Instant Pot Chicken Breast (Fresh or Frozen) – Wholesome Yum
Introduction
If you’re looking for a foolproof way to make juicy, flavorful chicken breasts—whether they’re straight from the fridge or out of the freezer—the Instant Pot has your back. This Instant Pot Chicken Breast (Fresh or Frozen) recipe guarantees dinner on the table in under 30 minutes, with minimal prep and easy cleanup.
Perfect for meal preppers, busy weeknights, or anyone who wants reliably moist chicken every time, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser for its speed, simplicity, and consistent results.
Why This Instant Pot Chicken Breast Recipe Stands Out
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility: Forgot to thaw your chicken? No problem—frozen breasts cook up perfectly juicy in the Instant Pot. Thanks to even pressure cooking, you can expect deliciously tender chicken every single time, with endless possibilities for seasonings. Plus, the flavorful juices left in the pot make a fantastic base for quick sauces or gravies.
This is your go-to solution for shredded chicken to add to salads, tacos, bowls, or sandwiches, as well as for whole servings paired with your favorite sides.
Key Tips for Perfectly Cooked Chicken in the Instant Pot
– Always use similar-sized breasts (4–8 ounces each) for even cooking.
– For accurate results, it’s essential to use a reliable ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking so your chicken reaches 165°F.
– Lay the chicken in a single layer and use at least 1 cup of liquid—like water or broth—to build steam and keep the meat moist.
– Quick-release pressure after cooking to lock in juicy, tender texture.
How to Shred, Slice, and Store Your Chicken
After the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding. For fuss-free shredding, a dedicated Chicken Shredder Tool Twist for Kitchen makes the process quick and easy. Store leftovers in airtight Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers to keep them fresh for up to four days.
Serving Ideas for Instant Pot Chicken Breast
This versatile protein pairs beautifully with roasted veggies, salads, or your favorite starch. Toss sliced chicken into a lunch salad using the Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl for easy lunches on the go. Or, use shredded chicken as a base for tacos, casseroles, or soups.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
Each serving (based on 4- to 6-ounce chicken breasts, plain seasoning) is about 150–200 calories, high in lean protein, and virtually carb-free. Add sauces or sides to balance your meal as desired.
Instant Pot Chicken Breast (Recap)
This Instant Pot method works with both fresh and frozen chicken breast, delivering tender, juicy results every time with minimal effort. The flexible recipe welcomes your favorite spices, and the cooked chicken works in countless dishes for quick and healthy meals all week.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add 1 cup of broth or water to your Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart. Place the metal trivet in the bottom of the pot.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with Homaxy 100% Cotton Waffle Weave Kitchen Dish Cloths. Sprinkle both sides of the chicken evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer on the trivet (they can touch, but not overlap much).
- Seal the Instant Pot and cook:
- Fresh chicken: 5 minutes at high pressure
- Frozen chicken: 10 minutes at high pressure
- Allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then quick-release the remaining pressure. Check with your digital meat thermometer to ensure internal temp reaches 165°F. If not, cook an extra 1–2 minutes under pressure.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 2–3 minutes. Slice or shred as needed using a chicken shredder tool or two forks.
- Store any extras in airtight food storage containers for up to 4 days, or freeze for later use.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5–10 minutes (plus pressure build/release: ~15 minutes)
Total Time: 25–30 minutes
Enjoy juicy, versatile Instant Pot chicken breast any night of the week—whether you start with fresh meat or pull it straight from the freezer!