Just because you might be at home more doesn’t mean you have more time to cook. Whether you’re working from home, helping virtual learners or homeschooling, it’s likely you’re just as busy as ever. I love using my electric pressure cooker for busy days. It’s like having someone cooking in the kitchen while I work on the million of other things needing done.
One of my favorite fast recipes is chicken and vegetable quinoa. It takes minutes to prepare, is super healthy and cooks fast, so it’s perfect for busy days. The basic recipe is really easy to customize, so it’s a good meal to use up odds and ends from the fridge.
Customizing your quinoa
- Try it with beef, sausage, tofu, beans, eggs or skip the protein and add more vegetables. If you have leftover chicken, shred it and use it instead of raw chicken breasts.
- If you have time to chop vegetables, clean out the produce drawer and use whatever you have on hand. Use up those veggies before they go bad!
- Kale is another nice addition. Throw it on top before pressure cooking and stir it in at the end. Since it’s a hardier green, it holds up well to pressure cooking.
- Change up the flavor by adding soy sauce, hot sauce or your favorite seasonings. For a mild dish, I like using poultry seasoning.
- Don’t like quinoa? Use rice and adjust the cooking time based on your pressure cooker’s recommendations.
It’s easy to pack for lunches or take on picnics, too.
Instant Pot Chicken and Vegetable Quinoa
Equipment
- Electric pressure cooker, such as an Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp oil olive oil, coconut oil or preferred cooking oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup chicken breast, cut into bite sized pieces Could also use pre-cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 2 cups quinoa
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Turn the pressure cooker to "Saute" and add oil.
- Add the onion and chicken if you are not using pre-cooked chicken.
- Saute until the onion is translucent and chicken is browned.
- Press "Cancel" to stop sauteing.
- Add broth, quinoa and vegetables to pot and stir.
- Add salt and pepper, if desired.
- Lock the lid and set cooker to two minutes on high pressure.
- Allow pressure to release naturally when done.
- Fluff with fork and serve.
Notes
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[…] – Cooks quickly in the pressure cooker and high in protein. Easy Instant Pot Chicken and Vegetable Quinoa is a quick quinoa based meal that is easy to customize and a great way to use up leftover meats and […]
[…] – Cooks quickly in the pressure cooker and high in protein. Easy Instant Pot Chicken and Vegetable Quinoa is a quick quinoa based meal that is easy to customize and a great way to use up leftover meats and […]
[…] Easy Instant Pot Chicken and Vegetable Quinoa was originally published on SubEarthan Cottage […]