If you’re looking for an easy, fail-proof way to cook juicy, tender chicken every single time, you’ve got to try this Instant Pot Chicken Breast Recipe. I absolutely love this because it’s hands-off, quick, and perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners. Whether you’re new to pressure cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is a total winner you’ll want to keep in your back pocket!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Tender Chicken: The Instant Pot makes chicken breasts juicy and tender without drying them out.
- Quick & Easy: You can have perfectly cooked chicken breasts in as little as 15 minutes, no babysitting required.
- Versatile Protein: Use it in salads, casseroles, sandwiches, or meal prep — it’s a kitchen MVP.
- Hands-Off Cooking: Set it and forget it until your timer goes off, perfect for busy days.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The Ingredients for this Instant Pot Chicken Breast Recipe are super simple and designed to bring out the natural flavor of the chicken while keeping it juicy and tender. You don’t need a long list of spices, which I appreciate when I’m short on time.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: I like using chicken breasts that are fairly uniform in size so they cook evenly.
- Cold water: This is the base for steaming the chicken in the Instant Pot—trust me, it helps keep things moist and tender.
- Garlic powder: This adds a subtle savory note without overpowering anything—feel free to swap with fresh garlic for a punchier taste.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the best in the chicken.
- Ground black pepper: Just enough for some gentle heat and flavor balance.
Variations
I love that this Instant Pot Chicken Breast Recipe is so easy to tweak. Depending on what I’m craving or what I have on hand, it’s fun to mix things up — and encourages you to make it your own kitchen staple!
- Herb-infused: I often add dried rosemary or thyme for a little aromatic twist that smells amazing during cooking.
- Spicy kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika gives the chicken some gentle heat; my family loves this version for taco nights.
- Broth swap: Instead of water, try chicken broth for even richer flavor—perfect when you’re using the leftover juices for soups.
- Marinated option: Toss the chicken breasts in a simple marinade for 30 minutes before cooking to amp up the taste if you have extra time.
How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Breast Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by placing 1 cup of cold water in the Instant Pot and dropping in the trivet—the little rack that keeps the chicken above the water. Then, take your chicken breasts and sprinkle them evenly with garlic powder, salt, and a few cracks of black pepper. Toss the chicken gently with tongs or your hands to coat them all over — this little step ensures every bite is flavorful.
Step 2: Pressure Cook the Chicken
Lay the chicken breasts in a single layer on top of the trivet. Seal the Instant Pot lid and set the pressure valve to sealing. For breasts under 2 inches thick, set your pressure cooker to high for 10 minutes; if your breasts are thicker than 2 inches, go for 15 minutes. This timing difference made a huge difference for me when I first tried this recipe, avoiding those rubbery chicken moments I used to get.
Step 3: Natural Release, Then Quick Release
Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure naturally release for 5 minutes. This resting time helps keep the chicken juicy. After that, carefully flip the valve to venting for a quick release to drop the rest of the pressure before opening the lid. You’ll see perfectly cooked chicken waiting for you inside—it’s seriously that easy!
Step 4: Shred, Cube, and Save the Broth
Take the chicken out and either shred it with two forks or cube it, depending on your meal plans. Don’t forget to save that flavorful broth at the bottom! It’s pure gold for soups or to add moisture when reheating the chicken later.
Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot Chicken Breast Recipe
- Uniform Chicken Size: I learned early on that making sure breasts are similar thickness helps them cook evenly—and avoids overcooked bits.
- Don’t Skip the Trivet: The trivet keeps the chicken out of the water and steaming instead of boiling, which really preserves texture.
- Let It Rest: That 5-minute natural release after pressure cooking locks in more moisture than quick releasing right away.
- Save the Broth: Don’t pour out the liquid! It’s packed with flavor and a perfect base for future recipes.
How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Breast Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or cilantro over the chicken for a bright pop of color and fresh flavor. A squeeze of lemon juice right before serving also elevates the dish and cuts through the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs amazingly well with simple roasted veggies, fluffy rice, or even mashed potatoes if you want comforting vibes. For a lighter option, serve it over a crisp green salad or alongside quinoa with steamed broccoli.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, try stacking sliced chicken on crostini with a smear of herb cream cheese or drizzle with a balsamic glaze. I’ve also used this chicken in wraps with fresh avocado and colorful veggies for a beautiful lunch presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooking, I let the chicken cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It’s perfect for quick lunches or throwing together meals when you’re short on time during the week.
Freezing
Once cooked and cooled, I portion the chicken into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months. This way, I always have ready-to-use chicken for soups or casseroles, which saves me so much meal prep hassle.
Reheating
When reheating, I gently warm the chicken in a skillet with a splash of the reserved broth or in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. This prevents it from drying out and keeps the tender texture intact.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this Instant Pot Chicken Breast Recipe?
Yes! You can cook frozen chicken breasts directly in the Instant Pot. Just add a few extra minutes to the cook time—about 12 minutes for thin breasts and 18 minutes for thicker ones—and always allow a natural release for at least 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
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How do I prevent overcooked or rubbery chicken in the Instant Pot?
The key is cooking time and natural release. Use the correct pressure cook time based on the thickness of the breasts, and don’t skip the 5-minute natural release before quick releasing the rest. Also, avoid stacking the chicken too thickly to ensure even cooking.
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Can I add sauces or marinades before pressure cooking?
You can add sauces or marinades, but since liquid is needed for pressure cooking, be mindful of the total liquid amount. For best flavor, consider seasoning first, pressure cooking with water or broth, then adding sauces after cooking or tossing shredded chicken into your sauce separately.
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What can I do with the broth leftover in the Instant Pot?
The leftover broth is packed with flavor and fantastic to use as a base for soups, stews, or cooking grains like rice or quinoa. I always save it instead of pouring it down the drain—it’s little flavor gold in the fridge!
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Is it possible to cook other cuts of chicken using this recipe?
While this recipe is tailored for boneless skinless chicken breasts, you can adapt it for chicken thighs by adjusting the cook time to about 8-10 minutes, depending on size. Keep in mind thighs have a different texture and flavor; they’ll come out more tender and slightly richer.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Chicken Breast Recipe has truly become one of my kitchen favorites for how straightforward and reliable it is. I remember the relief the first time I realized I could have perfectly cooked chicken breasts without hovering by the stove or drying them out in the oven. Whether you’re an Instant Pot newbie or looking to streamline your meal prep, give this recipe a go. Your future self (and family) will thank you!
Print
Instant Pot Chicken Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
A simple and quick Instant Pot chicken breast recipe that produces tender, juicy chicken perfect for meal prep, casseroles, salads, and more. The recipe uses minimal ingredients and cooks the chicken with seasoning and water in the Instant Pot, ensuring flavorful and moist results every time.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Ground black pepper, to taste
Liquid
- 1 cup cold water
Instructions
- Prepare the Instant Pot: Add 1 cup of cold water to the Instant Pot and place the trivet inside to keep the chicken elevated from the liquid.
- Season the chicken: Lay the chicken breasts in a single layer outside the pot and sprinkle them evenly with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss gently using tongs or your hands to coat each piece thoroughly with the seasoning.
- Pressure cook: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the trivet in the Instant Pot. Close the lid securely and set the pressure vent to Sealing. Select the Pressure Cook (High) or Manual setting and cook for 10 minutes if the breasts are thinner than 2 inches, or 15 minutes if thicker than 2 inches.
- Release pressure: When cooking completes, allow the pressure to naturally rest for 5 minutes. Afterward, perform a quick release by carefully turning the sealing valve to Venting to release all remaining pressure.
- Finish and serve: Open the lid and remove the cooked chicken breasts. They are now ready to shred or cube for your meals. Save the broth at the bottom for use in soups or other recipes.
Notes
- Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For freezing, allow the chicken to cool completely, then store in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before use.
- You may substitute chicken broth for water to add extra flavor to the cooking liquid.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe (about 4.5 oz chicken)
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 3.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
