If you are craving a juicy, tender, and flavorful chicken dish that comes together in a flash, this Instant Pot Chicken Breast Recipe is about to become your new best friend. It’s the perfect blend of simple spices and quick cooking magic that transforms everyday chicken breasts into a melt-in-your-mouth meal. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or prepping ahead for the week, this recipe gives you consistently delicious results with minimal fuss. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, making this recipe not just easy but also packed with balanced flavor. Each spice and element plays a role in building that savory, mouthwatering profile while keeping the chicken juicy and tender.
- Garlic powder: Adds a warm and aromatic punch that infuses every bite.
- Onion powder: Brings depth and a subtle sweetness that complements the garlic beautifully.
- Ground paprika: Gives a mild smoky flavor and a gorgeous red tint to the chicken.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds a Mediterranean freshness and complexity.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors and seasoning the chicken perfectly.
- Ground black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and vibrancy that wakes up the palate.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish — tender, lean, and versatile.
- Olive oil: Helps brown the chicken beautifully and locks in moisture.
- Chicken broth (or water): Creates the perfect cooking liquid for pressure cooking, keeping the chicken moist.
- Water and cornstarch: Combined at the end to craft a silky gravy that brings everything together.
How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Breast Recipe
Step 1: Seasoning the Chicken
Start by mixing garlic powder, onion powder, ground paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Vigorously rub this vibrant spice blend all over each chicken breast. This step is where the magic begins, as these simple seasonings create a bold flavor foundation that really shines after pressure cooking.
Step 2: Browning the Chicken
Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function and warm the olive oil until shimmering. Place the chicken breasts in the pot, but don’t overcrowd — work in batches if needed. Sear each side for about 2 minutes until golden brown. This caramelization step adds a tasty crust and layers of flavor you simply can’t get without it. Once browned, set the chicken aside on a plate.
Step 3: Adding the Broth
Turn off the Instant Pot and pour in the chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up every bit of those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pot — this step prevents the dreaded burn notice and infuses the liquid with flavor for your sauce.
Step 4: Pressure Cooking the Chicken
Place the trivet inside the pot and arrange the chicken breasts on top carefully, avoiding stacking so they cook evenly. Seal the lid and set the pot to pressure cook on HIGH for 5 minutes. It will take about 10 minutes to come to pressure first. This high-pressure environment cooks the chicken quickly while preserving its moisture, resulting in tender, juicy breasts you’ll be proud to serve.
Step 5: Releasing the Pressure
When the cooking cycle finishes, turn off the Instant Pot and let it sit for a natural release for about 6 minutes (or 8 minutes if your chicken breasts are large). After that, manually release any remaining pressure and carefully remove the lid. This gentle release step helps retain moisture and prevents the chicken from drying out.
Step 6: Making the Gravy
Remove the chicken and the trivet from the pot. Switch the Instant Pot back to sauté mode. Mix the water and cornstarch into a smooth slurry, then stir it into the flavorful cooking juices inside the pot. Let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until thickened into a luscious gravy. Serve immediately over the chicken or, if you prefer, simply baste the chicken breasts with the juices 4 to 5 times to keep them moist and flavorful without making gravy.
How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Breast Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme add a bright, fresh pop that contrasts wonderfully with the rich, savory chicken. A sprinkle of lemon zest can also brighten the dish and add a subtle zing that wakes up your taste buds.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides — creamy mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a vibrant garden salad all complement the juicy, tender chicken perfectly and round out your meal with texture and color.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the chicken breast thinly and arrange it on a platter drizzled with the silky gravy. For a heartier presentation, serve the chicken atop a bed of rice or quinoa and drizzle extra gravy over the whole ensemble. For gatherings, consider plating individual portions with mini bowls of gravy on the side for guests to pour themselves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Instant Pot Chicken Breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, making it a perfect option for quick lunches or weeknight dinners.
Freezing
This chicken freezes really well. Place the cooked breasts in a freezer-safe container or bag with some of the cooking juices or gravy to keep them moist. Freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator when ready to enjoy again.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of the gravy or broth to keep it juicy. Avoid overheating, as chicken breasts can dry out quickly. Reheated chicken is great for salads, sandwiches, or just as a quick main course.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this Instant Pot Chicken Breast Recipe?
Yes! One of the beauties of this recipe is that it works perfectly with frozen chicken breasts. Just add a few extra minutes to the pressure cooking time to ensure they cook through fully. It’s a fantastic time saver when you forget to thaw ahead.
How can I avoid overcooking the chicken in the Instant Pot?
The key is sticking to the exact pressure cooking time of 5 minutes at high pressure and allowing the natural pressure release as directed. This gentle finish helps keep your chicken tender, juicy, and far from rubbery.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or keto-friendly?
Absolutely. This recipe is naturally dairy-free since it uses broth and olive oil, and it’s perfect for keto as well due to its high protein, low carb ingredients. Just double-check your broth ingredient list if you have dietary restrictions.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, water works fine — just be aware that broth adds extra flavor. You could also use vegetable broth for a slightly different taste or a low-sodium option if you want to control salt intake.
Is it necessary to brown the chicken before pressure cooking?
While not absolutely required, browning the chicken first adds wonderful flavor and color that really elevates the dish. If you’re really short on time, you can skip it, but I highly recommend making the extra effort — it’s worth it!
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Chicken Breast Recipe is one of those simple, reliable dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Juicy, flavorful chicken cooked in minutes with an irresistible homemade gravy makes it a fantastic go-to for any occasion. I encourage you to give it a try and see for yourself how easy it is to elevate a humble chicken breast into something truly special. Happy cooking!
Print
Instant Pot Chicken Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 5 to 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Instant Pot Chicken Breast recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked quickly under pressure with a savory blend of spices. The chicken is seared first for flavor, then pressure cooked with chicken broth to keep it moist. A quick cornstarch slurry is used to create a flavorful gravy from the cooking juices, making a simple yet satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- Ground black pepper to taste
Chicken and Cooking Liquids
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 to 6 breasts; see notes for using frozen chicken)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth (or water)
Gravy Thickener
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Season: Combine garlic powder, onion powder, ground paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Vigorously rub and dab the seasoning mixture all over the chicken breasts to ensure even flavor coverage.
- Brown chicken: Set the Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ function and add the olive oil. Once hot, brown the chicken breasts for about 2 minutes on each side. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Remove browned chicken and set aside on a plate.
- Add broth: Turn off the Instant Pot. Pour in the chicken broth and carefully scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pot using a wooden spoon to prevent burn errors during pressure cooking.
- Pressure cook: Place the trivet into the Instant Pot and arrange the chicken breasts on top, ensuring they are not stacked for even cooking. Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Pressure cook on HIGH pressure for 5 minutes; keep in mind it will take about 10 minutes to come to pressure before the cooking time starts.
- Pressure release: When cooking is complete, turn off the Instant Pot and allow a natural pressure release for 6 minutes (or 8 minutes for larger chicken breasts). Afterward, carefully release any remaining pressure manually and remove the lid.
- Finish/gravy: Remove the chicken breasts and the trivet from the pot. Set the Instant Pot back to ‘Sauté.’ Mix the water and cornstarch together to create a slurry, then stir it into the cooking juices. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the gravy thickens slightly. Serve the chicken breasts with the gravy. If not making the gravy, baste the chicken 4-5 times with the cooking juices to keep it moist and flavorful.
Notes
- For frozen chicken breasts, increase the pressure cooking time to about 10-12 minutes with natural release to ensure thorough cooking.
- Do not stack the chicken breasts in the Instant Pot to allow for even cooking and proper pressure circulation.
- Browning the chicken before pressure cooking adds extra flavor but can be skipped if short on time.
- The natural pressure release helps retain moisture and tenderness in the chicken.
- The gravy can be customized by adding herbs or a splash of cream for richness.
