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Instant Pot Chinese Chicken and Broccoli: A Quick and Delicious Dinner Solution

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, finding time to prepare a wholesome meal can often feel like a daunting task. Enter the Instant Pot — a versatile kitchen gadget that has taken the culinary world by storm. One crowd-pleasing dish that is easily made in this time-saving appliance is the classic Chinese chicken and broccoli. This dish beautifully combines succulent chicken, tender broccoli, and a savoury sauce that tantalises the taste buds. Let’s explore how to create this delightful meal in no time using your Instant Pot.

Ingredients

To whip up a delicious Instant Pot Chinese chicken and broccoli, you will need the following ingredients:

• 500g chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 250g broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional for added depth)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons of water)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice or noodles, to serve

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Instant Pot

Start by ensuring your Instant Pot is set up properly. Plug it in and press the ‘Saute’ function. Allow it to heat up, which should take just a minute or two.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Once the pot is hot, add the vegetable oil. Then, toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

With the aromatics ready, add the chopped chicken pieces to the pot. Season them with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté the chicken until it is browned on the outside — this should take about 5 minutes. You’re not looking to cook the chicken through just yet; browning it allows for richer flavours.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

After the chicken has browned, pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil. Stir well to combine all the flavours. Then, add 120ml of water to create steam for cooking under pressure.

Step 5: Pressure Cook the Chicken

Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the ‘Pressure Cook’ or ‘Manual’ setting and cook on high pressure for 6 minutes. The Instant Pot will take a few moments to come to pressure before the countdown begins.

Step 6: Quick Release and Add Broccoli

Once the cooking time is up, carefully perform a quick release by moving the valve to the venting position. Once the pressure has entirely released and the float valve has dropped, remove the lid. Gently stir in the broccoli florets, which will steam in the residual heat. Put the lid back on and let it sit for 3-4 minutes, allowing the broccoli to become tender yet vibrantly green.

Step 7: Thicken the Sauce

To thicken the sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry (the cornstarch mixed with water) while the chicken and broccoli are still in the pot. Turn on the ‘Saute’ function again and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and broccoli beautifully.

Step 8: Serve

Your Instant Pot Chinese chicken and broccoli is now ready to be served! Pair this dish with fluffy white rice or your favourite noodles. For a final touch, a sprinkle of sesame seeds or spring onions could add a nice crunch and colour.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Chinese chicken and broccoli is a fantastic meal that showcases the vibrant flavours of Asian cuisine while saving you time in the kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can prepare a delicious, nutritious dinner that the whole family will love. Not only is this dish quick to prepare, but it also offers a delightful balance of protein and vegetables, making it ideal for a well-rounded meal. So why not give it a try and enjoy the convenience and satisfaction of cooking with an Instant Pot? Your taste buds will thank you!

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