Juicy Instant Pot Chicken Breasts Recipe (2024)

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This is my tried and true method for making Instant Pot chicken breaststhat are tender, juicy and delicious!

Juicy Instant Pot Chicken Breasts Recipe (1)

This is my method for fresh (not frozen) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. And it might just become your new favorite way to cook chicken breasts.

I’ll report backin another post once I hack the frozen chicken breast! 🙂 They are a little tricker, in my opinion.

If you want to make something similar on the stovetop with a grill pan or cast iron skillet, see my other grilled chicken breasts recipe. It is one of my most popular recipes of all time!

If you want an oven baked chicken breast recipe, I have a fantastic recipe those too. Air fryer chicken breast is also a great recipe to check out.

OR if you want more of a shredded chicken recipe, check out my Instant Pot shredded chicken method.

Butback to these instant pot chicken breasts!

Juicy Instant Pot Chicken Breasts Recipe (2)

It’s fun to get super creative and fancyin the kitchen sometimes. But simple and basic can also be delicious. I come back around to my most simple and basic recipes more often than not.

This particular recipeis such a great basic, easy recipe to have on hand. These chicken breasts are great to enjoy with a couple simple side items (salad and Instant Potsweet potato, for example) as a simple meal.

I often use these for weekly meal prep as well. Instant Pot chicken breasts are also a great diced up over pasta or salad. You can meal prep and make them ahead, and eat off them for a few days after.

How to make Instant Pot chicken breasts

First, gather your ingredients.

Ingredients

For tastiest results, always use the best quality ingredients you have access to. To make this Instant Pot chicken breast recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

  • oil (I use avocado, but you can use coconut or canola – something with a high smoke point is best!)
  • boneless skinless chicken breasts (uncooked)
  • garlic salt (or you can use garlic powder + regular salt)
  • black pepper
  • dried oregano
  • dried basil
  • 1 cup of water (or chicken stock)

Seasoning

I season these up in a pretty basic way, and it is veryversatile. This blend goes well with almost anything. I use garlic, salt, pepper, basil and oregano.

Juicy Instant Pot Chicken Breasts Recipe (3)

You can change up the spices to suit your preference, though. Use the same cooking time, and season with taco seasoning, Italian seasoning or barbecue sauce.

Cooking Instant Pot chicken breasts

First, brown the chicken on both sides to lock in as much juiciness as possible. Cook about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, and remove from pot with the tongs.

Next, you will need a little bit of cooking liquid. Add 1 cup water to the bottom of the pot (may need more for 8 quart models), plus the trivet. Place the chicken on top of the trivet in a single layer.

Lock the lid, and cook on high pressure for a cooking time of 5 minutes. After that pressure cooking cycle finishes, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release for an additional 5 minutes. Then quick release the remaining pressure using the quick release lever.

Remove the chicken from the pot, and allow to rest for about 5 minutes before serving for maximum juiciness.

Juicy Instant Pot Chicken Breasts Recipe (4)

Pay attention to the size of your chicken breasts to ensure appropriate cook time. If you are unsure, you can always use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature is 165 degrees F.

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3 to 5 days.

And check out my Instant Pot recipe archives for more easy Instant Pot recipes.

FAQ’s for Instant Pot Chicken Breasts

Why are my Instant Pot chicken breasts tough?

The most likely cause for this is overcooking. For best results, weight your chicken breasts on a food scale and watch the cook time very carefully, including time left in pot after cooking is complete.

How long does chicken take in Instant Pot?

It depends on what type of chicken, and what cut you are making. This recipe resembles a grilled chicken breast, and it takes about 15 minutes of cook time, plus a bit of come-to-pressure time.

Can you overcook chicken in an Instant Pot?

Yes, this is easy to do using a quick cooking method like pressure cooking. To avoid overcooking, pay close attention to chicken breast size, and watch your cook time very closely. Even an extra minute can cause the meat to overcook.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

I would not recommend it, although several members of my audience have written in, saying they had great results using frozen chicken breasts. I myself have had mixed results. So for consistent results, I recommend using fresh, thawed chicken breasts.

Can I use cutlets or thin chicken breasts?

I would not recommend thin cuts, since they will become overcooked. Make sure you use regular whole chicken breasts.

Can I make this in a 3 quart and/or 8 quart model?

Yes! Just use the minimum fill requirements for the liquid in your particular model/ size.

Can I use chicken stock/ broth in place of water?

Sure! That definitely works, and I have used stock a bunch of times. After realizing that the liquid doesn’t touch the chicken, I tried using water and didn’t notice much difference. So I have used water ever since.

Can I make shredded chicken using this recipe?

This recipe makes chicken with the texture of a piece of grilled chicken. So no, I would not recommend this for shredded chicken. Instead, try my Instant Pot shredded chicken, which uses chicken thighs.

Can I use the poultry button instead?

Sure! I have used the poultry button, but I have never noticed much of a difference.🤷🏼‍♀️ In fact, I use “manual” high pressure in almost all of my IP recipes. 😎

How do I cook boneless chicken thighs in the Instant Pot?

Chicken thighs have a different cook time than chicken breasts. So I would definitely recommend checking out my Instant Pot chicken thigh recipe for that.

What to Serve with Instant Pot Chicken Breasts

If you are not a crazy Instant Pot lady like me who has two Instant Pots, you can wrap your chicken breasts in foil while you make another side to go with it. Or if is a longer cook side (like the black eyed peas), make the side first, and then the chicken breasts. Of course, an extra inner pot comes in handy! Here are my favorite sides to serve:

  • Instant Pot “Baked” Sweet Potatoes
  • Instant Pot black eyed peas
  • Instant Pot mashed potatoes
  • Lemon garlic roasted Brussels sprouts
  • Quinoa Black Bean salad
  • Roasted broccoli and mushrooms
  • Tortellini pasta salad
  • Spiralizer Greek salad
  • Greek quinoa salad
  • Green beans with caramelized onions and almonds
  • Greek pasta salad
  • Classic potato salad (includes Instant Pot instructions)
  • Greek potato salad
  • Roasted thyme carrots

Salads to top with Instant Pot Chicken Breasts

These make a fantastic make ahead option to make salads all week. Here are my favorite salads using these chicken breasts:

  • Greek salad with chicken
  • Chicken BLT salad with avocado
  • Copycat Newk’s Favorite Salad
  • BBQ ranch chopped salad
  • Grilled chicken salad with raspberries, walnuts and artichoke hearts
  • Cobb salad

My Instant Pot Chicken Recipe Collection

If you love easy chicken recipes to make in your Instant Pot, you might like to check out my recipe collection here (click the image below to go to the post).

This post may contain affiliate links, which pay a referral fee to me at no additional cost to you. My full affiliate disclosure can be seen here.

  • Instant Pot– I am using a 6 quart
  • Tongs are very helpful when placing the chicken in hot oil, and removing it after cooking. Just be sure and wash the tongs with hot soapy water before you handle the finished product to avoid cross-contamination.
  • Measuring spoons
  • Trivet that comes with your Instant Pot

Give this recipe a star rating if you try it! If this recipe looks good to you, please pin it and share it. And don’t forget to stay connected on social media!

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Juicy Instant Pot Chicken Breasts Recipe (6)

4.83 from 46 votes

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Instant Pot Chicken Breasts

This is my tried and true method for making Instant Pot chicken breasts that are tender, juicy and delicious!

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword chicken, chicken breast, instant pot

Prep Time 2 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 22 minutes

Servings 3

Calories 170 kcal

Author Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy

Ingredients

  • 1 Tablespoon oil (I use avocado, but you can use coconut or canola – something with a high smoke point is best!)
  • 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (uncooked)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt per chicken breast (or you can use just garlic powder and regular salt)
  • dash black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/8 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 cup water

Instructions

  1. Preheat the sauté function on the Instant Pot at the highest setting, and add oil to the pot.

  2. Season one side of the chicken breasts.

  3. After the display reads “hot,” carefully add the chicken breasts, seasoned side down, to the pot. I use tongs to avoid hot oil splatter.

  4. Add seasoning on the second side.

  5. Cook about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, and remove from pot with the tongs.

  6. Add 1 cup water to the pot (may need more for 8 quart pots), plus the trivet.

  7. Place the chicken on the trivet.

  8. Lock the lid, and cook on manual high for 5 minutes.

  9. Allow the chicken to naturally release for 5 minutes, and then quick release the rest.

  10. Remove the chicken from the pot, and allow to rest for about 5 minutes before serving for maximum juiciness.

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

Note: Regarding chicken breast sizes, each breast was between 6 and 8 ounces. (6.7, 7.3 and 7.7 to be exact!) Also, butterflied (halved) chicken breasts or chicken cutlets will not have the same cook time as whole chicken breasts. I recommend using whole boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe.

Nutrition Facts

Instant Pot Chicken Breasts

Amount Per Serving

Calories 170 Calories from Fat 63

% Daily Value*

Fat 7g11%

Saturated Fat 1g6%

Cholesterol 72mg24%

Sodium 329mg14%

Potassium 418mg12%

Protein 24g48%

Vitamin A 35IU1%

Vitamin C 1.3mg2%

Calcium 6mg1%

Iron 0.4mg2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Juicy Instant Pot Chicken Breasts Recipe (7)

Note: This recipe originally appeared on A Pinch of Healthy January 11, 2017. It has been updated with better photos and clarified instructions.

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Juicy Instant Pot Chicken Breasts Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you keep chicken breast from drying out in Instant Pot? ›

Use the Trivet or Steamer Basket

We're not boiling these breasts, but rather pressure steaming them to ensure they are juicy, so you want the breasts to sit above the cooking liquid. I've used both the trivet that comes with the pot and a folding steamer basket with the same great results.

What is the secret to juicy chicken breast? ›

Step 1: Brine

This will boost the natural flavor and moisture of the chicken breasts and will leave you with a super tender piece of meat. This is the one step that will really ensure your chicken won't be dry or tough. If you're still not convinced, check out everything you need to know about brining.

How do you make chicken more tender and juicy? ›

The best tenderizer though, is a salted yogurt marinade. The salt has the same effect as in a regular brine, but the lactic acid in the yogurt further tenderizes the meat. A 15-minute marinade with one cup of yogurt and one teaspoon of salt makes for the most tender chicken breasts imaginable.

Why are my Instant Pot chicken breasts tough? ›

Oddly enough, it can be really challenging to get the right texture when cooking boneless chicken breasts. They cook quickly in the Instant Pot, but if you don't cook them long enough they get a weird, rubber-like texture that's nearly impossible to chew, and if you cook them too long, their texture gets dry.

How long to cook chicken breast so it doesn t dry out? ›

Bake chicken breasts uncovered at 375°F for 25 to 30 minutes or until a meat thermometer shows the chicken is heated to 165°F. To store: Let chicken stand 30 minutes to cool. Individually wrap chicken breasts in waxed or parchment paper ($4, Target).

How to cook chicken breasts so they are moist and tender? ›

  1. Flatten the chicken breasts. ...
  2. Heat the pan. ...
  3. Cook the chicken breasts over medium heat for 1 minute without moving. ...
  4. Flip the chicken breasts. ...
  5. Turn the heat down to low. ...
  6. Cover the pan and cook on low for 10 minutes. ...
  7. Turn off the heat and let sit for an additional 10 minutes. ...
  8. Remove lid and take temperature.

What can I add to chicken breast to make it taste better? ›

This will help tenderise the meat and add extra flavour.
  1. Greek marinade: ...
  2. Moroccan spices: ...
  3. Maple glaze: ...
  4. Chicken Schnitzel: ...
  5. Panko: ...
  6. Coconut flakes: ...
  7. Medjool dates and fresh herbs: ...
  8. Brie and prosciutto with fresh tarragon:

How do you get the most flavor out of chicken breast? ›

Marinate them.

If you're cooking chicken breasts without skin or fat, infuse them with some extra flavor and liquid to keep them tender. Choose your favorite marinade and throw them in a ziploc bag with the marinade. Marinate them overnight before grilling, baking, or searing. The difference is uncanny.

What cooking method makes chicken most tender? ›

Low and slow cooking methods like braising, stewing, or smoking are most effective when trying to create tender, succulent chicken.

How do you cook chicken so it falls apart? ›

Arrange the chicken in a single layer in a flameproof 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Cover with foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours and up to overnight. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Bake until the chicken is super moist and falling off the bone, about 2 hours.

What tenderizes chicken fast? ›

Pounding the chicken is one of the greatest do-it-yourself ways to tenderize chicken before cooking. This is because the pounding breaks the fibers in the chicken, allowing for faster cooking. Ensure you cover or wrap the chicken in plastic wrap or a sealable bag.

Can you overcook chicken in the Instapot? ›

While all cuts of chicken are fair game for the Instant Pot, thighs are the most forgiving. Because chicken breast is so lean, just a couple of extra minutes of cook time turns them from juicy to overcooked and dry.

Why is my chicken tough after pressure cooking? ›

Overcooking or cooking at too high a temperature can result in tough, dry chicken. Undercooking can leave chicken undercooked and chewy.

Does pressure cooker make chicken soft? ›

Chicken breasts, thighs or drumsticks

By placing cooking liquid in the bottom of the pressure cooker and placing the chicken in the steamer basket above the liquid, you are guaranteed tender, moist chicken every time. However, you can also use the cooker to make a sauce and cook your chicken submerged in flavour.

What is a good chicken breast tenderizer? ›

The OXO Die Cast was better at pounding out chicken without bruising or tearing the flesh than any other mallet tenderizer we tested. This is likely due to the rounded edges on the flat side of the mallet, which prevented it from leaving divots or impressions.

Does baking soda keep chicken moist? ›

Briefly soaking meat in a solution of baking soda and water raises the pH on the meat's surface, making it more difficult for the proteins to bond excessively, which keeps the meat tender and moist when it's cooked.

Should I cover chicken breast with foil when baking? ›

When chicken is covered while baking, it traps steam and moisture within the dish, resulting in juicier results. The covering helps prevent excessive evaporation and keeps the chicken moist throughout the cooking process. Preventing dryness. Chicken tends to dry out more quickly when exposed to direct heat.

Why is my chicken tough but juicy? ›

If you've ever cooked a chicken breast and had it turn out tough and chewy, it might not have been your fault. Some chickens are affected by a condition called “woody breast,” which is the result of hardened muscle fibers . To lessen the chance of getting a woody breast, buy your chicken from smaller farms.

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