Quick & Flavorful Instant Pot Chicken Recipe for Busy Nights

Crafting a mouthwatering instant pot chicken dish can turn an ordinary dinner into a culinary adventure.

Tender meat falls right off the bone with minimal effort.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this method delivers delectable results.

Busy families love meals that combine convenience and incredible flavor profiles.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary when you master this simple technique.

Spices and seasonings blend beautifully, creating a symphony of taste that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Gather around the table and savor every delicious bite of this kitchen-friendly masterpiece.

Why Instant Pot Chicken Recipe Is So Convenient

• Quicken Kitchen Magic: Transform basic chicken into a mouthwatering meal in mere minutes using the Instant Pot's powerful cooking technology.
• Boost Flavor Potential: Infuse chicken with aromatic garlic, onions, and herbs that create a rich, savory sauce without complicated techniques.
• Master One-Pot Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by preparing a complete protein-packed dish using a single appliance that handles sauteing, pressure cooking, and sauce creation.
• Customize with Ease: Swap herbs like thyme or rosemary, adjust seasoning, or pair with various side dishes to match your taste preferences and make the recipe uniquely yours.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Tender, lean protein that serves as the star of this flavorful Instant Pot dish.
• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and enhances the overall depth of flavor in the recipe.

• Onion, Garlic: Offer a fragrant base that builds a rich, savory foundation for the chicken.
• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that bring out the natural taste of the chicken.
• Thyme (or Rosemary): Adds an herbal note that complements the chicken's mild flavor.

• Olive Oil: Helps to sauté the aromatics and prevent sticking in the Instant Pot.
• Lemon Juice: Provides a bright, tangy accent that cuts through the richness of the dish.

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken

Step 1: Prep Aromatic Vegetables

Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic to create a flavorful base for your chicken dish. The smaller the pieces, the more evenly they’ll distribute their delicious flavors throughout the meal.

Step 2: Activate Instant Pot Sauté Mode

Heat the olive oil in the Instant Pot, creating a sizzling surface. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, letting them dance and become golden and fragrant for 3-4 minutes.

The kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma that gets everyone excited.

Step 3: Season and Sear Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Thyme (or rosemary)

Gently coat the chicken, ensuring each piece is lovingly covered in the seasoning blend.

Step 4: Add Liquid Flavor Boosters

Pour in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, stirring softly to combine all the ingredients. This liquid will help create a mouthwatering sauce and keep the chicken super tender.

Step 5: Pressure Cook to Perfection

Secure the lid tightly on the Instant Pot. Set to Manual high pressure and cook for 10 minutes.

After cooking, let the pot naturally release pressure for 5 minutes, then carefully quick-release any remaining steam.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Carefully remove the chicken from the pot.

Shred or slice the meat, then generously spoon the surrounding sauce over the top. Serve hot and enjoy your incredibly juicy and flavorful chicken!

Tips for Instant Pot Chicken

• Add a splash of white wine or dry sherry while sautéing onions to enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and maintain moisture throughout.
• Experiment with different fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley to create unique flavor variations and keep the recipe exciting.
• After cooking, thicken the remaining liquid by whisking in a cornstarch slurry or reducing it on sauté mode for a more robust sauce consistency.
• Replace chicken broth with water and add extra herbs for a lighter, lower-calorie version that's perfect for health-conscious eaters.

Variations for Instant Pot Chicken

• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Replace thyme with oregano and add diced sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Cajun Variation: Swap salt and pepper with Cajun seasoning, add paprika and cayenne for a bold, zesty kick.
• Creamy Dairy-Free Option: Replace chicken broth with coconut milk and add fresh ginger for a rich, dairy-free alternative that's perfect for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Low-Carb Protein Boost: Use bone-in chicken thighs instead of breasts, increase herbs, and reduce liquid for a more concentrated protein-rich meal suitable for keto diets.

Pairings for Instant Pot Chicken

Crisp, unoaked Chardonnay complements the tender chicken’s delicate lemon and herb flavors, creating a balanced and refreshing dining experience.

Prepare roasted garlic mashed potatoes with fresh thyme, mirroring the recipe’s herbal notes and providing a creamy, comforting accompaniment.

Create a zesty arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, which echoes the recipe’s citrus undertones and adds a peppery, fresh contrast to the rich chicken.

Serve warm, crusty sourdough bread to soak up the flavorful sauce, adding texture and allowing guests to enjoy every last drop of the delicious cooking liquid.

Proper Storage for Instant Pot Chicken

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Place shredded or sliced chicken in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Remove excess air and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date for tracking.
• Transfer desired portion to microwave-safe dish. Add splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Warm chicken in skillet over medium-low heat. Add small amount of broth or water to maintain moisture. Stir occasionally until heated through, approximately 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal as they cook quickly and evenly in the Instant Pot, ensuring tender and juicy results.

• Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute dried thyme or rosemary. Use about 1/3 of the amount of fresh herbs since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the chicken, ensuring it’s safe to eat.

• Is it possible to make this recipe with frozen chicken?

Yes, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time by 2-3 minutes and ensure the chicken is completely thawed before seasoning.

Instant Pot Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor Mediterranean magic with this mouthwatering Instant Pot Chicken, where tender poultry meets bold spices in a quick, flavorful feast. Hearty ingredients and effortless preparation make this dish a perfect weeknight dinner that satisfies you with minimal kitchen time.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Aromatics:

• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 onion, chopped

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Prepare all necessary ingredients, finely dice the onion, and crush the garlic to release its aromatic essence.
2. Activate the Instant Pot’s sauté function and drizzle olive oil, allowing the onions and garlic to caramelize and develop a rich, golden flavor for 3-4 minutes.
3. Carefully place chicken breasts into the pot, generously coating them with salt, pepper, and herbaceous thyme or rosemary for a deep, layered taste profile.
4. Gently cascade chicken broth and bright, zesty lemon juice over the seasoned chicken, creating a flavorful cooking liquid.
5. Secure the lid firmly and program the Instant Pot to high pressure for 10 minutes, ensuring thorough and even cooking.
6. After cooking, permit a 5-minute natural pressure release to allow the chicken to rest and absorb additional moisture.
7. Quickly release any remaining steam, then extract the chicken and transform it into tender, succulent shreds or elegant slices, complemented by the aromatic cooking sauce.

Notes

• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quicker, more even cooking and easier shredding.
• Slice chicken against the grain to maintain tenderness and prevent dryness after cooking.
• Adjust cooking time based on chicken breast thickness: thicker cuts might need 1-2 extra minutes of pressure cooking.
• Transform this recipe into a low-carb or keto-friendly dish by replacing chicken broth with bone broth and adding extra herbs for enhanced flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Pressure Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 205 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg