Instant Pot Juicy Chicken Breasts

Instant Pot Juicy Chicken Breasts

This recipe creates tender and flavorful chicken breasts in your Instant Pot. The total time is around 30 minutes, making it a great weeknight meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 oz each)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried herbs (Italian seasoning, thyme, or oregano)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Cooking Guide:

1. Season the chicken: In a small bowl, combine the dried herbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the spice mixture generously over each chicken breast.

2. (Optional) Sear the chicken: Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” and add the olive oil. Once hot, sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side. This step adds a nice browned exterior, but is not required for juicy results.

3. Pressure cook: Add the chicken broth to the Instant Pot. Place the trivet inside and arrange the chicken breasts on top in a single layer. If you seared the chicken, deglaze the pot by scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon.

4. (Optional) Add butter: For extra moistness, place a pat of butter on top of each chicken breast.

5. Cook: Close the lid and ensure the pressure valve is set to “Sealing.” Pressure cook on HIGH for 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts.

6. Natural release: After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. Then, carefully release any remaining pressure manually.

7. Serve: Remove the chicken breasts from the Instant Pot and shred with two forks, or slice them if preferred. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Tips:

• Chicken thickness: If your chicken breasts are very thick, you may need to adjust the cooking time by a few minutes.
• Flavor variations: Get creative with the seasonings! Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick, or swap the dried herbs for a different blend.
• Leftovers: This chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s perfect for meal prep or quick lunches.
• Chicken broth: You can substitute low-sodium chicken broth for a healthier option.