INSTANT POT CHICKEN PERFECTION

Tired of complicated dinners that leave you with a mountain of dishes? Do you crave a hearty, comforting meal that’s also surprisingly quick and easy to make? I’m here to tell you that perfectly cooked chicken and tender, flavorful vegetables are now within reach, even on your busiest weeknights! With this Instant Pot Homestyle Chicken & Veggies – So Easy! recipe, you’ll have a delicious, home-cooked meal on the table in no time, without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. Get ready to impress your family (and yourself!) with this foolproof dish.

Gathering Your Crowd-Pleasing Ingredients

Before we dive into the magic, let’s make sure you have everything you need. Don’t worry, most of these are pantry staples!

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut into 1-inch cubes (or use chicken thighs for even more flavor!).
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil: For searing the chicken.
• 1 tsp Salt: Enhances all the flavors.
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper: Adds a little kick.
• 1 tsp Paprika: For a smoky, vibrant color.
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder: Because everything is better with garlic!
• 1/4 tsp Onion Powder: Rounds out the savory flavors.

For the Veggies:

• 1 lb Baby Potatoes: Halved or quartered, depending on size.
• 1 lb Carrots: Peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces.
• 1 lb Green Beans: Trimmed.
• 1 Yellow Onion: Chopped.
• 2 cloves Garlic: Minced.

For the Broth:

• 4 cups Chicken Broth: Low-sodium is best, so you can control the salt.
• 1 tbsp Cornstarch: Optional, for thickening the sauce at the end.
• 2 tbsp Water: For mixing with the cornstarch (if using).

Step-by-Step to Homestyle Happiness

Alright, let’s get cooking! This is where the Instant Pot truly shines. Trust me, it’s easier than you think.

Searing the Chicken:

1. Turn your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” setting. Once it’s hot, add the olive oil.
2. Season the chicken cubes with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Add the chicken to the Instant Pot in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches) and sear for about 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. Don’t worry about cooking it all the way through at this stage. We just want to develop some flavor!
4. Remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and set aside.

Building the Flavor Base:

1. Add the chopped onion to the Instant Pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Pour in about 1/2 cup of the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the Instant Pot to deglaze, removing any browned bits that may have stuck to the bottom. This is crucial for preventing the “burn” error.

Pressure Cooking to Perfection:

1. Add the potatoes, carrots, and green beans to the Instant Pot.
2. Pour in the remaining chicken broth.
3. Return the seared chicken to the Instant Pot, placing it on top of the vegetables.
4. Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “Sealing.”
5. Cook on “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” for 8 minutes.

Releasing the Pressure and Finishing Touches:

1. Once the cooking time is up, let the Instant Pot naturally pressure release for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
2. Open the Instant Pot lid and check the chicken and vegetables for doneness. The chicken should be cooked through and the vegetables should be tender.
3. If you want a thicker sauce, whisk together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl.
4. Turn the Instant Pot back to the “Sauté” setting.
5. Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the Instant Pot, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency (about 1-2 minutes).
6. Turn off the “Sauté” setting.

Serving and Enjoying Your Masterpiece:

1. Serve the Instant Pot Homestyle Chicken & Veggies hot, garnished with fresh parsley or your favorite herbs, if desired.

Why the Instant Pot is Your New Best Friend

Seriously, the Instant Pot is a game-changer! It takes a meal that would normally simmer for hours and cooks it in a fraction of the time, without sacrificing any of the delicious flavor. Plus, it’s so easy to clean! What’s not to love?

Tips and Tricks for Instant Pot Success

Even though this recipe is incredibly simple, here are a few extra tips to ensure perfect results every time:

• Preventing the “Burn” Error: Deglazing the Instant Pot after searing the chicken is essential. Don’t skip this step!
• Chicken Thighs vs. Chicken Breasts: Feel free to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a richer, more flavorful dish. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly (add a minute or two).
• Vegetable Variations: Get creative with your vegetables! Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or any other vegetables you enjoy. Just be mindful of the cooking times – some vegetables may cook faster than others.
• Adjusting the Seasoning: Taste the broth after cooking and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add a little more salt, pepper, or your favorite herbs and spices.
• Thickening the Sauce Without Cornstarch: If you prefer not to use cornstarch, you can thicken the sauce by simmering it on the “Sauté” setting for a longer period of time, allowing it to reduce naturally.

Making it Your Own: Flavor Variations to Explore

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Here are a few ideas to customize it to your liking:

• Italian Herb Chicken & Veggies: Add a tablespoon of Italian seasoning and a can of diced tomatoes to the Instant Pot.
• Lemon Herb Chicken & Veggies: Add the zest and juice of one lemon, along with a tablespoon of fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary. This is similar to our LEMON HERB CHICKEN & RICE, but with a veggie twist!
• Spicy Chicken & Veggies: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the Instant Pot.
• Creamy Chicken & Veggies: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt after cooking for a creamy, tangy finish.

Beyond Chicken & Veggies: Other Instant Pot Adventures

Once you’ve mastered this recipe, you’ll be amazed at what else you can cook in your Instant Pot! From soups and stews to roasts and desserts, the possibilities are endless. Have you tried POT ROAST PERFECTION? It’s another family favorite that’s unbelievably easy in the Instant Pot.

What to Serve Alongside Your Homestyle Chicken

This dish is delicious on its own, but here are a few sides that would complement it perfectly:

• Crusty bread for soaking up the flavorful broth.
• A simple side salad for a fresh and light contrast.
• Mashed potatoes for an extra dose of comfort food.
• Steamed rice to absorb the sauce.

Chicken Inspiration – More Recipes to Love!

If you’re on a chicken kick (and who isn’t?), be sure to check out some of our other favorite chicken recipes. For example, if you love a kick of flavor, you absolutely must try COWBOY BUTTER CHICKEN! Or, if you’re looking for something creamy and comforting, CREAMY GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN is a winner. For something a little different, consider HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN MAC or the ultimate comfort dish, GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN POTATO HEAVEN! There’s a chicken recipe for every mood and craving!

Conclusion: Your New Go-To Weeknight Meal

So there you have it – a simple, delicious, and satisfying Instant Pot Homestyle Chicken & Veggies recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights. I hope you love it as much as I do! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables, herbs, and spices to create your own unique version. Happy cooking, friends!

Instant Pot Chicken and Veggies Perfection

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Instant Pot Chicken and Veggies recipe is a quick and easy way to get a comforting, home-cooked meal on the table. Tender chicken and perfectly cooked vegetables are pressure-cooked in a flavorful broth, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 23 minutes mins

Total Time 43 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker)
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Small bowl
• Whisk
• Spatula or wooden spoon

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 tsp Salt
• ½ tsp Black Pepper
• 1 tsp Paprika
• ½ tsp Garlic Powder
• ¼ tsp Onion Powder
• 1 lb Baby Potatoes, halved or quartered
• 1 lb Carrots, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 1 lb Green Beans, trimmed
• 1 Yellow Onion, chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 4 cups Chicken Broth, low-sodium
• 1 tbsp Cornstarch optional
• 2 tbsp Water for cornstarch slurry

Instructions

 

• Turn the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” setting. Once hot, add the olive oil.
• Season the chicken cubes with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
• Add the chicken to the Instant Pot in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches) and sear for about 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and set aside.
• Add the chopped onion to the Instant Pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
• Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
• Pour in about 1/2 cup of the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the Instant Pot to deglaze, removing any browned bits that may have stuck to the bottom.
• Add the potatoes, carrots, and green beans to the Instant Pot.
• Pour in the remaining chicken broth.
• Return the seared chicken to the Instant Pot, placing it on top of the vegetables.
• Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “Sealing.”
• Cook on “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” for 8 minutes.
• Once the cooking time is up, let the Instant Pot naturally pressure release for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
• Open the Instant Pot lid and check the chicken and vegetables for doneness. The chicken should be cooked through and the vegetables should be tender.
• If you want a thicker sauce, whisk together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl.
• Turn the Instant Pot back to the “Sauté” setting.
• Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the Instant Pot, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency (about 1-2 minutes).
• Turn off the “Sauté” setting.
• Serve the Instant Pot Homestyle Chicken & Veggies hot, garnished with fresh parsley or your favorite herbs, if desired.

Notes

For best results, use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the dish. Deglazing the pot thoroughly prevents the ‘burn’ error. Chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts for a richer flavor; add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. To prevent sticking when reheating on the stovetop, add a splash of chicken broth or water.