Instant Pot Cuban Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish that captures the essence of Cuban cuisine with a combination of citrus, garlic, and spices. This recipe brings together tender chicken thighs cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot, infused with the tangy and aromatic flavors of a mojo marinade. Quick and easy to prepare, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you crave a taste of the tropics. Serve it with rice, black beans, and plantains for a complete and satisfying meal that will transport your taste buds to the sunny Caribbean.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Marinade:
- In a large bowl, combine the orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Set the Instant Pot to the sauté function and heat a tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add the sliced onion and green bell pepper to the pot and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until they begin to soften. Remove the vegetables from the pot and set aside.
- Brown the Chicken:
- Add the marinated chicken thighs to the Instant Pot in batches, browning them on both sides for about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Deglaze the Pot:
- Pour the chicken broth into the Instant Pot and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Pressure Cook the Chicken:
- Return the browned chicken thighs to the Instant Pot.
- Layer the sautéed onions and bell peppers over the chicken.
- Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 10 minutes.
- Release Pressure:
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
- Serve:
- Transfer the chicken and vegetables to a serving platter.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
- Serve with rice, black beans, and plantains for a complete Cuban-inspired meal.
Enjoy your flavorful and tender Instant Pot Cuban Chicken, perfect for any occasion!
