🍲 Instant Pot Chicken Recipes | Easy, Flavorful & Family-Friendly

Last updated: September 21, 2025 at 4:18 am by Admin

Looking for a dinner that’s quick, comforting, and bursting with flavor? 

These Instant Pot chicken recipes are a total game-changer. With minimal prep, just one pot, and a fraction of the time traditional cooking takes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in under 30 minutes.

Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent juggling mealtime chaos, or simply someone who wants maximum flavor with minimal effort, this recipe is perfect for you. 

Imagine juicy, tender chicken infused with spices, simmering in a savory sauce—all done while you barely lift a finger.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
  
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
  
• Total Time: 30 minutes
  
• Serves: 4
  

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast & easy – Ready in just 30 minutes.
  
• One-pot wonder – Less mess, fewer dishes.
  
• Family-approved – A hit with kids and adults.
  
• Customizable – Works with different spices, sauces, and sides.
  
• Meal-prep friendly – Stores well for busy weeks.
  

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Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need for this classic Instant Pot chicken recipe:

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for juicier meat)
  
• 1 tbsp olive oil (substitute: avocado oil or butter)
  
• 1 medium onion, diced
  
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
  
• 1 cup chicken broth (substitute: vegetable broth)
  
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  
• 1 tsp paprika
  
• 1 tsp dried oregano
  
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  
• ½ tsp black pepper
  
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional for heat)
  
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (substitute: coconut aminos)
  
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
  
• Fresh parsley for garnish
  

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How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Recipes

Follow these simple steps for a foolproof chicken dish:

1. Sauté aromatics – Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Heat olive oil, then add onion and garlic. Cook until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
   
2. Add chicken – Place chicken breasts in the pot. Lightly sear both sides for flavor.
   
3. Season & liquid – Add paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, soy sauce, lemon juice, and chicken broth. Stir well.
   
4. Pressure cook – Close the lid, set valve to Sealing, and cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes.
   
5. Natural release – Allow 5 minutes natural release, then quick release remaining pressure.
   
6. Add tomatoes – Stir in diced tomatoes and let sit for 2 minutes.
   
7. Serve – Slice chicken, top with parsley, and serve with your favorite sides.
   

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Recipe Tips & Variations

• 🥩 Protein swap – Use turkey, shrimp, or even tofu for a twist.
  
• 🍋 Flavor boost – Add fresh lemon zest, ginger, or smoked paprika.
  
• 🥦 Veggie upgrade – Toss in bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini before sealing the pot.
  
• 🍝 Meal variation – Shred chicken after cooking and mix with pasta, rice, or wraps.
  
• ❌ Avoid mistakes – Don’t overfill the Instant Pot (it needs liquid space). Also, avoid cooking frozen chicken without adjusting time.
  

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What to Serve It With

• Rice – White rice, brown rice, or quinoa.
  
• Pasta – Penne or spaghetti with olive oil drizzle.
  
• Salads – Fresh green salad, cucumber-tomato salad, or Caesar salad.
  
• Bread – Garlic bread, naan, or dinner rolls.
  

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Storage & Reheating Tips

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  
• Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 3 months.
  
• Reheating: Warm on stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth to keep chicken moist.
  

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Nutrition Info (per serving)

• Calories: ~280
  
• Protein: 34g
  
• Fat: 10g
  
• Carbs: 12g
  
• Fiber: 2g
  

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📝 Printable Recipe Card

Instant Pot Chicken Recipe

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
  
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
  
• Serves: 4
  

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken breasts
  
• 1 tbsp olive oil
  
• 1 onion, diced
  
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
  
• 1 cup chicken broth
  
• 1 can diced tomatoes
  
• 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp oregano
  
• 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper
  
• 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp lemon juice
  
• Fresh parsley
  

Instructions

1. Sauté onion & garlic in Instant Pot.
   
2. Add chicken, sear lightly.
   
3. Add broth, seasonings, soy sauce, lemon juice.
   
4. Pressure cook 10 minutes.
   
5. Natural release 5 minutes.
   
6. Stir in tomatoes.
   
7. Garnish with parsley & serve.
   

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FAQs About Instant Pot Chicken Recipes

Q1: Can I cook frozen chicken in the Instant Pot?
Yes, but add 5–7 minutes to cooking time.

Q2: How do I know if my chicken is cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer—internal temp should reach 165°F (74°C).

Q3: Can I use bone-in chicken?
Absolutely! Just increase cook time to 15 minutes.

Q4: Do I need to marinate the chicken first?
Nope—seasonings and broth in the Instant Pot infuse flavor quickly.

Q5: Can I double this recipe?
Yes, but make sure not to exceed the pot’s max fill line.

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Conclusion

Instant Pot chicken recipes are the perfect mix of speed, flavor, and convenience. With just a few ingredients and 30 minutes, you can serve a restaurant-worthy dish at home. It’s flexible, meal-prep friendly, and loved by the whole family. Try it tonight, and it might just become your go-to chicken dinner.