When it comes to busy nights, we’re all looking for quick and easy dinner solutions that don’t sacrifice flavour or nutrition. One of the best tools to have in your kitchen is an Instant Pot, which allows you to cook chicken breast in record time while ensuring it stays juicy and tender. If you’ve ever wondered how to make Instant Pot chicken breast a go-to meal, this blog will show you how.
In under 20 minutes, you can have perfectly cooked chicken breast, ready to be served as the star of your meal. Whether you’re looking to meal prep, feed your family quickly, or make a quick dinner after a long day, the Instant Pot is an excellent solution. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process, from preparing your chicken to serving up a tasty dish.
Ready to make Instant Pot chicken breast your new dinner hack? Let’s get started.
For the best quality grass-fed chicken, order from Gingin Grass Fed for fresh, ethically sourced meat that will make your meal even better.
Why Choose the Instant Pot for Chicken Breast?
Here are the key benefits of picking the Instant Pot for chicken breast.
1. Quick Cooking Time
The biggest benefit of using an Instant Pot is the reduced cooking time. Cooking chicken breast in the Instant Pot takes only 10-15 minutes under high pressure. This is significantly faster than traditional methods like baking or grilling, making it the ideal option for busy families or anyone who needs a quick, nutritious meal.
2. Tender, Juicy Chicken Every Time
The Instant Pot uses steam and pressure to cook the chicken, which helps it retain moisture. Unlike other cooking methods that can leave chicken dry, Instant Pot chicken breast stays tender and juicy. Even boneless, skinless breasts, which can be tricky to cook properly, turn out perfectly every time.
3. Hands-Free Cooking
Once you’ve prepared your chicken and set the Instant Pot, it does all the work. You don’t need to keep an eye on the chicken or worry about overcooking it. This makes it an excellent option for anyone with a busy schedule or for meal prepping in advance.
How Long to Cook Instant Pot Chicken Breast
Some key methods for cooking instant pot chicken breast are:
1. Cooking Time for Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
For boneless, skinless chicken breasts, the Instant Pot cooks them in 6-8 minutes under high pressure. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of the breasts, but this range is a good starting point. It’s important not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry and tough.
Once the cooking time is up, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for about 5 minutes before performing a quick release to let out the remaining steam. This helps the chicken remain juicy and tender.
2. Cooking Time for Bone-In Chicken Breasts
For bone-in chicken breasts, you’ll need to increase the cooking time to about 12-15 minutes under high pressure. As with boneless breasts, allow for a 5-minute natural release of pressure, followed by a quick release. Bone-in chicken requires slightly more time to cook through completely, but it still cooks much faster in the Instant Pot than through traditional methods.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Instant Pot Chicken Breast
Follow this step-by-step guide to using your Instant Pot for a juicy, flavorful meal with minimal effort!
1. Prepare Your Chicken
Before you cook the chicken in the Instant Pot, you need to prepare it. If you’re using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you can season them with your favourite spices or marinate them in advance. For bone-in chicken breasts, it’s also a good idea to season or marinate the chicken to enhance the flavour.
Seasoning Ideas for Instant Pot Chicken Breast:
- Salt, pepper, and garlic powder for a simple, classic flavour.
- Lemon zest, thyme, and rosemary for a fresh, herbaceous profile.
- BBQ sauce or teriyaki marinade for a more intense, tangy flavour.
2. Add Liquid to the Instant Pot
The Instant Pot needs liquid to generate steam, which creates the pressure required to cook the chicken. Add at least 1 cup of liquid to the pot. Water is fine, but chicken broth or vegetable broth can add extra flavour to the chicken. You can also add a bit of olive oil for richness.
3. Place the Chicken in the Instant Pot
After adding the liquid, place your seasoned chicken breasts into the Instant Pot. If you’re using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you can stack them on top of each other. For bone-in chicken breasts, arrange them so that they fit comfortably in the pot, but make sure they’re not overcrowded to allow for proper steam circulation.
4. Set the Instant Pot
Once everything is in place, seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to high pressure. If you’re cooking boneless, skinless chicken breasts, set the timer for 6-8 minutes. For bone-in chicken breasts, set the timer for 12-15 minutes.
The Instant Pot will take a few minutes to come up to pressure before the cooking time begins.
5. Release the Pressure
After the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes. This ensures that the chicken retains its moisture and doesn’t lose juiciness. After 5 minutes, carefully perform a quick release to release the remaining steam.
6. Check the Chicken
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 75°C at the thickest part to be fully cooked. If the chicken hasn’t reached this temperature, you can return it to the Instant Pot for a few more minutes on high pressure.
Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Chicken Breast
Here are some simple tips to ensure your chicken is always tender, juicy, and packed with flavor!
1. Don’t Overcrowd the Pot
If you’re cooking a large batch of chicken, try to avoid overcrowding the Instant Pot. Overcrowding can prevent the chicken from cooking evenly. Instead, cook the chicken in batches or ensure there’s enough space for the steam to circulate around each piece.
2. Let the Chicken Rest
After removing the chicken from the Instant Pot, let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping the chicken moist and tender.
3. Shred or Slice for Different Dishes
Once your Instant Pot chicken breast is cooked, you can use it in a variety of dishes. Shred the chicken for tacos, salads, or wraps. Slice it to serve on top of a salad or in a sandwich. The possibilities are endless.
Delicious Ways to Use Instant Pot Chicken Breast
1. Chicken Tacos
Shred your cooked Instant Pot chicken breast and serve it in soft tortillas with your favourite toppings, such as avocado, salsa, cheese, and lettuce. A squeeze of lime adds a nice fresh touch.
2. Chicken Salad
Use your Instant Pot chicken breast to make a healthy, protein-packed salad. Slice the chicken and top with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favourite dressing. You can even add some nuts or seeds for extra crunch.
3. Chicken Stir-Fry
Slice your cooked chicken and add it to a stir-fry with vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli. Use a soy-based sauce for flavour, and serve it over rice or noodles for a quick and satisfying meal.
Conclusion: Quick and Easy Instant Pot Chicken Breast
Cooking Instant Pot chicken breast is one of the easiest and fastest ways to get a nutritious meal on the table. With just a few ingredients and a bit of time, you can enjoy tender, juicy chicken that’s perfect for a variety of dishes. The Instant Pot makes it even easier by ensuring the chicken cooks evenly and stays moist without needing constant attention.
Ready to cook your own Instant Pot chicken breast? Make sure to use the best quality chicken for the best results. Order from Gingin Grass Fed today for fresh, ethically sourced chicken that’s perfect for your next meal!
For any questions or help with your order, feel free to contact us here.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to cook chicken breast in the Instant Pot?
It takes 6-8 minutes for boneless, skinless chicken breasts and 12-15 minutes for bone-in chicken breasts under high pressure.
2. Can I cook frozen chicken breast in the Instant Pot?
Yes, you can cook frozen chicken breasts in the Instant Pot. For frozen boneless chicken, increase the cooking time to 10-12 minutes.
3. Do I need to add liquid when cooking chicken in the Instant Pot?
Yes, the Instant Pot requires at least 1 cup of liquid to create the necessary steam and pressure for cooking the chicken.
4. How do I avoid dry chicken breast in the Instant Pot?
To prevent dry chicken, ensure you don’t overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and allow the chicken to rest before slicing.
5. Can I marinate the chicken before cooking it in the Instant Pot?
Yes, marinating the chicken before cooking in the Instant Pot can enhance the flavour. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes before placing it in the pot.