Juicy Tender Instant Pot Chicken Breasts (Fresh or Frozen) With Gravy

Introduction

Experience juicy, tender chicken breasts with minimal effort using the Instant Pot. Whether you’re starting with fresh or frozen meat, this recipe guarantees perfectly cooked chicken and a luscious homemade gravy—all in under 40 minutes! The secret lies in pressure cooking, which locks in moisture, flavor, and ensures the chicken never turns out dry or bland.

This dish is the ultimate time-saver for busy weeknights and is versatile enough to serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or alongside roasted vegetables. Plus, the Instant Pot transforms simple pantry staples into a meal the whole family will crave.

Why This Instant Pot Chicken Is a Must-Try

Effortlessly achieving restaurant-quality juiciness at home, this recipe solves the most common problem with chicken breasts: dryness. By using the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart, even frozen chicken becomes succulent, allowing you to whip up dinner straight from the freezer.

The classic, comforting gravy is made directly in the Instant Pot after cooking the chicken, preventing waste and minimizing cleanup. Customizable with your favorite herbs and spices, this dish adapts to whatever you have on hand.

Preparing Chicken Breasts for the Instant Pot

To ensure even cooking, slice overly thick chicken breasts horizontally on a sturdy Bamboo Cutting Board for Kitchen, Set of 3. Pat dry using Homaxy 100% Cotton Waffle Weave Kitchen Dish Cloths, 6-Pack, Dark Grey to help the seasoning adhere. If cooking from frozen, ensure the pieces aren’t stuck together for best texture.

For added flavor, spray the chicken lightly with a TrendPlain 16oz/470ml Olive Oil Sprayer for Cooking, Black before seasoning with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herbs.

Cooking Chicken Breasts (Fresh or Frozen) in the Instant Pot

Place the prepared chicken directly into the insert of your Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart with chicken broth or water. Lock the lid, set to ‘manual’ or ‘pressure cook,’ and adjust the time according to whether the chicken is fresh (8–10 minutes) or frozen (12–15 minutes).

For maximum juiciness, perform a natural pressure release for 5 minutes before quick-releasing the rest of the steam. Always check doneness with a reliable ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking—the internal temp should reach 165°F.

Making the Perfect Gravy

Remove chicken and set aside. To the cooking liquid, whisk in a slurry of cornstarch and water, then use the Instant Pot’s sauté function to thicken the gravy to your desired consistency. Stir frequently and season to taste.

Serve the chicken sliced or shredded (the Chicken Shredder Tool Twist for Kitchen, Elegant Black makes shredding effortless) and smothered with warm, rich gravy.

Serving Suggestions

This chicken and gravy is delicious over mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread, and pairs perfectly with steamed greens, a crisp salad, or roasted root vegetables. Store any leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) for easy meal prep and reheat throughout the week.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe makes about 4 servings. Each serving (with gravy) contains approximately 220–250 calories, depending on the size of the chicken breasts and the amount of gravy used. Low in fat and high in lean protein, it’s a healthful option for nearly any diet.

Juicy Tender Instant Pot Chicken Breasts (Recap)

Creating juicy, flavorful chicken from either fresh or frozen is easier than ever thanks to pressure cooking. With its savory homemade gravy and hassle-free preparation, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into comforting, family-pleasing fare in a fraction of the usual time.

Instructions

1. Pat chicken breasts dry and trim as needed. If very thick, slice in half for even cooking using a Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen, Set of 3.
2. Spray or lightly coat chicken with olive oil from a TrendPlain 16oz/470ml Olive Oil Sprayer for Cooking, Black. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
3. Pour chicken broth (or water) into the insert of your Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart. Place chicken breasts in the liquid in a single layer.
4. Seal lid and set to ‘Pressure Cook’—8 minutes for fresh chicken, 12 minutes for frozen. Allow a 5-minute natural release, then manually release any remaining pressure.
5. Remove cooked chicken and check doneness with a ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking (should register 165°F). Rest meat while you prepare the gravy.
6. Switch Instant Pot to sauté mode. Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then slowly whisk slurry into the hot cooking liquid. Cook, stirring, until gravy thickens. Season to taste.
7. Slice or shred chicken using a Chicken Shredder Tool Twist for Kitchen, Elegant Black and serve with gravy over your favorite side. Store extras in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) for easy reheating.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35–40 minutes (including pressure build and release)