Instant Pot Paprika Chicken with Cauliflower, Tender Lentils and Parsley Lemon Gremolata

Name: Instant Pot Paprika Chicken with Cauliflower, Tender Lentils and Parsley Lemon Gremolata
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 42 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Fusión mediterránea
Ingredients: 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs; 1 cup brown lentils, dry; 14 oz cauliflower; 1 cup yellow onion; 1 cup carrot; 1 tbsp garlic; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp sweet paprika; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp dried oregano; 3 cups chicken broth; 1/2 cup crushed tomato; 1 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 whole lemon; 1/2 cup fresh parsley; 1 tbsp butter

An original Instant Pot dish with juicy chicken thighs, tender cauliflower, and lentils cooked in an aromatic broth with paprika, garlic, and lemon. It is finished with a fresh parsley and lemon zest gremolata for brightness and contrast.

20 minPrep

22 minCook

42 minTotal

4Servings

High Protein

Ingredients

Adjust servings

700 g boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut en trozos large)
180 g brown lentils, dry (enjuagadas)
400 g cauliflower (en ramilletes small)
150 g yellow onion (chopped fina)
120 g carrot (en cubitos small)
18 g garlic (4 cloves; 3 chopped for the cocción and 1 for the gremolata)
30 ml olive oil (divided)
8 g sweet paprika
2 g ground cumin
1 g dried oregano
720 ml chicken broth (low sodium if preferred)
120 g crushed tomato
8 g salt (or to taste, divided)
2 g black pepper (divided)
1 unit lemon (zest fina and 2 tbsp of zumo, divided)
20 g fresh parsley (chopped)
15 g butter (for terminar)

Nutrition facts

per serving

468 kcal

Calories

39 g

Protein

28 g

Carbs

22 g

Fat

8 g

Fiber

20 g

Net carbs

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

Dairy

Instructions

1
1. In a bowl, toss the chicken with 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil, sweet paprika, cumin, oregano, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
2
2. Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté on normal. When the insert is hot, add the chicken and brown for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly colored. It does not need to cook through. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
3
3. Add the remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil to the pot along with the onion, carrot, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 3 minutes, stirring, until the onion softens slightly.
4
4. Stir in the crushed tomato and cook for 1 minute, scraping the bottom with a spoon to release any browned bits. Add the rinsed lentils and chicken broth, and mix well.
5
5. Return the chicken and any juices to the pot. Arrange the cauliflower on top without stirring too much so it keeps some texture.
6
6. Lock the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 12 minutes. The safe internal temperature of the chicken at the end should reach 165°F/74°C.
7
7. Meanwhile, make the gremolata by mixing the parsley, lemon zest, 1 grated or very finely chopped garlic clove, and 1 tbsp lemon juice in a small bowl.
8
8. When cooking ends, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release.
9
9. Open the pot, add the butter, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and the remaining salt and pepper to taste, then stir gently to combine without breaking up the cauliflower too much.
10
10. Serve hot and spoon the parsley lemon gremolata over each portion just before serving.

Chef tips

If you want a brothier texture, add an extra 120 ml / 1/2 cup broth at the end. For deeper flavor, let the chicken brown well during the sauté step without moving it too much at first.

Substitutions

You can swap the thighs for diced chicken breast, reducing high-pressure cooking to 10 minutes. The butter can be replaced with 1 additional tbsp olive oil for a dairy-free version. Brown lentils can be replaced with green lentils with similar cooking time.

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 image
Ninja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
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Illustrative image
TempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
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Illustrative image
T-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
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