Instant Pot Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
A quick and flavorful Instant Pot recipe for tender chicken and crisp-tender broccoli in a savory ginger garlic soy sauce, perfect for a healthy weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Vegetables
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 pound (450 g) chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 pound (450 g) broccoli, cut into florets
Sauce
- ¼ cup (60 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ¾ cup (180 ml) water or beef stock
Slurry and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water prior to use)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Add Ingredients to Instant Pot: Place the chicken, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, water (or beef stock), brown sugar, and sesame oil into the Instant Pot. Stir lightly to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the lid of the Instant Pot and ensure the vent is set to the sealing position. Select the “manual” or “pressure cook” setting, set to high pressure, and cook for 3 minutes. Allow the Instant Pot to come to pressure naturally, then it will beep indicating cooking is complete. Perform a quick release of the steam carefully before opening the lid.
- Thicken the Sauce: Switch the Instant Pot to the “saute” function. Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) into the pot and stir continuously until the sauce thickens. If the sauce is not thick enough, add an additional tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water and repeat until desired consistency is reached.
- Steam the Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the pot and stir gently to coat with the sauce. Cover the Instant Pot with the lid (no pressure cooking, just covered) and allow the broccoli to steam for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the chicken and broccoli over cooked rice if desired. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt content.
- Adjust the amount of cornstarch slurry depending on preferred sauce thickness.
- For a spicier version, add chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
- Chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts for a juicier texture.
- Ensure quick release of steam to prevent overcooking the chicken.
- Broccoli can be replaced or supplemented with other quick-steaming vegetables like snap peas or green beans.
Keywords: Instant Pot chicken broccoli, pressure cooker chicken, quick healthy dinner, low fat chicken recipe, Asian chicken dish, easy weeknight meal
