Easy Instant Pot Chicken Recipe : 5 Quick Steps

Okay, grab your apron, pull up a chair, and let’s chat about my absolute go-to weeknight lifesaver: an easy instant pot chicken recipe. Honestly, I can’t even remember what we ate before I discovered how ridiculously simple it is to whip up tender, juicy chicken in the Instant Pot. It’s a game-changer!

I remember one particularly hectic Wednesday. Both kids had soccer practice, my husband was working late, and I was staring blankly into the refrigerator, completely uninspired. Pizza again? Absolutely not. That’s when I remembered seeing something about an easy instant pot chicken recipe online. I figured, what did I have to lose? Thirty minutes later, we were all digging into perfectly cooked chicken with the sides I managed to throw together, and even my perpetually picky eater declared it a win.

The beauty of this easy instant pot chicken recipe lies in its versatility. You can season it any way you like – think lemon pepper, BBQ, Italian herbs – the possibilities are endless! And the chicken comes out incredibly moist and flavorful every single time. Picture this: succulent chicken falling off the bone, infused with your favorite seasonings, ready to be shredded for tacos, tossed in salads, or served with a side of fluffy rice and steamed vegetables. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!

Seriously, I’ve made this easy instant pot chicken recipe more times than I can count. It’s perfect for meal prepping too. I often make a big batch on Sunday and use it throughout the week in various dishes. And the best part? Clean-up is a breeze. The Instant Pot is truly a magical kitchen gadget. Plus, it makes even the most budget-conscious cuts of chicken taste like a million bucks! Sometimes I’ll even use frozen chicken breasts, and this easy instant pot chicken recipe still works wonders!

I know some people are intimidated by the Instant Pot, but trust me, there’s nothing to fear. I was nervous at first too! I remember the first time I used it, I was so scared it was going to explode (haha!). But after a few successful attempts, I became a total convert. This easy instant pot chicken recipe is the perfect starting point for anyone who’s new to pressure cooking. You’ll be amazed at how quickly and easily you can create a delicious, healthy meal. It’s become such a staple that I even taught my teenage son how to make this easy instant pot chicken recipe so he can cook for himself when I’m not around.

So, if you’re looking for a quick, easy, and delicious way to get dinner on the table, look no further. This easy instant pot chicken recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I can’t wait for you to try this – it’s become such a staple in our house! And if you have any questions along the way, don’t hesitate to ask. I’m here to help you every step of the way.

Ingredients

Alright, let’s talk ingredients for this easy instant pot chicken recipe. I’m a big believer in using what you have on hand, but there are a few key ingredients that I think make a big difference. And as always, I’ll give you my personal tips and tricks along the way.

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: I usually buy a large pack of chicken breasts from Costco and freeze them in individual portions. It’s a huge time-saver. You can also use bone-in chicken thighs for this easy instant pot chicken recipe; just adjust the cooking time accordingly (see FAQ section).
1 cup chicken broth: I prefer low-sodium chicken broth so I can control the saltiness of the dish. You can also use water, but the chicken broth adds extra flavor. Sometimes I even use bone broth for an extra boost of nutrients. If you’re in a pinch, you can dissolve a bouillon cube in water. This easy instant pot chicken recipe can handle that!
1 tablespoon olive oil: This is for searing the chicken (optional, but recommended). Searing the chicken adds a beautiful color and depth of flavor. I always use extra virgin olive oil, but you can use any cooking oil you prefer.
1 teaspoon salt: I use sea salt, but regular table salt works just fine.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper is always best, but pre-ground pepper works too.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: I love garlic, so I’m generous with the garlic powder. You can also use fresh minced garlic (about 2 cloves).
1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a nice savory flavor.
1 teaspoon paprika: For color and a touch of smoky flavor.
½ teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a subtle Italian flavor. My grandma always said oregano is the secret ingredient to good cooking!
Optional: Your favorite seasonings! This is where you can get creative. Lemon pepper, BBQ rub, Italian herbs, Cajun seasoning – the possibilities are endless. I like to experiment with different flavor combinations. For a spicier version of this easy instant pot chicken recipe, I add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Remember, these are just guidelines. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. That’s the beauty of cooking – it’s all about experimenting and finding what works best for you and your family. My kids prefer a milder flavor profile, so I tend to go easy on the spices. But you do you! And if you’re using a pre-made seasoning blend, just be sure to check the sodium content. Sometimes I just throw in whatever herbs and spices I have in the cupboard. This easy instant pot chicken recipe is really forgiving.

As for the chicken, I always recommend using high-quality chicken. It makes a big difference in the taste and texture. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different cuts of chicken. Thighs are often more flavorful and budget-friendly than breasts. Also, make sure your chicken is fully thawed before cooking. It will cook more evenly and prevent any potential safety issues. This easy instant pot chicken recipe is best with fully thawed chicken.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, here’s the fun part! Let’s walk through the step-by-step instructions for this easy instant pot chicken recipe. Don’t worry, it’s super simple and straightforward. I promise, even if you’re a beginner cook, you can nail this! I’ve made this so many times I could probably do it in my sleep!

Prepare the chicken: If using frozen chicken breasts, make sure they are separated. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This will help them brown better if you choose to sear them.
Season the chicken: In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and oregano. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts. Don’t be shy! You want to make sure the chicken is well-seasoned. I usually just eyeball it, but if you’re new to cooking, it’s best to measure out the spices.
Sear the chicken (optional): Turn on the Instant Pot and press the “Sauté” button. Add the olive oil to the pot and let it heat up for a minute or two. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken breasts in the pot. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Searing the chicken adds a beautiful color and flavor, but it’s not essential. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step. I find this easy instant pot chicken recipe is just as good either way.
Add the chicken broth: Pour the chicken broth into the Instant Pot. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This will prevent the “burn” notice. Trust me, you don’t want to get the “burn” notice! I learned that the hard way.
Pressure cook: Place the lid on the Instant Pot and make sure the valve is set to “Sealing.” Press the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button and set the cooking time to 8 minutes for fresh chicken breasts, or 12 minutes for frozen chicken breasts. The Instant Pot will take a few minutes to come to pressure.
Natural pressure release: Once the cooking time is up, let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully release any remaining pressure by turning the valve to “Venting.” Be careful, as the steam will be very hot.
Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the Instant Pot and place them on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken. It should be very tender and easy to shred. If the chicken is not shredding easily, it may need to cook for a few more minutes. This easy instant pot chicken recipe usually results in perfectly shreddable chicken.
Serve: Serve the shredded chicken as desired. It’s delicious in tacos, salads, sandwiches, or served with rice and vegetables. You can also use the leftover broth from the Instant Pot to make a delicious sauce. This easy instant pot chicken recipe is so versatile.
Add BBQ sauce or other seasoning if so desired. Enjoy!

And that’s it! See? I told you it was easy. The most important thing is to make sure you don’t overcook the chicken. Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Always err on the side of undercooking, as you can always cook it for a few more minutes if needed. This easy instant pot chicken recipe is pretty foolproof as long as you follow the instructions.

Serving Ideas

Now that you have this amazing easy instant pot chicken recipe perfected, let’s talk about serving ideas! This chicken is so versatile, you can use it in countless ways. I’m always looking for new and creative ways to serve it. My family loves it when I get creative in the kitchen.

Tacos: This is probably my family’s favorite way to enjoy this chicken. Serve the shredded chicken in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings, like salsa, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, and lettuce. The kids love building their own tacos.
Salads: Add the shredded chicken to a salad for a protein-packed lunch or dinner. I love it on a bed of mixed greens with a vinaigrette dressing. It’s also delicious in a Caesar salad or a cobb salad.
Sandwiches: Use the shredded chicken to make sandwiches or sliders. I like to mix it with mayonnaise, celery, and grapes for a classic chicken salad sandwich. You can also add BBQ sauce for a delicious BBQ chicken sandwich. This easy instant pot chicken recipe is great for meal prepping lunches for the week.
Rice bowls: Serve the shredded chicken over rice with your favorite toppings, like black beans, corn, avocado, and salsa. This is a quick and easy weeknight meal.
Pasta dishes: Add the shredded chicken to pasta sauce for a hearty and flavorful pasta dish. It’s delicious in a tomato sauce or a creamy Alfredo sauce.
Nachos: Layer the shredded chicken on tortilla chips with cheese, beans, and your favorite toppings, then bake until the cheese is melted. These are perfect for game day or a casual get-together.
Chicken Pot Pie: Add it to your favorite pot pie recipe for a hearty and flavorful boost.

No matter how you choose to serve it, this easy instant pot chicken recipe is sure to be a hit. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. And the best part? It’s so easy to make!

For sides, you can keep it simple with steamed vegetables, a side salad, or some crusty bread. Or you can get a little more creative with roasted potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, or a quinoa salad. My family loves it when I serve it with mac and cheese! This easy instant pot chicken recipe is also delicious with rice and beans.

Also, don’t forget about the leftover broth from the Instant Pot! It’s packed with flavor and can be used to make a delicious sauce or gravy. You can also freeze it for later use.

FAQs

Okay, let’s tackle some frequently asked questions about this easy instant pot chicken recipe. I get these questions all the time from friends and family, so I thought it would be helpful to address them here. And as always, I’ll share my personal experiences and tips.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes, you can! Just add a few minutes to the cooking time. I usually cook frozen chicken breasts for 12 minutes in the Instant Pot. Make sure the chicken breasts are separated before cooking. This easy instant pot chicken recipe works great with frozen chicken.
Can I use bone-in chicken thighs? Yes, you can! Bone-in chicken thighs are often more flavorful and budget-friendly than chicken breasts. I usually cook bone-in chicken thighs for 10 minutes in the Instant Pot.
What if my chicken is not shredding easily? If your chicken is not shredding easily, it may need to cook for a few more minutes. Put the chicken back in the Instant Pot and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
How do I prevent the “burn” notice? The “burn” notice is a common problem with Instant Pots. To prevent it, make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot after searing the chicken. Also, make sure there is enough liquid in the pot. I always use at least 1 cup of chicken broth. This easy instant pot chicken recipe should not result in a burn notice.
Can I add vegetables to the Instant Pot? Yes, you can! Add the vegetables during the last few minutes of cooking time. I usually add them about 5 minutes before the end of the cooking time. Some good options include broccoli, carrots, and potatoes.
How long does the chicken last in the refrigerator? Cooked chicken will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. This easy instant pot chicken recipe is great for meal prepping.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can! You can cook the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just shred it and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
What if I don’t have an Instant Pot? If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can cook the chicken in a slow cooker or on the stovetop. For the slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. For the stovetop, simmer the chicken in chicken broth for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through. This easy instant pot chicken recipe can be modified to fit your needs.

I hope these FAQs were helpful! If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’m always happy to help.

Also, please note that it’s very important to ensure that chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature to avoid potential foodborne illnesses. You can check the USDA Food Safety Guidelines for Chicken for more information.

Conclusion

Well, there you have it – my tried-and-true, never-fail easy instant pot chicken recipe! I truly hope you give it a try and that it becomes a staple in your kitchen, just like it is in mine. It’s one of those recipes that just makes life easier, especially on those busy weeknights when you’re struggling to get dinner on the table.

For me, this recipe is more than just a way to cook chicken quickly. It’s a symbol of those moments when I can actually provide my family with a healthy and delicious meal despite the chaos of our daily lives. It’s about creating those little pockets of joy and connection around the dinner table.

Here are a few of my final tips for success:

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings. That’s where the magic happens!
Always let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally for at least 10 minutes. This will help the chicken stay moist and tender.
Use high-quality chicken for the best flavor and texture. It really does make a difference.

And most importantly, don’t be intimidated by the Instant Pot! It may seem scary at first, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be amazed at how easy and versatile it is.

One of the things I love most about this recipe is how customizable it is. My husband loves it when I add a splash of hot sauce to the shredded chicken for a spicy kick. My daughter, on the other hand, prefers it plain with just a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This easy instant pot chicken recipe truly caters to everyone’s tastes.

I hope this recipe brings as much joy and ease to your kitchen as it has to mine. Don’t be intimidated – if I can make this on a busy Tuesday night, you absolutely can too! I’d love to hear how this turns out for your family – drop me a comment! I’m always eager to see how others put their own spin on it.

Happy cooking, and I hope this becomes as beloved in your kitchen as it is in mine!