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This Instant Pot peanut Another EASY, 30 minute weeknight meal you can enjoy with your baby and kids! This Instant pot chicken and broccoli is also a great way to continue exposing your child to one of the top food allergens, peanuts.

peanut chicken and broccoli served with barley on a blue plate with a a fork
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Why you’re going to love this one pot meal

It is SO easy to make! Just chop, dump, mix. You can customize and add whatever vegetables you wish.

Peanut butter is one of the main ingredients, and it adds a lovely flavor and texture to the dish. I like to come up with different ways to serve this top allergen to my baby and toddler besides on toast or oatmeal in the mornings for that SUSTAINED exposure.

Remember, not only is it important to introduce it early to prevent or minimize the development of peanut allergy later on, it is equally important to continue serving it.

Related Post: Nuts and Seeds For Baby

Ingredients

all the ingredients laid out on a wooden board

Chicken: can use both breast or thigh meat. The latter will be more juicy and flavorful.

Broccoli: While you can substitute bell pepper with other veggies, this one is a must! And here’s everything you need to know when it comes to serving it to your baby.

Peanut butter: adds a nutty, creamy, and earthy flavor and helps thicken the sauce. If allergic, I’ve provided substitutions in the FAQ section below.

Garlic: feel free to use more or less depending on your preference

Ginger: adds a lovely warmth and spiciness (not in the burn your mouth type of way) to the dish. Don’t skip this ingredient. With the minimal use of soy sauce, it’s necessary to add a burst of flavor.

Soy sauce and sesame oil: important for building flavor. Be sure to use low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos, if you wish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

six collage image showing step by step process of making this dish in the Instant Pot
  1. Saute onion.
  2. Add chicken along with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame, and broth. Pressure cook on high for 7 minutes.
  3. Remove chicken and stir in peanut butter.
  4. Add the vegetables.
  5. Cook until vegetables are softened
  6. Add chicken back in and combine everything.

Tips for success

SUPER important! Be sure to add the peanut butter AFTER pressure cooking. Otherwise, you’ll get the dreaded burn notice. It happened to me and it was zero fun.

Also, if possible, plan ahead and make this in advance. The flavors meld together the longer it sits, and we actually prefer to eat it the next day.

What goes well with this IP chicken and broccoli

  • Any cooked grains, like barley, rice, quinoa.
  • Lentils
  • If you want leftovers for breakfast, try it with oatmeal! May sound odd but totally works 😉
  • Pasta
  • in lettuce cups. Will be great exposure to raw veggies for toddlers

How to serve to babies 6 months and up

a small portion of chopped chicken and red bell pepper mixed in with barley and peanut sauce with one broccoli floret

Finely chop the chicken and mix into any cooked grain or lentils along with the sauce. You can serve the broccoli and bell pepper as is or finely chop as well.

Related: How to cook and serve chicken to babies

tired mom with baby food

Is your baby 6 months old and up?

Learn all the secrets to starting solids safely while optimizing nutrition!

Storage Suggestions

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat, follow these suggestions.

Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe dish. Heat for one minute, stir and heat in 30 second intervals until warm.

On the stove: Add to a skillet and simmer, stirring until warmed through. You may need to add additional broth or water to thin out the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of chicken to use?

I always have chicken breast in the freezer so that’s what I normally use. But you can certainly use thigh meat. It will actually be juicier and more flavorful if you do so.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

You can but fresh ones will result in better texture.

Want to make it vegetarian?

Try tofu! Just reduce cooking time from 5 to 3 minutes.

Why add broccoli and bell pepper at the end?

If added with the chicken, they will turn out very mushy.

How to make this without peanut butter?

Peanut butter is used in this recipe to not only add flavor and boost nutrition (as well as provide allergen exposure), it also helps thicken the sauce as mentioned above.

If there is a peanut allergy, you can try almond butter. If your child is allergic to both peanuts and tree nuts, then you can try sunflower seed butter or tahini.

How to make the sauce thicker?

Peanut butter will thicken the sauce, and it will continue to thicken over time. If you aren’t adding it or any of the suggested substitutions mentioned above, combine 1 tablespoon of arrowroot starch/cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of COLD water and whisk into the sauce.

Can I make this on the stovetop?

To a large pot, cook onion over medium heat until softened. Add chicken, sauce, and stock (minus the peanut butter), bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for about 8-10 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through. Remove from pan. Then add peanut butter, broccoli and red bell pepper, and cover and cook until vegetables are tender. Add chicken back in and give everything a good stir.

fully cooked peanut chicken and broccoli in the Instant Pot

More Baby-Friendly Instant Pot Recipes

Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating below and let me know how you liked the recipe! Your feedback means so much to me!

4.85 from 13 votes

Instant Pot Peanut Chicken and Broccoli

Another EASY, 30 minute weeknight meal you can enjoy with your baby and kids! This Instant pot chicken and broccoli is also a great way to continue exposing your child to one of the top food allergens, peanuts.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Pressure time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6
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Equipment

Ingredients 

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 1 pound chicken breast, cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 3/4 cup low or unsalted chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup (65g) smooth peanut butter
  • 3 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped into 1 inch pieces
  • Optional: green onion, cilantro, sesame seeds, lime juice

Instructions 

  • Set instant pot to saute function. Add olive oil and onion and saute for about 2-3 minutes, until softened. Hit CANCEL.
  • Add chicken. Whisk together garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame, and broth. Pour into the pot. Close lid and set valve to sealing pressure. Pressure cook on high for 7 minutes. Note: it will take about 7-8 minutes to come to pressure. Once it beeps, quick release by turning the vent to venting position.
  • Remove chicken and set aside. The IP setting should automatically be at "keep warm." Stir in peanut butter.
  • Set to Saute and add broccoli and bell pepper. Saute for 3-4 minutes. Hit cancel. The vegetables won't be soft enough for the baby, but If you like the texture, then remove some for yourself. Place the lid on IP (no need to lock it in). The vegetables will continue to steam from residual heat.
  • Stir in chicken and enjoy with the suggested toppings, if you wish!

Notes

  • If there is a peanut allergy, you can try almond butter. If your child is allergic to both peanuts and tree nuts, then you can try sunflower seed butter or tahini.
  • SUPER important! Be sure to add the peanut butter AFTER pressure cooking.
  • If possible, plan ahead and make this in advance. The flavors meld together the longer it sits, and we actually prefer to eat it the next day.
  • Transfer to an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

 

Nutrition

Calories: 227kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 12g | Sodium: 168mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Calcium: 38mg
Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!

About Min

Thank you so much for stopping by! I am Min, a Registered Dietitian, a Christ follower, a wife, and a mom to our two miracle babies! Currently, I’m having a ton of fun feeding their tummies and sharing our baby led weaning journey! Follow me on Instagram if interested in seeing daily menu as well as tips and tricks.

4.85 from 13 votes (7 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




17 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I made this, and added rice vermicelli noodles at the end and let them sit in the mix. My 13 month old LOVED it, and so did us grown-ups. I made it with chicken thighs for more iron and tenderness than breast.

  2. I made this tonight and OMG. My kids loved it so much. Thank you for this recipe. ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

  3. 3 stars
    Tried out the recipe as directed and was waaaay too peanut buttery. I used 150g of peanut butter, and later looked up 1/4 cup is only about 70g of peanut butter. I might try this again with half the peanut butter.

  4. 5 stars
    Hi, my 17 month old son is a very fussy picky eater and he LOVED it! It was very delicious to an adult too. I don’t have an instant pot so had to cook it with a regular pot. Took a little bit longer but still was great. Just wanted to say thank you and now I am stalked to try your other recipes too!

  5. 5 stars
    Tried this recipe last night and my little one lovvvveeeeddd it. We had leftovers for lunch and he inhaled it. The instapot makes the chicken really tender. Keeping this recipe for future meals : )