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Easy Instant-Pot Tahini Chicken recipe photo

Instant-Pot Tahini Chicken

This Instant-Pot Tahini Chicken is bursting with flavor! Tender chicken in a rich tahini sauce with spices, perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup onion diced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth (not sodium reduced)
  • 2 medjool dates sliced
  • 1/2 cup tahini
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons za'atar
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • Cilantro chopped, for garnish
  • Fresh mint chopped, for garnish
  • Drizzle of honey (optional)

Equipment

  • Instant Pot
  • Cutting Board
  • Chef’s Knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Serving spoon

Method
 

  1. Begin by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add the tablespoon of olive oil and allow it to heat up. Once hot, toss in the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
  2. Stir in the cumin, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Let the spices bloom in the oil for about 1 minute.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Add the sliced dates, tahini, lemon juice, and salt. Stir to combine. Nestle the chicken breasts into the sauce.
  4. Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Allow for a natural release for 5 minutes, then switch the valve to venting.
  5. Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to coat with the sauce.
  6. Serve the Instant-Pot Tahini Chicken in bowls, garnished with chopped cilantro and fresh mint. Drizzle with honey if desired.

Notes

  • For a vegan option, substitute chicken with chickpeas or tofu.
  • To make it nut-free, replace tahini with sunflower seed butter.
  • For a thicker sauce, blend the sauce using an immersion blender.