If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with flavor, quick to prepare, and packed full of nutrition, you’re going to adore this Instant Pot Chicken & Broccoli recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead, this dish brings tender chicken and crisp broccoli together in a savory sauce, all made effortlessly in your Instant Pot. It’s a delicious, wholesome meal that doesn’t skimp on taste or convenience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Speedy Prep: Ready in under 30 minutes, it fits perfectly into any hectic schedule.
One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup thanks to cooking everything in the Instant Pot.
Healthy & Nutritious: Lean protein paired with fresh veggies makes for a balanced meal.
Flavorful Sauce: A savory, slightly sweet sauce that brings the dish to life without overpowering.
Meal Prep Friendly: Keeps well for several days, making lunches and dinners easier.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Instant Pot Chicken & Broccoli recipe are simple but essential, each selected to enhance the flavor, texture, and color of the dish. Every component plays its part in creating a harmonious and satisfying meal.

Chicken breasts or thighs: Tender, juicy protein that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well.
Fresh broccoli florets: Adds vibrant color and a pleasant crunch when perfectly steamed.
Soy sauce: Brings umami richness and depth to the sauce.
Garlic and ginger: Freshly minced to provide a fragrant, aromatic lift.
Chicken broth: Keeps the chicken moist and forms the base of the sauce.
Honey or brown sugar: Adds a touch of natural sweetness to balance the salty soy sauce.
Cornstarch slurry: Used to thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
Sesame oil: Offers a nutty finish that ties the flavors together beautifully.
Green onions: For fresh garnishing and extra zing.

Variations for Instant Pot Chicken & Broccoli

This recipe is incredibly versatile, making it easy to customize according to your preferences, dietary needs, or ingredients on hand. Feel free to experiment to keep the dish exciting and suited perfectly to your taste.

Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a bold, fiery twist.
Vegetable mix-up: Swap or add snap peas, bell peppers, or carrots for more color and crunch.
Low sodium option: Use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari to reduce salt content.
Keto-friendly: Omit honey and use a sugar-free sweetener for a low-carb version.
Gluten-free swap: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of traditional soy sauce.

Easy Instant Pot Chicken & Broccoli Recipe

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken & Broccoli

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Sauce

Start by cutting chicken into bite-sized pieces and mixing your soy sauce, chicken broth, honey, garlic, and ginger in a bowl to create a flavorful sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Using the Instant Pot’s sauté function, cook the chicken pieces until lightly browned but not fully cooked, helping to lock in juices and adding extra flavor.

Step 3: Add Sauce and Pressure Cook

Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken inside the pot. Close and seal the lid, setting the Instant Pot to cook under high pressure for about 6 minutes.

Step 4: Steam the Broccoli

Release pressure carefully, then add fresh broccoli florets on top of the chicken without stirring. Close the lid again and let the residual heat steam the broccoli for 2-3 minutes using the warm function.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Remove the lid, mix in the cornstarch slurry, and use the sauté mode again to thicken the sauce until it reaches a glossy, perfect consistency.

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

Turn off the Instant Pot, drizzle sesame oil over the dish, sprinkle with chopped green onions, and give everything a gentle stir before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot Chicken & Broccoli

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic, ginger, and broccoli make a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.
Don’t skip browning: Sautéing chicken first locks in juices and gives the dish more depth.
Cut chicken evenly: Uniform pieces ensure even cooking and perfect tenderness.
Alternate broccoli steaming: Adding broccoli after pressure cooking keeps it crisp and green.
Adjust sauce thickness: Add cornstarch slurry slowly to avoid an overly thick or gloopy texture.

How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken & Broccoli

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top for added color, crunch, and a burst of flavor that elevates the dish visually and taste-wise.

Side Dishes

Pair this Instant Pot Chicken & Broccoli with steamed jasmine rice, cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or even noodles for a comforting plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the chicken and broccoli over a bed of quinoa or whole grains, or stuff the mixture into lettuce cups for a light, handheld dinner option with a refreshing crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days, perfect for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week without sacrificing taste or quality.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well; divide into individual portions and freeze in sealed containers for up to 3 months, making it a fantastic grab-and-go meal option.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much, to restore the perfect consistency.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken pieces, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time slightly in the Instant Pot to ensure the chicken cooks through evenly.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Absolutely! The Instant Pot Chicken & Broccoli is ideal for meal prep because it stores well and tastes even better after the flavors have mingled for a day or two.

How can I make the broccoli less soft?

Add broccoli after pressure cooking and steam it using residual heat or the warm setting for just a couple of minutes to keep it crisp yet tender.

Can I substitute chicken thighs with breasts?

Yes, both work well; chicken thighs provide a richer flavor while breasts are leaner. Just ensure uniform cutting so cooking time is consistent.

What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?

You can adapt this recipe by sautéing and simmering on the stovetop, but the cooking time and method will differ since the pressure cooker speeds things up significantly.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Chicken & Broccoli recipe is a true lifesaver for anyone who loves quick, wholesome meals without sacrificing flavor. It’s healthy, satisfying, and customizable, making it the perfect go-to for busy evenings or meal prepping. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious, vibrant combination of tender chicken and fresh broccoli in just a fraction of the time.

Instant Pot Chicken & Broccoli

Print Recipe

This Instant Pot Chicken & Broccoli recipe is a quick, flavorful, and nutritious meal perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. It combines tender chicken and crisp broccoli in a savory, slightly sweet sauce made effortlessly in your Instant Pot, offering a wholesome and convenient one-pot dish full of vibrant flavor and balanced nutrition.

Author: Kathy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Pressure Cooking
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables

3 cups fresh broccoli florets
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Sauce

1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1 teaspoon sesame oil

Thickener

2 tablespoons cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water)

Optional Garnish

Toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken and Sauce: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, chicken broth, honey, minced garlic, and minced ginger to create a flavorful sauce.
Sauté the Chicken: Using the Instant Pot’s sauté function, cook the chicken pieces until they are lightly browned but not fully cooked, locking in juices and enhancing flavor.
Add Sauce and Pressure Cook: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken in the Instant Pot. Close and seal the lid, then set the pot to cook under high pressure for about 6 minutes.
Steam the Broccoli: Carefully release the pressure. Add fresh broccoli florets on top of the chicken without stirring. Close the lid again and use the warm function to steam the broccoli for 2-3 minutes with residual heat.
Thicken the Sauce: Remove the lid and stir in the cornstarch slurry. Turn on sauté mode again and cook until the sauce thickens to a glossy, perfect consistency.
Finish and Garnish: Turn off the Instant Pot, drizzle sesame oil over the dish, sprinkle with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds, then gently stir before serving.

Notes

Use fresh garlic, ginger, and broccoli for the best flavor and texture.
Sautéing the chicken first helps lock in juices and adds depth to the flavor.
Cut chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
Add broccoli after pressure cooking to keep it crisp and green.
Add cornstarch slurry gradually to avoid overly thick or gloopy sauce.
For a spicy twist, add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
Swap or add vegetables like snap peas, bell peppers, or carrots for more variety.
Use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari to reduce salt content.
Omit honey and use a sugar-free sweetener for keto-friendly option.
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of traditional soy sauce to make it gluten-free.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 8 g
Sodium: 650 mg
Fat: 7 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: Instant Pot, chicken, broccoli, quick dinner, one-pot meal, healthy, meal prep, gluten free, pressure cooker