Perfect Instant Pot Chicken Breast Every Time: The Ultimate Cooking Time Guide

Ever stared at your Instant Pot wondering why those boneless chicken breasts came out drier than the Sahara? You’re not alone! As a devoted kitchen experimenter who’s ruined more chicken than I care to admit, I’ve finally cracked the code on how long to cook boneless chicken in an Instant Pot.

Those little boneless devils can be tricky – too little time and you’re playing chicken roulette with food safety, too much and you’re chewing on something resembling rubber. But don’t worry! After countless test batches (and a few disappointed dinner guests), I’ve put together this complete guide to help you achieve juicy, perfectly cooked chicken breasts every single time.

Why Cooking Time Matters So Much for Boneless Chicken

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are notorious in the culinary world for being finicky. They lack the fatty tissue bone and skin that give flavor and moisture to meat. Plus, they’re uneven – thick on one end and paper-thin on the other. No wonder they’re so easy to mess up!

But there’s good news. Your Instant Pot can be a chicken breast’s best friend when you know the right timing. The pressure cooking method helps lock in moisture while cooking quickly and evenly.

The Magic Numbers: Cooking Time Charts for Boneless Chicken

Let’s get right to what you came for – the exact cooking times! These have been tested repeatedly and confirmed with food thermometers to ensure safety and deliciousness.

Fresh Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast

Important: Always do a quick pressure release immediately after cooking is finished. Natural release will likely overcook your chicken breast!

Frozen Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast

Remember, the size of the individual chicken pieces is what matters most – not how many pieces you’re cooking. And always, ALWAYS check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F in the thickest part using a food thermometer.

What About Bone-In Chicken?

While we’re focused on boneless chicken, I thought I’d include this info for those days when you’ve got bone-in pieces instead:

Raw Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken Breast

Frozen Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken Breast

When checking bone-in chicken with a thermometer, make sure the tip doesn’t touch the bone – measure the meat only!

Common Mistakes That Ruin Instant Pot Chicken

I’ve made pretty much every mistake possible when cooking chicken in my Instant Pot. Learn from my fails:

1. Cooking pieces of different sizes together – The smaller pieces will be overcooked by the time the larger ones are done
2. Using natural release instead of quick release – This continues cooking the chicken and dries it out
3. Forgetting to turn off the “keep warm” feature – This slowly overcooks your chicken
4. Not using enough liquid – You need at least 1 cup of liquid for a 6-quart pot (1.5 cups for an 8-quart)
5. Skipping the resting period – Let your chicken rest 5 minutes before cutting to keep juices inside

Pro Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Chicken Every Time

After countless chicken experiments (my family has been very patient), here are my best tips:

Use a Trivet

The stainless steel trivet that came with your Instant Pot isn’t just a random accessory – it’s crucial! It elevates the chicken off the bottom of the pot to prevent scorching. I learned this one the hard way after several batches with a burned bottom.

Season Generously

Boneless chicken breasts are notoriously bland. Don’t be shy with seasonings! My go-to is:

• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• Any additional seasonings you love (garlic powder, paprika, herbs)

Brown First for Extra Flavor

This step is optional but makes a HUGE difference. Use the Sauté function to brown the chicken for 1-2 minutes per side before pressure cooking. This creates flavor through caramelization. Just remember to reduce your pressure cooking time by 1-2 minutes if you do this!

The Liquid Matters

While water works fine, using chicken broth instead adds so much more flavor. For even more oomph, try:

• Adding garlic cloves
• Tossing in some lemon slices
• Including a sprig of fresh herbs

How to Cook Boneless Chicken Breast in the Instant Pot: Step by Step

Alright, let’s put it all together with a simple recipe that you can customize however you want:

Ingredients

• 4-5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• Additional seasonings (optional)
• 1 cup water or chicken broth

Instructions

1. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings.

2. Pour water or chicken broth into the inner pot. Place chicken breasts directly in the liquid or on the trivet.

3. Secure the lid and set the valve to “sealing” position.

4. Choose your cooking time based on the charts above:

   • Fresh chicken: 6-10 minutes depending on size
   • Frozen chicken: 12-16 minutes depending on size

5. When cooking completes, immediately perform a quick pressure release by carefully moving the valve to “venting.”

6. Check the internal temperature with a food thermometer – it should be 165°F in the thickest part.

7. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

8. Optional: If you want a crispier finish, you can swap out the pressure cooker lid for an Air Fryer lid and cook for 1 minute, or use the Sauté function for 1 minute on each side.

Batch Cooking for Meal Prep

One of my favorite Instant Pot hacks is batch cooking chicken for the week. According to Instant Pot experts, you can cook as many chicken breasts as you want as long as they fit inside the inner pot without exceeding the maximum fill line.

For frozen chicken, I’ve found that placing them vertically rather than horizontally allows the steam to circulate better for more even cooking.

After cooking, you can:

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months
• Shred for easy use in multiple recipes (my family loves chicken quesadillas, enchiladas, and chicken salad)

Easy Shredding Hacks

If you’re batch cooking, try these shredding methods:

• Stand mixer method: Place cooked chicken in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment and run on medium-low speed
• Shredding scissors: These are a game-changer! You can shred the chicken right in the pot

Frequently Asked Questions

Does altitude affect cooking times?

Yes! If you’re above 5,000 feet, add 1 extra minute to the cooking times. IP Ultra and Max models can be customized to your specific altitude.

Can I overcook chicken in an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! Unlike slow cookers where longer times equal more tender meat, too much time in a pressure cooker creates dry, tough meat.

How do I prevent my chicken from being rubbery?

If your chicken comes out rubbery, it’s overcooked. Make sure you’re using the right time for your chicken size, doing a quick release, and not using the keep warm function.

Will cooking more chicken breasts change the cooking time?

Nope! The cooking time stays the same no matter how many pieces you add – the pot will just take longer to come to pressure.

The Bottom Line

Cooking boneless chicken breast in an Instant Pot isn’t rocket science, but it does require attention to detail. Focus on:

• Correct timing based on size
• Quick release method
• Checking internal temperature
• Letting the chicken rest

Master these elements, and you’ll never have to choke down dry, overcooked chicken breast again! I’d love to hear how these times work for you – everyone’s Instant Pot seems to have its own personality, so feel free to adjust slightly if needed.

Happy pressure cooking!