Instant Pot Last Minute Chicken

Cooking on a time crunch can be a real pickle, can’t it? But don’t worry, my friend! I’ve got a gem of a recipe that will save you from the fast-food temptations on those busy nights—Instant Pot Last Minute Chicken. It’s simple, quick, and oh-so-satisfying. No fancy cooking skills required; just your trusty Instant Pot and a sprinkle of love. Trust me, you’ll be amazed at how a handful of ingredients can transform into a hearty meal that’s sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something truly magical about this dish. Picture this: tender chicken, perfectly seasoned, enveloped in a rich broth, and possibly even bursting with the colors of fresh veggies if you opt to jazz it up a bit. The flavors meld seamlessly, creating a comforting hug for your tastebuds. This isn’t just chicken; it’s what I call a “kitchen miracle.”

Why bother with this recipe, you ask? Besides the fact that it’s ready in a pinch, it’s also a one-pot wonder that makes cleanup a breeze. Plus, using the Instant Pot means you don’t have to babysit it like a stovetop stew. You can get other chores done (or sneak in a quick Netflix episode) while it works its magic. Oh, and did I mention it’s packed with protein and has room for customization? Just add your favorite veggies, and voilà! Dinner’s done in half the time.

Gather These Ingredients

Let’s talk about what you’ll be needing to whip up this delightful dish:

• Chicken Tenderloins (1 pound): These are my go-to because they cook quickly and stay juicy. You can swap them for chicken breast or thighs, but the cooking time might vary a smidge.

• Chicken Broth (1 cup): This is the liquid gold of your recipe. Use low-sodium broth if you want to control the saltiness. You can even use vegetable broth for a twist!

• Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): A little fat goes a long way in flavor! You could substitute avocado oil or melted butter in a pinch.

• Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): This is your secret weapon for instant flavor. If you’re feeling fancy, feel free to use fresh minced garlic—just use a bit less since fresh is stronger.

• Onion Powder (1 teaspoon): What can I say? This is a flavor powerhouse that adds depth. Then again, if you have fresh onion lying around, toss a little in before sautéing for a fresh take.

• Salt and Pepper to Taste: These pantry staples elevate every dish. Don’t skimp!

• Optional Veggies: Think outside the chicken! Bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or whatever’s in your crisper drawer can join the party.

The Cooking Process Explained

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow my lead; it’s a breeze.

1. Season the Chicken: In a bowl, generously sprinkle your garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the chicken tenderloins. Give it a good toss, ensuring every piece is coated with that flavor goodness.

2. Sauté the Chicken: Fire up your Instant Pot by setting it to ‘Sauté’ mode and drizzle in your olive oil. Once it’s hot, add the seasoned chicken. Sear those tenderloins for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they showcase a beautifully golden-brown color. Seriously, don’t skip this step—it adds depth to the flavor!

3. Add the Broth and Veggies: Pour in the chicken broth and toss in any optional vegetables you’ve chosen. They’ll soak up the deliciousness and add a pop of color!

4. Pressure Cook It: Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ for just 5 minutes. Yep, you heard me right—a mere 5 minutes!

5. Release & Rest: Once it’s finished cooking, do a quick release of the pressure. Carefully remove the chicken (it’ll be super juicy), and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute—trust me; you don’t want to cut into it too soon!

Best Way to Enjoy It

So, how do you serve this culinary delight? Well, the possibilities are endless! You can slice the chicken and serve it over a bed of rice or quinoa. Throw in some steamed broccoli for a nutrient-packed meal. It’s also delightful with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of broth. Feeling adventurous? Toss in some herbs like parsley or even a squeeze of lemon for an extra zing!

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

Got leftovers? You’re in luck! This dish holds up beautifully. Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist.

Pro Chef Tips

• Marinate Ahead: If you’ve got a bit of time, let the chicken marinate in the spices for a few hours. It amplifies the flavors!

• Don’t Underestimate Prep: Always prep your ingredients before starting. It makes the cooking process smoother and less chaotic.

• Double the Recipe: If you’re feeding a crowd, or if you love leftovers, double everything and just extend the cooking time by a couple of minutes. Just ensure you don’t exceed the Instant Pot’s max fill line.

Different Ways to Try

Now, let’s get creative! Want to switch it up? Try adding a tablespoon of soy sauce or teriyaki for an Asian twist. Or, if comfort food is on your mind, mix in some cream cheese at the end for a creamy sauce. The vegetables? Experiment with seasonal produce and see what you love best!

Ingredients List

• 1 pound chicken tenderloins
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: vegetables for added flavor (e.g., carrots, bell peppers)

Directions to Follow

1. Season the chicken tenderloins with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Set the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and add olive oil.
3. Once hot, add the chicken tenderloins and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and add any optional vegetables if desired.
5. Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set it to ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ for 5 minutes.
6. Once cooking is complete, allow for a quick release of pressure.
7. Remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

Your Questions Answered

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
   Sure! Just add a couple more minutes to the cooking time, but it may release more moisture, so watch your broth level.

2. What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?
   You can easily make this on the stove in a heavy pot; just let it simmer longer until the chicken is cooked through.

3. How long will the leftovers last?
   Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

4. Can I use other meats?
   Absolutely! This works beautifully with pork tenderloin or even tofu for a vegetarian version.

5. What’s a good side to serve with this?
   A fresh salad, roasted potatoes, or a simple grain like quinoa or rice complements it perfectly.

You’ve got a winner here! So why not roll up your sleeves, grab those ingredients, and let the Instant Pot do its thing? I can’t wait for you to try this—you’re going to love how uncomplicated and delicious it is! Remember, cooking should be enjoyed; feel free to play around and make it your own! Share your adventures in the comments, and let’s keep this cooking journey thriving together!

Print Recipe

0 Add to Favorites

Instant Pot Last Minute Chicken

Cooking Method: Simmering Courses: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course Recipe Keys: Dairy Free Gluten Free High Protein Non Vegetarian Quick Meals

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 5 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 20 mins

Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 400

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

This Instant Pot Last Minute Chicken is a simple, quick, and satisfying meal ready in just 5 minutes of cooking time! Perfect for busy nights, it's a one-pot dish loaded with flavor and can easily be customized with your favorite veggies.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken tenderloins (or chicken breast/thighs)
• 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium or vegetable broth can be used)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (can substitute with avocado oil or melted butter)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or fresh minced garlic)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder (or fresh onion if available)
• to taste salt
• to taste pepper
• optional veggies (bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, etc.)

Cooking Instructions

Cooking Steps

1. Season the Chicken

   In a bowl, sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the chicken tenderloins. Toss to coat.
   Mark as complete

2. Sauté the Chicken

   Set the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and add olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned.
   This step adds depth to the flavor.
   Mark as complete

3. Add the Broth and Veggies

   Pour in the chicken broth and add any optional vegetables you’ve chosen.
   The veggies will soak up the deliciousness.
   Mark as complete

4. Pressure Cook

   Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ for 5 minutes.
   Mark as complete

5. Release & Rest

   Once cooking is complete, do a quick release of pressure. Remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
   Letting it rest allows the juices to redistribute.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

---

Amount Per Serving

Calories 400kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 20g31%

Saturated Fat 3g15%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 120mg40%

Sodium 700mg30%

Potassium 600mg18%

Total Carbohydrate 6g2%

Dietary Fiber 1g4%

Sugars 2g

Protein 45g90%

---

Vitamin A 100 IU

Vitamin C 30 mg

Calcium 10 mg

Iron 2 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 1 IU

Vitamin K 5 mcg

Thiamin 0.1 mg

Riboflavin 0.2 mg

Niacin 12 mg

Vitamin B6 0.6 mg

Folate 10 mcg

Vitamin B12 0.5 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 1 mg

Phosphorus 200 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 15 mg

Zinc 1 mg

Selenium 30 mcg

Copper 0.1 mg

Manganese 0.2 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Feel free to customize this recipe with different spices or sauces to suit your taste.

Keywords: Instant Pot, chicken, quick dinner, one-pot meal, easy recipe