Instant Pot Chicken Breast
Whether using fresh or frozen chicken breasts, this recipe will yield perfectly cooked, juicy chicken every single time with ease!
Servings: 12
Ingredients
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 to 1½ cups pineapple juice or chicken broth see recipe notes
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts into the inner pan of the Instant Pot. Sprinkle the chicken evenly with salt and minced garlic. Pour 1 cup of pineapple juice or chicken stock into a 3 or 6-quart Instant Pot and 1½ cups of liquid for an 8-quart Instant Pot.
- Close the lid and turn the vent to the closed (sealed) position.
- Set the cooking time using the manual or pressure cook button BASED on the size of the individual chicken breast, not the TOTAL weight. For 6-ounce chicken breast: 6 minutes on high pressure for fresh/thawed or 10 minutes on high pressure for frozen. For 8-ounce chicken breast: 7 minutes on high pressure for fresh/thawed or 11 minutes on high pressure for frozen. For 10-ounce chicken breast: 8 minutes on high pressure for fresh/thawed or 12 minutes on high pressure for frozen.
- Once the cooking time has elapsed, allow the pressure to release naturally on its own for at least 10 minutes. Then do a quick release of pressure if needed.
- Remove the chicken from the liquid and rest for 5-10 minutes. If desired, shred the chicken with ½ cup of cooking liquid and 2 forks or handheld mixer on low speed. Use or serve as desired.
Video
Notes
Determining Cook Time: You determine the cooking time for Instant Pot Chicken Breasts based on the size of individual breasts, not the total weight. Keep in mind it is best to cook chicken breasts that are approximately the same weight, so they all cook up evenly.
What if Chicken is Not Cooked? Chicken needs to reach 165℉ to be safe to eat. If the chicken is not at least 163℉ after pressure cooking, place the lid back on the pressure cooker and set the cooking time for 1-3 minutes based on how many degrees it needs to raise. Keep in mind that your chicken will rise a few degrees as it rests.
Pineapple Juice: Use canned, not refrigerated, pineapple juice for best results. If you don't have pineapple juice, use chicken broth/stock.
Seasoning: You may want to decrease the salt to 1 teaspoon if using chicken broth, as it is already salted. You can also opt to season the chicken breast with Seasoned Salt, Taco Seasoning, or simply salt and pepper if desired. You can also use 1 teaspoon garlic powder in place of minced garlic.
Storage: Keep the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 days. Or freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Calories: 141kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 519mg | Potassium: 446mg | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 35IU | Vitamin C: 3.6mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 0.5mg
