This is more of a technique and some inspiration than actual recipes.

What is the Instant Pot, or IP as I’ll be referring to it?? It’s a multi-function appliance that can pressure cook, slow cook and saute. All the other buttons are time and heat settings programmed to do different tricks. And I LOVE it! If you spend some time getting to know yours, you’ll love it, too!

Is this a necessary kitchen appliance??? That – my friends – is up to you. I don’t like a bunch of stuff cluttering my counters or cabinets that I don’t use at least every month. We went 17 years with out a toaster oven, toasting in the oven. Kids staying home alone…fire risk to make toast…we broke down and bought a toaster this summer. What appliances make my short list?

• IP (Instant Pot)
• Vitamix blender
• 20 year old Kitchen Aid food processor (it’s a tank!)
• Juicer
• Kitchen Aid Mixer

These recipes are for the times when you totally forgot to defrost the chicken before dinner – or when time got away from your or the number of mouths you have to feed multiplied… you know, those general “Oh $#!T” moments you consider dialing 1-800- Dominos!

Using frozen chicken breasts, once you get the ingredients into the pot, it takes 24 minutes once it comes up to pressure. THAT is the is tricky party with the IP.  Depending on how many chicken breasts and other ingredients that time can take 5-10 minutes. So total start to “DINNER!!!” is about 30 minutes, all of which are totally hands-off.

Chicken Burritos / Bowls

• 1/2 c water / broth
• 2 chicken breasts
• 2 cans rinsed /drained black beans
• 2 c salsa
• 2 T taco seasoning
• 1 T garlic
• OPTIONAL – 1 c corn kernels

1. Dump all ingredients into IP and stir to combine a little. Lock lid to seal and set to High Manual for 12 min for frozen / 10 min for fresh chicken. Then allow to NPR (natural pressure release) for 12 minutes or until the screen reads L0:12 (meaning it’s gone over cooking time by 12 minutes).
2. Shred chicken and use as filling for burritos or burrito bowls with rice, shredded cheese, avocado, shredded cabbage, etc.
3. This would also make an awesome topping for nachos … just sayin’.

Barbecue Chicken

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1/2 c water / broth
• 1 cup barbecue sauce

1. Same as above….
2. Serve as sandwiches or over slaw as a salad.

Asian Chicken

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1/2 c water / broth
• 1/4 c soy sauce or alternative
• 1 T sesame oil
• 2 T crushed garlic
• 2 T rice vinegar
• 1 T chopped or grated fresh ginger

1. Same as above…
2. Serve with steamed broccoli or other stir fried vegetables. Add to a shredded cabbage blend for an asian chicken salad (no mayo dressing)

Greek Chicken

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1/2 c water  / broth
• 1 T dry oregano
• 1 t dry dill
• 1 can chopped tomato
• 1/2 c chopped onion
• 2 T crushed garlic
• 2 T olive oil
• 1 c chopped olives

1. Combine all but olives in IP and …same as above – but I remove the chicken gently from the pot and chop it rather than shredding.
2. Serve with quinoa or rice and feta cheese.

 

…and, you’re welcome. This will be a massive time, sanity and $ saver! And now you can actually use & LOVE your IP and get your $ worth out of it!