If you’re searching for a simple, speedy, and incredibly flavorful dinner solution, this Instant Pot Chicken Breast Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Tender, juicy chicken breasts come together with a perfectly balanced blend of Italian seasoning and spices, all cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this recipe proves that healthy, delicious meals don’t require tons of time or fancy ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each playing a role in bringing out mouthwatering flavor and a perfectly moist texture. From the fragrant Italian seasoning to the chicken broth that keeps everything juicy, you’ll love how simple pantry staples transform your dinner plate.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: About 2 pounds of lean protein that cooks beautifully in the Instant Pot.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A classic mix of herbs that adds that signature aromatic touch.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a subtle yet savory garlic undertone.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds depth and a mild sweetness to the chicken.
- ½ teaspoon ground paprika: Brings a gentle smoky warmth and vibrant color.
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Just enough to add a slight kick.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the chicken to golden perfection and locking in moisture.
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Creates steam and keeps the chicken tender during pressure cooking.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A fresh, green garnish that brightens the dish visually and taste-wise.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water: To thicken the cooking liquid into a luscious gravy.
How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Breast Recipe
Step 1: Pat the Chicken Dry
Start by gently patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This simple step helps the seasonings stick better and allows for a more satisfying sear when the chicken hits the hot oil. Dry chicken means you get that beautiful golden crust instead of steamed protein.
Step 2: Mix the Seasonings
In a small bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and ground black pepper. This blend brings a perfect harmony of herbal, savory, and smoky notes that turn every bite into a flavor-packed experience.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken with Seasoning
Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over your chicken breasts, pressing lightly so each piece is fully coated. This step ensures every mouthful bursts with balanced flavor, giving the chicken that extra oomph it deserves.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
Turn your Instant Pot to the Sauté setting and let the olive oil heat up. Working in batches, place the chicken breasts in the pot and sear them until golden on both sides, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. This not only adds color but also deepens the flavor through caramelization. Once beautifully browned, set the chicken aside temporarily.
Step 5: Deglaze and Prepare for Pressure Cooking
Pour the chicken broth into the pot and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom—this step is crucial because it adds richness to the cooking liquid and prevents any burn warnings on the Instant Pot. Place the metal trivet inside, then nestle the chicken breasts on top.
Step 6: Pressure Cook the Chicken
Secure the lid and set your Instant Pot to high pressure for 5 minutes. The magic of pressure cooking means the chicken turns out juicy and tender every time, making this Instant Pot Chicken Breast Recipe a go-to for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Step 7: Natural Pressure Release
Once the cooking time is up, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. This gradual release helps the chicken retain its juices perfectly. After 10 minutes, safely release any remaining pressure manually.
Step 8: Make the Gravy
Remove the chicken breasts and set them aside. Take out the trivet, then whisk in the cornstarch and water slurry to the cooking liquid. Switch the Instant Pot back to Sauté mode and let the liquid simmer until thickened into a smooth gravy. Pour this over your chicken breasts and, if you like, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Breast Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley not only adds a beautiful splash of green but also a subtle burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor that elevates the dish from simple to stunning. You can also consider a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few lemon wedges to brighten things up.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or a vibrant green vegetable like roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach. The gravy is perfect for drizzling over rice or potatoes, making each forkful moist and flavorful.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual family meal, serve the chicken breasts whole with sides arranged around them. For a more elegant presentation, slice the chicken and fan it out on a platter drizzled with gravy, topped with parsley and accompanied by colorful seasonal veggies or a fresh salad.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover chicken breasts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep the gravy separate if possible to maintain optimal texture.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken breasts wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Freeze the gravy separately to avoid texture changes, then thaw both in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat chicken gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to prevent drying out. Warm the gravy separately and add over the chicken just before serving for maximum moisture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this Instant Pot Chicken Breast Recipe?
Absolutely! You can cook frozen chicken breasts straight in the Instant Pot. Just increase the pressure cooking time to about 10 minutes and allow for natural pressure release as described.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it is! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a lean protein, and cooking with minimal oil plus low-sodium broth helps keep this recipe nutritious without sacrificing flavor.
Can I skip the searing step?
Searing adds great flavor and texture but is optional if you’re short on time. The chicken will still cook well, but the dish may lack that rich, browned exterior.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
No worries! You can easily replace it with a mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary or any your favorite herb blend for a similar flavor profile.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The Instant Pot timing and natural release method ensures the chicken is fully cooked and tender. For extra safety, use a meat thermometer—internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Final Thoughts
Next time you want a fuss-free, flavorful, and incredibly juicy chicken dinner, give this Instant Pot Chicken Breast Recipe a try. It’s a fantastic way to get dinner on the table fast without compromising on taste or texture. Trust me, once you make it, this recipe will become your weeknight lifesaver too!
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Instant Pot Chicken Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes pressure cooking + 10 minutes natural pressure release + 6 minutes searing and gravy preparation
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (4 chicken breasts)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Instant Pot Chicken Breast recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken with a flavorful seasoning blend, perfectly cooked in a fraction of the time. The chicken is seared for a golden crust, then pressure cooked for quick and easy preparation, finished with a quick homemade gravy made from the cooking broth. Ideal for a healthy weeknight dinner with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)
For Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (more as needed)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
For Gravy
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water)
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry. Use paper towels to thoroughly dry each chicken breast. This helps to achieve a better sear during cooking.
- Mix the seasonings. In a small bowl, combine Italian seasoning, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper. Stir well to blend the spices evenly.
- Season the chicken. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over all sides of each chicken breast, ensuring an even coating for maximum flavor.
- Sear the chicken. Set your Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and heat the olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken breasts in batches if needed, and sear each side until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step locks in juices and adds flavor.
- Prepare for pressure cooking. Remove the chicken breasts and pour in the chicken broth. Scrape the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful browned bits. Place the trivet into the Instant Pot and set the chicken breasts on top of the trivet.
- Pressure cook the chicken. Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 5 minutes.
- Release the pressure. When cooking completes, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure before opening the lid.
- Make the gravy. Remove the chicken and trivet from the pot. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the broth inside the Instant Pot. Switch back to ‘Sauté’ mode and simmer until the broth thickens into a gravy-like consistency. Serve the gravy over the chicken and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry is key for a good sear and crust.
- If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can adapt this recipe using a pressure cooker or slow cooker with modifications.
- Allowing natural pressure release helps keep the chicken tender and juicy.
- The gravy can be customized by adding herbs or a splash of cream for richness.
- Seasoning quantities can be adjusted to taste or based on dietary restrictions.
