Instant Pot
Instant Pot Chicken Breast
This is the base recipe worth having on hand for busy weeks: Instant Pot chicken breast, cooked from fresh or straight from frozen, that stays juicy and shreds easily. Use it plain in salads and bowls, or season it however a specific meal calls for.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Works from fresh or frozen chicken
- Comes out juicy, never dry or stringy
- Shreds easily for tacos, salads and bowls
- Ready in about 25 minutes total
Ingredients
Full ingredient list below — check off items as you shop or cook.
Instructions
- Pour the chicken broth into the Instant Pot insert and place the trivet inside, or simply add the chicken directly to the liquid.
- Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper, and place them in the pot.
- Secure the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes if fresh, or 12 minutes if frozen.
- Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
- Check the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C); if not, reseal and cook a few minutes longer.
- Shred with two forks or slice, tossing with a bit of the cooking liquid to keep it moist.
Tips for success
- Frozen chicken breasts work great in the Instant Pot — no need to thaw first, just add a few extra minutes.
- Save the cooking liquid; it doubles as a light broth or can be stirred back into shredded chicken to keep it moist.
- For extra flavor, swap plain broth for broth plus a splash of lime juice or a spoonful of taco seasoning.
- This method scales up easily — just keep chicken in a single layer as much as possible for even cooking.
Frequently asked questions
Can I cook chicken breast from frozen in the Instant Pot?
Yes, that's one of its biggest advantages — cook frozen breasts on high pressure for about 12 minutes, versus 8 minutes for fresh.
Why is my Instant Pot chicken breast rubbery?
Overcooking is the usual cause; stick close to the recommended times and always check with a thermometer rather than guessing.
What can I make with shredded Instant Pot chicken?
Tacos, chicken salad, soups, quesadillas, and grain bowls are all great uses.
Do I need a trivet for this recipe?
A trivet isn't strictly necessary since the chicken cooks directly in the liquid, but it can make removal a bit easier.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories | 238 |
| Protein | 35g |
| Carbs | 1g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Sodium | 480mg |
| Sugar | 0g |
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary based on exact ingredients and brands used.
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