There’s something about the sizzle of chicken hitting a hot pan and the colorful pop of bell peppers that instantly lifts your mood after a long day. This Instant Pot Chicken and Peppers recipe brings that familiar comfort in a fraction of the time, making it the go-to for hectic evenings when you want wholesome food without fuss.
Last week, after a marathon day of work and errands, I came home craving something warm and wholesome but had zero energy to slave over the stove. As soon as I tossed the seasoned chicken and bright bell peppers into the Instant Pot, the kitchen filled with a smoky, garlicky aroma that promised relief. Within minutes, the pressure cooker did its magic, and I was rewarded with tender, juicy chicken nestled in a bed of soft yet vibrant peppers. That first bite was exactly what I needed—a balance of savory, slightly spicy, and fresh flavors that felt like a hug on a plate.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Ready in just about 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- A colorful, nutritious dinner with tender chicken and sweet peppers.
- Simple seasoning that delivers rich, deep flavor without complicated steps.
- Flexible to serve over rice, pasta, or on its own for a lighter meal.
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
If you’re worried about juggling too many ingredients or complicated timing, this recipe breaks it down effortlessly. With the Instant Pot doing the heavy lifting, you get a hands-off meal that still tastes like you spent hours on it.
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Instant Pot Chicken and Peppers
Description
A quick and flavorful Instant Pot recipe featuring tender chicken breasts cooked with colorful bell peppers and a savory blend of seasonings. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 medium yellow onion, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
Turn the Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ mode and add the olive oil.
In a medium bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss to coat evenly.
When the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces to the Instant Pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned but not fully cooked.
Add the sliced onion, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and minced garlic to the Instant Pot. Stir to combine with the chicken.
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and tomato paste until smooth. Pour this mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the Instant Pot.
Sprinkle the dried oregano and crushed red pepper flakes evenly over the contents.
Cancel the ‘Sauté’ mode. Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position.
Select ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ mode and set the timer for 8 minutes at high pressure.
When the cooking cycle completes, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
Open the lid carefully. Stir the chicken and peppers to combine and check seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper if desired.
Serve hot over rice, pasta, or enjoy as is.
FAQ
Can I use other types of chicken? Yes, chicken thighs work well too and add extra juiciness, though cooking times may vary slightly.
Is it spicy? The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle heat, but you can adjust or omit them to suit your taste.
Can I prepare this ahead? You can prep the ingredients in advance, but it’s best enjoyed fresh for the best texture and flavor.
What sides go well? Rice or pasta are classic choices, but this also pairs nicely with quinoa or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Once you try this Instant Pot Chicken and Peppers, it quickly becomes a staple because it’s fast, flavorful, and fuss-free. Save this recipe and have it ready for those nights when you crave comfort without the wait.