Juicy chicken breast is easy to make in the Instant Pot with the right cooking time and enough moisture. This recipe uses simple seasonings, chicken broth, and a little butter to create tender chicken with plenty of flavor.
This Instant Pot Chicken Breast recipe gives you an exact pressure-cooking time and simple step-by-step instructions. The chicken can be sliced, shredded, or enjoyed whole, making it a convenient recipe for busy days.
1. Instant Pot Chicken Breast (Yield: 4 Servings)
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 225 grams (8 ounces) each, 2 lbs total
- ¾ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1–1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions
Start by preparing the chicken breasts. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture allows the seasoning to stick better to the surface.
In a small bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until the seasonings are evenly mixed.
Rub the seasoning mixture over both sides of each chicken breast, making sure the meat is evenly coated.
Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté and allow it to heat for a few minutes. Add the oil and let it become hot.
Depending on the size of your pot, you may need to work in batches. Sear the chicken for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, just until the surface develops a light golden color. The chicken does not need to be cooked through at this stage.
Transfer the chicken breasts to a plate and set them aside temporarily.
Press Cancel to turn off the Sauté function. Pour 1 to 1½ cups of low-sodium chicken broth into the Instant Pot. Use a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
After adding the chicken broth and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, place the seasoned chicken breasts directly into the Instant Pot, making sure they are sitting in the cooking liquid.
Add the butter on top of the chicken breasts. The butter will melt during pressure cooking and add extra richness and flavor to the chicken.
Secure the Instant Pot lid and make sure the steam release valve is set to Sealing.
Select Pressure Cook or Manual and cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes for chicken breasts. Once the 8-minute cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, carefully move the steam release valve to Venting to release the remaining pressure.
Wait until the pressure indicator drops completely before opening the lid.
Carefully remove the lid and transfer the chicken breasts to a clean plate or cutting board. Use tongs because the chicken will be hot and tender.
Check the internal temperature in the thickest part of each chicken breast with an instant-read thermometer. Chicken should reach at least 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
If the chicken has not reached 165°F, return it to the Instant Pot and use the residual heat or pressure cook it for another 1 to 2 minutes, depending on how far it is from the target temperature.
Allow the cooked chicken breasts to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This gives the juices time to redistribute throughout the meat.
Slice the chicken against the grain or shred it with two forks, depending on how you plan to use it. You can also leave the breasts whole.
2. Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Chicken Breast
Use chicken breasts that are similar in size and thickness. When all the pieces are approximately the same thickness, they are more likely to finish cooking at the same time.
If your chicken breasts are especially thick, consider gently pounding them to an even thickness before cooking. This is one of the easiest ways to prevent the outside from becoming overcooked while the center catches up.
Don’t skip the seasoning. Chicken breast has a mild flavor, so the combination of Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper gives the meat a much more satisfying taste.
Searing is optional, but it adds extra flavor. If you’re short on time, you can skip the browning step and place the seasoned chicken directly on the trivet.
Use low-sodium chicken broth when possible. This gives you more control over the salt level, especially because the seasoning blend already contains salt.
Always use an instant-read thermometer to verify doneness. Cooking time is a useful guideline, but the actual thickness and size of the chicken can affect the final temperature.
Don’t immediately slice the chicken after opening the Instant Pot. A short 5-minute rest helps the juices stay inside the meat instead of running onto the cutting board.
If you want to shred the chicken, let it rest for a few minutes first. Slightly rested chicken is easier to handle and can be shredded with two forks or a hand mixer.
For meal preparation, allow the chicken to cool before transferring it to airtight containers. Store sliced or shredded chicken with a small amount of cooking liquid to help maintain moisture.
3. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook frozen chicken breasts in the Instant Pot?
Yes, frozen boneless chicken breasts can be cooked in an Instant Pot, but the cooking time needs to be adjusted. Because frozen chicken varies in thickness, always verify that the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C) before eating.
Why is my Instant Pot chicken breast rubbery?
Rubbery chicken is often caused by overcooking. Chicken breast contains relatively little fat, so it can become firm and dry when exposed to heat for too long. Using a thermometer and avoiding unnecessary extra cooking can help.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes. Chicken thighs contain more fat and connective tissue, so they have different cooking characteristics. The cooking time for thighs should be adjusted rather than directly replacing them using the same timing.
Can I make chicken breast without searing it first?
Yes. Searing is mainly for adding flavor and color. The chicken can be seasoned and pressure cooked directly on the trivet without browning.
How long does cooked Instant Pot chicken breast last in the refrigerator?
Store cooked chicken breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use it within 3 to 4 days. Reheat it gently with a little broth or cooking liquid to help prevent it from drying out.
4. Nutrition Information
The following nutrition information is approximate and based on one serving of chicken breast prepared with the listed ingredients. Actual values can vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts and how much oil and butter remain in the finished dish.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390 |
| Protein | 52 g |
| Carbohydrates | 2 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Cholesterol | 145 mg |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Sodium | 560 mg |
| Potassium | 620 mg |
| Calcium | 18 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
Juicy Instant Pot Chicken Breast is a simple and reliable recipe for making tender, flavorful chicken with minimal preparation. The combination of simple seasonings, chicken broth, oil, and butter creates a delicious result without requiring complicated ingredients or techniques.
For the best results, choose chicken breasts of similar size, avoid overcooking, and always check the thickest part of the chicken with a thermometer to make sure it reaches 165°F (74°C). Letting the chicken rest before slicing also helps keep it juicy and tender.
