The Best Instant Pot Chicken Breast Recipe {Using Fresh or Frozen Chicken} + Video

Name: The Best Instant Pot Chicken Breast Recipe {Using Fresh or Frozen Chicken}
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 14 min
Yield: 3
Ingredients: 1 tsp dried mixed herbs (or Italian seasoning); 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp ground coriander; 1/2 tsp ground ginger; 1/2 tsp ground garlic; Salt; Ground black pepper; 180 ml chicken stock (divided); 2 tbsp olive oil (divided); 500 g (3) skinless boneless chicken breast fillets

Last Updated on 14/02/2019 by Bintu. 54 Comments

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Looking for the best Instant Pot chicken breast recipe? You’ve found it. This method produces flavourful, tender, perfect chicken breasts using fresh or frozen chicken. Excellent for meal prep and make-ahead meal solutions.

Suitable for Whole 30, Paleo, and Keto dieters. Recipe also includes Weight Watchers points and a video tutorial.

Overhead shot of a salad with slice chicken breast, salad greens and pomegranate

If you’re looking for the best and easiest way to cook chicken breast (from fresh or frozen) in the Instant Pot, you’re going to be soooo happy you landed on this post.

I spent a lot of time in the kitchen perfecting the PERFECT Instant Pot chicken breast recipe to share with all of you. I know perfect when I see (or should I say taste) it and… yeap, this is it.

Tip => scroll further down for the Instant Pot Chicken Breasts Video, along with meal prep and meal plan ideas and a whole load of tips..

This recipe might be perfect, but it’s also flexible (part of its perfection) – you can skip one step if you’re short on time, you can swap one ingredient for another for a different flavour, you can throw in completely frozen chicken breasts if the last thing on your mind today was ‘thaw the chicken breasts.’

Table of Contents

Instant Pot Chicken Table of Contents

No matter what you change in this recipe, the technique produces a chicken breast that is full of flavour, moist (no dry chicken breasts here, folks), and tender.

Make these for supper tonight or whip up a big batch to store in the fridge for your weekly meal prep or to have at the ready for super quick meal solutions.

And this recipe is perfect for those of you on the Keto diet, Paleo diet, Whole 30 diet, or any diet with a focus on lean proteins and unprocessed foods. The base recipe is so simple and complies with all of those diets.

Instant Pot Chicken Breast Recipe Materials

KITCHEN TOOLS, UTENSILS & APPLIANCES NEEDED

This post contains affiliate links. For more information, check out my disclosure.

Here are some of the items you will need to make this recipe.

8 qt Instant Pot.
- I use and love the 8 qt, extra Instant Pot Insert & sealing ring.
3 qt Instant Pot or 6 qt Instant Pot depending on family size.
Cutting board.
Trivet.
Tongs.
Measuring jugs or cups.
Measuring teaspoons.
Sea Salt Flakes <= amazing salt that makes your food taste good.
Bowls with covers.
- For storing your leftover food.
Meat thermometer.
- Use please this to check the internal temperature of the chicken.
**Check out my list of the best Instant Pot Accessories you can get**.

7 Easy Steps to Perfect Instant Pot Chicken Breasts

Here are 7 easy steps to the perfect Instant Pot chicken breast. I have included many potential modifications in the ‘tips and tricks’ section below this one.

Step 1. Mix together mixed herbs (or Italian seasoning), paprika, coriander, ginger, garlic, salt {<= amazing salt), pepper, 1 tbsp olive oil, and 2 tbsp chicken stock to create a paste. (Note: if your chicken breasts are thicker than pictured, you will need to increase the seasonings so they are fully coated.)

Step 2. Put chicken breasts in a bowl and coat fillets in the paste.

Step 3. Add olive oil to the Instant Pot and turn it on the sauté setting. Brown chicken breasts on each side (about 2 mins each side). Remove from Instant Pot and set aside.

Step 4. Add the rest of the chicken stock to the Instant Pot, and scrape any bits that were stuck to the bottom of the pot from frying.

Step 5. Insert trivet and add chicken fillets to the top of the trivet.

Step 6. Close pot, set valve to sealing, select the manual or pressure cook button (dependent upon IP model), select high pressure and set the timer to 5 mins.

Step 7. Let the steam release naturally for about 8 mins (10 mins for thicker chicken breasts) before quick releasing then opening and removing the chicken with your tongs.

There you have it, folks. The perfect Instant Pot chicken breast recipe. So easy to make and soooo good.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect IP Chicken Breasts

I have sooooo much good info to share about this IP chicken breast recipe thanks to my ‘must make this the best recipe ever’ attitude. (Okay, and also my slight Instant Pot obsession.)

Tip 1. Season them to your liking. The spices and herbs given in the recipe are just an idea. Add more to your taste or change them altogether. (Good additions include BBQ sauce, salsa, etc.)

Tip 2. Change the cooking liquid for a different flavour. In addition to changing the seasoning, try different cooking liquids for your Instant Pot Chicken Breasts. Instead of stock, you can use water, orange juice, pineapple juice, etc.

Tip 3. The browning step can be skipped if necessary. Browning the chicken adds a lot of lovely flavour to the end dish – but if you are short on time or not too worried about this, then skip it.

Tip 4. For shredded chicken, cook directly in the stock. If you want to make shredded chicken, don’t cook the chicken breast fillets in the Instant Pot Trivet.

Tip 5. Let the pressure release naturally. Your Instant Pot chicken breasts may smell amazing, but don’t be tempted to do a quick release. A natural release keeps the chicken moist, and it also continues the cooking process. (If you do a quick release, you will have to increase the time under pressure.)

Tip 6. Adjust cook time based on the size of chicken breasts. This timing is for thick breast (about 4-4.5 cm thick) Larger chicken fillets will need a little bit more time. Chicken fillets that have been flattened or cut in half will need less time.

Tip 7. Pressure cooker chicken breasts can be made for a crowd. 5 guests coming over for supper tonight? No problem – you can cook loads of chicken breast fillets in the Instant Pot. Just be sure not to add chicken over the ‘max fill line’ and add extra cook time. (15 mins cook time should take care of about 2.2kg / 5lbs of chicken.)

Tip 8. Don’t throw away the cooking liquid at the end. You’ve created extra-flavourful stock – don’t let it go to waste. Use it as a stock for stews, soups, etc.

Tip 9. To reduce the time it takes for your chicken breasts to get to pressure, preheat the liquid first in the inner pot using the sauté setting on high. Do this before you place the lid on the Instant Pot and before you select the manual setting. (This is a life-changing Instant Pot tip.)

Ps I know there is an Instant Pot poultry setting but for this recipe, I prefer to use the manual/pressure cook setting.

How to Cook an Instant Pot Frozen Chicken Breast

An Instant Pot frozen chicken breast? Yeap, it’s super easy to cook a completely frozen, hard-as-rock chicken breasts in the Instant Pot. (Just be sure to break up your chicken breasts so you are not cooking several fillets frozen together.)

Here are my tips: to season an Instant Pot frozen chicken breast, you can either season the chicken breasts before adding them to your freezer them (my preferred method) or you can cook without the spices and season after cooking.

For cooking a frozen chicken breast, increase the time under pressure to 10 mins instead of 5 mins.

That’s it. Pressure cooking frozen chicken is that easy. (So easy it may be tempting to never thaw a chicken breast again…)

It is best to separate the frozen chicken breasts before cooking them otherwise you are most likely to end up with undercooked chicken. The easiest way I find is to 1) freeze them individually or 2) if frozen in a batch then let them sit in a bowl of cold water for a little while till you can separate them.

You should always check the internal temperature of your chicken breasts (using a meat thermometer) to make sure they’re safe to eat (meat is done when the internal temperature reaches at least 74C (165 F)), but it’s especially important to do so when cooking from frozen.

How to Make Regular Pressure Cooker Chicken Breast

No Instant Pot? Noooo problem. This recipe is also suitable for regular pressure cooker chicken breast. Prepare the chicken fillets as instructed, then brown them on the stove in a large pot before placing them in your pressure cooker.

Bring the pressure cooker up to pressure, then lower the heat to the point where the pressure can be maintained. Cook for about 4-5 mins (this will depend on your pressure cooker)*, then turn off the heat and allow the pressure to reduce naturally. Voila – regular pressure cooker chicken breast.

*Electric pressure cookers like the Instant Pot cook at a lower pressure than regular pressure cookers. Regular pressure cookers cook a bit faster (but you have to babysit them – a trade-off).

How to Freeze Instant Pot Chicken Breasts

Let the breasts cool down then, wrap them in plastic wrap and transfer into these very handy Ziploc freezer bags.
Squeeze out all the extra air and seal the bags.
Label the bags and then lay them flat in the freezer.
Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

How To Make Instant Pot Chicken Breast With Gravy

Making gravy in the Instant Pot is soooooooo easy. Cook the chicken breasts, as usual, remove them, press cancel and then press the saute button. Simmer the cooking liquid whilst you make a paste of cornstarch and water.

Then add in the paste, mix and simmer for 3-5 mins until it thickens into a lush gravy. And there you have it. Easy peasy Instant Pot Chicken Breast with Gravy.

Instant Pot Chicken Breast and Salsa

You can easily make instant pot chicken breast and salsa instead. Simply top the chicken breasts with salsa before cooking and you are good to go.

Instant Pot Poached Chicken

You can make Pressure cooker poached chicken by cooking the chicken breasts directly in the cooking liquid. Feel free to use stock, apple juice or pineapple juice or even plain water if you prefer.

Can I make Shredded Chicken In The Instant Pot?

Yes, you can make Instant Pot shredded chicken breast. You would have t0 cook the chicken breasts directly in the cooking liquid and increase the time under pressure to 10 mins instead of 5 mins.

Then you can shred the chicken with 2 forks or alternatively use the paddle attachment of your stand mixer to shred the chicken breasts. Easy-peasy right?

What To Do If Your Chicken Breasts Are Undercooked

If your (fresh or frozen) Instant Pot Chicken Breast are undercooked, then simply put them back in the pot and cook for another 3-5 mins.

Always check the temperature of the chicken breasts before eating.

Instant Pot Chicken Breasts Marinade

Looking for some easy marinade recipes? Then check out these 7 Chicken Marinades for chicken breasts.

Meal Prep with Instant Pot Chicken Breasts

Taking the time to meal prep at the beginning of the week is a great way to save time when it really counts on those busy weekdays. You can easily keep your family fueled throughout the week by packing healthy, wholesome and tasty lunches.

And Instant Pot Chicken Breast really is the ideal meal prep ingredient. It is sooooo is fast and easy to make up a batch to use for meal prep at the beginning of the week. And since Instant Pot Chicken Breast will stay fresh and tasty stored in the fridge all week long, you can make up all sorts of wholesome meals that will be ready to go just when you need them most.

Meal Prep Storage Solutions

There are many different storage options available, but these are the ones I come back to again and again and work best for all my meal prep needs.

Glass Meal Prep Containers with 1 and 2 Compartments – Having 2 compartments is perfect for those build-it-yourself lunchbox ideas, or when you prefer to keep flavourful items separate. And single compartment containers are just the thing for making up meal prep bowls. These glass meal prep containers are freezable, microwavable, and dishwasher safe.
Reusable sauce cups with lids – to keep your food from getting soggy, it is important to store salad dressings, fat free yoghurt and salsa, etc. separate from the other food until mealtime. The 1-ounce size will right inside the larger glass containers.
Reusable Utensils– there are lots of cute, packable reusable utensil sets to choose from. Some even come tucked inside a cloth napkin.
Reusable Water Bottle – stay hydrated and healthy with these fun portable water bottles.
Glass Meal Prep Containers– pack up your glass container, utensils and water bottle in this insulated and easy to carry bag and head out the door!

Instant Pot Chicken Breasts Meal Prep Combinations

My absolute #1 go-to Instant Pot Chicken Breast meal prep combination could not be more simple. Here is how I make it:

slice the chicken.
add salad greens and a handful of whatever veggies I happen to have (tomatoes, radishes, red peppers, cucumber).
toss in a peeled hard-boiled egg.
pack with a cup of salad dressing or non-fat yoghurt.
If you make pressure cooker shredded chicken breasts then you can add this to wraps, sandwiches and tacos.

How delicious do these ready-to-go Instant Pot Chicken Breast lunches look?!?!

Some of my other favourite Instant Pot meal prep combinations include:

Tex Mex Chicken Bowls = Instant Pot Chicken Breast + Black Beans + Tortilla Chips + Salsa
Mediterranean Chicken Meal = Feta Cheese + Kalamata Olives + Instant Pot Chicken Breast + Hummus
Pesto Pasta Salad = Cold Noodles + Instant Pot Chicken Breast + Pesto Sauce

Instant Pot Chicken Breast Meal Plan Ideas

You really can pair Instant Pot Chicken Breast with just about anything to create a wide variety of meals that taste amaaaaaazing and are good for you too. Here are a few of my favourites:

Instant Pot chicken and rice: Make this easy Instant Pot brown rice for a quick side (or any of my Instant Pot rice recipes).
Instant Pot chicken and potatoes: How about a little potato soup made in the Instant Pot on the side of your Instant Pot chicken breast?
Instant Pot shredded chicken lettuce wraps: Try Instant Pot shredded chicken in these Spicy Yoghurt Chicken Lettuce Wraps.
Instant Pot chicken on a salad: Serve sliced Instant Pot chicken breast over a bed of mixed greens and whatever toppings you desire. I served mine with pomegranate seeds and chilli oil (olive oil and a squeeze of lemon/lime is another good choice). The perfect healthy meal.

More Instant Pot Chicken Breast Recipes

Instant Pot Shredded Chicken.

Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup.

Instant Pot Chicken Tacos.

Instant Pot Chicken Curry.

The Ultimate List of Instant Pot Chicken Recipes – for all things chicken.

More Instant Pot Recipes Like Instant Pot Chicken Breast

Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Garlic Butter Gravy

Instant Pot Chicken Thighs

Instant Pot Pulled Pork

Weight Watchers Points in Instant Pot Chicken Breast

If you replace the 1 tbsp olive oil used for frying with a calorie-controlled cooking spray, these Instant Pot Chicken Breasts have:

0 Freestyle points per serving
3 PointsPlus points per serving

Check out these amaaaaaazing Healthy Chicken Meal Prep Bowls that each contains ZERO Freestyle Points. So good!

Reader Feedback about Instant Pot Chicken Breast

Daniel said: ‘It really is some of the best I have had.’
Amy suggested cooking directly in the stock for great shredded chicken. ‘I sliced the breast in half horizontally and put the meat directly in the liquid. Used maybe 1.5 cups water? 5 min again, all natural release.’

I love hearing your feedback. Please let me know how you like Instant Pot Chicken Breast.

Thank you for reading my IP Chicken Breast recipe (and Instant Pot frozen chicken breast recipe) post. And please come visit again as I continue dreaming up recipes, traditional African recipes, African fusion recipes, Sierra Leone recipes, travel plans and much more for you. Thanks for visiting Recipes from a Pantry, UK food blog.

**This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission, but it won’t cost you a penny more)! Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

Instant Pot Chicken Breasts Video

Ge the Instant Pot Chicken Breast Recipe:

Originally published Jan 2018.

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4.45 from 25 votes