Instant Pot Chicken Breast (Fresh or Frozen)

Instant Pot chicken breast is one of my favorite meal prep shortcuts because it comes out juicy, tender, and ready to use in so many different meals. Whether you're cooking fresh or frozen chicken breasts, the Instant Pot makes it easy to have perfectly cooked chicken for salads, sandwiches, soups, tacos, and more.

In this guide, I'll show you exactly how long to cook chicken breast in the Instant Pot, including fresh, frozen, and bone-in chicken breasts, plus my best tips for keeping them juicy every time.

How Long to Cook Chicken Breast in the Instant Pot

One of the most common questions I get is how long to cook chicken breast in the Instant Pot. The answer depends on whether you're cooking fresh or frozen chicken breasts and how large they are.

For fresh boneless skinless chicken breasts, I recommend pressure cooking on high for 5 to 7 minutes followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release. Smaller chicken breasts need less time, while larger breasts need a little more.

Frozen chicken breasts take slightly longer and usually need 8 to 12 minutes under high pressure with a 10-minute natural pressure release.

No matter which type you're cooking, the best way to know when they're done is to check the thickest part with a meat thermometer. Chicken breast is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Use the chart below as a quick reference for perfectly cooked Instant Pot chicken breast every time.

Chicken Type	Pressure Cook	Natural Release
Small fresh breasts	5 min	10 min
Medium fresh breasts	6 min	10 min
Large fresh breasts	7 min	10 min
Small frozen breasts	8 min	10 min
Medium frozen breasts	10 min	10 min
Large frozen breasts	12 min	10 min
Bone-in breasts	13 min	10 min

Ingredients You'll Need

One of the best things about making chicken breast in the Instant Pot is that you only need a few simple ingredients. You can keep the seasoning basic for meal prep or customize it depending on how you plan to use the chicken.

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: You can use fresh or frozen chicken breasts. Try to choose pieces that are similar in size so they cook evenly.
• Chicken broth or water: The Instant Pot pressure cooker needs liquid to come to pressure. I prefer chicken broth because it adds a little extra flavor.
• Garlic powder: An easy way to add flavor without any extra prep.
• Kosher salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavor of the chicken.
• Black pepper: Adds a little warmth and balances the seasoning.

See the recipe card below for exact measurements.

How to Cook Instant Pot Chicken Breast

Instant Pot Chicken Breast Cook Times

The cooking time for chicken breast in the Instant Pot depends on whether the chicken is fresh or frozen and how large the pieces are. Smaller chicken breasts cook more quickly, while larger chicken breasts need a few extra minutes.

For the juiciest results, I recommend letting the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes before releasing any remaining pressure. This helps the chicken finish cooking gently and stay moist.

Use the chart above as a guide, but always check the thickest part of the chicken with a meat thermometer. Chicken breast is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

If your chicken is slightly undercooked, simply put the lid back on the Instant Pot and let it sit in the hot liquid for 5 more minutes. The residual heat is usually enough to finish cooking it through.

Tips for Juicy Instant Pot Chicken Breast

Chicken breast can go from juicy to dry pretty quickly, so here are my best tips for getting great results every time.

• Use chicken breasts that are similar in size so they cook evenly.
• Don't skip the 10-minute natural pressure release. This helps the chicken finish cooking gently and stay tender.
• Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Chicken breast is fully cooked at 165°F.
• If your chicken is slightly undercooked, put the lid back on and let it sit in the hot liquid for a few more minutes instead of starting another pressure cooking cycle.
• Use chicken broth instead of water for extra flavor.
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to help keep the juices inside.
• For shredded chicken, mix in a little of the cooking liquid after shredding to keep it moist and flavorful.
• Be careful not to overcook. Larger chicken breasts need more time than smaller ones, so use the cook time chart above as a guide.

Why Is My Instant Pot Chicken Breast Dry?

If your Instant Pot chicken breast turned out dry, it was likely overcooked. Chicken breasts can vary quite a bit in size and thickness, so the same cook time won't work perfectly for every package of chicken.

Another common cause is skipping the natural pressure release. Letting the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes helps the chicken finish cooking more gently and retain more moisture.

Using a meat thermometer is the best way to prevent dry chicken. Remove the chicken once the thickest part reaches 165°F. Cooking it much beyond that temperature can cause it to become tough and dry.

If you're planning to shred the chicken, try mixing in a little of the cooking liquid after shredding. This adds moisture and extra flavor, making the chicken perfect for recipes like Chicken Salad, White Chicken Chili, Buffalo Chicken Wraps, and Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole.

Ways to Use Instant Pot Chicken Breast

One of the reasons I make Instant Pot chicken breast so often is that it can be turned into so many different meals throughout the week. You can slice it, dice it, or shred it depending on how you plan to use it.

• Make a quick Chicken Salad for lunches and meal prep.
• Add shredded chicken to White Chicken Chili for an easy high-protein dinner.
• Use it as the filling for burrito bowls, or taco salads.
• Stir it into Buffalo Chicken Dip for game day or an easy appetizer.
• Layer it into a chicken caesar wrap for an easy grab-and-go meal.
• Use it as a shortcut protein for weekly meal prep so you always have cooked chicken ready to go.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover chicken breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

For longer storage, let the chicken cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags and freeze for up to 4 months. I like to portion the chicken before freezing so I can thaw only what I need for recipes, salads, or meal prep.

To reheat, warm the chicken gently in the microwave or in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to help keep it moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seasoning Variations

Use one of these seasoning blends depending on how you plan to use the chicken.

Mexican

1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon oregano

Great for tacos, burrito bowls, taco salads, and enchiladas.

Italian

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder

Perfect for pasta dishes, salads, and casseroles.

BBQ

1 tablespoon BBQ seasoning or dry rub

Great for shredded chicken sandwiches and meal prep.

Buffalo

Cook the chicken as directed, then shred and toss with buffalo sauce.

Perfect for wraps, salads, and Buffalo Chicken Dip.

Recipe Card