
Instant Pot Turkey with Mild Chimichurri, Rice, Zucchini, and Chickpeas
A complete and original Instant Pot meal featuring tender turkey cubes, long-grain rice, chickpeas, and zucchini in a fragrant mild chimichurri base with parsley, garlic, lemon, and a touch of vinegar. It is juicy, balanced, and perfect for an easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 500 g turkey breast, cubed (1 inch)
- 180 g long-grain rice (enjuagado)
- 240 g cooked chickpeas, drained (listos for usar)
- 200 g zucchini, sliced into half-moons (grosor medio)
- 120 g yellow onion, chopped (chopped fino)
- 120 g green bell pepper, diced (cubes small)
- 12 g garlic, minced (approx. 4 cloves)
- 30 g fresh parsley, chopped (packed lightly)
- 2 g dried oregano
- 1 g ground cumin
- 2 g sweet paprika
- 0.5 g red pepper flakes (optional)
- 480 ml low-sodium chicken or turkey broth (for the cocción)
- 30 ml olive oil (divided)
- 30 ml lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 15 ml red wine vinegar
- 2 g lemon zest
- 6 g salt (or to taste)
- 1 g black pepper (freshly ground)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
No declared allergens
Instructions
- 1
1. In a bowl, mix the turkey with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil, half of the minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, sweet paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Let it rest for 10 minutes while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
- 2
2. In another bowl, make a mild chimichurri by mixing the parsley, remaining garlic, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, lemon zest, red pepper flakes if using, the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, and 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of the broth. Set aside.
- 3
3. Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté mode on high heat. Once hot, add the yellow onion and green bell pepper. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring, until they start to soften.
- 4
4. Add the marinated turkey and cook for 2 minutes, stirring, just until it loses its raw exterior color. Add the rinsed rice and stir for 30 seconds to coat it well in the juices.
- 5
5. Pour in the remaining broth and add 3 tablespoons of the mild chimichurri. Scrape the bottom well to release any browned bits. Scatter the chickpeas and zucchini on top without stirring too much. Close the lid.
- 6
6. Cook on high pressure for 6 minutes. Then allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, followed by a careful quick release.
- 7
7. Open the lid, add the remaining mild chimichurri, and fluff with a fork to distribute the rice, turkey, chickpeas, and zucchini. Taste and adjust with the remaining salt if needed.
- 8
8. Let it rest for 2 minutes before serving so the rice can finish absorbing the liquid. Serve hot. If you want to keep it warm, use the Warm/Keep Warm function; a safe holding temperature should stay above 140°F / 60°C.
Chef tips
For the best texture, avoid stirring too much after adding the zucchini and chickpeas. If you want a brighter flavor, add a little extra chopped parsley and a few more drops of lemon right before serving.
Substitutions
You can swap the turkey for cubed chicken in the same amount. Long-grain rice can be replaced with basmati in a similar amount, keeping an eye on texture. If you do not have green bell pepper, use red bell pepper for a sweeter profile.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageTempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
Illustrative imageT-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
Illustrative imageVictorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef’s Knife
Chopping, slicing and cutting strips
- The knife I use most when cooking
- Chops, slices and cuts into strips
- Keep it sharp and hand-dry it
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