If you’re looking for a quick, juicy, and utterly foolproof way to make tender chicken every time, this Instant Pot Chicken is the answer to your busy weeknight dreams! With simple pantry spices and a broth bath, these chicken breasts emerge flavorful and ready for anything—salads, sandwiches, tacos, or just piled high on a plate with your favorite sides.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbeatable Juiciness: The Instant Pot seals in moisture, creating chicken that is always tender, never dry or rubbery.
- Super Fast, Minimal Prep: This recipe takes just minutes to throw together, making it a real lifesaver for busy nights or last-minute meal planning.
- Versatile for Any Dish: From salads to sandwiches to meal-prep bowls, this chicken works beautifully as a building block for nearly any meal.
- Family-Friendly Flavors: Simple seasonings make it crowd-pleasing—delicious as-is, but also easy to customize for picky eaters.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the wholesome, everyday ingredients that make Instant Pot Chicken such a staple. Each one pulls its weight, from bringing out savory flavor to ensuring that melt-in-your-mouth texture and lovely golden color.
- Chicken Stock: Moisturizes and infuses the chicken with subtle flavor—homemade or store-bought both work great.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: This cut stays juicy in the Instant Pot and takes on any seasonings you add.
- Italian Seasoning (or oregano, basil, thyme): Earthy herbs deliver that classic, comforting flavor we all crave.
- Garlic Powder: Adds gentle aromatic depth without overpowering the dish.
- Brown Sugar: A little touch creates balance and helps the chicken caramelize slightly as it cooks.
- Kosher Salt: Pulls the flavors forward and seasons the chicken just right.
- Freshly Cracked Pepper: Gives a subtle heat and zing for well-rounded seasoning.
Variations
The beauty of this Instant Pot Chicken is how easy it is to tailor. Feel free to change up the spices, swap out the protein, or get creative with the liquid base—it’s nearly impossible to mess up and always delivers delicious results!
- Swap the Protein: Try boneless thighs instead of breasts for even richer flavor and tenderness.
- Add Citrus: Squeeze half a lemon or orange into the cooking liquid for a fresh, zesty note.
- Boost the Spice: Mix in a pinch of smoked paprika, a dash of hot sauce, or chili flakes for a little heat.
- Make It Garlic-Lover’s: Double the garlic powder or toss in a couple of smashed fresh garlic cloves for bold aroma.
How to Make Instant Pot Chicken
Step 1: Prep the Instant Pot & Add Broth
Start by placing the trivet insert in your Instant Pot—it keeps the chicken above the liquid so the meat stays juicy, not soggy. Pour in your chicken stock, which not only provides necessary steam but also infuses fantastic savory flavor into every bite.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a large bowl, toss your chicken breasts (make sure they’re separated if frozen) with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, brown sugar, kosher salt, and black pepper. Take a second to thoroughly coat every piece—this is key for building layers of flavor in your Instant Pot Chicken.
Step 3: Pressure Cook
Carefully place the seasoned chicken in a single layer on the trivet in your Instant Pot. Secure the lid, set the vent to sealing, and select “Pressure Cook” on high—cook for 10 minutes if your chicken is fresh or 15 minutes if it’s frozen. The pot will take about 10 minutes to come to pressure before the timer starts counting down.
Step 4: Release Pressure & Check Temps
When the cook time is up, you have a choice: for juiciest results, let the pressure release naturally, or if you’re in a hurry, gently quick-release in short bursts to avoid splatter. Always check that the chicken has reached 165°F at the thickest point with a thermometer—safety first and ultimate tenderness every time!
Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot Chicken
- Trivet Magic: Using the trivet isn’t optional—lifting the chicken above the broth prevents it from boiling and guarantees that signature roasty, juicy texture.
- Spice It Up Right Before Cooking: For bold, fresh flavor, season the chicken just before dropping it in the Instant Pot instead of letting it sit too long afterwards.
- Don’t Skip the Temperature Check: Stick an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part—165°F is the magic number for safe, succulent chicken.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps keep all those delicious juices locked in for perfect slices.
How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken
Garnishes
A final shower of chopped fresh herbs (think parsley, basil, or even a sprinkle of chives) brightens up every bite and adds color. A squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of olive oil over the top can make your Instant Pot Chicken look and taste restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This chicken loves good company! Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, fluffy rice, or a fresh garden salad for a well-rounded, satisfying meal. Or tuck it into wraps and tacos for a more casual vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice or shred the chicken right at the table for a dramatic, dinner-party effect! Layer over roasted vegetables and finish with a balsamic glaze, or pile shredded chicken onto slider buns with slaw for a fun, crowd-pleasing platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, tuck leftover Instant Pot Chicken pieces into an airtight container and stash them in the refrigerator—they’ll stay tender and tasty for up to 4 days.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully! Simply cool the chicken completely, then wrap each portion tightly or place in freezer bags; it’ll keep for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
For juiciest results, warm the chicken gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of chicken stock or water. Cover to hold in moisture and reheat until just heated through.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen chicken breasts for Instant Pot Chicken?
Absolutely! Just be sure the chicken breasts are separated (not frozen together in a big clump), and set your pressure cook time for 15 minutes instead of 10. The Instant Pot will take a bit longer to come to pressure, but you’ll still end up with juicy, evenly cooked chicken.
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What’s the best way to shred Instant Pot Chicken?
Let the chicken rest a few minutes, then simply use two forks to pull it apart—or save time by putting the cooked chicken into your stand mixer with the paddle attachment for fast, perfectly shredded pieces.
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are delicious in this recipe and often turn out even juicier. The cooking time remains about the same—just make sure they reach 165°F at the thickest part.
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How do I prevent bland Instant Pot Chicken?
Be generous with your seasonings and salt; don’t forget to use flavorful chicken stock as your base. A finishing shower of fresh herbs, citrus juice, or even a sauce can wake up the flavors right before serving.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you treat yourself to this Instant Pot Chicken—once you see how juicy, flavorful, and versatile it is (not to mention ridiculously easy!), it’s bound to become a weeknight legend at your house too. Happy cooking, friend!
Print
Instant Pot 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
This Instant Pot chicken recipe is a quick and flavorful way to prepare tender and juicy chicken using your pressure cooker. With simple seasonings and a short cooking time, dinner will be ready in no time.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 2–3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast
Seasonings:
- 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 Instant Pot: Line the Instant Pot with the trivet insert and pour in the chicken stock.
- Season Chicken: In a large bowl, season the chicken with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Place the seasoned chicken in the Instant Pot in a single layer.
- Cook: Secure the lid and set the vent to the closed position. Pressure cook on high for 10 minutes for fresh chicken or 15 minutes for frozen. Allow for natural pressure release or quick release. Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a thermometer (165°F).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 250 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
