How to make instant pot balsamic chicken

Robin Donovan

Recipe Developer

Cooking chicken in a pressure cooker like the Instant Pot tenderizes it, making the meat juicy and succulent. In the recipe below, a balsamic vinegar and honey cooking sauce also infuses the meat with rich flavor. This easy dish is bound to become a new family favorite.
I like to serve this with a side of buttery, creamy mashed potatoes and a green vegetable like roasted Brussels sprouts or broccoli. It makes a satisfying meal that is healthy and filling. And the best part is that the whole thing can be on the table in less than 40 minutes.

Cooktop Cove

Instant Pot Balsamic Chicken

10 minutes

10 minutes (plus 15 minutes to come to pressure)

35 minutes

3 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks

3 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Kosher salt

freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 onion, thinly sliced

2 tomatoes, chopped

1/2 cup chicken broth or water

¼ cup balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons honey

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and then season them generously with salt and pepper.

Heat the Instant Pot using sauté function. Add the oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces, skin side down, and cook until browned, about 4 minutes. Turn the chicken pieces over and cook until the other side is browned, about 4 minutes more. You may need to cook the chicken pieces in 2 batches to avoid crowding the pot. Remove the browned chicken pieces from the pot and reserve them on a plate or in a bowl.

Add the onion and tomato to the pot and cook, stirring frequently, until they begin to soften, about 3 minutes. Return the chicken to the pot and add the broth or water.

In a small bowl, stir together the vinegar, honey, and oregano. Add the mixture to the pot, pouring it over the chicken.

Close the pot and select high pressure. Set the timer for 10 minutes.

Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes and then turn the valve to release any remaining pressure. Serve immediately.

Pro tip: you can add the pieces of chicken to broil for about 4-5 minutes to get a lit bit of crisp

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