35 Simple Recipes For Instant Pot Chicken

Instant pot dinners are ideal for busy weeknight when you don’t want to spend lots of time over a stove.

They are also perfect for hosting dinner parties as they allow you to spend time with your guests instead of cooking.

A lot of instant pot recipes are much healthier than the equivalent meal cooked on the stove top, but they taste just as good. 

We have put together this list of 35 incredible instant pot recipes to give you inspiration for your meal plan.

Whether you are cooking for yourself, for friends and family, or hosting a fancy evening, you will find something you like on this list. 

1. Ginger Chicken With Cabbage Slaw 

If you use the right kind of lid then your instant pot can double up as a slow cooker! This recipe cooks the chicken slowly with flavours of fragrant ginger and apricot.

It is served over rice with a cabbage slaw for a light yet satisfying meal full of nutrients. 

2. Instant Pot Chicken And Rice 

This is one of those meals that is so simple to make but is bursting with comforting, deep flavours that leave you feeling so satisfied.

It has plenty of garlic and paprika, and chicken stock is used to cook the rice so that everything has that tasty, savoury flavour.

It takes less than an hour from start to finish and you can sprinkle it with cheese for some extra yumminess. 

3. Instant Pot Chicken Wings 

Next time you get a craving for a big bucket of chicken wings, try out this recipe. It’s super easy and takes just 35 minutes.

By the time you have decided what film to watch, your wings will be ready and waiting for you to sit down and tuck in. 

4. Instant Pot Chicken And Dumplings 

When the weather turns cold and you start craving some comfort food, this recipe is just what you need. The dumplings are fluffy, the chicken is tender, and the herby sauce is flavoured with herbs and vegetables.

The wine is optional, but it does add a welcome touch of indulgence to this delicious meal. 

5. Chicken Tortilla Soup

We all love to indulge in tacos and enchiladas, but you can’t eat them all the time. This soup combines all of the Mexican inspired flavours that you love in a light and healthy soup.

You can eat this guilt free for a weeknight dinner and satisfy those Mexican cravings without eating anything too heavy, 

6. Chicken Noodle Soup  

If you feel under the weather there is nothing better than a bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup.

The problem is, when you’re poorly you don’t have the energy to make it! This recipe only needs 10 minutes of preparation, then you let the instant pot do the rest of the work. 

7. Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken 

This Italian inspired Tuscan chicken is simple to make but feels like a real treat. It is perfect for a date night or a friday night dinner with a glass of wine.

The creamy sauce is the perfect balance of garlic, mushrooms and sundried tomatoes. You can serve this succulent chicken with pasta, rice, potatoes or even steamed vegetables. 

8. Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole 

This casserole is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavour. The sauce is flavoured with plenty of garlic, onion, parsley and chicken stock for a deep, savoury flavour.

The chicken is seasoned with poppy seeds which tastes amazing. The creamy sauce is delicious served over rice and topped with crushed ritz crackers. 

9. Chicken And Quinoa Minestrone 

If you want to introduce more wholesome foods into your diet, this recipe for chicken and quinoa minestrone is ideal.

Quinoa is a whole grain that is packed with essential nutrients. The chicken is high in protein and low in fat, and there are plenty of vegetables in the soup as well. 

10. Instant Pot Butter Chicken 

This butter chicken tastes just as good as anything you would get from a takeout, but it is much healthier.

You only need to do 20 minutes of preparation before you let the instant pot take over. You can relax and wait for your delicious meal to cook while the aromatic smell fills your kitchen. 

11. Instant Pot Chicken Tacos 

The great thing about this recipe is how easy it is. You can leave the chicken to marinade for 20 minutes – or longer, then just pop it in the instant pot when you are ready to eat. It takes 12 minutes to cook and you have the perfect taco filling. 

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12. Instant Pot Chicken Marsala 

Chicken marsala is a classic dish that never fails to impress guests at a dinner party. It is simple but sophisticated, with tasty chicken, mushrooms, bacon, and white wine.

You can serve this chicken with potato dauphinoise and some steamed green vegetables for an elegant dinner. 

13. Creamy Chicken With Mushrooms 

The whole family will love this recipe for creamy chicken with mushrooms. Serve it up with rice and broccoli for a filling meal that everyone will enjoy.

This recipe uses chicken breast, but you can adjust the cooking time and use chicken thighs if you prefer. 

14. Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Sliders 

These chicken buffalo sliders are a fun weekend meal to enjoy with friends or to serve on a game day.

The chicken filling is really easy to make in your instant pot, giving you more time to watch the game or entertain your guests. 

15. Instant Pot Pho Ga 

Pho Ga is a Vietnamese chicken soup with a fragrant broth and nice, thick noodles. It’s really nourishing and full of flavour, and it makes a change from the usual chicken noodle soup.

If you are a fan of aromatic dishes that have the perfect balance of sweet and savoury then you should definitely have a go at making this recipe. 

16. Chicken Fajitas 

It’s so easy to make chicken fajitas in the instant pot you will wonder why you haven’t done it before. It also makes your fajita dinner healthier as the ingredients aren’t fried.

All you need to do is get the wraps and the toppings ready while the chicken is cooking, and your family fajitas night is sorted.

You can tweak the recipe to make it spicier if you like your food with a kick, or add some more vegetables if you want to. 

17. Jalapeno Popper Shredded Chicken 

This recipe has everything you love about jalapeno poppers, but in a chicken mixture! The shredded chicken is soft and tender, the jalapenos are spicy, the cheese is rich, and the creamy sauce brings all of the flavours together.

You can use the chicken as a sandwich filler, a nacho topper, on a jacket potato or in a salad. You could also use it to make some delicious, Mexican inspired pasta.

If you want to make a pasta bake, add a bit more cream and cheese to the chicken and top the pasta with shredded cheese. 

18. Instant Pot Whole Chicken 

Did you know that you can cook a whole chicken in your instant pot, and it’s much quicker than roasting it in the oven.

It’s so easy, and all of the meat on the chicken is moist and tender. It also leaves you with some tasty chicken stock that you can use to make soup.

There are lots of meals that you make with a rotisserie style chicken, so having this recipe under your belt means that you will always have a range of tasty dinners you can make. 

19. Chicken Pesto Pasta 

This creamy pasta dish is full of fresh flavours for a bright and vibrant dinner. Tomatoes, basil, mushrooms, and melty mozzarella come together to make a mouthful of pleasure that the whole family will love.

It’s really simple to make and also looks very appetising, so you can serve it in a big pasta dish up to table for everyone to dig in. This is one of those meals that is perfect for eating outdoors on a summer evening. 

20. Chicken Burrito Bowl  

This deconstructed chicken burrito meal has all of the flavours you know and love in a healthy bowl of goodness. It takes only 10 minutes to prepare the ingredients and another 10 minutes in the instant pot.

This recipe is perfect if you want a quick meal or you are too tired to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. This is also great if you get caught off guard with unexpected guests, as you can have a tasty meal prepared very quickly that everyone will enjoy. 

21. Cheddar Ranch Chicken  

This tasty cheddar ranch shredded chicken makes the perfect filling for sandwiches, baguettes and sliders. It’s also really tasty served over rice or with jacket potato.

The chicken is tender, the bacon is crispy, and the cheese is indulgent and creamy. If you want to make your work lunches more interesting then make a batch of this chicken and use on top of a crunchy salad. 

22. Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

BBQ chicken is a simple meal but it’s one that everyone loves. Whether you want chicken and chickens, BBQ chicken salad, or you are serving it as part of a buffet, this recipe has got you covered.

The sauce is sweet, smoky, and perfectly balanced. The chicken is juicy and soft. You will definitely keep coming back to this recipe once you realise how easy it is to make. 

23. Teriyaki Chicken  

Teriyaki chicken is sweet, sticky, salty and aromatic – an amazing explosion of flavours that fit together perfectly.

You don’t have to go to a restaurant to experience this taste – with this recipe you can recreate it at home in your instant pot.

This is a great meal to cook when you have friends coming over. Serve it with steamed rice and some sauteed Asian cabbage for a complete meal. 

24. Top Down Jerk Chicken 

This recipe tells you all about how to brown chicken in an instant pot without it sticking. The jerk marinade is delicious and will bring a taste of the Caribbean to your kitchen.

You can serve this with rice and peas or fried plantain, or enjoy it with slaw and chips. If you love spicy foods then you will certainly enjoy this recipe as it uses plenty of fresh chillies to get that fiery kick. 

25. Creamy Chicken Alfredo  

This creamy chicken Alfredo feels like a real treat to eat. It is rich and indulgent, with ingredients like whole milk and double cream.

The sauce is flavoured with garlic, basil, chicken broth and parmesan for a flavour that is punchy, savoury and tangy.

This recipe uses fettuccine pasta but you could also make it with spaghetti or tagliatelle, or even some penne. 

26. Instant Pot Orange Chicken  

This Chinese inspired recipe tastes just as good as a takeout but uses much healthier ingredients to recreate the flavours you love. The chicken is really juicy, and coated with a glossy sauce.

You will taste honey and garlic caramelised into a sweet yet sour glaze. You can serve this with a vegetable stir fry or some homemade egg fried rice. 

27. Braised Paprika Chicken 

If you have some chicken thighs in the freezer that need using up then this recipe is perfect as the chicken thighs are cooked from frozen.

They are flavoured with vibrant and smoky paprika and cooked in a tomato and cream cheese sauce.

The chicken and the sauce is served over deliciously buttery pasta for a comforting dinner that you will want to make again and again. 

28. Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala  

This mild yet flavoursome curry is a firm favourite and is an easy one to make in your instant pot. There are not shortcuts in this recipe- everything is made from scratch yet the instant pot does most of the hard work.

This dish tastes like something you would order at a restaurant yet it is made in the comfort of your own home. Serve it with rice and naan bread to create a feast for your friends and family. 

29. Chicken Loaded Sweet Potatoes 

These sweet potatoes are loaded with tasty chicken, crispy bacon, sour cream and chives. These simple ingredients come together to make a meal that is super satisfying.

The sweetness of the potato contrasts the savoury flavours of the meat and the tang of the sour cream. You can also experiment with different toppings and flavours to go with your perfectly cooked potatoes. 

30. Chicken And Vegetable Wild Rice Soup 

Wild rice is a whole grain that contains an abundance of essential nutrients. It has a slightly chewy texture and an earthy, nutty texture that pairs perfectly with the mushrooms in this recipe.

The chicken is succulent and meaty, and there are plenty of tasty vegetables to go with it. All of the ingredients are tied together by the creamy, velvety soup that is light yet rich at the same time. 

31. Instant Pot Lemon & Tarragon Chicken 

Lemon and tarragon chicken is a timeless classic that has been enjoyed for generations. The aromatic herb and the zingy lemon make the perfect accompaniments to the juicy chicken, creating a meal that is a treat for the tastebuds.

Using your instant pot assures that your chicken will be cooked to perfection every time. You can serve this dish with creamy mash or sauteed potatoes and steamed greens. 

32. Coq Au Vin

Whether you have a date night planned or a dinner party for friends, this recipe for coq au vin is sure to impress your guests.

It is elegant yet also comforting and is especially enjoyable on a cool winter day. This French classic has a rich flavour with red wine and meaty chicken.

You can use whatever vegetables you fancy and serve it with creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes. 

33. Instant Pot Roast 

Making a roast dinner has never been easier with this instant pot roast. The chicken is juicy, the potatoes are perfectly cooked and there are tasty vegetables to enjoy as well.

It only takes 20 minutes of preparation to put together this roast dinner, then the instant pot gets to work to cook everything just right.

This is perfect if you have a busy day planned with your family but you will want to enjoy a lovely roast dinner in the evening. 

34. Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore  

Rich tomatoes, juicy olives, savoury onions, aromatic garlic and herbs and succulent chicken – what more could you want from this Italian dish? Wine is used in the sauce which adds an extra complexity to the flavour, drawing out the flavours of the tomatoes and the meat.

The bell peppers add a lovely texture and some extra nutrients. You can serve this chicken with pasta or potatoes for a delicious and decadent meal. 

35. Instant Pot Chicken Piccata  

This Italian Piccata is surprisingly vibrant, with fresh parsley, plenty of parmesan and tangy capers. Fresh lemon juice adds a zingy flavour that really lifts the dish and contrasts with the creamy buttery sauce.

The soft chicken is enveloped in this decadent sauce which can be served with vegetables and your choice or pasta, rice or potatoes. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Instant Pots And Slow Cookers The Same Thing? 

Instant pots and slow cookers are not the same. Slow cookers cook the food slowly at a lower heat, whereas instant pots use pressure to cook the food faster.

You can use your instant pot as a slow cooker if you have the right type of lid, but a slow cooker will not double up as an instant pot. 

Can These Recipes Be Adapted? 

You can adjust these recipes to suit your personal taste and dietary requirements. Remember to adjust the cooking time if you are using a different type of meat, and to always make sure that the meat is thoroughly cooked before serving. 

Are Instant Pots Safe? 

Instant pots are safe to use, and they have a keep warm function which can keep your food at the right temperature even after it is cooked. Make sure you follow the instructions to ensure that the product is being used correctly and safely. 

How Much Food Can You Cook In An Instant Pot? 

Instant pots come in different sizes. The largest size is usually around 8 litres which means that you cook enough food to feed a family of 8 people. This is also perfect for batch cooking. 

Is There Anything You Shouldn’t Cook In An Instant Pot? 

You can cook all sorts of food in your instant pot. Recipes that are very high in sugar may be more likely to catch and burn, so make sure you are careful. Follow the recipe instructions carefully for recipes that are high in sugar. 

Summary 

All of these recipes are not only delicious, but are also very easy to make. You don’t have to spend lots of time in the kitchen in order to enjoy flavoursome chicken.

These recipes will make you feel like you are eating restaurant quality food, but for half the price and from the comfort of your own home.

Whether you are looking for elegant dinners, family favourites, soups or salad toppings, this list has something for everyone.