The Instant Pot's Chicken Breast Secret

Struggling with dry chicken? My instant pot chicken breast recipe guarantees juicy, flavorful results every time! Perfect for meal prep or a quick dinner. Get the secret now!

June 8, 2025
By Mia Westlake.

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Alright, let's whip up something tasty! fancy some succulent chicken that's quick, easy, and doesn't dry out? of course, you do! today, we're diving headfirst into the world of the instant pot chicken breast .

Forget that bland, cardboard-like chicken you might be used to. this recipe guarantees juicy, flavourful chicken every single time.

Instant Pot Chicken Breast: The Weeknight Wonder

Honestly, i used to be scared of cooking chicken breast. always overcooked, always dry. but then, the instant pot changed everything! this recipe is the answer to tender, flavorful chicken, perfect for throwing on salads, stuffing in sandwiches, or just scoffing down on its own.

You can use it to meal prep, making delicious recipes all week.

A Little Bit of Background, and Why This Matters

Pressure cooking chicken isn't new, but the instant pot makes it foolproof. think of it as a modern take on grandma's pressure cooked chicken , but way faster.

This is an easy recipe, ready in about 30 minutes. it’ll serve about 4 people.

The Instant Pot's Chicken Breast Secret Recipe Card

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Preparation time:5 Mins

Cooking time:12 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 oz/170-225g each)
• 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (plus more to taste)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or other cooking oil)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water) (120ml)
• 1/2 onion, chopped (optional)
• 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried herbs (e.g., Italian blend, Herbs de Provence, poultry seasoning) (optional)
• Lemon slices, fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary) for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

• Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper (and any optional dried herbs).
• Turn Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Heat olive oil. Add chopped onion and garlic (if using) and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Turn off Sauté mode.
• Pour chicken broth (or water) into the Instant Pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
• Place chicken breasts in a single layer in the Instant Pot. Do not overcrowd.
• Close and lock the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the steam release valve is set to Sealing. Cook on Manual (or Pressure Cook on some models) for 6-8 minutes for smaller breasts, 10-12 minutes for larger ones.
• Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). If needed, reseal and cook for another minute or two.
• Remove chicken breasts from the Instant Pot. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing or shredding. Garnish with fresh herbs or lemon slices (if desired).

Nutrition Facts

Calories:225

Fat:6.5g

Fiber:1g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:American

Why This Recipe is a Total Game Changer

This recipe delivers the juiciest chicken you've ever tasted. it's also a cracking source of lean protein, perfect for health-conscious eaters.

I love whipping this instapot easy chicken recipe up on a busy weeknight when i'm knackered and can't be arsed with a long cooking session.

It is especially tasty when made with instant pot rotisserie chicken breast style. the versatility is great. now you know how to cook chicken breast in instant pot in easy and fast steps.

Time To Gather Your Ingredients!

Right, grab these bits and bobs and let's get started.

Alright, let's dive into what you need to whip up some top-notch instant pot chicken breast . honestly, it's easier than making a cuppa! you'll be saying "how to cook chicken breast in instant pot" like a pro in no time.

Forget dry, bland chicken. this instant pot recipe chicken will be your new best mate.

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients: The Chicken's the Star!

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts ( 6-8 oz or 170-225g each). Now, this is important. Go for chicken that looks pink and plump, not pale or slimy. Free-range if you can, it makes a difference!
• 1 tsp salt ( 5ml ), plus more to taste.
• 1/2 tsp black pepper ( 2.5ml ), plus more to taste. Freshly ground is always better, innit?
• 1 tbsp olive oil ( 15ml ). Any cooking oil works, really.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or water ( 120ml ). Chicken broth adds a bit of extra flavour, like a stock cube would.
• Optional goodies: Half an onion, chopped; 1 clove of garlic, minced; 1 tsp of dried herbs (Italian, Herbes de Provence – whatever tickles your fancy!).

Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life!

Don't be shy with the seasonings! a good combo is salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of paprika. for that instant pot rotisserie chicken breast vibe, add some rosemary and thyme.

Feeling adventurous? a dash of chilli powder adds a nice kick. you can even try creating a instant pot roast chicken breast , just make sure you have all the ingredients!.

My nan always said, "a little bit of thyme makes everything fine!". you know, she never used an instant pot , bless her.

She liked everything pressure cooked chicken the old fashion way.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple!

• Your trusty Instant Pot (pressure cooker).
• A meat thermometer. Seriously, get one. It's the key to perfectly cooked chicken. (165° F or 74° C is the magic number!). Getting your Chicken Breast Pressure Cooker Time right is pointless if you don't use the thermometer.
• Tongs. For wrangling that chicken like a pro.

Honestly, that's all you need for this instapot easy chicken recipe . as for the alternative, for the thermometer you may use a fork, but the results may not be the same.

I'm no saying chicken in the pressure cooker recipes is easy, i'm saying you can do it like a pro! the instant pot chicken breast time is important, so make sure you have a clock.

Right then, let's dive into the wizardry of the instant pot chicken breast ! honestly, i used to be terrified of pressure cookers.

Visions of exploding kitchens filled my head! but honestly, the instant pot has changed my weeknight dinners forever. dry, rubbery chicken breast is a thing of the past, thanks to this little gadget.

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place is Your Mate

Before we even switch on the instant pot, let's get organised. it's all about that fancy french term, mise en place , basically means "everything in its place.

" get your four boneless, skinless chicken breasts (aim for 6-8 oz/170-225g each) out and ready. mix 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper in a little bowl.

If you're feeling fancy, chop up 1/2 an onion and mince 1 clove of garlic . having all your bits ready means no frantic scrabbling about when the clock's ticking!

Let's Do This: Instant Pot Chicken Breast, Step-by-Step

Okay, here's the bit where we actually cook! This is how to cook chicken breast in instant pot, super easy!

1. Pat those chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick.
2. Season generously with that salt and pepper mix. Don't be shy! This is key to flavour.
3. Turn your Instant Pot to "Sauté" and add 1 tablespoon olive oil . If you're using onion and garlic, chuck 'em in and cook for 3- 5 minutes until softened. Turn off "Sauté."
4. Pour in 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth . Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot – that's flavour gold!
5. Place the chicken breasts in the pot in a single layer.
6. Pop the lid on, making sure it's sealed properly. Cook on "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" for 6- 8 minutes for smaller breasts or 10- 12 minutes for larger ones.
7. Let the pressure release naturally for 10- 15 minutes . Then, carefully release any remaining pressure.
8. Check the internal temperature! It needs to be 165° F ( 74° C) . If it's not there yet, seal it back up and cook for another minute or two.

Pro Tips for Instapot Easy Chicken Recipe

Want to take your Instant Pot Chicken Breast game to the next level? Here's what I've learned over the years:

• Don't overcook it! Seriously, it's the biggest mistake. Use a meat thermometer – it's your best friend. Aim for that magic 165° F ( 74° C) .
• That natural pressure release makes a huge difference. Trust me. It keeps the chicken juicy.
• Wanna make it ahead? No worries! Just let the chicken cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days . Perfect for meal prep! If you want something similar, you could try the instant pot rotisserie chicken breast , or even the instant pot roast chicken breast .

There you have it! perfect, juicy pressure cooked chicken in a flash. now go forth and conquer that kitchen! what's your favorite instant pot recipe chicken ? tell me in the comments! and remember, with the right instant pot chicken breast time , you'll never have dry chicken again.

You can find a multitude of chicken in the pressure cooker recipes so have fun, don't be afraid to experiment and enjoy your succulent chicken breast pressure cooker time .

Right then, let's chat about getting the absolute most out of our instant pot chicken breast , shall we? you know, those little tweaks and tips that can take it from "alright" to "oh my gosh, this is amazing!".

Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Bird

This Instapot easy chicken recipe is super versatile. But a few extra touches can make all the difference. Let’s get into it, shall we?

Plating Like a Pro

Honestly, presentation matters! whether you're slicing the instant pot roast chicken breast over a salad or shredding it for tacos, make it look good.

A sprinkle of fresh herbs (parsley, chives, whatever you fancy) adds a pop of colour. and a squeeze of lemon? chef's kiss! you can even fan out the slices on a plate with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a bit of restaurant flair.

Side Hustle: Perfect Pairings

This chicken goes with almost everything. roasted veggies are always a winner – think broccoli, carrots, or sweet potatoes. mashed potatoes or a simple rice pilaf are great, too.

Feeling fancy? try a quinoa salad with avocado and black beans. and don't forget the bevies! a crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea goes down a treat.

Storage Savvy : Making It Last

Right, so you've got some leftover instant pot chicken breast . no worries. once it’s cooled down, pop it in an airtight container in the fridge.

It'll keep for about 3-4 days. for longer storage, freezing is your best bet. wrap each chicken breast individually in cling film, then put them in a freezer bag.

They'll last for up to 3 months. to reheat, just thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm it through in the microwave, oven, or even back in the instant pot .

Variations on a Theme : Switch It Up!

One day i was chatting with mary at the pub, and she gave me an idea to give it a mexican twist.

You can also use chicken in the pressure cooker recipes and can adapt them to your needs.

• Dietary Tweaks: Need a low-carb option? Serve the chicken with cauliflower rice or a big green salad. For gluten-free, just make sure your broth is gluten-free. Easy peasy!
• Seasonal Swaps: In the summer, try adding some grilled corn or peaches to your chicken salad. In the autumn, roast some squash or Brussels sprouts to serve alongside. It's all about what's fresh and in season!

Nutrition Nitty-Gritty : Feel Good Food

Okay, so let's keep it simple. each serving of this how to cook chicken breast in instant pot recipe is packed with protein.

This helps to keep you feeling full. it’s also fairly low in fat. pressure cooked chicken also has no carbs! protein is good for your muscles and overall health.

Plus, chicken is a great source of essential vitamins and minerals. you know? healthy and delicious – a winning combination.

Honestly, this recipe is a game-changer. it’s quick, easy, and results in juicy, flavorful chicken every time. so get your instant pot out, give it a go, and enjoy.

Trust me, you won't regret it! now that you know the instant pot chicken breast time , what are you waiting for!