Kid Friendly Instant Pot Canned Chicken Recipes For Quick Family Meals
Finding quick, nutritious meals that kids will love can be a challenge for busy parents. With the help of the Instant Pot and canned chicken, you can whip up delicious dishes in no time. Canned chicken is a convenient and versatile ingredient that can be used in numerous recipes. In this article, we will explore various kid-friendly Instant Pot canned chicken recipes that your whole family will enjoy. From tacos to pasta, these meals are sure to become staples in your household.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 2 (12.5 oz) cans of chicken, drained
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 packet of taco seasoning
- 8 small tortillas
- 1 cup of shredded lettuce
- 1 cup of diced tomatoes
- 1 cup of shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup of sour cream (optional)
Instructions
- Start by adding the drained canned chicken, chicken broth, and taco seasoning into the Instant Pot.
- Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure.
- Open the lid and stir the chicken mixture until well combined.
- Warm the tortillas in a separate pan or microwave.
- Assemble the tacos by placing a generous scoop of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla.
- Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, and a dollop of sour cream if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your quick family meal!
Why Use Canned Chicken?
Canned chicken is a pantry staple that can save you time and effort in meal preparation. It is fully cooked and can be easily added to a variety of dishes. This means you can skip the cooking time typically required for raw chicken, making it ideal for quick weeknight dinners.
Additionally, canned chicken is inexpensive and has a long shelf life, allowing you to stock up and have it on hand whenever you need it. It is also a great source of protein, making it a smart choice for feeding growing kids.
Kid-Friendly Canned Chicken Recipes
Now let’s dive into more delicious kid-friendly Instant Pot canned chicken recipes that your family will love.
Creamy Chicken and Rice
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 2 (12.5 oz) cans of chicken, drained
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 cup of uncooked rice
- 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 cup of cream of chicken soup
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
Instructions
- Add the canned chicken, chicken broth, rice, frozen vegetables, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, and onion powder to the Instant Pot.
- Stir until everything is well mixed.
- Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- After the cooking time, allow for a natural release of pressure for 5 minutes before performing a quick release.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and serve.
Chicken Pasta Primavera
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 2 (12.5 oz) cans of chicken, drained
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 8 oz of pasta (penne or rotini work well)
- 1 cup of mixed bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup of broccoli florets
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Place the canned chicken, chicken broth, pasta, sliced bell peppers, broccoli, and Italian seasoning in the Instant Pot.
- Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
- Once done, perform a quick release of the pressure carefully.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and serve warm.
Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 2 (12.5 oz) cans of chicken, drained
- 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce
- 1/2 cup of ranch dressing
- 8 slider buns
- 1 cup of shredded lettuce
- 1 cup of shredded cheese
Instructions
- Add the drained chicken and buffalo sauce to the Instant Pot and stir to combine.
- Seal the lid and set to cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Once done, perform a quick release of the pressure.
- Mix in the ranch dressing and stir until well combined.
- Serve the buffalo chicken on slider buns topped with shredded lettuce and cheese.
Tips for Making Quick Family Meals
When preparing meals for your family, especially with kids in mind, there are a few tips that can help streamline the process:
- Prep Ingredients Ahead of Time: If possible, chop vegetables or measure out ingredients the night before.
- Utilize Leftovers: Incorporate leftovers into new meals to minimize waste and save time.
- Batch Cook: Consider making larger portions of meals that freeze well for easy reheating later.
- Involve the Kids: Let your children help with simple tasks. It can make them more excited about the meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of using canned chicken?
Canned chicken is pre-cooked, saving time in meal preparation. It is also affordable and has a long shelf life, making it a convenient pantry staple.
Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned chicken?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Fresh chicken requires longer cooking times to ensure it is fully cooked.
Are these recipes suitable for picky eaters?
Yes! These recipes are designed to be kid-friendly and can be customized based on your children’s taste preferences.
Can I make these meals in advance?
Yes, many of these meals can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later enjoyment. Just reheat before serving.
In conclusion, kid-friendly Instant Pot canned chicken recipes can save you time while ensuring your family enjoys delicious meals together. With the convenience of canned chicken and the efficiency of the Instant Pot, you can create a variety of quick family meals that satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Enjoy experimenting with these recipes, and remember, the key is to keep it fun and simple!
