If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to make chicken that’s juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked every time, then you’re in for a treat. Instant Pot Chicken Breasts are your go-to solution for hassle-free, healthy meals that work for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or even a lazy Sunday lunch. You can use fresh or frozen chicken and still get the same tender results with barely any effort.
Why We Love This Instant Pot Chicken Breasts Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it checks every box: quick, easy, juicy, and adaptable. Cooking chicken in the Instant Pot locks in moisture, giving you incredibly tender results every single time. You don’t need to be a pro in the kitchen, and you certainly don’t need a long list of ingredients.
This recipe uses everyday pantry spices that blend into a savory rub, infusing the chicken with bold flavor. Whether you prefer to sear the breasts for extra texture or skip straight to pressure cooking, the end result is always satisfying. And the best part? It works with both fresh and frozen chicken, so you don’t have to plan far in advance.
It’s a game-changer for meal prep. Just cook, slice or shred, and store. You can toss it on salads, stuff it into wraps, or add it to bowls. It even makes a great main dish all on its own with some simple steamed vegetables or rice. This recipe is the kind that quickly becomes part of your weekly rotation.
Ingredients about Instant Pot Chicken Breasts
This recipe keeps it simple with a few pantry staples, yet delivers so much flavor. These spices and seasonings blend perfectly to enhance the natural taste of the chicken without overpowering it.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
- 2 pounds chicken breasts (about 4 to 6 pieces, boneless and skinless)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium or no sodium added, or use water as an alternative)
How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Breasts Directions
You don’t need much experience to master this method. Whether your chicken is fresh or frozen, the Instant Pot takes care of the timing and pressure, leaving you with perfectly cooked meat. Follow these simple steps to get started.
First, you’ll mix your seasonings together. In a small bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Take a moment to really rub this mixture into the chicken breasts. Don’t just sprinkle it on—press it into the surface so it sticks and seeps in. This step is key for locking in flavor.
Next, turn your Instant Pot to the Sauté setting and add the olive oil. Once it’s hot, place the chicken breasts in the pot. Sear them on all sides until they’re golden brown. You might need to work in batches if your pot isn’t large enough for all the pieces at once. Searing gives the chicken extra depth, a slightly crisp surface, and seals in the juices. That said, if you’re working with frozen chicken or plan to shred it, you can skip the searing step entirely.
Once the chicken is seared (or if you’re skipping that step), pour the chicken broth into the pot. Place the trivet inside, then arrange the chicken breasts on top of the trivet. This setup allows the chicken to steam rather than boil, keeping the texture tender instead of rubbery.
Now, seal the Instant Pot. Set the valve to “Sealing” and select the Manual or High Pressure setting. For fresh chicken breasts, set the timer for 5 minutes. If you’re using frozen ones, bump it up to 10 minutes. That’s the beauty of pressure cooking—no thawing required.
When the cooking time ends, don’t open the pot immediately. Let it release pressure naturally for 10 minutes. This resting period helps keep the juices inside the meat. After 10 minutes, you can switch to a quick release to let out any remaining steam.
Open the lid, and transfer the chicken to a clean cutting board. Let it rest for 5 minutes before cutting. This final rest is important—it lets the juices redistribute, so your chicken stays moist.
That’s it. You’ve just made a perfectly cooked, juicy batch of chicken breasts in half an hour.
How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Breasts
One of the best things about this dish is how versatile it is when it comes to serving. You can slice the chicken breasts and layer them on a bed of greens for a hearty salad, or stuff them into wraps and sandwiches for an easy lunch. If you’re eating low-carb, just pair it with steamed broccoli, roasted cauliflower, or sautéed spinach.
For a balanced dinner, serve the chicken with brown rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes and your favorite vegetables. A drizzle of lemon juice or a dollop of yogurt-based sauce adds a refreshing touch. You can also shred the chicken for tacos, burrito bowls, or pasta.
If you’re hosting guests, slice the breasts neatly and plate them with colorful sides—it’s impressive without being fussy. No matter how you serve it, this chicken fits right in.
Expert Tips: Instant Pot Chicken Breasts
- Don’t overcrowd the pot – If your chicken breasts are large or thick, cook in batches when searing. This ensures a nice golden crust instead of steaming in their own juices.
- Let it rest – After cooking, always let the chicken rest before slicing. This keeps it juicy and flavorful.
- Adjust the seasoning – Feel free to tweak the spice mix. Add onion powder, a dash of cumin, or a squeeze of lemon if you want to switch it up.
- Use broth instead of water – For deeper flavor, opt for chicken broth. Low-sodium is best so you can control the saltiness.
- For shredding – Skip the searing and go straight to pressure cooking. The chicken will be tender enough to shred with forks and perfect for tacos or meal prep bowls.
How to Store Instant Pot Chicken Breasts
Once cooled, store your cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s great for tossing into meals throughout the week. You can even store it with a little bit of the broth to keep it moist.
For longer storage, freeze the chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers. You can store it whole, sliced, or shredded. Be sure to label it with the date. It will stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. To use, thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat gently in a pan with a splash of broth.
Variation of Instant Pot Chicken Breasts
Want to change things up? This base recipe is easy to customize. Here are some ideas:
- Lemon Herb – Add lemon zest and a few sprigs of rosemary or thyme to the pot. This gives your chicken a light, citrusy flavor.
- Spicy BBQ – Use chili powder instead of smoked paprika and add a dash of cayenne. After cooking, brush the chicken with your favorite barbecue sauce.
- Asian-Inspired – Replace Italian seasoning with ginger and a splash of soy sauce in the broth. Serve with steamed rice and stir-fried veggies.
- Tex-Mex Style – Use cumin, chili powder, and coriander. Shred the chicken and mix it with salsa for tacos or burritos.
- Garlic Butter – Sear the chicken in garlic-infused butter instead of oil for a richer flavor. Add a few crushed garlic cloves to the broth before cooking.
These tweaks help you turn a simple recipe into something new each time.
FAQ: Instant Pot Chicken Breasts
How long do I cook chicken breasts in the Instant Pot?
For fresh chicken breasts, set the timer for 5 minutes. If using frozen breasts, set it to 10 minutes. Always allow a natural release for 10 minutes afterward.
Can I use frozen chicken in the Instant Pot?
Yes, this recipe works perfectly with frozen chicken breasts. Just make sure they’re not stuck together, and cook for 10 minutes on high pressure.
Do I need to sear the chicken first?
Searing is optional but adds more flavor and texture. If you’re short on time or using frozen chicken, you can skip this step.
What should I serve with Instant Pot Chicken Breasts?
Serve with rice, pasta, vegetables, or use the chicken in wraps, sandwiches, or salads. It’s versatile enough to go with almost anything.
How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
Use the natural pressure release and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. You can also store it with a bit of broth to maintain moisture.
Instant Pot Chicken Breasts
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
- 2 pounds chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium or no sodium added)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together Italian seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture into the chicken breasts.
- Set the Instant Pot to Sauté and add olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear on all sides until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Pour the chicken broth into the pot. Place the trivet inside and arrange the chicken breasts on top.
- Seal the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to ‘Sealing’, and select Manual or High Pressure. For fresh chicken, cook for 5 minutes; for frozen chicken, cook for 10 minutes.
- After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then switch to quick release for any remaining steam.
- Open the lid, transfer the chicken to a cutting board, and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing or shredding.
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