15 Healthy Instant Pot Recipes for Busy Days

Hey friends! Welcome back to my kitchen adventures, where today we’re diving into the wonderful world of Instant Pot recipes. If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for delicious, time-saving meals that don’t skimp on flavor.

That’s where the Instant Pot comes to the rescue! This magical kitchen gadget has become my go-to for whipping up everything from hearty soups to tender meats in a fraction of the time it would take with traditional cooking methods.

In this post, I’m excited to share some of my favorite Instant Pot recipes that are not only incredibly easy to make but also packed with mouthwatering flavors.

These recipes are sure to become staples in your kitchen. So, grab your Instant Pot, and let’s get cooking! Ready to discover the magic of the Instant Pot? Let’s get started!

1. Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken with Artichokes

This flavorful dish is bursting with Mediterranean goodness. Tender chicken breasts are cooked with artichoke hearts, lemon slices, and garlic for a healthy and satisfying meal. Perfect served over rice or quinoa.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and halved
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the olive oil.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then brown them in the Instant Pot for about 2 minutes on each side.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, add the lemon slices, artichoke hearts, oregano, and thyme.
5. Seal the Instant Pot lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
6. Once done, use quick release to release the pressure.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Serve With: Steamed rice or a side salad.

Drink With: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with lemon.

2. Instant Pot Turkey Chili

A hearty and healthy chili packed with ground turkey, black beans, kidney beans, corn, and fire-roasted tomatoes. Seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and spices for a satisfying and flavorful weeknight dinner.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and cook the diced onion and minced garlic until soft.
2. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned.
3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth.
5. Seal the Instant Pot lid and cook on high pressure for 20 minutes.
6. Allow natural release for 10 minutes, then use quick release for any remaining pressure.
7. Stir well and serve hot.

Serve With: Cornbread or tortilla chips.

Drink With: A cold beer or iced tea.

3. Instant Pot Chicken and Vegetable Quinoa Bowl

This protein-packed bowl features fluffy quinoa cooked to perfection in your Instant Pot, topped with shredded chicken, roasted vegetables like broccoli and carrots, and a light dressing. A complete and customizable meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and cook the diced chicken until browned.
2. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Stir in the quinoa, chicken broth, bell pepper, zucchini, corn, black beans, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Seal the Instant Pot lid and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
5. Use quick release to release the pressure.
6. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and serve hot.

Serve With: A side of avocado slices or a fresh green salad.

Drink With: A refreshing lime water or white wine.

4. Instant Pot Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce

This elegant dish is surprisingly easy to make in your Instant Pot. Delicate salmon fillets are cooked to perfection and topped with a creamy dill sauce for a touch of luxury. Serve with roasted asparagus or rice for a well-rounded meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon slices for garnish

Instructions:

1. Pour water into the Instant Pot and place the trivet inside.
2. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper and place them on the trivet.
3. Seal the Instant Pot lid and cook on high pressure for 3 minutes.
4. While the salmon is cooking, mix the Greek yogurt, dill, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
5. Use quick release to release the pressure.
6. Serve the salmon with the creamy dill sauce and garnish with lemon slices.

Serve With: Steamed asparagus or a side of quinoa.

Drink With: A crisp white wine like Chardonnay or sparkling water with a lemon twist.

5. Instant Pot Lentil Soup with Lemon

This hearty and flavorful soup is packed with protein and fiber from lentils. With the addition of bright lemon juice and fresh herbs, it’s a healthy and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a chilly day.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils, rinsed
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp coriander
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lemon, juiced
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and cook the diced onion, carrots, and celery until soft.
2. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Stir in the lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper.
4. Seal the Instant Pot lid and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
5. Use quick release to release the pressure.
6. Stir in the lemon juice and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Serve With: Crusty bread or a side salad.

Drink With: A glass of white wine or lemon-infused water.

6. Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas

Skip the takeout and whip up these quick and easy fajitas at home. Chicken breasts are marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and cooked in the Instant Pot for a juicy and tender base. Serve with fajita veggies, tortillas, and your favorite toppings.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into strips
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet fajita seasoning
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Tortillas for serving
• Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa

Instructions:

1. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and cook the sliced chicken until browned.
2. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Stir in the fajita seasoning, bell peppers, onion, and chicken broth.
4. Seal the Instant Pot lid and cook on high pressure for 7 minutes.
5. Use quick release to release the pressure.
6. Serve the chicken and vegetables in tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Serve With: Rice and beans.

Drink With: A cold margarita or a refreshing lemonade.

7. Instant Pot Coconut Curry Chicken

This fragrant curry is bursting with Thai flavors. Chicken breasts are cooked in a creamy coconut milk broth infused with curry paste, ginger, and lime juice. Serve over rice for a delicious and exotic meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, minced
• 2 tbsp red curry paste
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and cook the diced onion, garlic, and ginger until soft.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned.
3. Stir in the red curry paste and cook for another minute.
4. Add the coconut milk, bell pepper, chicken broth, fish sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar.
5. Seal the Instant Pot lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
6. Use quick release to release the pressure.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Serve With: Jasmine rice or naan bread.

Drink With: A cold Thai iced tea or coconut water.

8. Instant Pot Moroccan Chickpea Stew

A vegetarian dish bursting with North African flavors. Chickpeas, vegetables like sweet potatoes and carrots, and Moroccan spices simmer together in the Instant Pot for a hearty and flavorful stew. Perfect served with couscous or crusty bread.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and cook the diced onion, carrots, and garlic until soft.
2. Stir in the cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chickpeas, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
4. Seal the Instant Pot lid and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
5. Use quick release to release the pressure.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Serve With: Couscous or flatbread.

Drink With: Mint tea or a light beer.

9. Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats

Skip the pre-packaged oatmeal and make a healthier version in your Instant Pot. Steel cut oats cook up perfectly with a creamy texture. Add your favorite toppings like nuts, seeds, fresh fruit, or a drizzle of honey for a customizable and satisfying breakfast.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup steel cut oats
• 4 cups water
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Optional toppings: fresh berries, nuts, honey, cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Pour the steel cut oats, water, and salt into the Instant Pot.
2. Seal the Instant Pot lid and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes.
3. Allow natural release for 10 minutes, then use quick release for any remaining pressure.
4. Stir the oats and serve with your favorite toppings.

Serve With: Fresh fruit or a smoothie.

Drink With: A hot cup of coffee or tea.

10. Instant Pot Hard-Boiled Eggs

Making perfectly cooked hard-boiled eggs is a breeze in your Instant Pot. No more guessing or overcooked eggs! This method ensures consistently delicious results every time.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 6-12 large eggs

Instructions:

1. Place the trivet in the Instant Pot and add 1 cup of water.
2. Arrange the eggs on the trivet.
3. Seal the Instant Pot lid and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
4. Allow natural release for 5 minutes, then use quick release.
5. Transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water for 5 minutes before peeling.

Serve With: Salt and pepper or in a salad.

Drink With: A glass of orange juice or a cup of herbal tea.

11. Instant Pot Quinoa with Black Beans and Corn

A simple and healthy side dish made in your Instant Pot. Quinoa is cooked with black beans, corn, and a touch of lime juice for a flavorful and protein-packed accompaniment to any meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and cook the garlic until fragrant.
2. Add the quinoa, black beans, corn, bell pepper, vegetable broth, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Seal the Instant Pot lid and cook on high pressure for 1 minute.
4. Allow natural release for 10 minutes, then use quick release.
5. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Serve With: Grilled chicken or avocado slices.

Drink With: A glass of sparkling water with lime or iced tea.

12. Instant Pot Greek Yogurt

Homemade yogurt is surprisingly easy to make in your Instant Pot. With just milk and a starter culture, you can create delicious and healthy yogurt at home. Perfect for breakfast with granola and fruit or as a base for savory dips.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/2 gallon whole milk
• 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt (with live cultures)

Instructions:

1. Pour the milk into the Instant Pot and select the yogurt setting, then press the adjust button until it reads “boil.”
2. Once the milk reaches 180°F, allow it to cool to 110°F.
3. Whisk in the plain Greek yogurt.
4. Select the yogurt setting again and incubate for 8 hours.
5. Strain the yogurt through cheesecloth for 2-4 hours for thicker Greek yogurt.

Serve With: Fresh fruit, honey, or granola.

Drink With: A glass of freshly squeezed juice or a smoothie.

13. Instant Pot Chicken Breast with Buffalo Sauce

This recipe is perfect for those who love a little heat. Chicken breasts are cooked in the Instant Pot and then tossed in a spicy buffalo sauce for a flavorful and satisfying meal. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and vegetables.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup buffalo sauce
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and cook the garlic until fragrant.
3. Add the chicken breasts, buffalo sauce, and chicken broth.
4. Seal the Instant Pot lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
5. Use quick release to release the pressure.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Serve With: Blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.

Drink With: A cold beer or iced tea.

14. Instant Pot Cauliflower Soup

This creamy and flavorful soup is a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables. Cauliflower florets are cooked until tender in the Instant Pot and then blended with broth and spices for a comforting and healthy dish.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 head cauliflower, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup milk or cream
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh chives for garnish

Instructions:

1. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and cook the onion and garlic in olive oil until soft.
2. Add the cauliflower, vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Seal the Instant Pot lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
4. Use quick release to release the pressure.
5. Blend the soup until smooth, then stir in the milk or cream.
6. Garnish with fresh chives and serve hot.

Serve With: Crusty bread or a side salad.

Drink With: A glass of white wine or a hot cup of tea.

15. Instant Pot Applesauce

Homemade applesauce is a healthy and delicious treat that’s easy to make in your Instant Pot. Simply add apples, a touch of water, and your favorite spices to the pot and cook until softened. Perfect for a snack or a side dish.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 6 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Place the apples, water, and cinnamon in the Instant Pot.
2. Seal the Instant Pot lid and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
3. Use quick release to release the pressure.
4. Mash the apples to your desired consistency.

Serve With: Pork chops or as a topping for pancakes.

Drink With: A glass of apple cider or hot tea.

Related posts:

15 Easy Healthy Meals for a Nutritious and Tasty Diet 15 Easy Casserole Recipes for Comforting Meals 15 High Protein Low Calorie Recipes for Healthy Eating 15 Tater Tot Casserole Recipes for Comfort Food Lovers 15 High Protein Breakfast Ideas to Fuel Your Day 15 Broccoli Recipes to Boost Your Nutrition and Taste 15 Gluten-Free Recipes That Don’t Compromise on Flavor 15 Roasted Potatoes Recipes to Elevate Your Meals