Name: Instant Pot Balsamic Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American-Inspired
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 lb small baby potatoes (or cut larger ones into 1-inch pieces); 4 cups kale, stems removed; 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and black pepper, to taste

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This Instant Pot Balsamic Chicken is a one-pot wonder that gives me juicy chicken breasts, tender potatoes, and braised kale, all smothered in a sweet and savory balsamic glaze. I love how it delivers a complete, wholesome meal without ever turning on the stove or oven. It’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for busy nights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how little hands-on work this meal requires. Everything cooks together in the Instant Pot, and the balsamic glaze ties the chicken, potatoes, and greens into one cohesive dish. It’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and even Whole30-friendly, which makes it a versatile recipe I can share with anyone. Plus, I don’t have to heat up my kitchen to enjoy a hearty, home-cooked dinner. Instant Pot Balsamic Chicken

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Small baby potatoes (about 1 inch in size, or cut larger ones down)
Kale (washed and stems removed)
Balsamic vinegar
Olive oil
Garlic (minced)
Chicken broth
Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper

Directions

I season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
On sauté mode in the Instant Pot, I heat a little olive oil and sear the chicken on both sides until golden (not fully cooked yet). I set it aside.
In the pot, I sauté garlic until fragrant, then add balsamic vinegar and chicken broth to deglaze, scraping up the browned bits.
I return the chicken to the pot, then add the potatoes around it.
I seal the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, followed by a quick release.
I remove the lid and stir in the kale. I cover and let it sit for 2–3 minutes on “Keep Warm” mode until the kale wilts.
I plate the chicken, potatoes, and kale, then spoon over extra balsamic glaze from the pot.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes around 10 minutes to prep, 20 minutes to cook under pressure (including sautéing and release time), so I can have dinner on the table in about 30 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes swap kale for spinach, Swiss chard, or green beans.
For extra flavor, I add a spoonful of honey or Dijon mustard to the balsamic glaze.
If I want a lighter version, I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness.
For a low-carb twist, I skip the potatoes and serve with cauliflower rice instead.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm them gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep the chicken moist. I don’t recommend freezing this dish, since the potatoes and greens don’t hold up well.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless thighs work beautifully and come out extra juicy in the Instant Pot.

How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

I avoid stacking the chicken in the pot and make sure to quick release as soon as the cooking time ends.

Do I need to peel the potatoes?

No, baby potatoes cook well with the skins on. If I use larger potatoes, I just cut them into 1-inch chunks.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, but I make sure not to overcrowd the Instant Pot. I may need to adjust the cooking time slightly if doubling.

What can I serve with balsamic chicken?

It’s already a full meal, but I sometimes add a side salad or roasted veggies for extra variety.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Balsamic Chicken is one of my favorite ways to make a complete dinner with almost no effort. The chicken stays juicy, the potatoes are tender, and the kale soaks up that tangy-sweet balsamic glaze. It’s quick, healthy, and hearty—perfect for weeknights when I want something wholesome without spending hours in the kitchen.