This Instant Pot Recipe Proves Dinner Doesn't Have to Take More Than 15 Minutes

By Anna Monette Roberts
James Stefiuk
James Stefiuk

A chicken and potato dinner doesn't have to take longer than 15 minutes, thanks to the Instant Pot and this cookbook: The I Love My Instant Pot Recipe Book ($17) by Michelle Fagone. The homemade pesto, quickly blitzed in a food processor, provides the key flavors to this dish (garlic, basil, and fresh Parmesan). Using chicken thighs instead of breasts ensures the meat has more flavor and juiciness, too. And if you need to bust out a jar of premade pesto (no judgment), it will knock down the time to a laughable eight to 10 minutes. Gosh, who thought cooking at home could be so freakin' easy? Check out the full recipe ahead.

James Stefiuk

Easy Pesto Chicken and Red Potatoes

Cook Time15 minutes
Yield5 servings

From The I Love My Instant Pot Recipe Book by Michelle Fagone

INGREDIENTS

    • For pesto:
    • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
    • 1 cup fresh parsley leaves
    • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
    • 1/3 cup pine nuts
    • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
    • 3-5 cloves garlic
    • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
    • For chicken:
    • 3 pounds boneless chicken thighs
    • 3/4 cup pesto
    • 2 pounds (8 medium) red potatoes, quartered
    • 1 large sweet onion, peeled and chopped
    • 1 cup chicken broth

    INSTRUCTIONS

    1. To make pesto: Pulse the following ingredients in a small food processor: fresh basil leaves, fresh parsley leaves, extra-virgin olive oil, pine nuts, freshly grated Parmesan, garlic, sea salt, and ground black pepper.

    2. To make chicken: Place chicken in a bowl or plastic bag. Add pesto. Toss or shake chicken to distribute the pesto evenly over the thighs. Set aside in the refrigerator.

    3. Layer potatoes and onions in the Instant Pot®. Pour in the chicken broth. Place chicken on top. Lock lid.

    4. Press the Manual button and adjust time to 10 minutes. When timer beeps, let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. Quick release any additional pressure until float valve drops and then unlock lid. Check the chicken using a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature is at least 165°F.

    5. Using a slotted spoon, remove chicken and potatoes and transfer to a platter. Discard liquid. Serve warm.

    Notes

    There's something to be said for a dish that not only tastes delicious but smells delicious, too. And this recipe gives you the best of both worlds. In addition, this pesto chicken is incredibly quick and easy to make. This is one of those go-to recipes that you'll find yourself impressing your family with at least once a week.