Healthy Instant Pot Chicken Recipes Bursting with Flavor

2021-12-06
Healthy Instant Pot Chicken Recipes Bursting with Flavor

Healthy doesn't have to mean boring. These healthy Instant Pot chicken recipes come together quickly for a fast and flavorful meal when you want it. Simply toss in some good-for-you ingredients that you likely already have on hand, add some chicken, and let your Instant Pot do the rest. With ideas like delicious ginger chicken congee and a simple moo shu chicken, there are no dull chicken dinners here.

01 of 16

Mediterranean Chicken and Wheat Berry Salad

Wheat berries alone typically take over an hour to cook until tender, but this entire pressure cooker chicken dinner comes together in less than one hour. Once cooked, this chicken salad can be chilled up to 24 hours before serving. A sprinkle of goat cheese adds just the right amount of indulgence to this healthy chicken dinner.

02 of 16

Pressure Cooker Ginger-Chicken Congee

Healthy chicken Instant Pot recipes don't always look this pretty, but a perfectly poached egg is the key to presentation for this easy chicken congee. Each serving is just 271 calories, which leaves plenty of room for fun toppings. Try adding diced avocado, sliced green onions, or even cilantro for some added freshness.

03 of 16

Pressure Cooker Ziti with Italian Chicken Sausage

Didn't expect to see pasta here on this list, right?! This pressure cooker healthy pasta is lightened up with chicken sausage, diced tomatoes, and loads of fresh veggies. Lower the sodium a bit by swapping for low-sodium chicken broth to make this healthy dish even healthier.

04 of 16

Pressure Cooker Moroccan Apricot Chicken

Heaps of spices and freshly chopped veggies give this hearty pressure cooker chicken stew its flavor. Anti-inflammatory turmeric mixes with antioxidant-rich ginger in a reduced sodium broth that seasons the chicken thighs beautifully in the pressure cooker. A generous helping of red pepper flakes gives this dish a kick, but you can add a dollop of Greek yogurt to cool things down.

05 of 16

Pressure Cooker Indian-Spiced Chicken

This Paleo pressure cooker recipe is simple and oh-so-delicious. Spice things up with curry powder and cayenne powder, before balancing the heat with unsweetened light coconut milk. A giant scoop of cauliflower rice is the perfect accompaniment to this healthy dish.

06 of 16

Pressure Cooker Chicken and Sausage Stew

We're not sure if it's the hearty chunks of chicken or the tender cannellini beans that we love most about this healthy Instant Pot chicken stew. Or maybe it's the smoked sausage? Either way, we love the textures and flavors in each bite. Stick with water as the base and opt for low-sodium chicken broth to keep this recipe as light as possible.

07 of 16

Pressure Cooker Moo Shu Chicken

This Chinese-inspired pressure cooker recipe not only takes less time than takeout, but also is healthier, too. Reduced-sodium soy sauce, skinless chicken thighs, and loads of fresh cabbage and carrots lighten up this takeout favorite. Serve it on warm tortillas or lettuce cups for a twist on taco night.

08 of 16

Asian-Style Chicken Sliders with Snow Pea Slaw

These party-ready sliders are loaded with a filling mix of veggies and chicken. Swap for low-sodium chicken broth to reduce the sodium content, but don't skimp on the sliced snow pea pods and shredded carrots that make up the delicious Asian-style slaw. Toasted buns take these Instant Pot chicken sliders to the next level.

09 of 16

Pressure Cooker Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

An electric pressure cooker makes quick work of this hands-off gumbo recipe. In just 45 minutes, you can have a rich chicken and sausage stew on the table. We like to use kielbasa sausage in this but feel free to substitute your favorite andouille or turkey sausage.

10 of 16

Pressure Cooker Honey-Orange Chicken with Zucchini

This healthy chicken recipe calls for flavor-boosters like orange, cilantro, garlic, and honey. Use them to create a light sauce for boneless chicken thighs, sliced zucchini, and onion. You can serve this on its own or over pasta, rice, or veggies.

11 of 16

Pressure Cooker Chicken Salsa Tortas

Serve these saucy sandwiches with Instant Pot shredded chicken. Simply toss in a couple of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, salsa, garlic, and oregano. Cook for 15 minutes, shred, and serve on crusty rolls with queso fresco, cilantro, and lettuce.

12 of 16

Pressure Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

This healthy Instant Pot chicken recipe calls for just 8 minutes of cook time. You'll be amazed at the tender and juicy mix of chicken thighs, mushrooms, stewed tomatoes, and sliced bell peppers. Serve this chicken dinner over hot noodles with crusty bread.

13 of 16

Fast or Slow White Chicken Chili

This Instant Pot chicken soup is loaded with white beans, corn, poblano chiles, and sour cream. Top your finished bowl with sliced avocado, radishes, roasted pumpkin seeds, and fresh cilantro.

14 of 16

Moroccan Chicken and Cauliflower Stew

Spices like cumin, ginger, cinnamon, cayenne, and garlic form the base of this healthy chicken recipe. Round out the stew with chicken thighs, cauliflower, chickpeas, dried apricots, and olives. Serve it over couscous with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

15 of 16

Chicken Shawarma

Yes, you can make juicy chicken shawarma in your Instant Pot! Simply rub boneless chicken thighs with a homemade ras el hanout spice blend and cook. Slice and serve on pita bread with pickled carrots.

16 of 16

Chicken Tinga

This chicken Instant Pot recipe calls for flavorful ingredients like chorizo sausage, chipotle peppers, and fire-roasted tomatoes. Serve the cooked chicken with tostada shells topped with refried beans, avocado, and crumbed queso fresco.

Related Article

Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes

Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes

Few desserts elicit the oohs and ahhs that molten cakes do, which makes them a natural pick for special dinners. Feel free to use semi-sweet baking chocolate in place of the bittersweet chocolate if that's the variety you have on hand.
13 Easy Hot Dip Recipes That Belong on Your Game-Day Menu

13 Easy Hot Dip Recipes That Belong on Your Game-Day Menu

Any game-day party will be tastier with these crowd-pleasing appetizer dips, whether you decide to serve up indulgent buffalo chicken dip or a healthier spinach dip recipe.
Cottage Cheese-Dill Dip

Cottage Cheese-Dill Dip

A green, yellow, or red sweet pepper shell makes a fun serving bowl for this low-fat cottage cheese dill dip.
4 Mouthwatering Bratwurst Recipe Ideas for Your Next Cookout

4 Mouthwatering Bratwurst Recipe Ideas for Your Next Cookout

These creative bratwurst recipe ideas use clever combinations of veggies, sauces, and other toppings for a memorable backyard barbecue.
Greek Flatbreads

Greek Flatbreads

This easy Mediterranean flatbread recipe is topped with lots of fresh veggies and herbs. Great for a quick dinner, this Mediterranean recipe can be ready in just 35 minutes.
27 Make-Ahead Game-Day Recipes That Will Make You the MVP

27 Make-Ahead Game-Day Recipes That Will Make You the MVP

When you need game-day recipes that are ready when you are, use these make-ahead football food ideas. The dishes here are our top football recipes.
Garden Stir-Fry

Garden Stir-Fry

Grab all your extra garden veggies and use them up in this easy stir-fry recipe. Cauliflower, green beans, summer squash, and sweet peppers are all welcome, and you can mix up the veggie combo you use each time depending on what you have on hand.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Recipes for Easy Homemade Dinners

5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Recipes for Easy Homemade Dinners

Not sure what to serve for dinner tonight? With these easy 5-ingredient slow cooker recipes, a delicious, hearty meal is easy to prepare.
Fruit Leather

Fruit Leather

Fruit Leather
The Best Types of Red Wine and How to Serve Them

The Best Types of Red Wine and How to Serve Them

This red wine guide shares the best types of red wine and how to serve them. Plus, the best red wine glasses to use for aroma and flavor enjoyment.
Hibiscus Tea Is the Perfect Summertime Drink

Hibiscus Tea Is the Perfect Summertime Drink

Agua Fresca de Jamaica (Iced Hibiscus Tea) is a tangy, refreshing drink that's made with dried hibiscus flowers, sugar, and lime juice. Read on for everything you need to know about the benefits of hibiscus tea and how to make it.
How to Cook Eggplant—5 Simple Methods

How to Cook Eggplant—5 Simple Methods

If you're wondering how to cook eggplant, keep reading. On the grill, roasted, sautéed, and—yes—even in the microwave, this vegetable is as versatile as it is delicious.
We Tried the TikTok-Famous Million Layer Potatoes, And They're Delicious

We Tried the TikTok-Famous Million Layer Potatoes, And They're Delicious

We put the TikTok-famous million layer potato recipe to the test. Get our take on the stacked potato recipe, including the most delicious homemade spicy aioli for dipping.
13 Slow Cooker Brunch Recipes that Work for Weekday Breakfasts, Too

13 Slow Cooker Brunch Recipes that Work for Weekday Breakfasts, Too

These slow cooker brunch recipes work, whether it's a hectic weekday or a calm Sunday. The easy prep and delicious results will make everyone happy.
14 Easy Pasta Side Dishes to Pair With Your Favorite Proteins

14 Easy Pasta Side Dishes to Pair With Your Favorite Proteins

These pasta side dishes might outshine the main. Whether you flip for farfalle, go wild for gnocchi, or prefer your noodles in soup, you’ll find new and classic pasta side dish recipe ideas in this guide. Add these easy pasta side dishes to your menu alongside protein and you have a quick and well-balanced meal.
This Sautéed Zucchini Recipe Is the Best Way to Use Up Your Bounty

This Sautéed Zucchini Recipe Is the Best Way to Use Up Your Bounty

Although it's available year-round, the best time to enjoy zucchini is during the summer. Here's how to make quick sautéed zucchini, one of our favorite summer side dishes.
Roasted Vegetables and Chickpeas

Roasted Vegetables and Chickpeas

Rich with vitamins and minerals, this savory side dish is packed with flavor, enhanced beautifully by the roasting process. Rosemary and garlic lend their aromatic essence, while a hearty blend of chickpeas, twin potatoes and carrots ensures that this vegetarian delight will satisfy. Rinse chickpeas well to remove excess salt.
Farro-Stuffed Peppers

Farro-Stuffed Peppers

Farro-Stuffed Peppers
Pesto Chicken and Radicchio Skewers

Pesto Chicken and Radicchio Skewers

Chicken marinates in a citrus-basil pesto before sharing stick space with purple radicchio.
Grilled Zucchini and Goat Cheese Toasts

Grilled Zucchini and Goat Cheese Toasts

Put a bumper crop of zucchini to use in this fresh spin on a crostini appetizer recipe.