Craving a taste of Italy but short on time? This Instant Pot Pollo Italiano is your answer! Imagine tender, juicy chicken thighs bathed in a rustic sauce of fresh tomatoes, briny olives, and a splash of white wine—all ready in just 15 minutes. It’s a flavorful, one-pot wonder that brings Tuscan sunshine to your dinner table, even on the busiest weeknights. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
• 6 chicken thighs (about 2 lbs / 900g)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (15 ml)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup fresh chopped tomatoes (about 240g)
• 1/2 cup pitted olives (75g), such as Kalamata or Castelvetrano
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (60 ml), such as Pinot Grigio
• 1 cup water or chicken broth (240 ml)
• 2 tsp Italian herb seasoning
Instructions
1. Directions
2. Pat the chicken thighs dry and season generously on all sides with salt and pepper.
3. Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” on high. Once hot, add the olive oil. Place the chicken thighs in the pot, skin-side down if applicable, and brown for 3-4 minutes per side until golden. Remove the chicken and set aside.
4. Pour the white wine into the hot pot and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
5. Turn off the Sauté function. Return the chicken to the pot. Add the chopped tomatoes, pitted olives, water (or broth), and Italian herb seasoning.
6. Secure the lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
7. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then perform a quick release for any remaining pressure. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Information
• Per Serving: Calories 195 | Total Fats 10g | Net Carbs: 7g | Protein 18g | Fiber: 2g
• ( is an estimate and may vary based on used.)
Pro Tips
• For a richer sauce, substitute the water with low-sodium chicken broth.
• Don’t skip browning the chicken! This step creates a deep, savory flavor base (called a fond) that you’ll deglaze with the wine.
• Add a tablespoon of capers along with the olives for an extra briny, tangy kick.
• Serve this dish over creamy polenta, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the delicious sauce.
FAQ
Q: What kind of chicken is best for this recipe
A: The recipe specifically calls for chicken thighs. They are ideal for pressure cooking as they remain incredibly tender and juicy, perfectly soaking up the flavors of the Italian sauce.
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs
A: Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts. However, to prevent them from drying out, you should reduce the high-pressure cooking time to 6-8 minutes, followed by the same 5-minute natural release.
Q: What should I serve with Instant Pot Pollo Italiano
A: This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with creamy polenta, pasta, or crusty bread, which are all perfect for soaking up the delicious tomato, olive, and white wine sauce.
Q: Is there a substitute for the white wine
A: Certainly. If you prefer an alcohol-free version, you can use an equal amount of chicken broth instead of white wine to deglaze the pot and scrape up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom.
