Looking for a quick, healthy dinner that’s full of flavor and ready in minutes? This Instant Pot chicken recipe is your new weeknight lifesaver! Tender, juicy chicken cooked perfectly in the pressure cooker — every time.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or feeding the family, this foolproof recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.
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Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Chicken Recipe
Fast: Cooks in under 25 minutes from start to finish.
Flavorful: Juicy chicken with delicious seasoning every time.
Versatile: Perfect for tacos, salads, rice bowls, or pasta.
Healthy: Lean protein, minimal oil, and no frying required.
Ingredients
You’ll need just a few simple ingredients to make this easy Instant Pot chicken:
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: squeeze of lemon juice or sprinkle of fresh herbs for garnish
How to Make Chicken in the Instant Pot
1. Season the Chicken
Pat your chicken dry and rub it with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper on both sides.
2. Add Liquid
Pour chicken broth (or water) into the bottom of the Instant Pot. This creates steam for pressure cooking and keeps your chicken juicy.
3. Pressure Cook
Place the chicken in the pot. Lock the lid, set the valve to Sealing, and pressure cook on High Pressure for:
- 10 minutes for chicken breasts
- 12 minutes for chicken thighs
4. Natural Release
Let the pressure naturally release for 5 minutes, then switch the valve to Venting for a quick release.
5. Check for Doneness
Use a meat thermometer — chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) internally. If it’s slightly under, seal and cook for another 2–3 minutes.
6. Rest & Serve
Let chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve over rice, pasta, or veggies — or shred it for tacos and salads!
Flavor Variations
- BBQ Chicken: Add ¼ cup of your favorite BBQ sauce before cooking.
- Italian Style: Add 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning and a splash of balsamic vinegar.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle chili powder or cayenne pepper for a bold twist.
- Garlic Butter: Stir in 1 tablespoon melted butter and minced garlic after cooking.
Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Microwave or sauté with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot chicken recipe is proof that simple ingredients can make an amazing meal. It’s juicy, flavorful, and perfect for busy nights when you need dinner fast.
Pair it with rice, pasta, or roasted veggies — or shred it for tacos, wraps, or sandwiches. However you serve it, this quick pressure cooker chicken is guaranteed to be a hit!