Instant Pot Chicken Breast

Foolproof Instant Pot Chicken Breast Recipe or how to cook boneless chicken breasts from fresh or frozen perfectly every time. Then shred or cube, and use in your favourite dishes throughout the week.

Instant Pot Chicken Breast
Instant Pot Chicken Breast

Foolproof Instant Pot Chicken Breast Recipe or how to cook boneless chicken breasts from fresh or frozen perfectly every time. Then shred or cube, and use in your favourite dishes throughout the week.

  • Preparing Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Served Person: 8
  • Carbohydrate 0.522472083333333 g
  • Cholesterol 98.656340475 mg
  • Fat 2.11520368716667 g
  • Fiber 0.0748208306630452 g
  • Protein 39.395310587375 g
  • Saturated Fat 0.562469724541667 g
  • Serving Size 1 1 serving (200g)
  • Sodium 111.939306855168 mg
  • Sugar 0.447651252670288 g
  • Trans Fat 0.562959724541667 g
  • Calories 189 calories

Step-by-step

  • To the Instant Pot, add water and place trivet with handles inside.
  • Lay chicken breasts in a single layer (if using frozen make sure they are separated) and sprinkle with garlic powder, salt and pepper.
  • Toss to coat evenly with tongs or hands.
  • Close the lid, set pressure vent to Sealing and press Pressure Cooking on High for 20 minutes for fresh or 25 minutes for frozen chicken breasts.
  • Display will say ON, Instant Pot will take about 10 minutes to come to pressure, you will see a bit of steam coming out from a valve, then float valve will rise and countdown will begin.
  • After 20-25 minutes your chicken is ready, Instant Pot will beep, display will say OFF and now it needs to bring pressure down before you can open it, which will be indicated by a dropped down float valve. It is called Natural Release and I don’t recommend to do Quick Release (turning sealing valve to Venting position) with this recipe. It should take about 10-15 minutes.
  • Open the lid and your chicken breasts are ready for meal prep, casseroles, salads etc. Shred or cube, and save the stock at the bottom for soup.
Instant Pot Chicken Breast: A Weeknight Meal Prep Hero

The Ultimate Instant Pot Chicken Breast Recipe

As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner prep needs to be quick, easy, and ideally, something I can make ahead of time for those crazy weeknights when getting everyone fed feels like a marathon. That's where my Instant Pot Chicken Breast recipe comes in. It's become an absolute lifesaver, transforming frozen or fresh chicken breasts into perfectly cooked, versatile protein in under 30 minutes. Forget dry, tough chicken – this method delivers juicy, flavorful chicken every single time, and best of all, it's incredibly simple.

The beauty of this recipe isn't just its speed; it's the versatility. Once the chicken is cooked, it's so easy to shred or cube, making it perfect for so many things. Think quick chicken salads for lunches, delicious tacos for a fun family dinner, or a hearty base for soups and casseroles. The leftover broth from the Instant Pot is pure liquid gold – packed with flavor, I often use it as the base for my chicken noodle soup or simply to add a boost of richness to rice dishes. Preparing chicken this way has completely changed my weeknight dinner routine, allowing me to spend less time in the kitchen and more quality time with my family.

Why This Instant Pot Chicken Breast Recipe Is a Game Changer

Many recipes claim to be "foolproof," but this one truly lives up to the hype. Whether I'm using fresh chicken breasts I picked up at the grocery store that morning, or frozen chicken from my freezer stash, the outcome is always consistently tender and delicious. The Instant Pot does all the work, leaving me free to tackle other tasks while it cooks. And let's be honest, cleaning up is a breeze with the Instant Pot's easy-to-clean design. This recipe is simple enough for even the most novice cooks, yet adaptable enough for experienced chefs to customize. The possibilities are endless!

Beyond the Basics: Creative Uses for Your Cooked Chicken

Lunchtime Powerhouse: Shredded chicken is a fantastic addition to salads, wraps, or even quick sandwiches. I often make a big batch and portion it out for quick and healthy lunches throughout the week. A simple chicken salad with mayo, celery, and onion is a classic for a reason – it's delicious, easy to prepare, and perfect for busy days.

Family-Friendly Dinners: Cubed chicken is the perfect base for tacos, enchiladas, or stir-fries. I love using it in a creamy tomato pasta sauce or simply tossed with roasted vegetables for a light and flavorful meal. The possibilities are truly endless, depending on your family’s preferences.

Soup-er Star: Don't forget the delicious broth! This broth is packed with flavor and makes a phenomenal base for soups, stews, and even rice dishes. My go-to use is a hearty chicken noodle soup; the flavor is richer and more flavorful than any store-bought broth could ever hope to be.

Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Chicken

Frozen vs. Fresh: The recipe works wonderfully with both fresh and frozen chicken. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly – 20 minutes for fresh and 25 minutes for frozen. If using frozen, be sure to separate the breasts so they cook evenly.

Seasoning Magic: While the basic recipe uses garlic powder, salt, and pepper, feel free to get creative with your seasonings. Italian herbs, paprika, or even a little chili powder can add a delightful twist. Experiment and find your favorite flavor combination!

Meal Prep Marvel: This recipe is ideal for meal prepping. Cook a large batch of chicken on the weekend and portion it out for use throughout the week. This saves so much time and effort on busy weeknights.

Embrace the Ease of Instant Pot Cooking

The Instant Pot has truly revolutionized my cooking. It's fast, efficient, and consistently delivers delicious results. This chicken breast recipe is a testament to the Instant Pot's power and simplicity. It's become a staple in my kitchen, and I'm confident it will become a favorite in yours too. Give it a try, and experience the convenience and flavor of perfectly cooked chicken, every time.