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Instant Pot Chicken Tagine with Squash and Spinach

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PREP TIME
15 min
COOKING TIME
25 min
TOTAL TIME
55 min
SERVINGS
6 servings
Instant Pot Chicken Tagine with Squash and Spinach
Ingredients
  • 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 3 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons sweet paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced lengthwise
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 4 teaspoons finely grated fresh ginger
  • 2 1/2 cups water
  • 2 cups peeled and cubed (3/4-inch) butternut squash
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes in juice
  • 1 (5 ounce) package baby spinach leaves
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • salt and ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
1
Combine 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, cinnamon, cumin, paprika, coriander, and black pepper in a small bowl to create a flavorful paste. Mix well to form a uniform blend
2
Transfer 1 tablespoon of the spice paste to a medium-sized bowl and add chicken thighs. Gently toss to coat, then set aside for later use
3
Activate a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot) and select the Sauté function. Heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in the pot until it reaches a shimmering state, approximately 1 minute. Cook and stir an onion along with the remaining 1 teaspoon of kosher salt until it becomes softened, taking about 6 minutes to achieve this
4
Add the remaining spice paste, garlic, and ginger to the pot. Stir constantly until the mixture becomes fragrant, taking anywhere from 30 to 60 seconds
5
Stir in water and scrape up any browned bits that have accumulated at the bottom of the pot using a wooden spoon. Add chicken, butternut squash, and tomatoes with their juices; mix everything together in a well-coordinated manner. Spread the mixture out evenly across the pot's surface, ensuring it's uniformly distributed
6
Close and lock the lid of the pressure cooker. Move the pressure valve to a sealing position, as instructed by the manufacturer. Select high pressure according to the manufacturer's instructions and set a timer for 3 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for the pressure to build up
7
Release the pressure using the natural-release method, as instructed by the manufacturer for 10 minutes. Release any remaining pressure carefully using the quick-release method, taking about 5 minutes to do so
8
Unlock and remove the lid of the pressure cooker. Add spinach to the pot and cover it without locking the lid into place. Allow the spinach to wilt, taking about 3 minutes to achieve this
9
Stir in lemon juice and zest. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.