Instant Pot Chicken Breast

Instant Pot Chicken Breast – Juicy & Easy Recipe 2025

ByBella Skye
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Know About Instant Pot Chicken Breast

Instant pot chicken breast has become one of the most reliable go-to meals for home cooks and professionals alike. When prepared correctly, chicken breast in the Instant Pot comes out juicy, flavorful, and never dry. Unlike stovetop or oven methods where timing errors can lead to overcooked meat, cooking chicken breast in Instant Pot gives you consistent results every single time. The pressure cooking locks in moisture while infusing flavor deep into the meat.

More Chicken Breast Recipes

This dish is loved because it is simple yet versatile. You can season the chicken lightly for meal prep, shred it for salads or sandwiches, or serve it whole alongside your favorite side dishes. Many people also love that instant pot chicken breast cooks quickly, whether fresh or frozen, making it one of the best chicken Instant Pot recipes for weeknights.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

As a chef, I can tell you that chicken breast can be tricky to perfect. It is lean, which makes it healthy, but it can dry out quickly if not handled properly. Cooking chicken breast in Instant Pot takes the guesswork out.

  • The sealed pressure environment keeps the juices in the meat rather than evaporating away.
  • You can cook chicken in Instant Pot even when frozen, and it still turns out tender.
  • This method works well for multiple flavor profiles, from classic herbs to bold marinades.
  • It is a reliable technique for meal prep, family dinners, or quick protein additions to recipes.
  • The consistency of cooking chicken breast in pressure cooker makes it a great beginner-friendly dish that still meets chef-level standards.

Preparation and Cooking Time, also Serving

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes (fresh) or 12 minutes (frozen)
  • Pressure Release: 5 minutes natural release, then quick release
  • Total Time: 20–25 minutes
  • Serving Size: Recipe serves 4 people

Ingredients

  • 4 medium chicken breasts, boneless and skinless (about 1.5–2 lbs total)
  • 1 cup chicken broth or water (for pressure cooking)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (optional for color and flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Substitution Notes:

  • Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts but adjust cook time slightly longer.
  • Vegetable broth can replace chicken broth if you prefer a lighter flavor.
  • Avocado oil or canola oil can replace olive oil.
  • Spices can be swapped for Italian seasoning, Cajun blend, or curry powder depending on your taste.
Instant Pot Chicken Breast

Step-by-Step Instructions

chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps seasonings stick and improves browning. Coat each piece with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Rub the seasonings in so the meat is evenly coated.

chicken

Step 2: Set Up the Instant Pot

Place the trivet or steaming rack inside the Instant Pot. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth or water. This liquid is essential because it creates the steam needed for pressure cooking chicken breast in Instant Pot.

chicken

Step 3: Arrange the Chicken

Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the trivet in a single layer. Do not overcrowd. If cooking more than four pieces, stack them slightly but avoid tightly packing them.

chicken

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to Sealing. For fresh chicken breast in Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. For instant pot frozen chicken breast, cook for 12 minutes. Cooking chicken breast in Instant Pot with this method ensures juicy meat without dryness.

chicken

Step 5: Natural Release

Allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes. Then carefully switch the valve to Venting for a quick release of any remaining pressure. Opening immediately after cooking can dry out the chicken, so this short natural release is key.

chicken

Step 6: Check and Rest

Open the lid and check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should be at least 165°F (74°C). Transfer the chicken breasts to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving. This step allows juices to redistribute.

How to Serve

Instant pot chicken breast pairs well with many sides. Serve it sliced over rice or quinoa with roasted vegetables. It also works with mashed potatoes, pasta, or inside tacos and wraps. For sauces, drizzle with a garlic butter sauce, honey mustard, or fresh chimichurri. Presentation matters: slice the chicken diagonally and fan it across the plate with colorful sides for a restaurant-style finish.

Instant Pot Chicken Breast

Additional Tips

  • Always use a trivet to prevent chicken from sitting directly in the liquid. This keeps texture better.
  • If you plan to shred the chicken, cook it with broth and seasonings only, then shred directly in the liquid for added flavor.
  • Letting the chicken rest after cooking prevents juices from running out when sliced.
  • For stronger flavor, marinate chicken for 2–3 hours before cooking chicken breast in pressure cooker.

Recipe Variations

  • Herb and Lemon Chicken: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, and a few lemon slices to the Instant Pot for a bright flavor.
  • BBQ Shredded Chicken: Pressure cook with ½ cup barbecue sauce in the broth, then shred and toss with extra sauce.
  • Spicy Mexican Style: Season with cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Serve with salsa and tortillas.

Freezing and Storage

  • Refrigerator: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Slice or shred before storing for easy use.
  • Freezer: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Reheating: Warm gently in a covered skillet with a splash of broth, or reheat in the microwave at 50% power to prevent drying.

Nutritional Information (per serving, 1 chicken breast)

  • Calories: ~200
  • Protein: 30g
  • Fat: 7g
  • Carbohydrates: 1g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Sodium: 480mg

Final Words

Cooking chicken in Instant Pot is one of the easiest and most rewarding kitchen skills you can master. With the right method, you will always have tender, juicy, and flavorful results. Whether you are looking for quick weeknight dinners, meal prep solutions, or versatile shredded chicken for recipes, this instant pot chicken breast recipe delivers every time. Once you learn how to cook chicken in Instant Pot, you will never worry about dry, bland chicken breast again.

FAQ’s

Yes, but avoid overcrowding. Two layers are fine. Just ensure even cooking by checking internal temperature.

You can place chicken directly in the broth, but the texture will be slightly softer. A trivet is recommended for best results.

Yes, increase the cook time to 12 minutes for fresh thighs or 14 minutes for frozen.

Keep it simple with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Build flavors with fresh herbs, spices, or sauces after cooking.

Instant Pot frozen chicken breast takes about 12 minutes at high pressure plus natural release.

Instant Pot Chicken Breast - Juicy & Easy Recipe 2025
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Instant Pot Chicken Breast – Juicy & Easy Recipe 2025

Recipe by Bella SkyeCourse: Chicken Breast
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Calories

200

kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 medium chicken breasts, boneless and skinless (about 1.5–2 lbs total)

  • 1 cup chicken broth or water (for pressure cooking)

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1 teaspoon paprika (optional for color and flavor)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

  • Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps seasonings stick and improves browning. Coat each piece with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Rub the seasonings in so the meat is evenly coated.
  • Place the trivet or steaming rack inside the Instant Pot. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth or water. This liquid is essential because it creates the steam needed for pressure cooking chicken breast in Instant Pot.
  • Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the trivet in a single layer. Do not overcrowd. If cooking more than four pieces, stack them slightly but avoid tightly packing them.
  • Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to Sealing. For fresh chicken breast in Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. For instant pot frozen chicken breast, cook for 12 minutes. Cooking chicken breast in Instant Pot with this method ensures juicy meat without dryness.
  • Allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes. Then carefully switch the valve to Venting for a quick release of any remaining pressure. Opening immediately after cooking can dry out the chicken, so this short natural release is key.
  • Open the lid and check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should be at least 165°F (74°C). Transfer the chicken breasts to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving. This step allows juices to redistribute.

Notes

  • Always use a trivet to prevent chicken from sitting directly in the liquid. This keeps texture better.
  • If you plan to shred the chicken, cook it with broth and seasonings only, then shred directly in the liquid for added flavor.
  • Letting the chicken rest after cooking prevents juices from running out when sliced.
  • For stronger flavor, marinate chicken for 2–3 hours before cooking chicken breast in pressure cooker.

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