Are you tired of dry, flavorless chicken that leaves you disappointed at the dinner table? Prepare to revolutionize your cooking with this mouthwatering Instant Pot Steamed Garlic Chicken Breasts recipe that guarantees tender, succulent meat packed with incredible garlic flavor in just 25 minutes! This foolproof method will transform your weeknight dinners from bland to grand, making you look like a culinary genius with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: 4 chicken breasts, 4 cloves of garlic (minced), 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of paprika, salt and pepper to taste, and 1 cup of water.
- Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps to remove any excess moisture and ensures better seasoning.
- In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
- Place the chicken breasts in a large mixing bowl or a zip-top bag. Pour the garlic marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each breast is well coated. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes. If time allows, marinating for up to an hour in the refrigerator will enhance the flavor.
- While the chicken is marinating, pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot. This is necessary for the steaming process.
- Once the chicken is marinated, arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer on the steam rack or trivet inside the Instant Pot. Make sure they are not overlapping to ensure even cooking.
- Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and ensure the steam release valve is set to the sealing position.
- Select the 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' setting on the Instant Pot and set the cooking time to 15 minutes at high pressure.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, carefully switch the steam release valve to the venting position to release any remaining pressure.
- Once the pressure has been fully released, open the lid of the Instant Pot. Use tongs to carefully remove the chicken breasts from the pot.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving. This helps retain the juices for a more tender result.
- Serve the steamed garlic chicken breasts with your choice of sides, such as steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. Enjoy your meal!
Tips
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry before marinating to help the seasoning adhere better and promote more even cooking.
- Don't skip the marinating step - even 10 minutes can significantly enhance the flavor profile of your chicken.
- Ensure your chicken breasts are roughly the same size and thickness for uniform cooking. If they vary, consider pounding them to an even thickness.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor.
- For extra flavor, experiment with different herbs and spices in your marinade, such as rosemary, thyme, or smoked paprika.
- If you prefer a more golden exterior, quickly sear the chicken in a hot skillet after steaming for a minute on each side.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 105mg
