The JUICIEST Instant Pot Chicken Breast! Made with an all purpose seasoning and one secret ingredient, this makes the perfect pressure cooker chicken breast!
Table of Contents
Ever since I started experimenting to perfect my Slow Cooker Chicken Breast recipe, I knew there needed to be a pressure cooker version.
And this right here? This is the perfect Instant Pot Chicken Breast.
These Instant Pot Chicken breasts are simply seasoned, and even though they are incredibly delicious as is, they can easily take on any flavor you want to add.
It’s an easy recipe for weekly meal prep!
Reasons to love this Instant Pot Chicken Breast:
- It’s easy to make — just dump, start and go, or sear them first if you have a few extra minutes! Let the pressure release naturally, pop open the lid and you have an amazing dinner or perfectly cooked chicken for salads and sandwiches throughout the week.
- It’s versatile — like I mentioned above, it’s great cold in sandwiches and salads, but it’s also awesome tossed into soup, pasta, or any casserole, and can be easily reheated with a sauce of your choosing to make it something new (we are big on reinventing leftovers here)
- It’s healthy — don’t get all worked up over the one dab of butter or margarine — our bodies need a little fat and this Instant Pot Chicken Breast is a high protein, relatively low fat and low calorie addition to any meal.
Instant Pot Chicken Breast Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts: choose good quality chicken as it makes all the difference. Not all chicken, and not all grocery store meat departments, are created equally. If you’re having trouble making juicy chicken breasts, you may want to test out a couple different brands to see which turns out best. This recipe is for skinless, boneless chicken breast — if you have bone-in chicken breasts you will want to add some extra cook time.
- Oil: if you choose to sear your chicken, you’ll need a bit of oil in the pot. I use canola oil because it has a neutral flavor and high smoke point, but any oil with a high smoke point will work, including olive oil.
- Dry Rub Seasonings: this is my favorite combination of flavors to use for seasoning chicken breasts. They are packed with flavor, and yet they still pair well with so many things. Feel free to add your own twists or adjust the spices to your tastes.
- Chicken broth or chicken stock: using broth to pressure cook adds much more flavor than water. If you only have water, that will work but you may want to add in chicken bouillon or increase the seasonings.
- Butter: yes, it’s true. Since chicken breasts are so lean, I like to add a bit of fat to the cooking process to keep them so juicy. It’s my favorite way to make them!
How to make the juiciest Instant Pot Chicken Breasts:
The secret ingredient:
That little bit of butter goes a long way to making these chicken breasts incredibly moist and flavorful! It’s a simple addition that makes all the difference.
How to cook chicken breasts in the Instant Pot:
The full recipe can be found in the recipe card below.
- Season: combine your seasoning and season chicken well on all sides.
- Sear: this step is optional and it’s a new one here. I don’t always sear my chicken but I decided to add it to this recipe because it adds such nice color. If you’re in a hurry, you can simply throw everything in like we’ve done in the past.
- Deglaze: add your broth to the hot pan and scrape to remove any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Pressure Cook: add your chicken breasts back in and top with butter. You can skip the butter, but it does add nice flavor and keeps them juicy! Cook on high pressure for 8-10 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken breast. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes then release the remaining pressure.
Tips and tricks:
- Don’t overcook — overcooked chicken breast is not anyone’s favorite thing, but is somewhat difficult to do in the Instant Pot because the steam provides such a moist environment for the chicken to cook in.
- Don’t undercook — Be sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it’s at least 165 degrees F.
- The exact cook time is going to depend on a variety of things, including the size and shape (how thick it is at the widest point), and also the model of Instant Pot you have, as some run hotter or cooler. My recipes are tested in the 6 quart model with Bluetooth. It’s important to take these these factors into consideration but I find a cook time of 8-10 minutes is always perfect for juicy chicken breast, and my internal temperature is always around 180 degrees F.
Instant Pot Chicken Variations:
- Chicken is one of my favorite proteins because it can take on a wide variety of spices, seasonings and sauces! Mix things up with your seasoning blend or use a bottled blend that you love for a new flair.
- Try this Instant Pot Salsa Chicken for taco night!
- Slice and toss in barbecue sauce for easy Instant Pot BBQ Chicken.
- Toss with mayo for a quick chicken salad.
- Got frozen chicken chicken breast? Check out how to cook frozen chicken breasts in the Instant Pot here.
Looking for more easy Instant Pot recipes? Check out my Instant Pot Whole Chicken, Instant Pot Spaghetti, Garlic Herb Instant Pot Potatoes or my Instant Pot Chicken Tacos.
What to serve with chicken breasts:
- Easy Instant Pot Potato Salad — easy to make ahead and store in the fridge until dinner!
- Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe — you can’t go wrong with cream potatoes.
- Air Fryer Green Beans — if you’re looking to skip the oven, these are the perfect veggie side.
- Broccoli Casserole — creamy, and cheesy and top with crushed cheese crackers!
- Creamy Cavatappi Pasta — simple and so delicious! You can even stir the chicken right in.
- Mom’s Homemade Buns — fluffy and golden every time! You could use them to make a fabulous sandwich.
Storage:
How long can I store it?
Leftover chicken can be refrigerated for up to 4 days in an airtight container. This is perfect for meal prepping!
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 6 months. You can chop and use it to round out pastas, soups and many other meals.
Can I do a quick release?
Hypothetically, you can do a quick release but it’s not recommended for meat or poultry because it can dry it out quickly.
I recommend allowing for a 10 minute minimum natural release, then opening the valve to remove the chicken.
Juicy Instant Pot Chicken Breast
written by Ashley Fehr
The JUICIEST Instant Pot Chicken Breast! Made with an all purpose seasoning and one secret ingredient, this is the perfect pressure cooker chicken breast!
Ingredients
- ¾ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, (225 grams each roughly) 2 lbs total
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1-1 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth*
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions
- Combine seasoning ingredients: Italian seasoning, salt, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper. Sprinkle over all sides of chicken.
- (Optional) Turn the Instant Pot to saute and wait until it reads 'hot'. Add oil. Sear chicken breasts on both sides (you may have to do two batches) until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Remove from the Instant Pot.Add the broth and scrape the bottom to remove any browned bits.
- Place the chicken breasts into the Instant Pot with the broth and top with the butter.
- Put the lid on, turn the valve to sealing, and select Pressure Cook or Manual for 8 minutes for 200-250 gram (8oz) chicken breasts, adding a minute or two if your chicken pieces are larger. It will take about 10 minutes to build pressure and begin counting down.
- When the cook time is over, let the pressure release naturally for at least 10 minutes (or completely). Open the lid and remove the chicken. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- If desired, you can make a corn starch slurry (equal parts corn starch and water, roughly 1-2 tablespoons each) and add it to the cooking juices to make a gravy to serve with the chicken. Just turn the Instant Pot to saute and cook until thickened.
Notes
Instant Pot model:
I use a 6 quart Instant Pot for this recipe. If your Instant Pot calls for more or less liquid, you can adjust this amount to your Instant Pot model. I often use only 1 cup of liquid in my 6 quart Instant Pot.
Storage:
How long can I store it?
Leftover chicken can be refrigerate for up to 4 days. This is perfect for meal prepping!
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 6 months. You can chop and use it to round out pastas, soups and many other meals.
Nutrition
Calories: 170cal, Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 25g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 79mg, Sodium: 449mg, Potassium: 494mg, Vitamin A: 185IU, Vitamin C: 1.3mg, Calcium: 15mg, Iron: 0.7mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Peyton Parrish says
Do you put the chicken on the rack or directly in the broth?
Ashley Fehr says
Right in the broth
Maria S Harris says
I sliced one chicken breast thinly, into 3 parts and I have about 18 thin slices. How do I cook them properly in IP now, same time, 8-10 mins? Thanks.
Ashley Fehr says
I would reduce the cook time, but I can’t say exactly as I have never tested it. Maybe 4-5 minutes.
Rachel says
What did you do and how did it work? I have a similar number of thin-sliced breasts I want to cook tomorrow.
Barry says
I popped mine in the air fryer for a few minutes after they were done for some color and a bit of texture to appease my picky eater.
Ashley Fehr says
That’s a great idea!
jacob ryan says
very good! tender juicy and nice flavor! I added garlic salt instead of paprika as well because you can never have too much garlic lol
Ashley Fehr says
Haha, I agree! I’m so glad you liked it!
Grace Hufschmid says
What does it mean to let the pressure release naturally? You don’t open the vent? Just let it sit for ten minutes and then open?
Ashley Fehr says
Yes, just let it sit for 10 minutes or until the pin drops, and then open the vent.
Jess says
I used this recipe the very first time I used my instant pot! I enjoyed it! I think next time I may do a little longer than 8 minutes for easier shredded chicken! Thanks for sharing Ashley and well done!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Jess! Yes, I usually add a couple minutes when I’m shredding it too!
Mary L Roser says
i oticethatthesespicesare italian. Can you use/substitute others…such as indian mediteran or mexican?
Ashley Fehr says
Yes, you definitely can! You can use whichever spices work best for what you want to do with the chicken 🙂
Lisa Bello says
Should I set it to cool at medium or high for 8 minutes?
Ashley Fehr says
Always high pressure unless otherwise listed
Connie Estridge says
What would the cook time be for frozen breasts?
Ashley Fehr says
10-12 minutes depending on the size
Brad says
Tried this with three breasts. Followed instructions carefully, dry. The only way I can get breast meat that is not dry is brine it. Trying to cut out so much salt so I tried this. Disappointing.
Ashley Fehr says
I’m sorry to hear that! I’ve heard from lots of readers that they enjoyed the recipe, so I’m sorry it didn’t turn out for you.
Caren Nelson says
I also found the breast very dry after eight minutes cooking time and 10 minute release. Very disappointed with dry breast
Angela Crystal Earhart says
If you cut the salt, add more broth and water. I used sea salt and added the last 1/2 cup with just water. I have never cooked chicken in my instapot, but this was perfect!
Ashley Fehr says
thanks Angela!
Ashley says
I made this recipe still frozen and used the 8 minutes and cooked through I added smoked paprika instead of regular and it reminded me of thanksgiving
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Ashley!
Angela says
I want to make this but my chicken is still frozen. Think I can still do it?
Angela Marzilli says
Instapot is great for frozen meats!
Ashley Fehr says
You can! I usually cook frozen chicken breasts for 10 minutes, depending on the size
Rz says
This was incredible – so quick and easy and the taste was amazing! We used it in chicken tacos and the meat was so tender it just fell apart.
Ashley Fehr says
I’m so glad you liked it!
Linda says
Can I use more than four chicken breasts? How would that change the time?
Can I add more broth?
Ashley Fehr says
you can cook more than 4 chicken breasts but you don’t need additional liquid
Julie Edwards says
What about if you have 8 and the larger 8 qt instant pot?
Ashley Fehr says
I would just make sure you have the minimum liquid required for your model. If you have to add more broth, that’s fine!
Susan says
I use cooked chicken breast in so many recipes, I was happy to find your Instant Pot direction for perfectly moist and great tasing chicken breast … every time! Thank you ?
Ashley Fehr says
Thank you Susan!
PAULA DODD says
Should the chicken be thawed or frozen to start?
Ashley Fehr says
Thawed
Jeff says
same cook time for 2 chicken breasts?
Ashley Fehr says
Yes, 2 should be the same!
Helen Janowiak says
Can this be done on top of stove or in the over?
Ashley Fehr says
It can, but I’m unsure of the exact cook time. I do also have a slow cooker version here: https://www.thereciperebel.com/slow-cooker-chicken-breast/
B says
Would using the sautee function to add some nice browning to the breasts not add more flavor possibly? I’m not sure, that’s why I am asking! 🙂 Then deglaze with the stock, scraping all the yummy goodness off the bottom, then doing your recipe from there? Does that change everything up as far as cooking times and what not?
Ashley Fehr says
I’ve never tried it that way so I can’t say, but I’m sure you can brown it if you like, you’ll just have to pay the chicken dry as wet meat doesn’t brown.
Taylor says
This is my new favorite way to cook chicken! So easy and perfectly tender every time!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Taylor! It’s my new favorite too!
Jessica says
Yum this looks so good!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Jessica!
lauren kelly says
This is another reason to love my IP! What a great recipe!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Lauren! Me too! Everything is so moist.
Becky Hardin says
This looks like it could be the juiciest chicken ever. YUM
Ashley Fehr says
It’s one of our favorites for sure!
Aimee Shugarman says
Oh my gosh this chicken is perfection!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Aimee!