Tiffany Haney
Cooking chicken breast in an Instant Pot is a quick and easy way to prepare chicken that can be used in a variety of dishes. The Instant Pot method can be used to cook fresh or frozen chicken breasts, and the pressure cooker setting helps to ensure that the chicken is juicy and tender. The cooking time will depend on the size and shape of the chicken breasts, as well as the model of Instant Pot being used, but typically ranges from 8 to 15 minutes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chicken Type | Boneless, skinless chicken breast |
| Chicken Quality | Good quality chicken |
| Chicken Temperature | Fresh or frozen |
| Chicken Size | Medium-sized (about 8 ounces) |
| Chicken Quantity | No limit |
| Chicken Seasoning | Salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, olive oil, etc. |
| Pot Size | No limit |
| Pot Type | Electric pressure cooker |
| Liquid | 1 cup of water or chicken broth |
| Trivet | Yes |
| Pressure Valve | Sealed |
| Pressure Level | High |
| Pressure Time | 8-10 minutes for fresh chicken, 10-12 minutes for frozen chicken |
| Pressure Release | Natural for 5 minutes, then "venting" |
| Internal Temperature | 165°F |
| Serving Suggestions | Salads, sandwiches, grain bowls, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Fresh vs. frozen chicken breast
Fresh and frozen chicken breasts have their own advantages and disadvantages. Fresh chicken is stored in the fridge and has a shorter shelf life, usually no more than a week. It has a firmer yet juicier texture and a more pronounced flavour. Fresh chicken is also preferred for dishes where the chef wants to highlight their cooking skills.
Frozen chicken, on the other hand, is convenient for those who don't have the time to cook fresh meat and is great if you want to buy in bulk or have chicken ready to go whenever you need it. It can be stored for several months and sometimes even up to a year if stored properly. The biggest downside is that it needs to be thawed before cooking, which can be time-consuming. Frozen chicken can sometimes have a softer or mushier texture due to the formation of ice crystals in the meat, which can break down muscle fibres after defrosting.
When it comes to cooking chicken breasts in an Instant Pot, you can use either fresh or frozen chicken. The cooking time will be slightly longer for frozen chicken breasts – around 8-10 minutes for fresh chicken and 10-12 minutes for frozen. It's important to ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit before consuming it.
Instant Pot chicken breasts are easy to make and can be customised with various seasonings and spices to suit your dish. Simply place the trivet in the bottom of the pot, add 1 cup of liquid (water, chicken broth, pineapple or apple juice), season the chicken, and pressure cook. You can also sear the chicken first by adding a bit of oil to the pot – canola or olive oil works well due to its high smoke point.
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Using a trivet
Next, place the chicken breasts on top of the trivet in a single layer. You can season the chicken with salt, pepper, or any other seasonings of your choice. Secure the lid of the instant pot and ensure that the vent is set to "sealed".
Cook the chicken on high pressure for 8-10 minutes for fresh chicken breasts and 10-12 minutes for frozen chicken. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the chicken breasts. After the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 5 minutes, and then release any remaining steam by turning the valve to the "venting" position.
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Timing and temperature
The timing and temperature for cooking chicken breasts in an Instant Pot vary depending on several factors, including the size of the chicken breasts, whether they are frozen or fresh, and the model of the Instant Pot.
For fresh chicken breasts, it is recommended to pressure cook on high for 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the breasts. The thicker the chicken breast, the longer the cooking time. For instance, chicken breasts that are under 2 inches in thickness should be cooked for 8 minutes, while those that are over 2 inches in thickness should be cooked for 10 minutes. If you are cooking thinly sliced chicken breasts, the cooking time will be shorter. The size of the chicken breasts also affects the time it takes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure, with larger breasts taking longer.
For frozen chicken breasts, the cooking time is typically 10-12 minutes, again depending on the thickness of the breasts. It is important to ensure that frozen breasts are separated and not stuck together in a clump before placing them in the Instant Pot. Frozen breasts also take longer for the Instant Pot to come to temperature, requiring an additional two to five minutes.
Regardless of whether the chicken breasts are fresh or frozen, it is recommended to allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes after the cooking cycle is complete. Then, the valve can be turned to "venting" to release any remaining steam.
The internal temperature of the chicken breasts is an important factor to consider. The FDA recommends that chicken reach an internal temperature of 165°F before consuming. It is suggested to use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the breast. If the chicken has not reached 165°F, it can be placed back in the Instant Pot with the lid on for 5 minutes to allow it to reach the desired temperature.
The model of the Instant Pot can also impact the cooking time, as some models run hotter or cooler than others. For example, one source mentions that their recipes are tested in a 6-quart model with Bluetooth, which typically results in a cooking time of 8-10 minutes for juicy chicken breasts.
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Seasoning and spices
Some common herbs and spices to use when cooking chicken breasts in an Instant Pot include Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika (sweet or smoked), salt, pepper, and dried thyme. You can also add lemon pepper for a tangy flavour. If you plan to use the chicken in other recipes, you may want to skip the paprika and thyme, and use black pepper instead of lemon pepper for a milder flavour.
You can combine your chosen spices in a small bowl and rub the mixture generously over the chicken breasts. If you have a favourite spice mix, you can make a large batch and store it in a jar to save time when preparing chicken.
Chicken breasts are lean, so adding a bit of fat to the cooking process can help keep the meat juicy. You can add some butter or oil to the pot to prevent the chicken from drying out. Using chicken broth or stock instead of water will also add more flavour.
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Sides and sauces
Chicken breasts cooked in an instant pot are versatile and can be incorporated into your favourite dish or served as is, paired with your favourite sides. Here are some side dish ideas:
- Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower
- Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes
- Air Fryer Green Beans
- Broccoli Casserole
- Creamy Cavatappi Pasta
- Mom's Homemade Buns
You can also serve the chicken with a variety of sauces such as teriyaki sauce or barbecue sauce.
Chicken cooked in an instant pot can be used in a variety of recipes such as chicken enchiladas, white chicken chilli, BBQ chicken pizza, chicken salad, quesadillas, sandwiches, pasta, and more.
For a simple and adaptable meal, cook chicken with a jarred sauce in the Instant Pot. You'll need chicken, a sauce, and a starch to soak up the sauce. Here's how to do it:
- Pour the sauce into the Instant Pot.
- Add the chicken and turn it with a fork or tongs to coat.
- Lock the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Press Cancel and let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes.
- Quick-release the remaining pressure and remove the lid.
- If the sauce seems thin, set the Instant Pot to Sauté and let it simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Press Cancel and stir in the butter, if using.
- While the sauce is simmering, shred the chicken with two forks.
- When the sauce is ready, return the chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
- Serve with your choice of starch and toppings.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can cook frozen chicken breasts in the Instant Pot. It will take about 12 minutes for the Instant Pot to come up to temperature and then another 10 to 15 minutes of cook time.
The cook time for chicken breast is determined by the size of the individual breasts, not the total amount of chicken. For chicken breasts that are under 2” thickness, cook for 8 minutes. For chicken breasts that are over 2” thickness, cook for 10 minutes.
Place the trivet that comes with the Instant Pot at the bottom of the pot. Add 1 cup of liquid to the instant pot (water, chicken broth, pineapple or apple juice). Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and place them in a single layer on the trivet. Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 8-12 minutes.
