Meet your new weeknight hero: this juicy, flavorful Instant Pot Chicken. With just a handful of simple ingredients and almost zero prep, you’ll have tender chicken that’s ready for salads, sandwiches, meal prep, or dinner all on its own—the ultimate kitchen shortcut you’ll want on repeat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ridiculously Easy: Just five minutes of prep work and your Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting!
- Versatile Protein: The tender chicken adapts effortlessly to sandwiches, salads, grain bowls, or favorite sauces.
- Foolproof Every Time: Whether you’re using fresh or frozen chicken, you’ll nail perfect, juicy results.
- Family Approved: The blend of classic seasonings keeps everyone at the table happy—kids included!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Instant Pot Chicken comes together using pantry staples, each one playing a role in flavor or texture. With just a few ingredients, you’ll create chicken that’s anything but boring and always crave-worthy.
- Chicken Stock: Adds moisture and infuses the chicken with savory depth as it cooks.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: The star of the show—be sure they’re separated if frozen for even cooking.
- Italian Seasoning (or oregano, basil, or thyme): Classic herbs that give subtle Mediterranean flair. Use what you have!
- Garlic Powder: Lends warm, savory notes without chopping fresh garlic.
- Brown Sugar: Adds just a hint of caramel-y sweetness that balances the herbs.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances every bite; don’t skip it for maximum flavor.
- Freshly Cracked Pepper: A little kick and earthy aroma to bring the seasonings to life.
Variations
One of the best things about Instant Pot Chicken is how endlessly customizable it is! Whether you’re swapping spices, tweaking for special diets, or simply using whatever’s in your pantry, this recipe can easily become uniquely yours.
- Spicy Southwest: Swap Italian seasoning for chili powder and cumin, and add a pinch of smoked paprika for Tex-Mex flair.
- Lemon Herb: Add a few lemon slices to the pot and use a blend of rosemary and thyme for bright, citrusy notes.
- Honey Garlic: Omit the brown sugar and drizzle in a tablespoon of honey plus a teaspoon of extra garlic powder for sticky-sweet vibes.
- Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium chicken stock and reduce the salt—your chicken will still be moist and delicious!
How to Make Instant Pot Chicken
Step 1: Prep the Instant Pot
Start by placing the trivet inside your Instant Pot—this keeps the chicken perfectly lifted above the liquid for even, juicy cooking. Pour in the chicken stock, which will infuse the meat with savory flavor while preventing sticking or burning on the bottom.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Arrange your chicken breasts in a large bowl, making sure they’re separated (especially important if they’re frozen!). Sprinkle over the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Give everything a gentle toss to ensure the seasoning coats every nook and cranny.
Step 3: Pressure Cook
Place the seasoned chicken on the trivet inside the Instant Pot in a single layer for the best texture. Secure the lid and set the vent to sealing. For fresh chicken, pressure cook on high for 10 minutes; for frozen, set it to 15 minutes. Allow about 10 minutes for the pot to come to pressure before the timer starts.
Step 4: Release Pressure & Check Doneness
Once the cook time is up, you can either let the pressure release naturally or carefully do a quick release for fast results. Always check your Instant Pot Chicken with a thermometer—165°F means perfectly juicy and safe-to-eat meat every time!
Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot Chicken
- Trivet Trick: Always use the trivet for this recipe—it keeps the chicken from getting soggy and helps it cook evenly with juicy, tender results.
- Season Every Piece: For maximum flavor, give the chicken a good toss with the seasoning, making sure all sides are well coated before cooking.
- Test for Doneness: Don’t guess! Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure each breast hits 165°F—the difference between dry and divine.
- Shred or Slice While Warm: If you’re planning to shred the chicken, do it while it’s hot—it comes apart beautifully and soaks up the flavorful juices.
How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken
Garnishes
Give your Instant Pot Chicken a pop of color and freshness with a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley, basil, or chives. A squeeze of lemon juice or a dusting of Parmesan cheese can also really brighten the flavors and add that special finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This chicken is the perfect blank canvas, so pair it with just about anything: fluffy basmati rice, roasted veggies, a crisp green salad, or silky mashed potatoes. It’s also divine on top of pasta or tucked inside a warm pita with tzatziki.
Creative Ways to Present
Try shredding the Instant Pot Chicken and piling it onto sliders for a party platter, tossing it with BBQ sauce and serving over baked sweet potatoes, or using it as protein in a colorful grain bowl. The options are as endless as your imagination!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your Instant Pot Chicken cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it perfect for advance meal prep or grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch, this chicken freezes beautifully. Slice, shred, or leave whole breasts, and store in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. Remember to remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your chicken gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. If you’re using frozen chicken, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the best texture.
FAQs
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Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?
Absolutely! Just increase the pressure cooking time to 15–17 minutes for fresh bone-in chicken. The result will be just as juicy—just double-check the internal temperature for doneness.
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What if I don’t have a trivet for my Instant Pot?
If you don’t have a trivet, you can lay the chicken directly in the liquid, but the texture may be softer and less “roasted.” You can also improvise with a steamer basket or roll up some foil into balls and rest the chicken on top.
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How do I prevent my Instant Pot Chicken from drying out?
The best way to keep your chicken moist is to avoid overcooking—always use a timer and check with a meat thermometer. Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes in the warm Instant Pot helps keep it juicy, too.
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Can I double the recipe in a 6-quart Instant Pot?
Yes! As long as you don’t exceed the max fill line, you can easily double the ingredients. The cooking time stays the same, but it may take a bit longer for the Instant Pot to come up to pressure with more food inside.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t made Instant Pot Chicken yet, this is your sign to dive in. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or just need a dependable family dinner, it’s guaranteed to win you over with flavor and simplicity. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever did without it!
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Instant Pot Italian Herb Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Learn how to make delicious Instant Pot Chicken with this easy recipe. Juicy, flavorful chicken cooked to perfection in your Instant Pot.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 2–3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast
For Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, or thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Instant Pot: Line the Instant Pot with the trivet insert and pour in the chicken stock.
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, coat the chicken with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Place the seasoned chicken in a single layer in the Instant Pot.
- Cook the Chicken: Close the lid, set the vent to closed position, and pressure cook on high for 10 minutes for fresh chicken or 15 minutes for frozen. Allow for natural pressure release or quick release. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 250 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
