Some evenings, the day slips away faster than expected. The clock ticks, and hunger starts whispering louder. That’s when I reach for meals that feel effortless but still satisfy in a big way. This Instant Pot Chicken and Peppers recipe is exactly that kind of dinner—colorful, comforting, and ready before the evening rush can catch you.

I remember the first time I made this dish, the aroma of sizzling garlic and sautéed peppers filling the kitchen, mingling with the gentle hiss of the Instant Pot sealing up the flavors inside. When the lid finally lifted, the chicken was tender and juicy, soaking up the rich tomato sauce and spices. The bright reds, yellows, and greens of the bell peppers looked inviting on the plate, promising every bite would be a burst of freshness and warmth. Sitting down to that meal after a busy day felt like a small celebration of simple, honest cooking.

Ready in just 25 minutes, it fits perfectly into busy weeknight schedules.
The combination of tender chicken and vibrant peppers offers a balanced, nutritious meal.
The tomato-based sauce brings a savory richness that’s both comforting and fresh.
One pot means minimal cleanup, letting you relax sooner after dinner.
Versatile for serving over rice, pasta, or enjoying on its own.

Even if you’re new to using an Instant Pot, this recipe is straightforward—no complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. That makes it easier to trust you’ll end up with a meal that feels like it took more effort than it actually did.

Instant Pot Chicken and Peppers

Print Recipe

A quick and flavorful Instant Pot recipe featuring tender chicken breasts cooked with vibrant bell peppers and a savory tomato-based sauce. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4

Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

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Instructions

Set the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and heat the olive oil.
Add the chicken pieces and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned but not fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Add the sliced onion and minced garlic to the Instant Pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened.
Add the sliced red, yellow, and green bell peppers to the pot. Sauté for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Return the chicken to the Instant Pot. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and the chicken broth.
Add the dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position.
Select ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ mode and set the timer for 8 minutes.
When the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
Open the lid and stir the chicken and peppers. Check seasoning and adjust salt or pepper if needed.
Serve hot over rice, pasta, or enjoy as is.

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, but increase the pressure cooking time slightly to ensure the chicken cooks through. Make sure to allow for natural pressure release for best texture.

What can I serve with this dish?
This chicken and peppers combo pairs beautifully with fluffy rice, pasta, or even a crusty piece of bread to soak up the sauce.

Is it spicy?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that complements the sweetness of the peppers. Adjust to your taste by using less or skipping them.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to keep the chicken tender and the peppers vibrant.

What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?
You can adapt this recipe for the stovetop by simmering the ingredients until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors meld, but the Instant Pot speeds up the process and infuses the sauce deeply.

When dinner time sneaks up on you, this Instant Pot Chicken and Peppers recipe is waiting to come together with ease and fill your kitchen with warmth. Give it a try tonight—you’ll be glad you did.