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Instant Pot Chicken & Broccoli

Instant Pot Chicken & Broccoli

A healthy, quick, and delicious Instant Pot Chicken & Broccoli recipe combining tender chicken breasts with crisp broccoli florets in a flavorful savory sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this one-pot meal is packed with lean protein and fresh veggies, perfect for busy weeknights and easy cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables

  • 3 cups fresh broccoli florets

Sauce

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Thickener

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (cornstarch slurry)

Optional Garnishes

  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Chopped green onions
  • Sriracha sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken and Sauce: Lightly season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, chicken broth, minced garlic, honey, and a drizzle of sesame oil to create the flavorful sauce base.
  2. Sauté for Extra Flavor: Select the sauté function on your Instant Pot, add a splash of sesame oil, and sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side. This locks in juices and adds caramelized flavor.
  3. Pressure Cook the Chicken: Pour the prepared sauce over the seared chicken in the Instant Pot. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes to ensure tender, fully cooked chicken infused with sauce flavors.
  4. Add Broccoli and Finish Cooking: Quickly release the pressure, open the lid, and add fresh broccoli florets on top of the chicken. Reseal the lid and cook on high pressure for 0-2 minutes depending on your desired broccoli texture (0 minutes for very crisp, 2 minutes for tender).
  5. Thicken the Sauce: Carefully remove the chicken and broccoli to a serving dish. Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode and stir in the cornstarch slurry, cooking until the sauce thickens to a shiny glaze that coats the ingredients perfectly.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Pour the thickened sauce over the chicken and broccoli, garnish with your choice of toasted sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or a drizzle of sriracha, and serve immediately for a satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic and crisp broccoli for best flavor and texture.
  • Do not overcook broccoli; add it last to keep it bright green and crunchy.
  • Slice chicken breasts evenly so they cook uniformly.
  • Adjust the sweetness by modifying honey or brown sugar to balance the saltiness of the soy sauce.
  • Double the sauce ingredients if you prefer a saucier dish or want to serve over rice.

Nutrition

Keywords: Instant Pot, Chicken and Broccoli, Healthy Dinner, Quick Meal, One-Pot, Gluten Free, Low Carb