Delicious Instant Pot Cranberry Chicken Recipe to Try

The aroma of sweet and tangy cranberry sauce wafting through the air is enough to make anyone’s stomach growl. Imagine tender chicken bathed in this luscious glaze, bursting with flavor that dances on your taste buds. That’s what you get with Instant Pot Cranberry Chicken, a dish that’s as delightful as it is easy to whip up on a busy weeknight or a cozy Sunday dinner.

Picture yourself gathering around the table with family or friends, the vibrant colors of this dish making everyone’s mouth water in anticipation. The best part? You can have this delicious meal ready in no time, leaving you more moments to share laughter and stories rather than slaving away in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Cranberry Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe, but feel free to adjust based on your crowd size.
• Cranberry Sauce: Use canned or homemade cranberry sauce; either works beautifully for that sweet-tart kick.
• Onion: A medium onion adds depth to the flavor; chop it finely for even cooking.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves bring out bold flavors; about three cloves minced should do the trick.
• Soy Sauce: A splash of soy sauce balances the sweetness; opt for low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake.

For extra flavor:

• Dijon Mustard: Just a tablespoon adds some zing and complements the cranberry perfectly.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Instant Pot Cranberry Chicken

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by turning your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add a drizzle of oil and toss in your chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until they become fragrant and slightly translucent—about three minutes.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add them to the pot, browning each side for approximately two minutes. This step seals in those juicy flavors and gives your chicken a nice color.

Step 3: Add the Good Stuff

Pour in the cranberry sauce and soy sauce over the chicken. Add Dijon mustard for an extra layer of flavor. Give everything a gentle stir so that all those ingredients mingle together like old friends at a reunion.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Seal your Instant Pot lid, ensuring it’s locked into place. Set it to pressure cook on high for ten minutes. While you wait, maybe dance around your kitchen or plan how you’ll enjoy those leftovers—because trust me, they’ll be fantastic!

Step 5: Release & Serve

After cooking time is up, carefully perform a quick release of pressure. Once safe to open, remove the chicken and shred it with two forks right in the pot. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 6: Plate It Up

Transfer that beautiful shredded chicken onto plates or bowls over rice or pasta for an enhanced experience. Drizzle any remaining sauce from the pot over it all for that perfect finishing touch.

You can serve this Instant Pot Cranberry Chicken with steamed veggies or on a bed of fluffy rice for an easy weeknight dinner that’s sure to impress! Enjoy every bite! butternut squash chicken casserole.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken in the Instant Pot to lock in those delicious juices. While that sizzles away, whisk together the cranberry sauce, soy sauce, and garlic. Once the chicken is golden, pour the sauce over it and let the Instant Pot work its magic.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out cranberries for other fruits like apricots or peaches if you’re feeling adventurous. Add some heat with red pepper flakes or throw in chopped nuts for a delightful crunch. Personalize this dish to suit your taste buds!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, use the microwave or stovetop; just add a splash of water to keep it moist and delicious.

Sharing this recipe reminds me of my sister’s first attempt at hosting Thanksgiving dinner. She served this Instant Pot Cranberry Chicken, and everyone went back for seconds—she was crowned “Cranberry Queen” that day! Thanksgiving sliders for gatherings.

FAQs :

What is Instant Pot Cranberry Chicken?

Instant Pot Cranberry Chicken is a delicious and easy dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce. This recipe utilizes the Instant Pot to cook the chicken quickly while infusing it with flavorful ingredients like onion, garlic, and herbs. slow cooker cranberry pork loin The result is a mouthwatering meal that can be served over rice or alongside your favorite vegetables, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

How long does it take to cook Instant Pot Cranberry Chicken?

Cooking Instant Pot Cranberry Chicken takes about 25 minutes of cooking time, plus some additional time for the pot to come to pressure and release afterwards. Typically, you’ll need around 10-15 minutes for the pot to heat up before cooking begins. Once done, let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure to ensure tender and juicy chicken.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken for Instant Pot Cranberry Chicken! The Instant Pot can handle frozen meat quite well. Just increase the cooking time by about 5-10 minutes if using frozen chicken breasts. Ensure that the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (75°C) for food safety. This makes it an excellent option if you’re short on time or forgot to thaw your chicken in advance.

What sides pair well with Instant Pot Cranberry Chicken?

Instant Pot Cranberry Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it over fluffy white rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce. Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans add color and nutrition to your plate. cranberry fluff salad for the holidays Additionally, mashed potatoes or a fresh salad can complement this dish nicely, providing both flavor and texture contrasts.

Conclusion for Instant Pot Cranberry Chicken :

In summary, Instant Pot Cranberry Chicken offers a quick and flavorful meal option that is perfect for any occasion. By utilizing your Instant Pot, you achieve tender chicken enveloped in a delightful cranberry sauce that balances sweetness with savory notes. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time required, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Don’t forget to pair it with your favorite sides for a complete dining experience! For more inspiration, check out this Flavorful Chicken Burrito Bowls recipe.