Instant Pot Red Pepper Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken and the sweet, smoky essence of red bell peppers. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a delicious meal that’s packed with both protein and vegetables. The Instant Pot allows the flavors to meld beautifully in a fraction of the time, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious. With its rich red pepper sauce, this chicken dish pairs perfectly with rice, quinoa, or pasta, making it a versatile and family-friendly dinner option that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamier sauce)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Cooked rice, quinoa, or pasta, for serving
Instructions:
- Sauté the Chicken:
- Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function and heat the olive oil.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Add the chicken to the Instant Pot and sauté for 3-4 minutes until lightly browned on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, and oregano, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pressure Cook:
- Return the chicken to the Instant Pot and stir in the chicken broth and tomato sauce.
- Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set it to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” on high pressure for 7 minutes.
- Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then perform a quick release.
- Finish the Sauce:
- Open the Instant Pot and stir in the heavy cream (if using) and lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve:
- Serve the Red Pepper Chicken over cooked rice, quinoa, or pasta.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Enjoy your vibrant and savory Instant Pot Red Pepper Chicken, a delicious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week!
