Introduction
Discover a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to your table. This easy-to-follow recipe combines juicy chicken thighs with hearty Great Northern beans, aromatic spices, and fresh herbs, all cooked to perfection in an Instant Pot. Ideal for any night of the week, it’s a meal that is not only delicious but also quick to prepare.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 sweet onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
3 cups chicken stock
2 (15-ounce) cans Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
2 (4.5-ounce) cans chopped mild green chiles
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
¼ cup sour cream
⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 6
Enjoy this flavorful dish with your favorite toppings, and allow yourself to relish every spoonful of this warm, comforting meal!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
1. Prepare the Instant Pot
Set a 6-quart Instant Pot® to the high sauté setting. Pour in the olive oil.
2. Sauté Onions
Add the diced sweet onion to the pot and cook, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add Garlic and Spices
Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, and dried oregano. Cook for about 1 minute or until fragrant.
4. Incorporate Flour
Whisk in the all-purpose flour and allow it to cook until it’s lightly browned, approximately 1 minute.
5. Add Remaining Ingredients
Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs, chicken stock, drained and rinsed Great Northern beans, chopped mild green chiles, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.
6. Pressure Cook
Select the manual setting on the Instant Pot®, adjust the pressure to high, and set the cooking time for 12 minutes. Once cooking is complete, quick-release the pressure according to the manufacturer’s directions.
7. Shred the Chicken
Carefully remove the chicken from the Instant Pot® and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the pot.
8. Add Final Ingredients
Stir in the sour cream and chopped fresh cilantro leaves. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
9. Serve
Serve the dish immediately with your desired toppings.
Notes
Ingredient Variations
You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if preferred, but cooking time may vary.
Heat Level Adjustment
For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or increase the amount of chili powder.
Storage Instructions
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing Tips
This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Cook techniques
Sautéing
Sautéing is a cooking technique that involves cooking food quickly in a small amount of hot oil or fat. In this recipe, onion is sautéed until translucent, which enhances its sweetness and adds depth to the dish.
Blooming Spices
Blooming spices entails cooking them in oil to release their essential oils, enhancing their flavor. In this recipe, chili powder, cumin, and oregano are stirred in with the garlic to become fragrant before adding other ingredients.
Whisking
Whisking flour into the mix helps thicken the dish. It is important to whisk it until lightly browned to avoid a raw flour taste and to ensure even distribution.
Pressure Cooking
In this technique, food is cooked rapidly using steam pressure. The chicken thighs cook in the Instant Pot to tenderness in just 12 minutes, saving time and enhancing flavor.
Shredding
Shredding is breaking down cooked meat into smaller pieces using forks. This method helps the chicken absorb more flavors from the broth and spices when returned to the dish.
Finishing Touches
Adding sour cream and cilantro at the end gives creaminess and freshness. This step is crucial for rounding out the flavors and improving the overall taste experience.
FAQ
Can I use other types of beans?
Yes, you can substitute other types of beans like black beans or pinto beans, but be mindful of the flavor and texture each type brings.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, you can either decrease the amount of chili powder used or add in some additional spices like cayenne pepper for more heat.
Can I make this recipe with chicken breasts instead?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used, but they may require a shorter cooking time due to their lean nature.
How long does it take to release pressure from the Instant Pot?
The quick release can take a few minutes. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific model to ensure safety.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the ingredients in advance and store them separately in the fridge, then cook them in the Instant Pot when ready to serve.
Conclusion
This flavorful chicken dish, enriched with spices and creamy components, makes for a delightful meal. The combination of beans and green chiles adds texture and warmth, creating a satisfying and hearty dish perfect for any occasion. Pair it with your favorite sides, and you’ll have a comforting meal that everyone will love.
More recipe suggestions and combination
Chicken Enchiladas
Use the shredded chicken from this recipe as a filling for enchiladas, topped with your favorite enchilada sauce and cheese.
White Chicken Chili
Add extra broth and some corn to the mixture for a delicious white chicken chili that’s both hearty and comforting.
Chicken Tacos
Serve the shredded chicken in taco shells with fresh toppings like avocado, salsa, and shredded lettuce for a quick and tasty meal.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Mix the chicken and bean mixture with rice and use it to stuff bell peppers before baking until tender.
Chicken and Rice Casserole
Combine the shredded chicken and beans with cooked rice and top with cheese for a baked casserole that’s creamy and comforting.
Chili Chicken Salad
Make a hearty salad by tossing the shredded chicken with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and a chili lime dressing for a fresh twist.
