10 Instant Pot Recipes for the Summer
I use my Instant Pot on a regular basis for meal prep and speedy weeknight meals (especially when I forget to defrost the chicken). But now that summer's here, you can bet I'll be using it more than ever. From weekly staples like hard-cooked eggs and chicken breast to potluck favorites like pork shoulder and bean salads, it means I can do some quick cooking without heating up the kitchen.
Here are 10 Instant Pot recipes to make this summer.
1. How To Cook Chicken Breast in the Instant Pot
This is the no-heat way I'm prepping chicken breasts for salads, grain bowls, tacos, and chicken salad all summer long. This method makes reliably firm but juicy chicken for cubing. Let it cook a little bit longer for tender shredded chicken.
(Image credit: Lauren Volo)
2. Pressure Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches
This is perfect for a DIY sandwich night. Serve the shredded beef and jus straight from the Instant Pot, and set out the cheese, giardiniera, Pepperoncini peppers, and sautéed bell peppers for everyone to build their own sandwiches.
(Image credit: Christine Han)
3. How To Cook Beans in an Electric Pressure Cooker
Bean salads are a make-ahead lunch staple in my house and a must for potlucks. A "rapid soak" of just one minute at high pressure eliminates the overnight soak, and an average cook time of 10 minutes for most beans means that you can have a fresh pot in less than an hour.
(Image credit: Kimberley Hasselbrink)
4. Pressure-Cooker Hawaiian Kalua Pig
This is one of my favorite recipes to cook in the Instant Pot. It's nearly effortless and leaves you with lots of meat that can be turned into sandwiches and tacos, or added to salads, grain bowls, and fried rice for dinner throughout the week.
(Image credit: Maria Midoes)
5. How To Cook Lentils in the Electric Pressure Cooker
Lentils are a serious summer staple in my house. From make-ahead salads to hearty grain bowls, you can be sure my Instant Pot will be cooking regular batches of lentils this summer.
(Image credit: Joe Lingeman)
6. Instant Pot Chicken Adobo
While the Instant Pot does nearly all the heavy lifting for this salty-tangy chicken dinner, it's worth the extra step to flash the chicken thighs under the broiler for a few minutes right before serving to crisp the skin.
(Image credit: Kelli Foster)
7. How To Cook Eggs in an Electric Pressure Cooker
Cooking hard-boiled eggs in the Instant Pot isn't necessarily faster than making them on the stovetop, but it results in creamy, easy-to-peel eggs.
(Image credit: Joe Lingeman)
8. Instant Pot Weeknight Chicken and Rice Burrito Bowls
This is a miracle meal to keep on hand. It's easy enough to pull off when you don't have any energy or when it feels too hot to cook. Count it as a double win because it will leave you with some leftovers for tomorrow's lunch.
(Image credit: Karla Conrad)
9. Sweet and Spicy Braised Cabbage
When you need a quick side to serve with dinner from the grill, these tender, spiced wedges of cabbage deliver every time. Plus they pair well with just about everything.
(Image credit: Joe Lingeman)
10. How To Make Bone Broth in the Instant Pot
Just because it's too hot to leave a pot of bone broth simmering on the stove for hours doesn't mean you need to rule it out for the next few months. Now, more than ever, is the time to make bone broth in the Instant Pot — especially if you've gotten into the habit of sipping it like tea.
