Dinner’s ready in just 30 minutes.
21/24
Pressure-Cooker Cola BBQ Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is rich with sweet and smoky deliciousness. The meat is juicy and tender, and I like to add a few tasty toppings, like sliced dill pickles and a layer of pepper jack cheese, for a boost of flavor. This can also be cooked in the slow cooker on low for eight hours. —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 367 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 971mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein.
Soda … in meat? Yup! Cola’s acidity tenderizes the meat, and the sugars help with caramelization. It’s a bit of a leaner version of pulled pork. Serve it on a squashy roll with lots of pickles or coleslaw.
22/24
Pressure-Cooker Tuscan Chicken Pasta
From the Recipe Creator:
After the chicken and pasta cook and the milk and cream cheese are added, the mixture will look liquidy. Just continue to cook and stir and the dish will come together. —Amber Gaines, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 660 calories, 26g fat (14g saturated fat), 130mg cholesterol, 1199mg sodium, 62g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 7g fiber), 41g protein.
What I love about this pasta dish is that the pasta cooks with all the ingredients instead of by itself in salted water. That means it soaks up all that chicken and butter flavor. Then everything is coated in a super creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach and basil.
23/24
Pressure-Cooker Chicken Thighs in Wine Sauce
From the Recipe Creator:
I love this recipe for its incredible flavor—and it seems everyone who tries it does too. For an easy pairing, try mashed potatoes and peas. —Heike Annucci, Hudson, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 243 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 284mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
Romantic dinners usually take a lot of time and effort to make, but not this one! That means more time spent with your loved one, while talking over the rest of the bottle of white wine that doesn’t go into the Instant Pot.
24/24
Pressure-Cooker Carolina-Style Vinegar BBQ Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
I live in Georgia but I appreciate the tangy, sweet and slightly spicy taste of Carolina vinegar chicken. —Ramona Parris, Acworth, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup (calculated without buns): 135 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 228mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
Prefer healthy, easy weeknight dinners? These barbecue chicken sandwiches are ready in 25 minutes, serve six and are made with lots of healthy swaps, including whole wheat hamburger buns!
Instant Pot Chicken Recipes FAQ
Can you put raw chicken in the Instant Pot?
Yes, you can put raw chicken in the Instant Pot. Cover the raw chicken with liquid and pressure-cook it to 165°F, or sear the chicken first in the Instant Pot before pressure-cooking. You can use all kinds of raw chicken cuts: chicken thighs or breasts, boneless or bone-in, skinless or skin-on. Refer to your recipe for the specific chicken cut needed.
How long should chicken be cooked in the Instant Pot?
Chicken should cook in the Instant Pot until the internal temperature reads 165°F when probed with a thermometer in the thickest part of the chicken. If the chicken is cut up into smaller pieces, it won’t take as long as whole pieces of chicken. Smaller pieces of chicken can take around five minutes or more, while larger pieces can take up to 10 minutes or more.
Does chicken have to be covered in liquid in the Instant Pot?
Yes, you need liquid in the Instant Pot to cook the chicken, but the chicken does not have to be fully submerged in liquid. Pressure cookers need the liquid to create steam to cook the chicken, so there needs to be a good amount of liquid in there. Without it, your chicken will turn out extremely tough.
