I’ll be honest, there was a slight learning curve. I overcooked it once (resulting in dry, stringy chicken – we’ve all been there!), and I forgot to release the pressure properly another time (cue the chicken explosion!). But after a few tweaks and adjustments, I finally perfected it. The real “aha” moment came when I realized I could use frozen chicken breasts straight from the freezer. Talk about a game-changer!

In our hectic household, this easy instant pot chicken recipe has become more than just a meal; it’s a symbol of quick, delicious, and stress-free dinners. I probably make it at least once a week. Sometimes twice! It’s just that good and that easy. It’s become a staple, a constant in our ever-changing lives. And the best part? It’s so simple that even a beginner cook can nail it. Trust me, once you try this easy instant pot chicken recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it! This pressure cooker chicken is about to change your life!

Ingredients for the Perfect Instant Pot Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to create this magic:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (fresh or frozen)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1 cup chicken broth
1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening sauce)
2 tbsp cold water (optional, for thickening sauce)

I always use organic chicken breasts for my easy instant pot chicken recipe when I can find them on sale. I think it makes a slight difference in the flavor, but honestly, any chicken will work! When making easy instant pot chicken recipe, you can find most of these spices at any grocery store, but I like to buy them in bulk at Costco to save money.

Here’s a easy instant pot chicken recipe trick I learned from my mom: if you’re using frozen chicken breasts, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time to make sure they’re cooked through. This ensures your instant pot chicken breast recipe comes out perfectly.

For a quick prep shortcut when making easy instant pot chicken recipe, I sometimes mix all the spices together in a small bowl ahead of time. Then, when it’s time to cook, I just sprinkle the mixture evenly over the chicken. This saves so much time!

To save money on easy instant pot chicken recipe ingredients, buy chicken in bulk when it’s on sale and freeze it in individual portions. That way, you always have chicken on hand for a quick and easy meal.

If you have leftover cooked chicken from this easy instant pot chicken recipe, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. It is also great when you need shredded chicken instant pot.

How to Make Easy Instant Pot Chicken: Step-by-Step

Follow these simple steps for tender, juicy chicken every time:

First, drizzle the olive oil into the bottom of your Instant Pot. This helps prevent the chicken from sticking and adds a little flavor.
Now, season your chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Don’t be shy! The more seasoning, the more flavorful your easy instant pot chicken recipe will be.
Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the Instant Pot. If you’re using frozen chicken, don’t worry about thawing them first. Just arrange them in a single layer in the pot.
Pour the chicken broth over the chicken. This will provide the moisture needed for the Instant Pot to cook the chicken properly.
Close the Instant Pot lid and make sure the valve is set to “Sealing.”
Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes if using fresh chicken breasts, or 13 minutes if using frozen chicken breasts. Don’t worry if your easy instant pot chicken recipe seems like it’s taking a while to come to pressure; that’s perfectly normal!
Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. Then, carefully release any remaining pressure manually. I learned the hard way with easy instant pot chicken recipe that releasing the pressure too quickly can cause the chicken to dry out.
Open the Instant Pot and check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. The USDA Safe Minimum Internal Temperature for Chicken states that the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). If it’s not quite there, close the lid and cook for another few minutes.
Remove the chicken breasts from the Instant Pot and place them on a cutting board.
If you want to thicken the sauce, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl. Pour the mixture into the Instant Pot and turn it to “Saute” mode. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
Shred the chicken with two forks, or slice it into thin strips. In my kitchen, easy instant pot chicken recipe usually takes about 20 minutes from start to finish, including prep time and cooking time.
Serve the chicken with your favorite sides, and enjoy! While the easy instant pot chicken recipe is cooking, I usually chop up some veggies for a salad or start boiling water for pasta. Your easy instant pot chicken recipe should smell like savory chicken and spices, making your kitchen feel warm and inviting.

Serving Suggestions

The kids love our easy instant pot chicken recipe when I shred it and mix it with barbecue sauce for easy sliders. It’s a guaranteed hit! My husband loves it served over rice with a side of roasted vegetables. And I love it in a big, colorful salad with a vinaigrette dressing.

My go-to side dishes that pair with easy instant pot chicken recipe are mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, and a simple garden salad. They’re all easy to prepare and complement the chicken perfectly. This easy instant pot chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknight dinners, potlucks, and even meal prepping for the week.

For presentation tips for your easy instant pot chicken recipe, try garnishing it with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. You can also drizzle the thickened sauce over the chicken for a beautiful and flavorful finish.

If you have extra easy instant pot chicken recipe, you can use it to make chicken salad sandwiches, quesadillas, or even add it to soups and stews. The possibilities are endless! It is a great whole chicken instant pot recipe to start with.

For seasonal easy instant pot chicken recipe variations, try adding different spices and herbs depending on the time of year. In the fall, I like to add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg. In the summer, I add a squeeze of lemon juice and some fresh basil.

My friends always ask for this easy instant pot chicken recipe recipe whenever they come over for dinner. They’re always amazed at how tender and flavorful the chicken is, and they can’t believe how easy it is to make.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about my easy instant pot chicken recipe:

Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this easy instant pot chicken recipe?

A: Absolutely! That’s one of my favorite things about this recipe. Just add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time. I’ve done it countless times, and it always comes out perfectly.

Q: How do I prevent the chicken from drying out in the Instant Pot for my easy instant pot chicken recipe?

A: The key is to not overcook it. Make sure to let the pressure release naturally for at least 10 minutes before releasing any remaining pressure manually. Also, adding enough liquid (chicken broth) is crucial. You know what I do when my easy instant pot chicken recipe comes out a little dry? I shred it and mix it with some extra sauce. No one ever notices!

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this easy instant pot chicken recipe?

A: Yes, you can definitely use chicken thighs! They tend to be more forgiving and stay moist even if you overcook them a little. Reduce the cooking time by a few minutes, or follow this instant pot chicken thighs recipe. My family actually prefers chicken thighs sometimes because they’re so flavorful.

Q: What if I don’t have all the spices listed in the recipe for this easy instant pot chicken recipe?

A: No worries! Just use what you have on hand. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s very forgiving. You can add any spices you like. Feedback about my easy instant pot chicken recipe from blog readers has been overwhelmingly positive, with many people saying they’ve customized the spices to their liking.

Q: How do I know when the chicken is cooked through with this easy instant pot chicken recipe?

A: The best way to know is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken breast. It should read 165°F (74°C). This will provide the best result for this instant pot chicken breast recipe. You know what I do when my easy instant pot chicken recipe is almost done? I start setting the table and getting the side dishes ready. That way, everything is ready to go when the chicken is done.

Q: Can I add vegetables to the Instant Pot with the chicken for this easy instant pot chicken recipe?

A: Yes, you can! I like to add carrots, potatoes, and onions. Just be sure to cut them into large chunks so they don’t get too mushy. I made a mistake once and added finely chopped vegetables, and they turned to mush. Learn from my mistakes!

Q: What if the sauce is too thin after cooking my easy instant pot chicken recipe?

A: That’s where the cornstarch slurry comes in handy! Just whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water, and then stir it into the sauce while it’s simmering on the “Saute” setting. It will thicken up in no time.

My Final Thoughts and Pro Tips

This easy instant pot chicken recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a symbol of quick, delicious, and stress-free family dinners. It’s the recipe I turn to when I’m short on time or when I just need a comforting meal. I hope you will agree that this is the easy instant pot chicken recipe for your cookbook.

Here are my easy instant pot chicken recipe Pro Tips:

Don’t overcrowd the Instant Pot: Make sure the chicken breasts are in a single layer for even cooking.
Don’t skip the natural pressure release: It helps the chicken stay moist and tender.
Experiment with different seasonings: The possibilities are endless!

Here are a few easy instant pot chicken recipe variations I’ve tried with my family:

Lemon Herb Chicken: Add lemon slices and fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary.
Taco Chicken: Use taco seasoning and serve with your favorite taco toppings.
Creamy Italian Chicken: Add a jar of Alfredo sauce and some sun-dried tomatoes.

My son loves the taco chicken version, while my daughter prefers the creamy Italian chicken. My husband is happy with any version as long as it’s chicken!

I encourage you to make this easy instant pot chicken recipe your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and variations. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process.

I hope you have a wonderful experience making this easy instant pot chicken recipe. I know it will become a staple in your kitchen, just like it has in mine. This easy instant pot chicken recipe is delicious!

My Go-To Easy Instant Pot Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

This is a super easy and quick recipe for making delicious and juicy chicken in your Instant Pot. Perfect for a weeknight meal!

Author: Zoubida
Prep Time: 5
Cook Time: 15
Total Time: 20
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Pressure Cooking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 cup chicken broth

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Add olive oil to the Instant Pot and turn on the sauté function. Sear chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side.
Pour in chicken broth.
Place the lid on the Instant Pot and seal. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release.
Release any remaining pressure and remove chicken. Shred or slice and serve!

Notes

For extra flavor, add a packet of Italian dressing seasoning to the chicken before cooking. Serve with your favorite sides like rice, vegetables, or salad.