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Are you looking for delicious and high-protein meals that are quick and easy to make? We know juggling a busy lifestyle while trying to maintain a healthy diet can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 10 high-protein Instant Pot recipes that will save you time and effort in the kitchen.

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1. Instant Pot Chicken Breast

Ingredients:

We start with the most versatile protein, chicken breast. This recipe requires only a few ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preparation: Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Cooking: Pour the chicken broth into the Instant Pot and place the trivet inside. Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the trivet.
3. Pressure Cooking: Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 10 minutes.
4. Natural Release: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
5. Serving: Remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This protein-packed dish can be served with a side of vegetables or shredded for salads and sandwiches.

2. Instant Pot Lentil Soup

Ingredients:

Lentils are a plant-based protein powerhouse. Let’s get started with:

• 1 cup green or brown lentils (rinsed and drained)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 carrots (chopped)
• 2 celery stalks (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp turmeric
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sautéing: Use the sauté function on the Instant Pot and add a little olive oil. Sauté the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened.
2. Combining: Add the lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
3. Pressure Cooking: Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 15 minutes.
4. Natural Release: Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
5. Serving: Serve hot. This lentil soup is perfect for a protein-packed meal that is both hearty and healthy.

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3. Instant Pot Beef Stew

Ingredients:

Beef lovers will rejoice with this flavorful, protein-rich stew:

• 1.5 lbs beef stew meat (cubed)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 3 carrots (chopped)
• 3 potatoes (peeled and cubed)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp rosemary
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sautéing: Using the sauté function, sear the beef cubes in a bit of olive oil until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
2. Adding Vegetables: In the same pot, sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant. Add the carrots and potatoes and sauté for a couple of minutes.
3. Combining: Add the beef back into the pot along with the beef broth, tomato paste, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
4. Pressure Cooking: Close the lid and set to high pressure for 35 minutes.
5. Natural Release: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
6. Serving: Serve hot. This stew is rich, tender, and full of protein, making it a perfect comfort food.

4. Instant Pot Quinoa and Black Beans

Ingredients:

For a protein-rich vegetarian option, try this quinoa and black bean recipe:

• 1 cup quinoa (rinsed and drained)
• 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 bell pepper (chopped)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sautéing: Use the sauté function to cook the onions, garlic, and bell pepper in a little olive oil until softened.
2. Mixing: Add the quinoa, black beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Pressure Cooking: Close the lid and set to high pressure for 8 minutes.
4. Quick Release: Perform a quick release of the pressure once cooking is complete.
5. Serving: Fluff the quinoa with a fork and serve. This dish is both nutritious and filling, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

5. Instant Pot Salmon with Vegetables

Ingredients:

Salmon is not only high in protein but also rich in omega-3 fatty acids:

• 1.5 lbs salmon fillet
• 2 cups baby potatoes (halved)
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 lemon (sliced)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp dill

Instructions:

1. Preparation: Season the salmon fillet with salt, pepper, and dill. Arrange the lemon slices on top.
2. Trivet and Vegetables: Pour the chicken broth into the Instant Pot. Place the trivet inside and arrange the baby potatoes on it.
3. Pressure Cooking: Close the lid and set to high pressure for 3 minutes.
4. Quick Release: Perform a quick release of the pressure.
5. Adding Broccoli: Open the lid and add the broccoli florets on top of the potatoes. Place the salmon on the trivet over the vegetables.
6. Pressure Cooking: Close the lid again and set to high pressure for another 3 minutes.
7. Quick Release: Perform a final quick release.
8. Serving: Serve the salmon with the steamed potatoes and broccoli for a balanced, protein-packed meal.

6. Instant Pot Turkey Chili

Ingredients:

Chili is always a crowd-pleaser, and using turkey makes it a lean, protein-rich option:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 1 bell pepper (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 can kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 can corn (drained)
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sautéing: Using the sauté function, cook the ground turkey until browned. Add the onions, bell pepper, and garlic, and continue to sauté until the vegetables are softened.
2. Mixing: Add the beans, corn, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
3. Pressure Cooking: Close the lid and set to high pressure for 12 minutes.
4. Quick Release: Perform a quick release once the cooking is done.
5. Serving: Serve hot, topped with your favorite chili garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, or green onions. This hearty chili is high in protein and perfect for any gathering.

7. Instant Pot Greek Yogurt

Ingredients:

A protein-packed yogurt can be a great addition to breakfast or a midday snack:

• 1 gallon milk (whole, 2%, or skim)
• 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt (with active cultures, as a starter)

Instructions:

1. Boiling: Pour the milk into the Instant Pot and use the yogurt setting to boil the milk. This usually takes around 45 minutes.
2. Cooling: Once the milk has boiled, let it cool to about 110°F. This can take up to an hour.
3. Mixing: Whisk in the Greek yogurt starter until thoroughly mixed.
4. Incubating: Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to the yogurt setting for 8-12 hours, depending on how tangy you like your yogurt.
5. Serving: Transfer the yogurt to a refrigerator-safe container and chill before serving. This homemade Greek yogurt is rich in protein and can be customized with fruits, honey, or nuts.

8. Instant Pot Egg Bites

Ingredients:

These egg bites are a portable, protein-packed breakfast option:

• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, etc.)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: cooked bacon, diced vegetables, or fresh herbs for added flavor

Instructions:

1. Blending: Blend the eggs, cottage cheese, shredded cheese, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2. Adding Extras: Stir in any optional ingredients like bacon or vegetables.
3. Baking: Pour the mixture into silicone egg bite molds. Cover with foil.
4. Trivet and Water: Pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot and place the trivet inside. Arrange the filled molds on the trivet.
5. Pressure Cooking: Close the lid and set to high pressure for 8 minutes.
6. Natural Release: Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
7. Serving: Remove the egg bites from the molds and serve. These are perfect for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator for a quick, protein-rich breakfast.

9. Instant Pot Shrimp and Broccoli

Ingredients:

Shrimp is not only quick to cook but also an excellent source of protein:

• 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp ginger (grated)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: red pepper flakes for a bit of heat

Instructions:

1. Preparation: Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
2. Broth Mixture: In a bowl, mix the chicken broth, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
3. Broccoli: Pour the mixture into the Instant Pot and place the broccoli florets in it.
4. Pressure Cooking: Close the lid and set to high pressure for 1 minute.
5. Quick Release: Perform a quick release and open the lid.
6. Adding Shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp on top of the broccoli.
7. Pressure Cooking: Close the lid again and set to high pressure for 1 more minute.
8. Quick Release: Perform a final quick release.
9. Serving: Serve the shrimp and broccoli hot, drizzled with any remaining sauce from the pot. It’s a light, nutritious, and protein-rich dinner option.

10. Instant Pot Split Pea Soup

Ingredients:

This split pea soup is hearty and rich in protein, perfect for cold days:

• 1 lb dried split peas (rinsed and drained)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 carrots (chopped)
• 2 celery stalks (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 ham hock or 1 cup diced ham
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sautéing: Use the sauté function to cook onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened.
2. Combining: Add the split peas, ham, chicken broth, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
3. Pressure Cooking: Close the lid and set to high pressure for 15 minutes.
4. Natural Release: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
5. Serving: Remove the bay leaf and ham hock before serving. This soup is thick, flavorful, and packed with protein.

In conclusion, these 10 high-protein Instant Pot recipes are designed to help us maintain a balanced diet without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether we’re cooking for ourselves, our families, or meal prepping for the week, there’s something here to satisfy every craving. From meat lovers to vegetarians, these recipes are sure to keep us fueled and full of energy.

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