There’s something profoundly comforting about a steaming bowl of Tinola that transports me back to family gatherings filled with laughter and warmth. Imagine the house filled with the aromatic blend of garlic, ginger, and chicken, making it nearly impossible to resist sneaking a taste along the way. This Instant Pot Tinola is a game-changer—not only does it capture the essence of traditional Filipino flavors, but it also comes together in just 20 minutes, making it the perfect antidote for those busy weeknights when fast food is just too tempting.
I discovered this quick and easy recipe after a long day at work when I craved a warm, homemade dish without the fuss. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant greens, and the subtle sweetness of papaya creates a nourishing meal that’s both satisfying and healthy. Plus, the pressure cooker ensures every flavor is locked in, giving you a broth that’s bursting with taste. So grab your ingredients, and let’s dive into a delicious journey with this Instant Pot Tinola that’s sure to impress everyone at your table!
Why is Instant Pot Tinola a Must-Try?
Comforting and Quick: In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, homemade meal that beats fast food any day.
Aromatic Harmony: The fragrant blend of garlic, ginger, and chicken fills your kitchen with mouthwatering scents that evoke memories of family gatherings.
Nutrient-Packed Goodness: Tender chicken thighs paired with nutrient-rich greens like spinach or malunggay offer a wholesome dining experience.
Unique Flavor Profile: The subtle sweetness of papaya adds a delightful twist, making every spoonful satisfying and memorable.
Effortless Cooking: With the Instant Pot, you can let the magic happen while you unwind—perfect for busy weeknights!
Explore more tips on creating delicious dishes like this by checking out my post on comfort food classics.
Instant Pot Tinola Ingredients
For the Base
- Avocado oil – adds a mild flavor and healthy fats to your dish.
- Garlic – enhances aroma and taste, making the broth more savory.
- Yellow onion – provides sweetness and depth to the flavor profile.
- Ginger – offers a warm, spicy note that perfectly complements the chicken.
For the Main Ingredients
- Chicken thighs – tender and juicy, they are the perfect protein for this comforting soup.
- Chicken broth – creates a rich, flavorful base; homemade is best!
- Reserved rice wash – adds starchiness and subtle sweetness to the broth.
- Fish sauce – a key ingredient that boosts umami flavor; adjust to personal taste.
- Chicken bouillon cube – intensifies the savory depth of the broth; feel free to omit for a lighter soup.
For the Vegetables
- Green papaya or chayote – lends a slightly sweet and mild flavor, making for a delicious texture.
- Spinach or malunggay – provides vibrant color and essential nutrients; you can swap spinach for Swiss chard if needed.
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper – essential for balancing flavors; always taste before serving!
Get ready to enjoy this Instant Pot Tinola as it warms both your heart and home!
How to Make Instant Pot Tinola
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Prep the Rice Wash: Start by rinsing your rice thoroughly until the water runs clear. Once done, save 2 cups of that water; this will enrich your broth.
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Sauté Aromatics: Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add avocado oil. Toss in minced garlic, chopped onion, and sliced ginger, cooking for about 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
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Brown the Chicken: Add chicken thighs to the pot, allowing them to brown slightly for 2–3 minutes on each side. This optional step boosts flavor, giving your broth a deeper taste.
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Combine Ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth and reserved rice wash, followed by fish sauce, half a bouillon cube, and cubed papaya. Stir well, scraping any browned bits to enhance the flavor profile.
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Pressure Cook: Cancel the Sauté mode, lock the lid, and set your Instant Pot to Manual/Pressure Cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes.
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Release Pressure: Once the cooking time is up, carefully perform a quick release to release the built-up pressure.
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Add Greens: Stir in spinach (or malunggay) and cook for just 1–2 minutes until wilted. Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with extra fish sauce, salt, or pepper if needed.
Optional: Serve with a squeeze of lime for a zesty touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Instant Pot Tinola
• Quality Matters: Use high-quality chicken thighs for juicy results. Opt for organic or free-range options whenever possible.
• Don’t Rush Aromatics: Allow garlic, ginger, and onion to sauté until golden. This enhances their flavors and enriches your broth.
• Adjust Fish Sauce: Start with 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, but taste and adjust according to your preference. Too much can overwhelm the dish.
• Perfect Papaya: Choose a ripe papaya, but not too ripe. The right texture enhances the broth without becoming mushy.
• Season to Taste: Before serving, give your broth a final taste. Adding a pinch of salt or more pepper can elevate the flavors of your Instant Pot Tinola.
• Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh and hot, so gather your loved ones and dig in right away for maximum comfort!
Make Ahead Options
Preparing your Instant Pot Tinola ahead of time is a fantastic way to save precious moments during your busy week! You can chop the garlic, onion, ginger, and green papaya up to 24 hours in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Additionally, you can brown the chicken thighs and prepare the broth (without the greens) up to 3 days beforehand. In this case, simply refrigerate everything until you’re ready to cook. When it’s time to finish up your Tinola, just sauté the aromatics, combine with your prepared ingredients, and pressure cook! This way, you’ll enjoy a comforting and nutritious meal that’s just as delicious, with minimal effort!
What to Serve with Instant Pot Tinola?
A steaming bowl of comforting tinola invites you to create a nourishing meal that tantalizes the senses and warms the heart.
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Steamed Jasmine Rice: The delicate scent and fluffy texture of jasmine rice soak up the savory broth, creating the perfect bite with every spoonful.
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Fresh Mango Salad: A tangy mango salad adds a refreshing contrast with its sweetness, balancing the rich flavors of your tinola.
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Garlic Fried Rice: The crispy edges and aromatic garlic bring a delightful crunch, enhancing the overall experience with added texture and flavor.
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Crispy Spring Rolls: These golden delights provide a crunchy counterpart, stuffed with fresh vegetables and herbs that complement the comforting broth.
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Lemonade or Calamansi Juice: A zesty lemonade or refreshing calamansi juice cuts through the warm flavors, quenching thirst and elevating your meal.
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Banana Turon: For dessert, the sweet caramelized banana wrapped in a crispy shell is a delightful way to end the meal on a sweet note.
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Pickled Vegetables: A tangy side of pickled vegetables adds a kick of acidity, brightening the flavors and providing a crunchy texture among the comfort of the soup.
Instant Pot Tinola Variations
Feel free to make this dish your own and explore delightful twists that tickle your taste buds!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute regular fish sauce with a vegan alternative for a plant-based version while keeping the umami flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced fresh chili peppers or a dash of chili flakes to the broth for an extra layer of heat that’ll awaken your senses.
- Herb-Infused: Toss in fresh herbs like cilantro or basil right before serving to elevate the freshness and aroma of the dish.
- Vegetable Medley: Mix in other vegetables such as carrots or bell peppers along with the papaya for added color and nutrition. The more, the merrier!
- Quinoa Swap: Use quinoa instead of rice wash for a nutty flavor and added protein; it brings a delightful twist to the traditional recipe.
- Coconut Creamy: Stir in a splash of coconut milk after cooking for a rich, creamy texture that harmonizes perfectly with the other flavors.
- Noodle Delight: Serve over rice noodles for a hearty twist, transforming your tinola into a filling noodle soup that everyone will love.
- Lemon Zest: For a refreshing touch, include a squeeze of lemon or lime juice before serving. This brightens the flavors wonderfully!
How to Store and Freeze Instant Pot Tinola
Fridge: Store leftover Instant Pot Tinola in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until steaming hot.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Allow to cool completely before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
Thawing: To enjoy, simply transfer from the freezer to the fridge overnight, then reheat gently. Add a splash of water if the broth thickens during freezing.
Reheating: Heat the thawed tinola in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adjust seasoning if needed before serving!
Instant Pot Tinola Recipe FAQs
What kind of chicken should I use for Instant Pot Tinola?
I recommend using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the best flavor and tenderness. However, if you prefer, skinless and boneless thighs work too! Just keep in mind that the cook time remains the same.
How do I know if my papaya is ripe enough to use?
A ripe papaya should be slightly soft to the touch and have a golden-yellow skin. If it’s too hard, it may not yield the right texture in your broth. Look for even minor dark spots; that indicates it’s ready to eat but not overly ripe.
How long can I store leftovers of Instant Pot Tinola?
You can store leftover Instant Pot Tinola in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Always ensure it’s cooled before sealing. When reheating, I suggest doing so on the stovetop for optimal flavor retention.
Can I freeze Instant Pot Tinola?
Absolutely! For freezing, let the tinola cool completely, then pour it into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just transfer it to the fridge to thaw overnight.
What should I do if my broth is too salty?
If your broth ends up too salty, don’t worry! You can add a handful of fresh spinach, a bit of water, or even some cooked white rice to help mellow the flavors. Stir well and taste again to adjust as needed.
Is it safe to feed Tinola to pets?
While some ingredients in tinola, like chicken and vegetables, are generally safe for dogs, be cautious with seasoning (especially garlic) and fish sauce, which can be harmful in larger amounts. It’s always best to consult your vet before sharing human food with your furry friends!
Instant Pot Tinola: Quick Comfort Food for Busy Nights
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prep the Rice Wash: Rinse rice thoroughly until the water runs clear and save 2 cups for broth.
- Sauté Aromatics: Set Instant Pot to Sauté mode, add avocado oil, then toss in garlic, onion, and ginger; cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Brown the Chicken: Add chicken thighs and brown for 2–3 minutes on each side.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour in chicken broth and reserved rice wash, add fish sauce, half a bouillon cube, and cubed papaya; stir well.
- Pressure Cook: Lock the lid and set to Manual/Pressure Cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes.
- Release Pressure: Carefully perform a quick release once cooking time is up.
- Add Greens: Stir in spinach or malunggay and cook for 1–2 minutes until wilted; adjust seasoning if needed.