How Long to Cook Chicken Breast in the Instant Pot for Perfectly Tender Meat

Learn how to make Instant Pot shredded or pulled chicken breast in under 30 minutes. Simple, flavorful recipe for juicy, tender shredded chicken every time!.

Cooking chicken breast in the Instant Pot can seem daunting for many home cooks. Chicken breast is notorious for drying out and becoming rubbery when overcooked. However, with the right timing, the Instant Pot can produce incredibly moist, delicious chicken breast every time.

This article will tell you everything you need to know to use your Instant Pot to cook juicy, tender chicken breasts.

Suggested cook times based on fresh vs. frozen and bone-in vs. boneless
How to quick release vs. natural release pressure
Resting, shredding, and storing tips
Flavor boosting ideas like sautéing and seasoning
Recommended liquid amounts

We’ll also answer some of the most common questions people have about cooking chicken breast in an Instant Pot, so you can get the best results.

Cook Times for Chicken Breasts in the Instant Pot

The most important factor in determining Instant Pot chicken breast cook time is the thickness and size of the pieces, not the number you are cooking. Here are suggested cook times:

Fresh Boneless Chicken Breasts

Small breasts (7-9 oz): 6 minutes
Medium breasts (9-12 oz): 8 minutes
Large breasts (12-14 oz): 10 minutes

Frozen Boneless Chicken Breasts

Small breasts (6-8 oz): 12 minutes
Medium breasts (9-11 oz): 14 minutes
Large breasts (12-14 oz): 16 minutes

Fresh Bone-In Chicken Breasts

10-14 oz: 10 minutes
16+ oz: 12 minutes

Frozen Bone-In Chicken Breasts

12-18 oz: 25 minutes

Make sure to use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken breast reaches 165°F, no matter what size or type it is. Avoid touching the bone when checking temperature.

Quick Release vs. Natural Release

For boneless chicken breasts, a quick pressure release is recommended to prevent overcooking.

For bone-in or shredded chicken, let the pressure go down naturally for 5 minutes and then quickly let it go down again.

Resting, Shredding and Storing Chicken

After cooking, let chicken breasts rest 5 minutes before slicing or shredding to allow juices to redistribute.

To shred, use two forks to pull chicken apart once cooled slightly.

Store whole breasts up to 4 days refrigerated. Shredded chicken keeps 3-4 days refrigerated.

Boost Flavor

For added flavor, sauté chicken first with seasoning. You can also brine chicken breasts before cooking.

When cooking, sprinkle with salt, pepper, or other spices of your choice.

Liquid Amount

Use 1 cup liquid for a 6-qt Instant Pot or 1 1/2 cups for an 8-qt model. Water, broth, or wine work well.

Common Questions

Can you overcook chicken in the Instant Pot?

Yes, chicken can overcook and dry out if cooked too long. Follow suggested cook times based on size.

Does altitude affect cook time?

At higher altitudes above 4000 feet, add 1 extra minute to the cook time.

What temperature should chicken breast reach?

Chicken breasts should reach an internal temp of 165°F. Overcooking will dry out the meat.

Why is my chicken rubbery?

Rubbery chicken is overcooked. Make sure to use cook times based on the size of the breasts.

How much liquid is needed in the Instant Pot?

Use 1 cup liquid for a 6-qt or 1 1/2 cups for an 8-qt Instant Pot.

Can you cook frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, just add 5 extra minutes to the cook time for frozen chicken breasts.

Can you cook a lot of chicken at once?

As long as all the chicken fits below the max fill line, you can cook multiple breasts using the same cook time.

Is quick release better for chicken breasts?

Quick release prevents overcooking especially for boneless breasts. For bone-in, do a 5 minute natural release first.

Putting It All Together

Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and any other spices desired.
Add 1 cup (6-qt) or 1 1/2 cups (8-qt) liquid to Instant Pot. Place chicken breast inside.
Select high pressure and set cook time based on size of chicken breasts.
Quick release pressure after cooking.
Check internal temperature. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing/shredding.
Store whole breasts refrigerated up to 4 days. Shredded up to 3-4 days.

Cooking chicken breast in the Instant Pot takes just minutes for juicy, delicious meat. Follow the cook times recommended based on breast size and use a quick release for boneless chicken. Let chicken rest before slicing or shredding. Adding extra flavor with seasoning and sautéing can take this healthy protein from bland to delicious.

With the proper timing, the versatile Instant Pot can cook chicken breast to perfection every time. No more dry, rubbery chicken breasts! For more Instant Pot chicken inspiration, check out our collection of top-rated chicken recipes.

how long do i cook chicken breast in the instapot

Recipes with Shredded Chicken

Add it to salads for a protein-packed lunch or dinner. Create flavorful tacos, toss it with pasta, vegetables, and a creamy sauce for a comforting and filling meal. Or use it as a topping for pizzas, stuffed into sandwiches, or mixed into soups and stews.