Instant Pot Homestyle Chicken and Vegetables Recipe

When it comes to weeknight dinners, nothing beats a meal that’s quick, easy, and comforting. The Instant Pot Homestyle Chicken and Vegetables Recipe ticks all those boxes, making it a lifesaver for busy families. Whether you’re rushing to get dinner on the table after a long day or simply craving a wholesome, delicious meal, this recipe is here to save the day.

The Instant Pot is an incredible tool for preparing dishes that would traditionally take hours to cook. It speeds up the process without sacrificing flavor or quality, and it’s especially perfect for dishes like this one, where a medley of tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and savory spices come together to create a flavorful, satisfying dish.

In this article, we’ll dive into the details of making the Instant Pot Homestyle Chicken and Vegetables Recipe, from the ingredients to the cooking process, tips to elevate the dish, and a detailed nutritional breakdown. You’ll soon discover why this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients: Simple Yet Flavorful

The ingredients in this recipe are the building blocks of flavor. They are simple, accessible, and packed with nutrients, making this dish not only tasty but also a nutritious option for any day of the week.

Protein Power: Chicken Breasts or Thighs

The star of this dish is, of course, the chicken. Both chicken breasts and thighs work wonderfully in this recipe, and each offers its own set of benefits.

Chicken Breasts: These are leaner cuts and cook quickly in the Instant Pot, yielding a tender and juicy texture. If you’re aiming to reduce fat, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are your best bet. They soak up the seasonings beautifully and remain moist, thanks to the magic of pressure cooking.
Chicken Thighs: If you prefer a richer flavor, chicken thighs are a great choice. They are naturally juicier due to their slightly higher fat content, which makes them more forgiving if cooked for a bit longer. For a more intense, comforting flavor, thighs are the way to go.

For optimal taste, try to source organic or free-range chicken, which enhances both the flavor and nutritional value of the dish.

Vegetables: A Nutrient-Rich Medley

A key strength of this recipe is the combination of vegetables, which provides both texture and nutritional value. The veggies in this dish come together to create a colorful, satisfying meal, with a perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors.

Carrots: Naturally sweet, carrots bring a vibrant color to the dish. They are loaded with beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A, supporting eye health, immune function, and skin vitality.
Potatoes: These starchy gems add a comforting heartiness to the meal. Potatoes are rich in potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure, and they’re a good source of vitamin C. For the best texture, opt for Yukon Gold or red potatoes, as they hold up well in the Instant Pot.
Green Beans: Adding a fresh and slightly crunchy texture, green beans are a great source of fiber and vitamins K and C. They bring a lovely grassy flavor to the dish, providing balance to the richer flavors of the chicken and potatoes.

Other vegetables you can consider adding or swapping out:

Celery: Adds a subtle herbal flavor that enhances the overall depth.
Sweet Potatoes: For a sweeter, nutrient-dense option packed with vitamin A.
Mushrooms: These will contribute an earthy undertone to your dish.
Broccoli or Cauliflower: These florets can be added towards the end to avoid overcooking, providing a wonderful, fresh crunch.

Instructions: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Perfection

Making Instant Pot Homestyle Chicken and Vegetables couldn’t be easier. Follow this straightforward guide for a meal that comes together in no time, with minimal cleanup.

1. Sautéing the Aromatics

Start by setting your Instant Pot to Sauté mode. This step creates the flavor base for the dish, ensuring the onions and garlic release their full aromatic potential.

Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the Instant Pot and let it heat until it shimmers.
Once the oil is hot, toss in the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-5 minutes, until softened and translucent.
Add the minced garlic and continue sautéing for another minute until fragrant. Be mindful of the garlic—it can burn quickly, which would make it bitter.

2. Seasoning the Chicken

While the aromatics are cooking, it’s time to season the chicken. The goal here is to infuse the chicken with the savory flavors that will form the heart of this dish.

In a bowl, combine your chicken pieces with 2 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Coat the chicken evenly with the seasoning.
Add the seasoned chicken to the Instant Pot, directly on top of the sautéed onions and garlic. No need to brown the chicken; it will cook perfectly under pressure.

3. Adding Vegetables and Broth

This is the part where everything starts coming together. The vegetables add texture and flavor, and the broth ensures the dish remains moist while cooking.

Pour 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth into the Instant Pot. This adds the necessary liquid for the pressure cooking and helps deglaze the pot, picking up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.
Add 4 cups of mixed vegetables: the carrots, potatoes, and green beans. Layer the vegetables on top of the chicken. There’s no need to stir—this layering method ensures even cooking, with the vegetables closer to the bottom cooking slightly faster than those on top.

4. Pressure Cooking to Perfection

Now that everything’s in the pot, it’s time for the Instant Pot magic. The high-pressure cooking method ensures everything cooks quickly while preserving flavor and texture.

Secure the Instant Pot lid and make sure the sealing ring is in place. Set the valve to “Sealing.”
Press the Pressure Cook button (or Manual, depending on your Instant Pot model) and set the cooking time to 10 minutes. The Instant Pot will take a few minutes to come to pressure, after which the cooking process begins.

5. Releasing the Pressure

Once the pressure cooking cycle finishes, it’s time to manage the pressure release.

Allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. During this time, the pressure naturally dissipates, which helps the chicken and vegetables stay moist and tender.
After 10 minutes, carefully perform a quick release by moving the pressure valve to the “Venting” position. Be cautious of the hot steam, and use a kitchen towel or a utensil to avoid burns. Quick release halts the cooking process and prevents overcooking the vegetables.

6. Finishing Touches

Once all the pressure is released and the float valve has dropped, it’s time to open the Instant Pot and combine the dish.

Gently stir everything together to mix the chicken, vegetables, and broth. At this point, the chicken should be tender and juicy, and the vegetables should be perfectly cooked through but still firm, not mushy.
Serve your Instant Pot Homestyle Chicken and Vegetables hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme, if desired.

Tips for Elevating Your Instant Pot Homestyle Chicken and Vegetables

While this recipe is already fantastic, here are a few extra tips to elevate your dish:

Brown the Chicken for Extra Flavor: If you like a deeper flavor, you can brown the chicken first. After sautéing the onions and garlic, remove them from the pot, add a bit more oil, and brown the chicken on all sides. This adds a rich caramelized flavor to the dish.
Deglaze the Pot: After sautéing the onions and garlic, pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the Instant Pot. These bits (called fond) are packed with flavor and will enhance the overall taste of your dish.
Adjust Vegetable Cooking Time: If you prefer your vegetables to be softer, increase the pressure cooking time to 12 minutes. For firmer vegetables, reduce the time to 8 minutes.

Nutritional Breakdown: Fueling Your Body Right

Not only is the Instant Pot Homestyle Chicken and Vegetables Recipe delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients to keep you energized and healthy. The combination of lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and flavorful herbs makes this dish a balanced, well-rounded meal.

Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutrition facts per serving:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	350
Protein	30g
Carbohydrates	30g
Fiber	5g
Fat	10g

Key Nutritional Benefits:

Lean Protein: The chicken provides a rich source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and keeping you feeling full.
Vitamins and Minerals: The combination of vegetables, particularly carrots (with vitamin A), potatoes (rich in potassium), and green beans (loaded with vitamins K and C), offers a broad spectrum of nutrients essential for overall health.
Fiber: The fiber from the vegetables helps with digestive health and promotes satiety, keeping you feeling full longer.
Healthy Fats: The olive oil used for sautéing adds healthy fats, which are crucial for heart health and overall wellness.

Quick and Convenient: Time-Saving Benefits of the Instant Pot

One of the biggest advantages of making the Instant Pot Homestyle Chicken and Vegetables Recipe is how fast it is. This meal cooks in just 30 minutes, from start to finish, making it ideal for busy families or anyone looking to prepare a quick, nutritious meal.

Breakdown of Cooking Time:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes (includes the time for the Instant Pot to come to pressure)
Total Time: 30 minutes

The Instant Pot makes it easy to get a full meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. And the best part? It’s a one-pot meal, so cleanup is a breeze!

How to Serve: Make It Your Own

While this dish is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to customize and serve it based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

Classic Bowl: Serve the chicken and vegetables in a simple bowl for a comforting, no-fuss meal.
Over Rice or Quinoa: Add a scoop of fluffy rice or quinoa for extra carbohydrates and texture. Quinoa is a great option, adding protein and fiber to the meal.
With Crusty Bread: Pair the dish with a side of crusty bread like sourdough, baguette, or ciabatta for dipping into the delicious broth.
Topped with Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley, thyme, or chives to add a burst of freshness and color.
Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream: Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for a creamy, tangy element that complements the savory chicken and vegetables.
Side Salad: Pair with a light green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette for a balance of fresh flavors.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare, but possible!), they can be stored and enjoyed later.

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the dish for 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as usual. Note that the texture of the potatoes might change slightly after freezing, but the flavor will remain just as delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few commonly asked questions about the Instant Pot Homestyle Chicken and Vegetables Recipe:

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs. Just be sure to increase the pressure cooking time to 15-20 minutes to ensure it cooks fully. Separate the pieces if they are frozen together.

Q2: Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, and you can add or swap vegetables based on your preferences or what’s in season. Consider adding broccoli, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or peas. Just remember to adjust cooking times for firmer vegetables.

Q3: Can I make this without an Instant Pot?
While this recipe is designed for the Instant Pot, you can also cook it on the stovetop or in the oven. The stovetop method will take about 30-40 minutes, and the oven method will take 45-60 minutes at 375°F.

Q4: Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe to feed a larger crowd or for meal prepping. Just double the ingredients, but the pressure cooking time remains the same. Be careful not to exceed the maximum fill line of your Instant Pot.