If you’re looking for ridiculously easy summer instant pot recipes, you’re in the right place! These recipes are all super simple to throw together and my family loves them. Use your instant pot during the warm months to keep your kitchen cool and spend more time enjoying the sunshine while dinner cooks away at home.

four instant pot recipes shown on white wood background with pink background block and navy text that reads 11 easy summer instant pot recipes

Don’t put away that instant pot just yet! Put it to use this summer to keep your kitchen cool and to create hands-off instant pot meals that will allow you to play all day and still come home to a delicious, healthy, easy dinner.

To get you inspired, I’ve rounded up my favorite fresh, healthy real food summer instant pot recipes!

summer is the perfect season for pressure cooking

There’s no reason to miss out on the convenience & ease that comes with just throwing a bunch of real food ingredients into your instant pot and having more time to spend enjoying the sunshine. All you need to do is switch up the flavors a little bit!

These are simple, vibrant recipes that are inspired by farmer’s market produce & classic barbecue flavors.

Use these recipes on hot nights when you can’t stand to turn on the oven, busy weekends when you’re enjoying time outdoors, or for gatherings like barbecues & potlucks.

These recipes are great for weekly meal prep or whenever you need to feed a crowd simply & easily.

simple recipes that are quick & easy to make

All of these recipes have easy to find ingredients and simplified prep steps. They’re designed to help you make the most of fresh summer produce – like corn, basil, tomatoes, and fresh fruits – while it’s in season (and at it’s most affordable price).

I know how intimidating it can feel to use a new appliance for the first time.

If you’ve been thinking about getting an instant pot (or already have one and are scared to take it out of the box) – start with just one easy recipe. It’s the best way to learn how to use your pressure cooker, get over your fears, and (most importantly) get cooking!

There’s so many things my family & I love to cook in our instant pot, but here’s a few of our favorites we look forward to enjoying every summer:

Here’s the instant pot (affiliate) I use for all my recipes, this size works great for our family and I love how easy it is to use!

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these recipes are all…

I’ve included some paleo friendly, whole 30 friendly, and vegetarian options too. Each recipe has simple adaptations and tips waiting for you, like ingredient swaps and ways to make these meals kid-friendly.

I hope you’ll make these delicious summer instant pot recipes soon! If you do, be sure to share it on Instagram and tag me at @realfoodwholelife so I can see!

soups

Top down view of a white bowl filled with instant pot chicken corn chowder with a striped blue napkin and spoon set on the side.
5 stars (4 ratings)

Instant Pot Chicken Corn Chowder

Flavorful and super nourishing, this Instant Pot chicken corn chowder is a simple one-pot meal everyone will love. Naturally dairy-free and can easily be made vegetarian & vegan, too!
Ingredients: chicken breasts (or chicken thighs), chicken broth, olive oil, onion, turmeric, russet potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, coconut milk, white wine vinegar, garlic cloves and salt.
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5 stars (2 ratings)

Instant Pot Loaded Mexican Chicken Soup

Super fresh and packed with flavor, Instant Pot Loaded Mexican Chicken Soup in a one-pot dinner you’ll want to make again and again. A gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, whole30 recipe.
Ingredients: chicken breasts (or chicken thighs), tomato sauce, zucchini, chicken stock, baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, lime juice, onion, garlic powder, cumin, mild chili powder, olive oil and salt.
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4.92 stars (37 ratings)

Instant Pot + Crockpot Sunshine Lemon Chicken Chowder

Light, healthy, and bursting with flavor, Instant Pot + Crockpot Sunshine Lemon Chicken Chowder makes for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients: chicken breasts (or thighs), baby potatoes, celery, cauliflower, onion, chicken stock, coconut milk, lemon juice, turmeric and other seasonings
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5 stars (1 rating)

Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Soup (paleo, whole30, dairy-free, vegan)

Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Soup comes together in a matter of minutes and is creamy, dreamy, sweet and savory. Say hello to your new favorite paleo, whole30, vegan soup recipe!
Ingredients: cashews, olive oil, onion, garlic cloves, diced tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, stock, and salt.
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sides & snacks

5 stars (2 ratings)

Instant Pot Real Deal Real Food Dairy-Free Cheese Sauce

Creamy, dreamy, and totally delicious, Instant Pot Real Deal Real Food Dairy-Free Cheese Sauce is an amazing alternative to traditional cheese sauce, and is super easy to whip up. Read on for instructions to make this recipe in an Instant Pot, slow cooker, or on the stovetop.
Looking for more easy, healthy appetizer ideas? This real food 7-layer dip recipe is always a hit at our house!
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4 stars (2 ratings)

One-Minute Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs

One-Minute Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs is the simplest, best method to achieve perfect hard boiled eggs in the Instant Pot, every time.
Ingredients: eggs and water.
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main dishes

4.84 stars (6 ratings)

3-Ingredient Instant Pot Salsa Chicken Stuffed Potatoes

The easiest, most delicious, crazy simple recipe, 3-Ingredient Instant Pot Salsa Chicken Stuffed Potatoes is your new go-to for weeknight cooking.Everything cooks at once, so dinner’s done in minutes! Gluten-free, dairy-free, grain-free, paleo, and Whole30 friendly.
Ingredients: chicken breasts (or chicken thighs), salsa, Russet potatoes and salt.
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Overhead shot of a white bowl with chicken, chopped peaches, and basil on a white backdrop.
5 stars (5 ratings)

Instant Pot Peach Chicken & Basil

Full of fresh summer flavors and ready in a matter of minutes, Instant Pot Peach Chicken & Basil is just the thing for a healthy, simple dinner any night of the week.
Ingredients: chicken breasts (or thighs), peaches, chicken stock, olive oil, onion, balsamic vinegar, garlic, fresh basil and salt.
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5 stars (6 ratings)

Instant Pot 5-Ingredient Enchilada Chicken

This 5-Ingredient Enchilada Chicken is one of my favorite easy instant pot dinner recipes (perfect for beginners!)
Ingredients: chicken breasts (or thighs), tomato sauce, water, onions, cumin, olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder and salt.
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spinach artichoke chicken dish in a white bowl with lemon slices and striped napkin
5 stars (1 rating)

Instant Pot Spinach Artichoke Chicken

Instant Pot Spinach Artichoke Chicken is a healthy, dairy-free twist on the classic dip we know & love! Creamy, dreamy, packed with protein, and bursting with flavor, this simple recipe is sure to become a new, easy weeknight dinner staple.
Spinach Artichoke Dip fan? You'll love this slow cooker spinach artichoke dip recipe (it's vegetarian & dairy free too!)
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No ratings yet

Instant Pot Whole Chicken

This Instant Pot Whole Chicken is the easiest way to get a chicken dinner on the table. You won't believe how juicy, flavorful and easy this 5-ingredient recipe is
Ingredients: whole chicken, onion, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chicken stock and salt.
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No ratings yet

11 Easy Summer Instant Pot Recipes, plus Enchilada Chicken

Servings: 4 -6
Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 1 hr 3 mins
Total: 1 hr 8 mins
This 5-Ingredient Enchilada Chicken is one of my favorite easy instant pot dinner recipes (perfect for beginners)! Plus 15 more summer instant pot recipes that'll save you from having to turn the oven on during the warmer months.
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Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1 28- oz can no-sugar added tomato sauce
  • ½ cup water
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Juice of 1 lime, optional
  • Hot sauce, optional

Equipment

Instructions 

  • Set the saute function in a 6-quart electric pressure cooker for 8 minutes.
  • Add the olive oil, onions, ¼ teaspoon salt, and saute for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the tomato sauce, water, cumin, garlic powder, and chicken, stirring to combine.
  • Secure the lid, select the manual setting, and set it to high pressure for 15 minutes for fresh chicken, or 20 min for frozen. If using frozen chicken, make sure it’s spread in an even layer, without sticking together. Your instant pot may take anywhere from 25-35+ minutes to come to pressure before the cook time starts.
  • When the pressure cooker timer is done, quick release the pressure.
  • Remove the chicken, and shred or chop into bite sized pieces. Add back to the pressure cooker, stirring to combine. Taste, adding lime juice, hot sauce (if using), and additional salt or pepper if desired.

Notes

Omit the onions for an even speedier version of this recipe.
Rather make this one in a slow cooker? Check out this Slow Cooker Enchilada Chicken recipe!
Author: Robyn Conley Downs
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition Information:

Nutrition disclaimer
Did you make this recipe?If you do, be sure to share it on Instagram and tag me at @realfoodwholelife so I can see!

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