Making Easy Instant Pot Chicken and Gravy is a simple way to enjoy a comforting meal with minimal effort. This dish combines tender chicken breasts and rich gravy, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. With the convenience of your Instant Pot, you can have a delicious, hearty dinner on the table in no time.
Why You’ll Love Easy Instant Pot Chicken and Gravy
- Quick Preparation: This recipe takes just a few minutes to prepare, allowing you to enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Tender, Juicy Chicken: Cooking in the Instant Pot locks in moisture, resulting in chicken that is incredibly tender and flavorful.
- One-Pot Meal: You’ll appreciate the ease of cooking everything in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
- Versatile Serving Options: This chicken and gravy dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, making it adaptable to your family’s preferences.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The rich flavors and comforting texture make this meal a hit with both kids and adults.
- Meal Prep-Friendly: Prepare a larger batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week, simplifying your meal planning.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Ingredients You’ll Need for Easy Instant Pot Chicken and Gravy
- Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Liquids:
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Gravy:
- 1 packet gravy mix
- Seasonings:
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Cooking Oil:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Using this combination results in a delicious and savory gravy that perfectly complements the chicken. You can substitute the chicken breasts with thighs for a richer flavor or use vegetable broth for a lighter option.
How to Make Easy Instant Pot Chicken and Gravy
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Sauté Chicken: Set your Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and add the olive oil. Allow it to heat, then brown the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are lightly golden.
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Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, ensuring even coverage for added flavor.
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Add Broth and Gravy Mix: Pour in the chicken broth and add the gravy mix. Stir to combine everything well, ensuring the chicken is coated with the mixture.
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Seal and Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid and ensure the valve is set to ‘Sealing’. Set it to ‘Manual’ for 10 minutes.
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Release Pressure: Once the cooking time is done, let the pot naturally release pressure for 5 minutes before carefully moving the valve to ‘Vent’ for a quick release. Be cautious of the steam.
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Serve: Remove the chicken from the pot. You can shred the chicken if desired and serve it with the gravy spooned over the top.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: For ideal browning, make sure the chicken breasts have enough space in the pot, or consider cooking in batches.
- Check Chicken Doneness: Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Customize Gravy Flavor: Add herbs like thyme or rosemary to the broth for extra flavor if desired.
- Avoid Burn Notice: Always add liquid before sealing the pot, as insufficient liquid can trigger a burn warning.
Easy Variations
- Add Vegetables: Toss in some diced carrots or potatoes with the chicken for a complete meal.
- Spice It Up: Add a teaspoon of paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra kick of flavor.
- Creamy Gravy: Stir in a tablespoon of butter or a splash of heavy cream after cooking for a richer gravy.
- Make It Healthy: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version of this dish.
What to Serve with Easy Instant Pot Chicken and Gravy
- Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture balances well with the gravy and chicken.
- Steamed Rice: A great option to soak up the delicious gravy.
- Biscuits: Flaky biscuits pair perfectly, allowing you to enjoy every drop of sauce.
- Green Beans: Fresh, sautéed green beans add a nice crunch to the meal.
- Salad: A simple side salad can offer a refreshing contrast to the hearty chicken.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer Storage: For freezer storage, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Best Reheating Method: Reheat in the microwave on medium power until warmed through, or use the stovetop. For even texture, you can splash a bit of broth in while heating.
- Meal Prep Note: This dish is excellent for meal prep, allowing you to portion out for lunches throughout the week.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the Sauté Step: Browning the chicken adds depth of flavor that you miss if you skip this step.
- Using Too Much Gravy Mix: Stick to the recommended packet size, as overloading can make the sauce overly salty or thick.
- Not Following Pressure Release Guidelines: Allowing it to release naturally ensures the chicken remains juicy while quick release can dry it out.
Easy Instant Pot Chicken and Gravy: Background & Cultural Inspiration
Easy Instant Pot Chicken and Gravy draws inspiration from traditional comfort food, often seen in Southern cooking. Meals featuring chicken and gravy are beloved across the United States for their warmth and heartiness, embodying the essence of home-cooked meals. The combination of savory chicken and creamy gravy brings together various culinary influences, making it an iconic family favorite that’s easy to recreate in any kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chicken and gravy dish without an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can make this dish using a slow cooker or stovetop method. Adjust cooking times accordingly, typically requiring more time for those methods.
Can I prepare the gravy without a mix?
Absolutely! You can make homemade gravy using flour, butter, and chicken broth if you prefer a from-scratch approach.
How can I adjust the spice level?
You can easily modify the spice level by adjusting the amount of garlic powder or adding more or less black pepper according to your taste.
How long does it take to cook frozen chicken in the Instant Pot?
If cooking from frozen, you’ll need to increase the cooking time to around 12-15 minutes, ensuring the chicken reaches the necessary temperature.
What can I do if the gravy is too thick?
If your gravy is too thick, simply stir in a little more chicken broth until the desired consistency is reached.
Final Thoughts
Easy Instant Pot Chicken and Gravy is a delightful choice for any home cook looking to put a wholesome meal on the table quickly. With its tender chicken and rich, savory gravy, it brings comfort and satisfaction in every bite. Whether it’s for a family dinner or meal prep, this recipe is sure to become a weeknight favorite that you will return to again and again. Give it a try, and enjoy the ease and flavor it brings to your kitchen!
Easy Instant Pot Chicken and Gravy
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Liquids
- 1 cup chicken broth
Gravy
- 1 packet gravy mix
Seasonings
- to taste salt and pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Cooking Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
Preparation
- Set your Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and add the olive oil. Allow it to heat, then brown the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are lightly golden.
- Sprinkle the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, ensuring even coverage for added flavor.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the gravy mix. Stir to combine everything well, ensuring the chicken is coated with the mixture.
- Close the Instant Pot lid and ensure the valve is set to ‘Sealing’. Set it to ‘Manual’ for 10 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is done, let the pot naturally release pressure for 5 minutes before carefully moving the valve to ‘Vent’ for a quick release. Be cautious of the steam.
- Remove the chicken from the pot. You can shred the chicken if desired and serve it with the gravy spooned over the top.
