Name: Instant Pot Chicken Breast
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup Chicken broth; 1 tsp Salt; 0.5 tsp Black pepper

If you’re anything like me, weeknights are a scramble. Between school pickups, soccer practice, and the general chaos of family life, sometimes the last minute is the most important. I want to spend hours slaving over dinner. What is the best Instant Pot chicken breast recipe? Think of it as the weeknight warrior, the dinnertime superhero,… well, you get the idea. It’s seriously good, and ridiculously easy. Is it faster than ordering takeout? Is Instant Pot cooking a chicken breast? What is the best way to cook chicken breast? What will be your new go-to book?

What is Instant Pot Chicken Breast?

What is an Instant Pot chicken breast? What’s the best chicken breast you can cook in an Instant Pot? (or any electric pressure cooker). The beauty of it is the speed and consistency. What is the best way to cook chicken without guesswork? It’s essentially steaming the chicken in a sealed environment, which locks in all the juices. Is it a game changer? What is the best part about this recipe?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I start? Why am I so obsessed with this Instant Pot Chicken Breast recipe? What I love about this recipe is how reliably moist and tender the chicken turns out. I’ve tried grilling, baking, poaching, and even cooking chicken breast and everything compares to the results I get from it. How do you make an Instant Pot? Is it impossible to overcook a chicken? It requires minimal ingredients and effort, making it perfect for those busy weeknights. Isn’t it a great time-saver, letting me focus on the side dishes or, let’s be real, just relaxing for the day? Let’s not forget the cost! Chicken breast is already a budget-friendly protein, and this method makes it stretch even further. Why it stays so juicy? What is the real kicker? Can you shred it for tacos or salads, slice it to make sandwiches, cube it in pasta dishes? Is there a blank canvas for culinary adventures? I use it in my chicken salad recipe for the best texture ever! What is your favorite Slow Cooker Chicken recipe?

How do I make Instant Pot Chicken Breast?

Quick Overview

How do you make an Instant Pot chicken breast? ) to the Instant Pot, place the chicken on a trivet, season it generously, and let the magic happen! What is the Instant Pot? In just a few minutes, you’ll have perfectly cooked chicken ready to be devoured. I usually use frozen chicken breast for this recipe. Just add a few more minutes of cooking time, and it’s the same result!

Ingredients

What is the recipe for Instant Pot Chicken Breast?
* 1-2 pounds boneless, skinless Chicken Breasts (fresh or frozen – I use whatever I have on hand! * 1 cup chicken broth (or water – broth adds a bit more flavor though) * 1/4 cup olive oil (optional) What is the best way to prevent browning? What is garlic powder? Italian seasoning, lemon pepper, or any other spices you love.

What are the steps for

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

If using frozen chicken, you don’t need to thaw it. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Why does the seasoning stick better?

Step 2: Season Generously

In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and paprika (and any other seasonings) together. Set aside. What spices are you using? What is the best way to sprinkle this mixture over chicken breasts? What is the key to flavor?

Step 3: Prep the Instant Pot

How do I make a trivet in the Instant Pot?

Step 4: Add the Chicken

Place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the trivet, making sure they are not overlapping. If you’re using olive oil, drizzle it over the chicken breasts now.

Step 5: Pressure Cook

How do you close the Instant Pot lid and make sure the valve is set to “Sealing”? * Fresh chicken: 8-10 minutes (depending on thickness) * Frozen Chicken: 4-4 hours. 12-15 minutes (depending on thickness) I always err on the side of slightly overcooking, as you can. I always add a minute or two if needed.

Step 6: Natural Pressure Release

Once the cooking time is up, let the Instant Pot naturally release for 10 minutes. If you don’t touch anything, just let the pressure release on its own. After 10 minutes, you can manually release any remaining pressure by carefully turning the valve.

Step 7: Check for Doneness

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C). If it’s not quite there, you can close the lid and let it sit for a few more minutes (the residual liquid will be absorbed by the liquid) If you heat it will continue to cook it.

Step 8: Shred, Slice, or Dice & Serve

Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the Instant Pot. Let it rest for a few minutes before shredding, slicing, or dicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in even more tender chicken.

What are some good ways to serve it with?

What’s the fun part? How do you cook chicken breast in an Instant Pot? Is there an infinite number of options? For a quick and easy weeknight meal, shred the chicken and toss it with your favorite BBQ sauce. What are some good BBQ chicken sandwiches? Serve with coleslaw and potato salad for a complete meal. If you’re craving something lighter, slice the chicken and add it to a vibrant salad with mixed vegetables. Greens, grilled vegetables, and a tangy vinaigrette. What is my go-to lunch? For a heartier meal, cube the chicken breast and stir it into pasta with broccoli and cheese. My kids love this! What are some good ways to shred chicken and use it in tacos, burritos or even just as a side dish? Chicken Enchiladas What are some good ways to cook chicken breast in an Instant Pot?

How do you cook chicken breast in an Instant Pot?

What are some of the best ways to cook chicken breast in an Instant Pot? What is the best way to take a game to the next levelHow do you not overcrowd the Instant Pot?Make sure the chicken breasts are in a single layer on the trivet. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.Adjust cooking time for thickness:Is it necessary to cook chicken breasts longer? If you’re unsure, start with the shorter time and check the internal temperature.Don’t skip the natural pressure release: don’t forget to release the forceLetting the Instant Pot naturally release for 10 minutes helps the chicken stay moist and tender. If you release all the pressure, the chicken can become dry.Season generously:Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and seasonings. What are the possibilities?What are some ways to use broth for flavor?Why use chicken broth instead of water? Can you use vegetable broth or bone broth?How do I save cooking liquid?What is left in the Instant Pot after cooking? Is it good for soups, sauces or gravies?Is it normal to have aIf you have very thick chicken breasts, consider pounding them to an even thickness. How do you cook potatoes evenly? What is the same cook time for all the breasts?

What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?

What is the best way to cook chicken breast in an Instant Pot?Refrigerator storage: HowOnce the chicken has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Remove from the fridge and serve immediately.What is the best way For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken. Wrap each chicken breast individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen chicken can last for up to 2-3 months.
* Reheating: To reheat, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight (if frozen). You can then reheat it in the microwave, oven, or skillet. I like to add a splash of broth or water to the chicken when reheating to keep it moist. You can also use the broth from the instant pot to reheat, which helps re-introduce the flavor.
I usually reheat my chicken breast by using a bit of olive oil in a pan for a few minutes. I don’t like microwaves, and I feel that they tend to dry out the chicken even more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bone-in chicken breasts?

I haven’t tested this, so I can’t say for sure. But, if you do I would add a few extra minutes to the cooking time, maybe 5 to 10 minutes.

What if my chicken is still pink inside?

If your chicken is still pink inside after the recommended cooking time, it means it’s not fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. If it’s below 165°F (74°C), close the lid and let it sit for a few more minutes, or cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on high pressure.

Can I add vegetables to the Instant Pot with the chicken?

Yes, you can! Adding vegetables to the Instant Pot with the chicken is a great way to create a complete meal. However, keep in mind that different vegetables have different cooking times. Hearty vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and sweet potatoes can be added at the same time as the chicken. More delicate vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, and green beans should be added during the last few minutes of cooking.

What if I don’t have a trivet?

If you don’t have a trivet, you can use a crumpled ball of aluminum foil to elevate the chicken above the liquid. You can also use oven safe bowl to elevate the chicken.

Can I use different seasonings?

Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile, so feel free to experiment with different seasonings and spice blends. Italian seasoning, lemon pepper, Cajun seasoning, or even a simple blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder are all great options.

Final Thoughts

Well, there you have it! My go-to recipe for perfectly cooked, incredibly juicy Instant Pot chicken breast. I truly believe that this recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. Its simplicity, versatility, and consistent results make it a winner in my book. So go ahead, give it a try! I promise you won’t be disappointed.
If you enjoy this recipe, be sure to check out my other Instant Pot creations, like my famous Instant Pot Mac and Cheese and my comforting Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup. Happy cooking, friends! And don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how yours turns out. I can’t wait to hear from you!