How Long Does It Take to Boil Chicken in the Instant Pot? (Ultimate Time Guide)

Have you ever found yourself staring at your chicken in the kitchen, wondering just how long it’ll take to cook it in your trusty Instant Pot? I’ve been there too! As a busy home cook, I’m always looking for shortcuts that don’t sacrifice quality, and the Instant Pot has been a total game-changer for me when it comes to cooking chicken quickly

Today, I’m breaking down exactly how long it takes to boil (or pressure cook) chicken in the Instant Pot, with a handy time chart and all the tips you need for perfectly tender, juicy chicken every time. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a quick dinner solution, this guide has got you covered!

Why Cooking Chicken in the Instant Pot Rocks

Before diving into the cooking times let’s talk about why the Instant Pot is such an amazing tool for cooking chicken

• Super time-efficient – cooks in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods
• Keeps chicken incredibly moist – the sealed environment traps steam and prevents drying out
• Hands-off cooking – set it and forget it until it beeps
• Can cook chicken from frozen – no more forgetting to thaw!
• Perfect for meal prep – make a big batch for the week ahead
• Infuses flavor deeply – pressure cooking forces seasoning into the meat

Instant Pot Chicken Cooking Time Chart

Here’s the comprehensive time chart for cooking different cuts of chicken in your Instant Pot

Important note: These times refer to the actual pressure cooking time. Your Instant Pot will take additional time to come to pressure (usually 10-15 minutes) and then you’ll need to account for pressure release time (5-10 minutes). So the total time from start to finish will be longer than just the cooking times listed above.

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfectly Boiled Chicken in the Instant Pot

Let me walk you through the simple process of cooking chicken in your Instant Pot:

1. Prepare your chicken – Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices.

2. Add liquid to the pot – Pour 1 cup of liquid (water or chicken broth) for a 6-quart Instant Pot, or 1½ cups for an 8-quart model.

3. Use the trivet – Place the trivet inside the Instant Pot and put your chicken on top in a single layer (don’t stack if possible).

4. Seal and set – Close the lid, make sure the pressure valve is set to “sealing,” and select high pressure for the appropriate time based on your cut of chicken.

5. Let it work its magic – Allow the Instant Pot to come to pressure and cook for the set time.

6. Release pressure – When cooking completes, you can either do a quick release (turn valve to “venting”) or natural release for 5-10 minutes before venting.

7. Check temperature – Always verify your chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F before consuming.

8. Rest before serving – Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing or shredding.

For Shredded Chicken Lovers

If you’re specifically looking to make shredded chicken, add 3 extra minutes to the cooking times above. This makes the chicken more tender and easier to shred. Once cooked:

1. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes
2. Use two forks to pull the chicken apart in opposite directions
3. For super easy shredding, you can also use a hand mixer or stand mixer!

I usually make a big batch of shredded chicken on Sundays so I can use it throughout the week for quick lunches and dinners. It’s great in sandwiches, salads, tacos, wraps, casseroles… the possibilities are endless!

Common Questions About Boiling Chicken in the Instant Pot

Can I stack chicken in the Instant Pot?

It’s best not to stack chicken pieces if possible. Placing them in a single layer (slight overlap is okay) ensures even cooking. If you must stack, you might need to increase the cooking time slightly and be sure to check the internal temperature.

How much chicken can I cook at once?

In a 6-quart Instant Pot, you can cook up to 5 pounds of chicken. In an 8-quart Instant Pot, you can cook up to 8 pounds. Just remember never to fill past the ⅔ fill line marked inside your pot.

What if my chicken isn’t fully cooked after the recommended time?

If your chicken hasn’t reached 165°F internal temperature, you can put it back in the Instant Pot for an additional 2-3 minutes. Or, you can finish it in the oven at 350°F until it reaches the safe temperature.

Is 20 minutes too long for chicken breast?

Some people worry that 20 minutes might be too long for chicken breasts. I personally find that 8 minutes for boneless breasts is perfect, but cook time can vary depending on the size and thickness of your chicken. If you’re cooking 4 pounds of chicken breasts at once, 20 minutes at high pressure with a quick release works well without drying them out.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes! That’s one of the best features of the Instant Pot. Just add about 3-5 minutes to the fresh cooking time when using frozen chicken. No need to thaw!

Storage Tips for Your Instant Pot Chicken

Once you’ve cooked your chicken, here’s how to store it:

• Refrigerator: Place in airtight containers and store for 3-4 days.
• Freezer: Divide into portion-sized containers and freeze for up to 3 months. I like to freeze in a single layer so I don’t end up with a chicken-sicle!
• Reheating: The best way to reheat without drying out is in the oven at 325-350°F for 20-25 minutes covered with foil. You can also reheat in the Instant Pot on the steam setting for 5 minutes.

Pro Tips for the Best Instant Pot Chicken

1. Use broth instead of water – Using chicken broth instead of water adds so much more flavor to your chicken.

2. Don’t forget to season – Even a simple salt and pepper makes a difference, but feel free to get creative with your favorite seasonings.

3. Save the cooking liquid – The broth left after cooking is liquid gold! Use it for soups, cooking rice, or making gravy.

4. Let it rest – Always let your chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.

5. For crispy skin – If you want crispy skin on bone-in chicken, transfer to the broiler for a few minutes after pressure cooking.

Wrapping It Up

The Instant Pot has revolutionized how I cook chicken, making it possible to have tender, juicy chicken on the table in under 30 minutes total time. Whether you’re making a simple chicken breast, a whole chicken, or a big batch of shredded chicken for meal prep, the Instant Pot delivers consistent results with minimal effort.

Remember that the actual cooking times (8-20 minutes depending on the cut) are just part of the equation. You’ll need to account for the time it takes for the pot to come to pressure and for the pressure to release. But even with these additional minutes, it’s still much faster than traditional cooking methods.

What’s your favorite way to use Instant Pot chicken? I’d love to hear your recipes and ideas in the comments below!

Happy cooking,
[Your Name]

P.S. Don’t forget to save that cooking liquid! It makes the most amazing base for soups and sauces.