Instant Pot Chicken and Broccoli is a wholesome, satisfying dish that combines tender chicken breast with vibrant, crisp-tender broccoli, all enveloped in a savory sauce. This one-pot meal is not only quick to prepare but also delivers a perfect balance of protein and veggies, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or meal prepping. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your household.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will love this Instant Pot Chicken and Broccoli recipe for its incredible flavor and ease of preparation. The chicken is cooked to juicy perfection, while the broccoli retains a delightful crunch, thanks to the pressure cooking method. This dish is perfect for those following a low-carb or high-protein diet, as it packs a nutritious punch without compromising on taste. Plus, the Instant Pot cuts down cooking time significantly, allowing you to enjoy a homemade meal in under 30 minutes!
Tips and Tricks
- Sauté for Flavor: Start by sautéing the garlic and ginger before adding the chicken for a flavor boost.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli not only looks vibrant but also tastes better compared to frozen. If you must use frozen, reduce the cooking time slightly.
- Release Pressure Naturally: For more tender chicken, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for about 5 minutes before switching to quick release.
- Add a Splash of Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving adds a bright finish to the dish.
Make Ahead Tips
Prepare your chicken by marinating it up to 24 hours in advance. Store the marinated chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also chop the broccoli ahead of time and keep it in a sealed bag in the fridge for up to 3 days. This will save you time on busy evenings!
Recipe Variations
- Add More Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for added nutrition and color.
- Switch Up the Protein: Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different flavor profile.
- Different Sauces: Experiment with teriyaki sauce, lemon garlic sauce, or a spicy sriracha sauce for a twist.
How to Serve
Serve the Instant Pot Chicken and Broccoli over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce. For a low-carb option, serve it on a bed of cauliflower rice. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top will add a beautiful garnish, enhancing both the flavor and presentation.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair this dish with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied red such as Pinot Noir. For a non-alcoholic option, serve it with iced green tea or lemonade. Complement the meal with a light salad or steamed jasmine rice to complete your dining experience.
How to Store
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze the chicken and broccoli, ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container, where it can last for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Equipment Needed
- Instant Pot or other electric pressure cooker
- Cutting board and knife for prepping ingredients
- Mixing bowl for marinating chicken
- Measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient portions
Dietary Adaptations
To make this dish vegan, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For a nut-free option, ensure any sauces used do not contain nuts or nut oils. For gluten-free needs, opt for tamari instead of soy sauce.
Seasonal Adaptations
In spring, consider using fresh asparagus or snap peas alongside the broccoli for a seasonal twist. Fall is perfect for adding roasted butternut squash to the mix. In winter, feel free to add sautéed kale or spinach for added greens.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Frozen chicken usually requires an additional 2-3 minutes of pressure cooking.
- What if I don’t have soy sauce? You can use coconut aminos or a homemade sauce with vinegar and spices for a similar flavor.
- Can I make this dish spicier? Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for an extra kick.
Instant Pot Chicken and Broccoli
Instant Pot Chicken and Broccoli is a wholesome, satisfying dish that combines tender chicken breast with vibrant, crisp-tender broccoli, all enveloped in a savory sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine chicken pieces, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Sauté: Turn on the Instant Pot to the sauté mode. Once hot, add the marinated chicken and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it’s slightly browned.
- Add Broth: Pour in the chicken broth or water, scraping the bottom to deglaze the pot.
- Add Broccoli: Place the broccoli florets on top of the chicken mixture.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 0-1 minute. (Remember, the broccoli cooks quickly!)
- Quick Release: Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release of pressure.
- Thicken (optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry, add it to the pot, and sauté for a few minutes until thickened.
- Serve: Dish the chicken and broccoli onto a plate, garnishing with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 272Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 97mgSodium: 747mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 3gSugar: 1gProtein: 38g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Chicken and Broccoli recipe is a wonderful addition to any busy cook’s repertoire. Not only does it deliver on taste and nutrition, but it also simplifies the cooking process with the help of the Instant Pot. With endless possibilities for customization, this dish is sure to become a staple in your home. Enjoy the process, and savor the delicious results!
