When life gets busy, finding the time and energy to cook can be a challenge. The Instant Pot has become a kitchen staple for many, transforming meal prep from a time-consuming task into a quick and easy process.
But what if you could make it even simpler? Imagine whipping up delicious meals with just five ingredients—that’s right, only five! These recipes are designed to be both convenient and satisfying, perfect for those who want to enjoy home-cooked meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
Whether you’re juggling work, family, or just want to minimize your time spent on dinner, these 5 Ingredient Instant Pot recipes offer the perfect solution. With minimal prep and a handful of pantry staples, you can create flavorful dishes that everyone will love.
From comforting soups to hearty main courses, these recipes prove that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to make something truly delicious.
5 Ingredient Instant Pot Recipes
17. Pulled BBQ Chicken from Aunt Bee’s Recipes
16. Easy Chicken Wings from Good Dinner Mom
These Instant Pot chicken wings are cooked quickly under pressure to lock in moisture and tenderness, then finished in the oven to achieve a crispy exterior.
The recipe includes seasoning the wings with a spice rub before cooking and tossing them in flavorful sauces like Buffalo or BBQ for a balanced taste.
The method works with fresh or frozen wings, making it convenient for last-minute meals or gatherings. The combination of pressure cooking and broiling ensures the wings are juicy inside while crisp and saucy on the outside, perfect for appetizers or dinner.
15. Shredded Chicken from Wholesome Yum
This item demonstrates how to quickly cook juicy and tender chicken breasts using an Instant Pot, whether fresh or frozen. It provides a simple method that yields perfectly cooked chicken ready to be enjoyed whole or shredded for various dishes.
The process includes a detailed time chart to ensure accurate cooking for any quantity of chicken, eliminating guesswork. This technique allows for fast meal prep with minimal effort, making it easy to incorporate healthy protein into your routine.
14. Shredded BBQ Cream Cheese Chicken from 365 Days of Slow and Pressure Cooking
This recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked quickly in a pressure cooker, then shredded and combined with cream cheese and barbecue sauce for a creamy, flavorful dish.
The simple three-ingredient mixture is versatile and can be served on sandwiches, wrapped in tortillas, or used as a pizza topping.
The cooking process involves adding chicken and water to the Instant Pot, cooking under pressure for 12 minutes, then shredding the meat and mixing in the creamy BBQ sauce.
The result is a rich, savory chicken that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a variety of meals.
13. Chicken and Rice from Budget Bytes
This recipe demonstrates how to make a flavorful and tender chicken and rice meal using a pressure cooker. It involves seasoning bone-in, skin-on chicken, cooking it under high pressure, and then broiling the chicken to crisp the skin before cooking rice in the flavorful broth left behind.
The process saves time compared to traditional methods while producing a rich, satisfying dish with minimal ingredients. It also provides an alternative slow cooker method for those without a pressure cooker, making it accessible for different kitchen setups.
12. Chicken Thighs from Jennifer Banz
This recipe demonstrates how to make tender, flavorful chicken thighs using an Instant Pot. The chicken is seasoned with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then browned in oil before pressure cooking to lock in moisture and taste.
The method uses bone-in thighs with the skin removed to prevent sogginess while ensuring juiciness from the bones. Cooking on a trivet keeps the chicken elevated above liquid, preserving its seasoning and texture during the pressure cooking process.
11. Chicken and Stuffing from I Save A to Z
This recipe demonstrates how to prepare a complete chicken and stuffing meal using an Instant Pot, cooking frozen chicken breasts quickly and efficiently. It combines chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, cornbread stuffing, and green beans to create a flavorful, one-pot dinner that cooks in under 20 minutes.
The process includes layering ingredients in the pressure cooker and using the natural juices to infuse the stuffing with moisture and flavor. The final dish is easy to shred and can be served immediately or reheated with a crispy finish using a waffle iron.
10. Melt-In-Your-Mouth Chicken from Recipes That Crock
This recipe creates tender, flavorful chicken cooked quickly in an Instant Pot using simple ingredients like cream of chicken soup, garlic salt, and dried parsley. The chicken becomes perfectly juicy and melts in your mouth, making it an easy main dish to serve over rice for a comforting meal.
The cooking process involves placing the chicken in the pressure cooker, pouring the sauce mixture over it, and cooking on manual for just 10 minutes with a natural release.
This method saves time while delivering a rich, creamy texture that slow cooking typically achieves, ideal for busy weeknights.
9. Chicken, Broccoli and Rice from I Don’t Have Time for That
This recipe creates a creamy, cheesy one-pot meal combining tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and fluffy rice cooked together in an Instant Pot. The dish balances protein, vegetables, and starch, making it a convenient and satisfying option for busy weeknights.
The cooking process includes sautéing chicken and onions, then layering rice and broth without stirring before pressure cooking. After cooking, broccoli and milk are added to finish the dish with a smooth sauce, followed by melted cheddar cheese for extra flavor.
8. Juicy Chicken Breasts from Add a Pinch
This recipe demonstrates how to cook tender and juicy boneless, skinless chicken breasts using an Instant Pot. It involves browning the chicken first, then pressure cooking it with a simple seasoning blend and a small amount of liquid to lock in moisture and flavor.
The method allows for quick meal prep with versatile results, suitable for serving alongside salads, pasta, or as a protein-packed addition to various dishes. Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for several days, making it convenient for easy, healthy meals throughout the week.
7. Hawaiian Chicken from Pink When
This recipe demonstrates how to make a flavorful Hawaiian chicken dish using just three ingredients: chicken breasts, barbecue sauce, and pineapple tidbits. It uses an Instant Pot to cook the chicken quickly under high pressure, resulting in a tender and juicy meal with a sweet and tangy sauce.
The dish can be served over brown rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad, making it versatile for different meal preferences. Preparation is straightforward, requiring minimal hands-on time, which makes it ideal for busy weeknights or anyone looking for an easy, healthy dinner option.
6. White Chicken Chili from Gimme Some Oven
This white chicken chili recipe combines just five simple ingredients to create a flavorful and comforting soup. It features shredded chicken, beans, salsa verde, chicken stock, and cumin, all simmered together for a quick and easy meal.
The soup can be customized with a variety of toppings like avocado, cilantro, cheese, and jalapeños to suit your taste. It also freezes well, making it convenient for meal prep or leftovers.
5. Mississippi Chicken from Simply Happy Foodie
This item features a flavorful Instant Pot recipe for Mississippi Chicken, made with tender chicken thighs or breasts cooked alongside pepperoncinis, ranch seasoning, and au jus mix.
The dish is designed for easy preparation, requiring just a few ingredients that are combined and pressure cooked to create a savory, shredded chicken meal.
The recipe also includes a method for cooking rice simultaneously in the Instant Pot using a trivet and a separate pan, making it a convenient all-in-one dinner solution.
The finished chicken can be served over rice, potatoes, or in tortillas, offering versatile meal options with minimal effort.
4. Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta from Six Sisters Stuff
This recipe combines tender chicken breasts with cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, and Italian dressing mix to create a rich, creamy sauce cooked quickly in an Instant Pot.
The chicken is shredded and served over perfectly cooked pasta, making a comforting and satisfying meal that comes together in about 35 minutes.
It also offers a convenient freezer meal option by storing the uncooked ingredients in a bag for up to 90 days, ready to be cooked directly in the Instant Pot.
The dish is designed for busy weeknights, delivering a cheesy, flavorful dinner that the whole family can enjoy with minimal prep and cleanup.
3. Chicken and Gravy from 365 Days of Slow and Pressure Cooking
This recipe demonstrates how to make a simple chicken and gravy dish using just three main ingredients in an Instant Pot. The chicken cooks quickly under pressure, creating a flavorful gravy that pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or biscuits.
The method requires minimal prep and no stirring before cooking, making it easy to prepare even on busy days. The result is a comforting, home-style meal reminiscent of classic dinners with a rich, savory sauce.
2. BBQ Chicken Wings from Crunchy Creamy Sweet
These BBQ chicken wings are cooked in an Instant Pot to lock in juiciness and reduce cooking time. After pressure cooking, they are coated in a flavorful BBQ sauce and finished under a broiler or on a grill to crisp the skin and caramelize the sauce.
The process involves seasoning trimmed wings with a sweet and spicy rub before cooking them on a trivet inside the Instant Pot with water. This method keeps the wings tender while allowing for a quick, hands-off cooking experience that results in a deliciously sticky and crisp final dish.
1. Frozen Chicken Breasts from A Bountiful Kitchen
How do I ensure the recipe remains flavorful with only five ingredients?
Focus on using high-quality ingredients, especially those that pack a punch in flavor, like fresh herbs, garlic, or a well-chosen sauce. Additionally, using ingredients like broths or stocks instead of water can enhance the depth of flavor without adding more items.
Can I add spices or seasonings without them counting towards the five ingredients?
Typically, basic spices and seasonings like salt, pepper, and herbs aren’t counted in the ingredient limit, but it’s always good to check the recipe’s specifics. Some recipes may also exclude items like oil or butter from the count.
What’s the best way to adjust cooking times for different Instant Pot models?
Most Instant Pot models should cook these recipes in similar times, but it’s crucial to refer to your specific model’s manual. If you’re using a different pressure cooker, the cooking times might need slight adjustments based on the wattage and pressure levels.
Are there 5 ingredient Instant Pot recipes suitable for specific diets, like keto or vegan?
Yes, many 5 ingredient recipes can cater to specific dietary needs. For example, using ingredients like cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles can make a recipe keto-friendly, while plant-based proteins and vegetables work for vegan options.