Cooking boneless chicken breasts in the Instant Pot is a quick and effortless way to get perfectly juicy and tender chicken every time. Whether you’re meal prepping or need a fast protein option for dinner, this method ensures flavorful chicken that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
1. Best Instant Pot Chicken Breasts Recipe
Ingredients
- 2-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 to 2 pounds)
- 1 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for added flavor)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (such as thyme, oregano, or Italian seasoning) (optional)
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you’re using, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried herbs.
Step 2: Add Liquid to the Instant Pot
Add the liquid: Pour 1 cup of chicken broth (or water) into the bottom of the Instant Pot. The liquid is essential for the pressure-cooking process and helps keep the chicken moist.
Optional step (for extra flavor): Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the broth for a richer flavor, or toss in a couple of smashed garlic cloves.
Step 3: Add the Chicken Breasts
Place the chicken in the Instant Pot: Place the seasoned chicken breasts directly into the Instant Pot. You can set them right into the liquid or, for a more steamed texture, place them on a trivet inside the pot.
Step 4: Pressure Cook the Chicken
Seal the Instant Pot: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and ensure the vent is set to the “Sealing” position.
Pressure cook: Set the Instant Pot to High Pressure for 8-10 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken breasts. Use 8 minutes for smaller breasts (6-8 oz each), and 10 minutes for larger breasts (9-12 oz each).
Step 5: Natural Release
Natural release pressure: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 5 minutes. After that, carefully move the vent to the “Venting” position to release any remaining steam.
Step 6: Check for Doneness
Check the internal temperature: Open the Instant Pot and check the internal temperature of the chicken breasts using a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. If it’s not fully cooked, you can close the lid and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on high pressure.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Rest the chicken: Remove the chicken breasts and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring moist chicken.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired.
2. Variations
Lemon Herb Chicken Breasts
Add lemon slices, fresh thyme, and oregano to the Instant Pot for a bright, herbaceous flavor.
BBQ Chicken Breasts
After cooking, toss the chicken in your favorite BBQ sauce and broil it in the oven for a few minutes to caramelize the sauce.
Mexican-Style Chicken
Add 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon chili powder, and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika to the seasoning, and use salsa instead of broth for a flavorful, taco-ready chicken.
3. What to Serve With Instant Pot Chicken Breasts
Salads: Slice the chicken and serve it over a fresh green salad, or mix it into a grain salad like quinoa or couscous.
Tacos: Shred the chicken and use it as a filling for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas.
Rice or Pasta: Serve the chicken over rice, quinoa, or pasta with your favorite sauce or veggies.
Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted or steamed vegetables, like broccoli, carrots, or green beans, for a balanced meal.
4. Storing & Reheating Leftover
Storing: Store leftover cooked chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.
These Instant Pot boneless chicken breasts are the perfect quick and versatile protein option. Whether you’re looking to meal prep for the week or need a fast dinner solution, the Instant Pot makes it easy to get juicy, perfectly cooked chicken every time.
