How Long to Cook Bone-In Chicken Breasts in an Instant Pot for Perfectly Juicy Chicken

Instant Pot cooking bone-in chicken breasts is a quick and easy way to make chicken that is very juicy and tender. The pressurized environment helps the meat get flavorful and cooks it evenly without drying it out.

Benefits of Using an Instant Pot for Bone-In Chicken Breasts

There are several advantages to using an Instant Pot to cook bone-in chicken breasts:

• Fast cooking time – Chicken breasts cook in just 10-15 minutes in the Instant Pot, perfect for weeknight dinners. No need to slave over the stove.

• Juicy and tender results – The pressurized steam environment prevents chicken from drying out resulting in very moist meat.

• Infuses flavor – Cooking chicken breasts in liquid builds more flavor into the meat.

• Cooks evenly—Pressure cooking evens out the heat so that chicken breasts are cooked all the way through without being too done or too raw.

• You can use frozen chicken—you don’t have to let chicken thaw first; you can cook frozen chicken breasts right from the freezer.

How Long to Cook Fresh Bone-In Chicken Breasts

For fresh, never frozen bone-in chicken breasts the cook time in an Instant Pot is

• Small breasts (6-8 oz) – Cook for 10 minutes on HIGH pressure

• Medium breasts (8-12 oz) – Cook for 12 minutes on HIGH pressure

• Large breasts (12-16 oz) – Cook for 15 minutes on HIGH pressure

How long it takes to cook depends on how big the chicken breasts are. It takes a few more minutes to cook through bigger, thicker chicken breasts.

After cooking under pressure, allow 10 minutes for natural pressure release before opening the lid. Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving.

How Long to Cook Frozen Bone-In Chicken Breasts

Cooking frozen bone-in chicken breasts in the Instant Pot takes just a little bit longer:

• Small frozen breasts – Cook 15 minutes

• Medium frozen breasts – Cook 18 minutes

• Large frozen breasts – Cook 22 minutes

Remember to account for the extra frozen time when planning your meal prep!

Follow the same steps for natural pressure release and resting.

Step-By-Step Instant Pot Bone-In Chicken Breasts

Cooking bone-in chicken breasts in the Instant Pot couldn’t be easier:

1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper or other spices.

2. Add 1 cup water or broth to Instant Pot inner pot.

3. Place seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer on top of a trivet or steamer basket.

4. Lock lid, making sure the pressure valve is sealed. Select High Pressure and set time based on size of breasts and whether fresh or frozen.

5. When cook time is complete, allow 10 minutes natural pressure release before turning valve to quick release remaining steam.

6. Remove chicken breasts and optionally broil 3-5 minutes to crisp skin.

7. Let chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

It’s really that simple for juicy, delicious bone-in chicken breast on your dinner table fast!

Tips for the Best Instant Pot Bone-In Chicken Breasts

Here are some tips and tricks for perfect bone-in chicken breast every time in the Instant Pot:

• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help seasoning adhere

• Use a trivet or steamer basket so chicken isn’t sitting in the liquid

• Add aromatics like garlic, herbs, citrus, or onion to the cooking liquid for extra flavor

• For crispier skin, broil in the oven after pressure cooking

• Use natural pressure release for 10 minutes before quick releasing

• Always allow chicken to rest 5-10 minutes before cutting for juicier meat

• Use an instant read thermometer to check doneness (165°F)

Flavoring Your Instant Pot Bone-In Chicken Breasts

One of the benefits of Instant Pot chicken is it takes on lots of flavor from the cooking liquid. Try these flavorful options:

• Chicken broth or stock

• Low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos

• Lemon or lime juice and zest

• White wine or beer

• Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, oregano

• Smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder

• Minced garlic

• Diced onion, shallots, celery

Get creative with spices and aromatics for chicken that’s bursting with flavor!

Serving and Meal Ideas for Instant Pot Bone-In Chicken Breasts

Bone-in chicken breasts cooked in the Instant Pot are extremely versatile. Here are some serving ideas:

• Slice and serve over rice, roasted veggies, or salad

• Shred chicken and use for tacos, nachos, quesadillas, sandwiches

• Dice chicken and add to soups, pastas, casseroles

• Mix shredded chicken with barbecue sauce for sliders

• Toss diced chicken with buffalo sauce, ranch, and blue cheese for buffalo chicken wraps

• Make chicken salad with shredded chicken, mayo, celery, and dried cranberries

The possibilities are endless for homemade instant pot shredded chicken!

Common Questions

How long does it take to cook 4 bone-in chicken breasts in the Instant Pot?

For 4 medium frozen chicken breasts, cook for 22 minutes on High Pressure. Allow 10 minutes natural pressure release before quick releasing remaining steam.

Can you cook a whole chicken in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Cook 6 minutes per pound on High Pressure for whole chickens. A 3-4 pound chicken takes 18-24 minutes. Let stand 10-15 minutes before carving.

Do you need liquid to cook chicken in an Instant Pot?

Yes, the Instant Pot requires liquid to pressurize and create steam. Use at least 1 cup water, broth, or sauce.

What happens if I undercook chicken in the Instant Pot?

If chicken is undercooked, place it back in the Instant Pot and cook for a few more minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Can I cook more than one layer of chicken in the Instant Pot?

It’s best to place chicken in a single layer on a trivet or steamer basket. Stacking may lead to uneven cooking.

Is Instant Pot chicken moist?

Yes! The pressurized environment locks in steam so chicken breasts cooked in an Instant Pot are very moist and tender.

For Delicious Instant Pot Bone-In Chicken, Follow the Cook Times

Cooking bone-in chicken breasts in the Instant Pot is an easy way to enjoy a fast weeknight dinner with incredibly moist, fall-off-the-bone chicken.

Just follow the recommended cook times based on the size of your chicken breasts. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before quick releasing, then let the chicken rest before serving.

In less than 30 minutes, you can go from frozen chicken to amazing Instant Pot chicken dinner!