When the clock is ticking and you’re craving something nourishing yet effortless, this High Protein Chicken Dinner Instant Pot recipe steps in like a quiet hero. It’s one of those meals that feels cozy without the hassle of juggling pots and pans, thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot.
The other night, I was juggling a few things in the kitchen — trying to keep an eye on dinner while half-listening to a podcast and wondering if I’d forgotten to turn off the oven earlier. Somewhere between the gentle sizzle and the faint hum of the Instant Pot sealing, the house started smelling like a hug. The tender chicken mingled with earthy quinoa and those bright pops of broccoli and bell pepper — the colors alone made it feel like a small celebration. I admit, I almost forgot to add the Parmesan at the end, but that little sprinkle of cheese was the finishing touch that brought everything together in a way that made it hard to stop eating.
Why You’ll Love It:
- It’s a one-pot dinner, so cleanup is a breeze—even on your busiest nights.
- The balance of protein and veggies feels satisfying but not heavy, perfect when you want something nourishing without overdoing it.
- The flavors are layered but subtle, so you don’t need to be a seasoned cook to pull it off.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps, just wholesome ingredients coming together.
- The cooking time is short, but because it uses the Instant Pot, you get that slow-cooked tenderness in a flash.
Even if you’re new to pressure cooking or have never made quinoa before, this recipe is forgiving. The timing works out nicely so the veggies turn out just right, not mushy or undercooked. And if you’re worried about equipment, no need to stress—your Instant Pot will do most of the work, and you can relax with a quick read or a cup of tea while it cooks.
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High Protein Chicken Dinner Instant Pot
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A quick and nutritious high-protein chicken dinner made in the Instant Pot, featuring tender chicken breasts, quinoa, and vegetables all cooked together for a wholesome meal.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup broccoli florets
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Set the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and heat the olive oil.
Add the chicken pieces and cook for 3-4 minutes until lightly browned but not fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Add the rinsed quinoa to the Instant Pot and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.
Return the chicken to the pot. Add the broccoli florets, diced red bell pepper, and diced carrot on top.
Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper evenly over the ingredients.
Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to ‘Sealing’. Cook on ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ mode for 8 minutes.
When the cooking time is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
Open the lid and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.
Serve hot, dividing evenly among four plates.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Kitchen Notes: I usually like to serve this with a simple green salad or maybe some crusty bread to round things out, but it’s perfectly fine eaten on its own. If you want to switch it up, you could try swapping the broccoli for green beans or adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Sometimes I toss in a handful of spinach at the end, but I haven’t tested it with frozen veggies—just fresh ones work best in my experience. The Parmesan adds a nice creaminess, but if you’re avoiding dairy, a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast might be good alternatives.
FAQ:
Can I use frozen chicken? You can, but it might alter the cooking time slightly, so keep an eye on it or thaw beforehand if possible.
Is quinoa necessary? Quinoa adds a nice texture and protein boost, but you could try brown rice or even couscous if that’s what you have.
Can I meal prep this? Absolutely. It stores well in the fridge for a few days and reheats nicely.
Ready to make dinner easier and tastier? Give this High Protein Chicken Dinner Instant Pot recipe a try. Your future self will thank you.