Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and takes minimal effort? Meet Instant Pot Hunters Chicken—a delightful British classic that combines juicy chicken thighs, zesty BBQ sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese, all cooked to perfection in just 35 minutes! This mouthwatering recipe is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a time-saver, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Dive into this easy-to-follow recipe and discover how you can whip up a delicious meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 chicken thighs, 1 cup of BBQ sauce, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 sliced onion, 1 sliced bell pepper, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare your Instant Pot by ensuring it is clean and ready for use. Plug it in and set it to the 'Sauté' mode.
- Add a small amount of oil to the pot and allow it to heat up for a minute or two. This will help in browning the chicken thighs.
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken thighs in the pot, skin-side down, and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until they are browned. Flip them over and sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the browned chicken thighs from the pot and set them aside on a plate. In the same pot, add the sliced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they are softened.
- Once the vegetables are softened, return the chicken thighs to the pot. Pour 1 cup of BBQ sauce over the chicken, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' setting and adjust the cooking time to 10 minutes on high pressure.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare your shredded mozzarella cheese. Set it aside for later use.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release the pressure for about 5 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to the venting position to release any remaining pressure.
- After all the pressure has been released, carefully open the lid. Check that the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken and close the lid again for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
- Once the cheese is melted, serve the Hunters Chicken hot, garnished with additional BBQ sauce if desired, alongside your choice of sides.
Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: For the best results, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. They stay juicy and flavorful during cooking, but boneless thighs can also work if that's what you have on hand.
- Sauté for Flavor: Don't skip the sauté step! Browning the chicken and vegetables before pressure cooking adds a depth of flavor that makes this dish truly irresistible.
- BBQ Sauce Variety: Feel free to experiment with different BBQ sauces to customize the flavor profile. Whether you prefer sweet, smoky, or tangy, there’s a sauce out there that will perfectly suit your taste.
- Cheese Options: While mozzarella is a classic choice, you can mix it up by adding cheddar, gouda, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Serve with Sides: Pair your Hunters Chicken with rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad to create a complete meal that satisfies every palate.
- Leftovers Love: This dish makes fantastic leftovers! Store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, and enjoy reheating them for a quick lunch or dinner.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 399kcal
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 34g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 110mg
