This Instant Pot Chicken Breast is juicy, tender, and perfect for meal prep, quick dinners, salads, wraps, bowls, or shredding into other recipes. It’s made with boneless skinless chicken breasts, simple seasonings, and chicken broth, and it works with fresh or frozen chicken.
When it comes to quick meals, the Instant Pot may be one of the best cooking utensils. Popular cooking utensils have become a must-have in any kitchen because it tenderizes the meat and makes creamy soups and stews in minutes.
- Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Chicken Breast
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- How To Make Instant Pot Chicken Breast
- Instant Pot Chicken Breast Cook Time
- My Tips for Juicy Instant Pot Chicken
- How To Use Instant Pot Chicken Breast
- How To Store and Freeze
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Easy Chicken Recipes
- Instant Pot Chicken Breast
The best part? Throw all the ingredients in the pot and let it cook your meals to perfection.
Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Chicken Breast
- It stays juicy and tender – The Instant Pot cooks the chicken quickly, and the natural release helps keep it from drying out.
- It works with fresh or frozen chicken – You can cook chicken straight from the freezer when you forget to thaw it.
- It’s perfect for meal prep – Slice, dice, or shred the chicken and use it in salads, wraps, bowls, soups, or casseroles.
- The seasoning is easy to change – Use Italian seasoning, taco seasoning, Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, or your favorite chicken spice blend.
- It’s simple and reliable – Add broth, season the chicken, cook, rest, and it’s ready to use.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a few simple ingredients to make juicy Instant Pot chicken breast. The seasoning is easy to change depending on how you plan to use the chicken, but this basic version works well for meal prep, salads, bowls, wraps, and quick dinners.
- Chicken breasts – Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Try to use pieces that are similar in size so they cook evenly. Fresh or frozen chicken both work.
- Olive oil – Helps the seasoning stick to the chicken and adds a little moisture. Avocado oil also works.
- Chicken broth – Adds flavor and helps the Instant Pot come to pressure. Water works too, but broth gives the chicken a better taste.
- Italian seasoning – Adds simple herb flavor. You can swap it with taco seasoning, Cajun seasoning, poultry seasoning, or lemon pepper.
- Garlic powder – Adds savory flavor without needing fresh garlic.
- Smoked paprika – Gives the chicken color and a mild smoky flavor. Regular paprika or chili powder can work too.
- Salt and pepper – Keep the seasoning balanced. If your broth is salty, start with less salt and adjust after cooking.
How To Make Instant Pot Chicken Breast
Season the chicken
Mix the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, then coat them evenly with the seasoning mixture.
Add liquid to the Instant Pot
Pour 1 cup chicken broth into the Instant Pot. Place the trivet inside. The broth helps the pot come to pressure and adds flavor to the chicken.
Pressure cook
Place the chicken breasts on the trivet in a single layer. Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on Manual/High Pressure for 8 minutes for medium fresh chicken breasts.
For frozen chicken breasts, cook for 10–12 minutes, depending on size.
Natural release
When the cook time is done, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully turn the valve to venting to release any remaining pressure.
Rest and serve
Remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing or shredding. Check that the thickest part reaches 165°F / 74°C.
Instant Pot Chicken Breast Cook Time
Use this as a general guide for boneless, skinless chicken breasts:
- Small chicken breasts, 6–8 oz: 6–7 minutes high pressure
- Medium chicken breasts, 8–10 oz: 8 minutes high pressure
- Large chicken breasts, 10–12 oz: 10 minutes high pressure
- Frozen chicken breasts: 10–12 minutes high pressure, depending on size
Always allow a 10-minute natural release, then quick release the remaining pressure. Chicken is done when it reaches 165°F / 74°C in the thickest part.
My Tips for Juicy Instant Pot Chicken
- Use similar-size chicken breasts – This helps them cook evenly.
- Don’t skip the natural release – A 10-minute natural release helps keep the chicken tender.
- Use broth instead of water – It adds more flavor, especially if you’re using the chicken for meal prep.
- Check the internal temperature – Chicken should reach 165°F / 74°C in the thickest part.
- Let it rest before slicing – Resting keeps the juices from running out.
- Save the cooking liquid – Use it for gravy, soups, rice, cauliflower rice, or reheating the chicken.
How To Use Instant Pot Chicken Breast
I like to serve these chicken breasts right out of the pot with my favorite dipping sauces, but if you want a complete meal, here are some great ideas for side dishes that pair perfectly with this chicken breast:
- Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
- Cauliflower Rice
- Creamed Spinach And Mushrooms
- Zucchini Casserole
- Turnip Au Gratin
How To Store and Freeze
Store cooked chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze sliced, diced, or shredded chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. I like freezing it in portions so it’s easy to thaw only what I need.
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth to keep the chicken moist.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you cook chicken breast in the Instant Pot?
For medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before releasing the remaining pressure.
If your chicken breasts are very large, cook them for about 10 minutes. The safest way to check is with a meat thermometer. Chicken breast is done when it reaches 165°F / 74°C in the thickest part.
Can I cook frozen chicken breast in the Instant Pot?
Yes, you can cook frozen chicken breast in the Instant Pot. Cook on High Pressure for 10–12 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken breasts, then let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes.
For best results, make sure the chicken breasts are separated and not frozen together in one large block. This helps them cook evenly.
Do I need to use a trivet?
No, the trivet is not required, but I prefer using it because it keeps the chicken above the liquid and gives it a better texture.
If you don’t have a trivet, place the chicken directly into the broth and cook it the same way.
Why is my Instant Pot chicken breast dry?
Chicken breast can turn dry if it’s cooked too long, if the pieces are very small, or if the pressure is released too quickly. Use chicken breasts that are similar in size, cook them just until done, and let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes.
Letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing also helps keep it juicy.
Can I shred Instant Pot chicken breast?
Yes. After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then shred it with two forks. You can also use a hand mixer for a faster option.
I like adding a little of the cooking liquid back into the shredded chicken to keep it moist.
How much liquid do I need for Instant Pot chicken breast?
Use at least 1 cup of chicken broth or water. The Instant Pot needs liquid to come to pressure properly.
I prefer chicken broth because it adds more flavor, especially if I’m making the chicken for meal prep.
Can I season the chicken differently?
Yes. This recipe uses Italian seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, but you can easily change the flavors.
Try taco seasoning, Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, poultry seasoning, ranch seasoning, or your favorite chicken spice blend.
More Easy Chicken Recipes
- Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Juicy Oven-Baked Chicken Breast
- Bacon Wrapped Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast
- Crispy Baked Chicken Wings
- Juicy Air Fryer Whole Chicken
Instant Pot Chicken Breast
Description
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts fresh or frozen
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
- 2 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Pour the chicken broth into the Instant Pot and place the trivet inside.
- In a small bowl, mix the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, then coat them evenly with the seasoning mixture.
- Place the chicken breasts on the trivet in a single layer. Close the lid and set the valve to sealing.
- Cook on Manual/High Pressure for 8 minutes for medium fresh chicken breasts, or 10–12 minutes for frozen chicken breasts, depending on size.
- When the cook time is done, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
- Remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing, shredding, or dicing. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C.
Notes
- Use chicken breasts that are similar in size so they cook evenly.
- For large chicken breasts, increase the cook time to 10 minutes.
- Frozen chicken breasts should be separated, not frozen together in one block.
- A trivet gives the chicken a better texture, but you can cook it directly in the broth if needed.
- Save the cooking liquid for gravy, soups, rice, or reheating the chicken.
- Add a splash of broth when reheating to keep the chicken moist.
Nutrition information is shared to make meal planning easier. Values are estimates and can vary depending on the ingredients, brands, and serving sizes used. Learn more in my nutrition policy.
Is it necessary to use the trivet?
No, it’s not necessary to use the trivet to make chicken breast in the instant pot.
This was wonderful. Cooked in water with poultry gravy. Chicken was moist and flavorful.