Name: Healthy Chicken Instant Pot
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp turmeric; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, boneless & skinless ((about 6 thighs)); 3 tbsp olive oil (divided); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 small yellow onion (finely diced); 1 tsp ginger (minced); 1 cup uncooked quinoa; 14.5 oz chickpeas, rinsed and drained ((1 can)); 1/2 cup dried cherries; 1.5 cups chicken broth

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Need a nutritious meal that’s quick and flavorful? This healthy chicken Instant Pot recipe is a weeknight favorite! Tender chicken, protein-rich quinoa, and chickpeas make it both delicious and satisfying. For more easy meals, try our frozen chicken crock pot or garlic chicken.

You guys, this is so easy to make! With the magic of the Instant Pot, you can have a nutrient-dense dinner ready in under 30 minutes. Aromatic spices like turmeric, cumin, and paprika add incredible flavor while offering anti-inflammatory benefits. For more quick and healthy meals, try our bone-in chicken breast, chicken tenders, or high-protein chicken salad.

What makes this recipe truly special is the unexpected addition of dried cherries, which provide a subtle sweetness that balances the savory elements perfectly. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week ahead, this healthy chicken instant pot recipe delivers on both taste and nutrition.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

Quick and convenient – From start to finish, this meal comes together in under 30 minutes thanks to the Instant Pot
Nutrient-dense – Packed with lean protein, fiber, and antioxidants from the chicken, quinoa, chickpeas, and spices
Meal-prep friendly – Makes excellent leftovers and can be portioned out for healthy lunches throughout the week

Recipe Ingredients

This healthy chicken instant pot recipe brings together protein-packed ingredients with warm, aromatic spices for a complete meal in one pot:

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Warming spices (paprika, turmeric, cumin)
Aromatic garlic, onion, and ginger
Protein-rich quinoa
Fiber-packed chickpeas
Sweet dried cherries
Savory chicken broth
Heart-healthy olive oil
Fresh herbs for garnish

See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

Ingredient Notes

Chicken thighs – I recommend using boneless, skinless thighs rather than breast meat as they stay more tender and juicy in the Instant Pot and have more flavor
Quinoa – Be sure to rinse your quinoa before cooking to remove the natural bitter coating called saponin that can affect the taste of your final dish
Dried cherries – These add a wonderful sweet-tart flavor, but you can substitute dried cranberries, raisins, or apricots if needed

How to Make Healthy Chicken Instant Pot Recipe

For the complete printable recipe with exact measurements, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post. Here’s a quick overview of how this healthy chicken instant pot recipe comes together:

Create a spice rub by combining paprika, turmeric, cumin, salt, and pepper
Coat chicken thighs evenly with spice mixture
Use the Sauté function to brown chicken on both sides, then set aside
Sauté garlic, onion, and ginger in remaining oil
Add quinoa, chickpeas, dried cherries, and broth to the pot
Return chicken to the pot
Pressure cook for 10 minutes
Quick release pressure when done
Garnish with fresh herbs before serving

Pro Tips

It’s so simple, even a beginner can nail it, but these tips will help you achieve perfect results every time with this healthy chicken instant pot recipe:

Don’t skip browning the chicken – this step adds tremendous flavor to the final dish
Allow the Instant Pot to fully heat up before adding oil and chicken for the best searing results
For extra flavor, toast the quinoa for 1-2 minutes in the pot before adding the liquid
If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the dried cherries to 1/4 cup

Storage and Reheating

This healthy chicken instant pot recipe makes excellent leftovers! Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Refrigerator storage – Store cooled leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freezer storage – Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating – Microwave individual portions with a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture, or reheat larger portions in a covered skillet over medium-low heat.

Additions & Substitutions

Additions:

Add 1 cup of chopped spinach or kale when pressure cooking is complete for extra greens
Stir in 1/2 cup of diced bell peppers with the onions for more vegetables and color
Top with 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds or pine nuts for extra crunch
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the finished dish for brightness

Substitutions:

Swap chicken thighs for chicken breast if preferred (reduce cooking time to 8 minutes)
Replace quinoa with brown rice (increase cooking time to 15 minutes)
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a less intense flavor
Substitute dried apricots or cranberries for the dried cherries

FAQs about this Chicken Instant Pot Recipe

Is cooking chicken in a pressure cooker healthy?

Yes! Pressure cooking is one of the healthiest cooking methods as it preserves nutrients better than boiling and requires less added fat than many other cooking methods.

Why is my chicken chewy after Instant Pot?

Chewy chicken usually results from overcooking. For this healthy chicken instant pot recipe, stick to the recommended 10-minute cooking time and quick release to prevent the chicken from becoming tough.

What is the healthiest thing to eat with chicken?

Nutrient-dense whole grains like quinoa and vegetables make the healthiest accompaniments to chicken. This recipe already includes quinoa, but you could serve it with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh green salad for additional nutrients.

What Can I Serve with this Healthy Chicken Instant Pot Recipe?

This dish is essentially a complete meal on its own, containing protein, complex carbohydrates, and fiber. However, if you’d like to round it out further, consider serving it with a simple side salad dressed with lemon and olive oil or some roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus.

I’d love to hear how this healthy chicken instant pot recipe turned out for you! Please leave a review and let me know if you made any delicious modifications that I should try next time.

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