How to make Instant Pot chicken breast

Robin Donovan

Recipe Developer

Having cooked chicken on hand makes it easy to whip up any number of satisfying meals in minutes. With an Instant Pot or other electric pressure cooker, cooking up a bunch of chicken couldn’t be easier. With the recipe below, you can make tender chicken breast that’s ready to use in everything from chicken salads to chicken enchiladas, pasta dishes, pot pies or soups.

This method makes chicken that's simple and mildly flavored. It’s perfect for using in recipes with all sorts of flavor profiles, whether they're Mexican, Asian, European or basic American fare. You can, of course, add additional seasonings — like chili powder, curry powder or Italian seasoning — for a more specific flavor profile.

Cooktop Cove

Instant Pot Chicken Breast

5 minutes

6 minutes, plus 15 minutes to come to pressure and 5 minutes to release pressure

30 minutes

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 to 8 ounces each)

1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 cup chicken broth or water

3 garlic cloves, minced

Season the chicken breasts with the salt and pepper and place them in the Instant Pot.

Add the broth or water and the garlic.

Close the lid and turn the valve to the sealing position.

Select high pressure and set the timer for 6 minutes.

Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.

Transfer the chicken to a plate and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing, shredding or serving.

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