How Long to Cook Chicken Breast in an Instant Pot for Perfectly Juicy Meat

Cooking chicken breast in an Instant Pot may seem tricky because it’s easy to overcook and dry out this lean cut of meat. However, with the right timing, you can get tender, juicy chicken breast every time you use your Instant Pot. In this detailed guide, I’ll provide the exact time needed to cook chicken breast in an Instant Pot based on whether it’s bone-in vs boneless, fresh vs frozen, and whole chickens.

Why Choose the Instant Pot for Cooking Chicken Breasts?

The Instant Pot is my favorite way to cook chicken breasts because

• It cooks the chicken evenly and prevents it from drying out. The moist, high heat environment of the Instant Pot steams the chicken so it stays tender.

• Hands-off cooking Just set the timer and walk away. No need to constantly monitor chicken on the stovetop or in the oven.

• It’s fast! Chicken cooks in a fraction of the time compared to oven baking.

• You can cook frozen chicken breasts with no defrosting required.

So if you’ve struggled with dry, rubbery chicken breasts in the past, the Instant Pot is here to help! Follow my times below for guaranteed juicy results.

Complete Time Chart for Cooking Chicken Breasts in an Instant Pot

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts

• Small breasts (6-8 oz): Cook for 6 minutes with a quick release
• Medium breasts (8-12 oz): Cook for 8 minutes with a quick release
• Large breasts (12-14 oz): Cook for 10 minutes with a quick release

Note: For shredded chicken, add 2-3 minutes to the time above.

Bone-in, Skin-on Chicken Breasts

• 10-14 oz chicken breasts: Cook for 10 minutes with a quick release
• 16+ oz chicken breasts: Cook for 12 minutes with a quick release

Note: Use a meat thermometer to confirm 165°F in thickest part.

Frozen Boneless Chicken Breasts

• Small breasts (6-8 oz): Cook for 12 minutes with a quick release
• Medium breasts (8-12 oz): Cook for 14 minutes with a quick release
• Large breasts (12-14 oz): Cook for 16 minutes with a quick release

Frozen Bone-in Chicken Breasts

• 12-18 oz chicken breasts: Cook for 25 minutes with a quick release

Note: Use a meat thermometer to confirm 165°F in thickest part. Do not allow thermometer tip to touch bone.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooking Chicken Breasts in an Instant Pot

Follow these simple steps for perfect Instant Pot chicken breasts every time:

1. Place trivet inside Instant Pot inner pot.

2. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like.

3. Pour 1 cup chicken broth or water into pot.

4. Place chicken on trivet in a single layer.

5. Secure lid, making sure the valve is sealed. Select Manual/Pressure Cook and adjust time per chart above.

6. When timer goes off, turn valve to Quick Release to rapidly release pressure.

7. Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken has reached 165°F at thickest part. If not, return to pot and cook for 2-3 more minutes.

8. Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

And that’s it! Juicy, tender chicken in about 20 minutes total.

Handy Tips for Instant Pot Chicken Breasts

Here are some additional pointers to ensure success when making this easy Instant Pot chicken:

• Use similar-sized chicken breasts so they cook evenly.

• Don’t overload the pot. Chicken should lay in a single layer, not stacked.

• Use a trivet to elevate chicken over liquid.

• Quick release pressure right away for chicken breasts to prevent overcooking.

• Check internal temp with a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.

• Let chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing for juicier meat.

• Add broth or water to pot – 1 cup for a 6-quart IP, or 1 1⁄2 cups for an 8-quart.

• Cook from frozen using times above with no defrosting required.

FAQs About Cooking Chicken Breasts in an Instant Pot

Here are answers to some of the most common questions on making Instant Pot chicken breasts:

How many chicken breasts can I cook at once in my Instant Pot?

You can cook as many breasts as you can fit in a single layer, as long as they don’t go over the max fill line. Don’t stack breasts which can lead to uneven cooking.

Can I cook a whole chicken in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Use 1 minute per pound on Manual setting + 5-10 minutes. A 5 lb chicken would cook 20-25 minutes. Quick release pressure afterwards.

Why is my Instant Pot chicken breast rubbery?

If it’s rubbery and tough, it’s overcooked. Make sure to use the correct time based on size, and quick release pressure immediately after cooking.

Should I use a trivet for chicken breasts in an Instant Pot?

Yes, the trivet elevates chicken out of the liquid so it steams instead of boiling. This prevents it from overcooking.

How much liquid do I need for Instant Pot chicken breasts?

For a 6-quart Instant Pot, add 1 cup liquid. For an 8-quart, use 1 1⁄2 cups liquid to create enough steam. Water, broth, or wine work well.

Is it better to cook chicken on trivet or directly in liquid?

For chicken breasts, it’s best to use the trivet method to gently steam them. You can cook larger cuts like thighs or legs directly in liquid.

Can I let chicken breasts “natural release” pressure or is quick release better?

Always quick release pressure immediately after cooking chicken breasts. Allowing the pressure to naturally release will further cook the chicken and cause it to dry out.

More Delicious Ways to Use Instant Pot Chicken Breasts

Now that you know precisely how long to cook perfect chicken breasts in the Instant Pot, here are some of my favorite recipes to use them in:

• Easy Instant Pot Chicken Tacos – with salsa, beans, cheese and all the fixings

• Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup – classic comfort food made easy

• Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken – fiery and flavorful shredded chicken

• Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan – crispy breaded chicken topped with sauce and cheese

• Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala – aromatic, creamy Indian curry

• Instant Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls – cheesy goodness in a bowl

The possibilities are endless for turning Instant Pot chicken breasts into easy, delicious meals. Give one of these tasty recipes a try tonight!

Take the Guesswork Out of Instant Pot Chicken

Cooking chicken breast in the Instant Pot can feel tricky if you aren’t sure exactly how long to cook it, leading to dry disappointing results. But as you can see, it’s actually quite simple and foolproof when you follow the times provided!

In about 20 minutes, you can have a healthy batch of flavorful, juicy chicken ready to use in tacos, pasta, soup, salads, and so much more.

So take the guesswork and frustration out of cooking chicken breasts. Bookmark this handy Instant Pot time chart for tender, moist chicken every time! The Instant Pot makes cooking chicken breast easy breezy.