Instant Pot Chicken Breast

Pressure-cooked chicken breast that stays juicy and tender in under 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this method ensures consistent, restaurant-quality results every time.

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Course: Instant pot

Cuisine: American, Meal Prep

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 8

Total Time: 18

Servings: servings

Calories: 280kcal

Author: Eva Stoner

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 lb/2 kg total)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

Truss chicken breasts with kitchen twine to even thickness
Press salt, pepper, and garlic powder onto both sides
Open Instant Pot, select 'Sauté' mode
Add olive oil, heat until shimmering
Sauté onion and garlic 2 minutes
Add chicken to pot and sear lightly (optional step, 1-2 minutes per side)
Quickly add chicken broth, ensuring it doesn't touch the chicken
Seal lid, set vent to 'Sealing'
Select 'Poultry' mode with 8-minute cook time
After cooking, allow 5 minutes natural release, then 5 minutes quick release
Open pot, transfer chicken to serving platter
Let rest 5 minutes before slicing

Notes

For extra juiciness, brine chicken in salted water for 1 hour before cooking
Substitute 1 cup cauliflower rice for the onion and garlic for carb reduction
Natural release time cannot be skipped for tender meat
Use meat thermometer to check internal temperature (165°F/74°C)
Trussing ensures even cooking

Nutrition