11 Easy Instant Pot Recipes Chicken Lovers Will Make on Repeat

Tired of wrestling with chicken dinners that end up dry, rubbery, or just plain boring? The weeknight scramble to get a delicious and healthy meal on the table is real. You’ve tried baking, pan-searing, and slow-cooking, but the results are often inconsistent, leaving you with more dishes to wash and a less-than-enthusiastic family. It feels like you have to choose between a meal that’s fast and a meal that’s actually good.

This cycle of dinner stress can be exhausting. You buy chicken breasts with the best intentions, only to watch them become tough and flavorless. You crave those tender, juicy, fall-apart chicken dishes you see online, but who has the time for complicated recipes or hours of simmering on a Tuesday night? You just want a foolproof way to make chicken that everyone will love, without spending your entire evening in the kitchen.

The Instant Pot revolutionizes chicken dinners by using pressure cooking to lock in moisture and flavor, turning even lean chicken breasts tender and juicy in under 30 minutes. It’s the ultimate tool for fast, reliable, and delicious weeknight meals. After countless tests and turning to our Instant Pot on busy nights, we’ve perfected the methods for getting moist, flavorful chicken every single time. We’re sharing our absolute favorites.

Why the Instant Pot is Your Secret Weapon for Perfect Chicken

The Instant Pot cooks chicken perfectly by using steam pressure, which keeps the meat incredibly moist and tender. For boneless chicken breasts, a typical cook time is 8-10 minutes on high pressure, followed by a 5-10 minute natural release to ensure juiciness. It’s a game-changer for several reasons:

• Locks in Moisture: The sealed pressure-cooking environment traps steam, forcing moisture into the meat. This is how it makes notoriously dry cuts like boneless, skinless chicken breast incredibly tender and juicy.
• Drastically Reduces Cooking Time: A whole chicken dinner that might take over an hour in the oven can be ready in about 30 minutes. It’s true set-it-and-forget-it cooking.
• Infuses Flavor Deeply: The high-pressure environment helps marinades and seasonings penetrate the chicken more effectively, resulting in a much more flavorful dish.
• One-Pot Wonder: Many recipes, like chicken and rice or stews, can be made entirely in the Instant Pot, from sautéing the aromatics to pressure cooking the main course. This means significantly less cleanup.

We always recommend a natural pressure release for at least 5-10 minutes for chicken breasts to allow the juices to redistribute, preventing that dreaded rubbery texture. A quick release is better for things like shredded chicken in a sauce where you don’t want it to overcook.

11 Easy Instant Pot Chicken Recipes You’ll Make on Repeat (Updated for 2025)

Each of these 11 recipes has been tested in our kitchen to ensure they are simple, reliable, and absolutely delicious. These are the recipes our own families request again and again, covering everything from essential meal prep to cozy comfort food and takeout-style favorites. You’re sure to find a new go-to weeknight dinner here.

1. The Ultimate Meal Prep: Instant Pot Shredded Chicken

This is the foundational recipe every Instant Pot owner should master. It creates perfectly moist shredded chicken that can be used all week for tacos, salads, sandwiches, and more.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup chicken broth or water
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Instructions:
  1. Pour chicken broth into the Instant Pot. Place the chicken breasts in the broth. Sprinkle with seasonings.
  2. Secure the lid and set the steam release to “Sealing”.
  3. Press “Pressure Cook” (or “Manual”) and set the timer for 10 minutes on high pressure.
  4. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 8-10 minutes before moving the valve to “Venting”.
  5. Carefully remove the chicken and shred with two forks or a hand mixer.

Pro-Tip: For extra flavor, add a bay leaf to the pot before cooking. For the fastest shredding, use a hand mixer directly in the pot (after draining most of the liquid) – it takes less than 30 seconds!

Pin this meal prep hack for later!

2. Sweet & Savory Weeknight Winner: Honey Garlic Chicken

This recipe delivers takeout-quality flavor in under 30 minutes, making it a family favorite for its sticky, sweet, and savory sauce that perfectly coats juicy chicken thighs.

• Ingredients:
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
  • Optional: sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. Set Instant Pot to “Sauté”. Add oil and brown the chicken pieces for 2-3 minutes.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Pour over the chicken.
  3. Cancel “Sauté”. Secure the lid, set valve to “Sealing”. Cook on high pressure for 3 minutes.
  4. When finished, perform a quick release by moving the valve to “Venting”.
  5. Set the pot back to “Sauté”. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens. Garnish and serve over rice.

Lesson Learned: Don’t skip browning the chicken! It only takes a couple of minutes but adds a much deeper layer of flavor to the final dish. Also, be sure to scrape the bottom of the pot after adding the sauce to prevent a burn warning.

Save this 30-minute dinner idea to your ‘Easy Recipes’ board!

3. One-Pot Comfort: Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

This is the ultimate one-pot meal that combines protein, carbs, and veggies for a complete, balanced dinner with minimal cleanup.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cubed
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 1.5 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 1.5 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup frozen peas or broccoli florets
• Instructions:
  1. Set Instant Pot to “Sauté”. Add oil, onion, and carrots. Cook for 3 minutes. Add chicken and brown lightly.
  2. Stir in the rinsed rice, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  3. Secure the lid, set valve to “Sealing”. Cook on high pressure for 3 minutes.
  4. Allow a 10-minute natural pressure release, then quick release any remaining pressure.
  5. Open the lid, stir in the frozen peas or broccoli (the residual heat will cook them), and fluff the rice with a fork.

Pro-Tip: Rinsing the rice is a crucial step! It removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming gummy. Don’t skip it for the best fluffy texture.

Need an easy one-pot meal? Pin this recipe now!

4. Sunday Dinner Classic: Chicken and Potatoes with Gravy

This recipe delivers that classic Sunday dinner feeling any night of the week, complete with tender chicken, creamy potatoes, and a rich, savory gravy made right in the same pot.

• Ingredients:
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1.5 lbs baby Yukon Gold potatoes, halved
  • 1.5 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • For Gravy: 2 tbsp cornstarch, 3 tbsp cold water
• Instructions:
  1. Place the trivet in the Instant Pot. Add potatoes and 1 cup of chicken broth.
  2. In a bowl, toss chicken with olive oil and seasonings. Place chicken on top of the trivet. Pour remaining 1/2 cup broth over chicken.
  3. Secure lid, set valve to “Sealing”. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
  4. Perform a quick release. Remove chicken and potatoes to a plate and cover to keep warm. Remove trivet.
  5. Set pot to “Sauté”. Whisk the cornstarch and cold water, then slowly whisk into the liquid in the pot. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until gravy thickens. Serve over chicken and potatoes.

Lesson Learned: Using the trivet is key. It keeps the chicken from boiling in the liquid, essentially steaming it so it stays incredibly moist while the potatoes cook perfectly underneath.

Get the ultimate comfort food recipe! Pin for your next Sunday dinner.

5. Taco Tuesday Hero: Instant Pot Salsa Chicken

This is the easiest and most versatile chicken taco recipe ever, requiring just a few ingredients and working perfectly with fresh or even frozen chicken breasts.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 (16 oz) jar of your favorite salsa
  • 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Instructions:
  1. Pour chicken broth and salsa into the Instant Pot.
  2. Add the chicken breasts and sprinkle the taco seasoning on top.
  3. Secure the lid, set valve to “Sealing”.
  4. Cook on high pressure. For FRESH chicken: 12 minutes. For FROZEN chicken: 16 minutes.
  5. Allow a 5-minute natural pressure release, then quick release the rest.
  6. Remove the chicken and shred it. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir it into the sauce.

Pro-Tip: This recipe is a lifesaver when you forget to thaw chicken! The Instant Pot cooks it perfectly from frozen. Just add a few extra minutes to the cook time.

Upgrade your Taco Tuesday! Pin this super easy recipe!

6. Cozy & Hearty: Instant Pot Chicken Stew

This is a big bowl of comfort, packed with tender chicken and veggies, that tastes like it simmered for hours but is ready in a fraction of the time.

• Ingredients:
  • 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 lb mini potatoes, halved
  • 2 large carrots, sliced
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary, 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 cup frozen peas
• Instructions:
  1. Set Instant Pot to “Sauté”. Add oil, onion, and celery and cook for 4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
  2. Pour in a splash of broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits.
  3. Add the remaining broth, chicken, potatoes, carrots, and herbs. Stir to combine.
  4. Secure the lid, set valve to “Sealing”. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
  5. Allow a 10-minute natural pressure release, then quick release.
  6. Stir in the frozen peas. For a thicker stew, blend 1 cup of the stew and return it to the pot.

Lesson Learned: Don’t skip the deglazing step! Those browned bits on the bottom of the pot are packed with flavor and scraping them up not only makes your stew taste better but also helps prevent the ‘burn’ notice.

Save this cozy stew recipe for a chilly day!

7. Creamy Tuscan Dream: Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken

This recipe delivers a restaurant-quality, creamy, and elegant chicken dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. The sun-dried tomatoes and spinach create a truly luxurious sauce.

• Ingredients:
  • 1.5 lbs chicken breasts, sliced into cutlets
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups fresh spinach
• Instructions:
  1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Using “Sauté” mode, sear chicken in olive oil for 2 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pot.
  3. Return chicken to the pot. Secure the lid, set valve to “Sealing”. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
  4. Quick release the pressure. Remove chicken.
  5. Set pot to “Sauté”. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer until sauce thickens slightly. Stir in spinach until wilted.
  6. Return chicken to the pot and coat with the sauce. Serve immediately, perhaps over pasta.

Pro-Tip: Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes and add a teaspoon of the oil to the pot when you sauté the garlic. It adds an incredible depth of flavor to the creamy sauce.

Bring the restaurant home! Pin this elegant dinner recipe.

8. Fresh & Zesty: Instant Pot Lemon Herb Chicken

This is a light, healthy, and incredibly flavorful chicken recipe perfect for when you’re craving something bright and fresh. The lemon and herbs create a zesty sauce that’s simply divine.

• Ingredients:
  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 1.5 cups chicken broth
  • Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp melted butter or olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
• Instructions:
  1. In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, melted butter, and oregano.
  2. Place the trivet in the Instant Pot and add the chicken breasts.
  3. Pour the lemon herb sauce over the chicken.
  4. Secure the lid, set valve to “Sealing”. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
  5. Allow a 10-minute natural pressure release, then quick release.
  6. Remove chicken. If desired, thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry on “Sauté” mode. Stir in fresh parsley before serving.

Lesson Learned: Zest the lemon before you juice it—it’s much easier! The zest contains essential oils that provide a powerful lemon flavor without making the dish too sour.

Pin this fresh and healthy dinner idea!

9. Effortless BBQ Pulled Chicken

This is a true dump-and-go recipe that yields tender, smoky, and sweet pulled chicken, perfect for sandwiches, nachos, or salads with minimal effort.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Instructions:
  1. In the Instant Pot, whisk together the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and smoked paprika.
  2. Add the chicken and turn to coat in the sauce.
  3. Secure the lid, set valve to “Sealing”. Cook on high pressure for 12 minutes.
  4. Allow a 10-minute natural pressure release, then quick release.
  5. Remove chicken and shred. Return the shredded meat to the pot and toss with the sauce. Serve on buns for sandwiches.

Pro-Tip: For a deeper, smokier flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke along with the BBQ sauce. It makes a huge difference and tastes like it’s been slow-cooked for hours.

Your go-to for game day! Pin this easy BBQ recipe.

10. Ultimate Comfort: Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings

This recipe is the definition of comfort food, made incredibly easy. Using refrigerated biscuit dough creates fluffy dumplings that cook perfectly in the creamy chicken stew.

• Ingredients:
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 cup sliced carrots
  • 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (like Pillsbury Grands!)
• Instructions:
  1. Place chicken, cream of chicken soup, broth, onion, celery, and carrots in the Instant Pot. Stir to combine.
  2. Secure the lid, set valve to “Sealing”. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
  3. Perform a quick release. Open the lid carefully.
  4. Cut each biscuit into 4 pieces. Drop the pieces into the simmering liquid in the pot.
  5. Place the lid back on (do not set to seal). Let the dumplings cook in the hot liquid for about 10 minutes until puffed up and cooked through.

Lesson Learned: Don’t overcrowd the dumplings! Drop them in one by one and try not to let them touch too much. This ensures they cook evenly and don’t turn into one giant dough ball.

Pin the ultimate comfort food for a cozy night in!

11. Fast & Fun: Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas

Get that sizzling, restaurant-style fajita experience at home with this simple one-pot recipe. The chicken becomes incredibly tender and the veggies are perfectly crisp-tender.

• Ingredients:
  • 1.5 lbs chicken breasts, thinly sliced
  • 2 bell peppers (different colors), sliced
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 1 packet (1 oz) fajita seasoning
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Toppings: Tortillas, sour cream, salsa, guacamole
• Instructions:
  1. Toss sliced chicken with the fajita seasoning.
  2. Set Instant Pot to “Sauté”. Add oil and sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes. Remove chicken.
  3. Add the onions and peppers to the pot and sauté for 3 minutes until slightly softened.
  4. Return the chicken to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth.
  5. Secure the lid, set valve to “Sealing”. Cook on high pressure for 2 minutes.
  6. Perform a quick release. Stir everything together and serve immediately with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings.

Pro-Tip: To prevent the peppers from getting too mushy, slice them a little thicker than you normally would. The short, 2-minute cook time is just enough to make them tender-crisp.

Make it a fiesta night! Pin this easy fajita recipe!

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to instant pot recipes chicken

Mastering chicken in your Instant Pot is easy when you remember these simple rules. Keep this checklist handy for perfect results every time.

• Always Use Liquid: The Instant Pot needs at least 1/2 to 1 cup of thin liquid (like broth or water) to build pressure and avoid a “burn” warning.
• Master the Release: Use a Natural Pressure Release (NPR) for at least 8-10 minutes for whole chicken breasts to keep them tender. Use a Quick Release (QR) for chopped chicken in sauces to prevent overcooking.
• Season Generously: Pressure cooking can sometimes mute flavors, so don’t be shy with your salt, pepper, and herbs.
• Frozen is Fine: You can cook chicken from frozen! Just add about 50% to the standard cooking time (e.g., 10 minutes for fresh becomes 15-16 minutes for frozen).
• Deglaze for Flavor: After sautéing, always pour in a little liquid and scrape the bottom of the pot to incorporate flavorful browned bits and prevent burn errors.

People Also Ask About instant pot recipes chicken

Here are answers to some of the most common questions we get about cooking chicken in the Instant Pot.

Can you put raw chicken in the instant pot?

Absolutely. The Instant Pot is designed to cook raw chicken, both fresh and frozen, to a safe internal temperature quickly and efficiently. Simply place the raw chicken in the pot with your liquid and seasonings, and the pressure cooking process will cook it through completely, making it tender and juicy.

Why is my chicken rubbery in Instant Pot?

Rubbery chicken from an Instant Pot is almost always caused by two things: overcooking or performing a quick pressure release too soon. For chicken breasts, it’s crucial to use a natural pressure release for at least 8-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute back into the meat, keeping it tender instead of tough and dry.

Do you have to brown chicken before Instant Pot?

You do not have to brown chicken before pressure cooking, and it will still cook safely and be moist. However, browning the chicken using the “Sauté” function adds a deep, rich flavor (from the Maillard reaction) to your final dish. For recipes where flavor complexity is key, it’s a highly recommended step that only takes a few extra minutes.

Final Thoughts

The Instant Pot truly is a game-changer for anyone who loves chicken but is short on time. With these 11 recipes, you’re well on your way to mastering delicious, juicy, and stress-free chicken dinners. We hope you’ve found a new weeknight favorite to add to your rotation! Which recipe are you most excited to try first? Let us know in the comments below.