Cooking Boneless Chicken Breast in Instant Pot: A Comprehensive Guide

Cooking boneless chicken breast in an Instant Pot is a game-changer for home cooks. It’s a quick, easy, and delicious way to prepare a protein-packed meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a special occasion. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of cooking boneless chicken breast in an Instant Pot, provide a step-by-step guide on how to do it, and share some tips and tricks to ensure you get the best results.

Benefits of Cooking Boneless Chicken Breast in Instant Pot

Cooking boneless chicken breast in an Instant Pot offers several benefits, including:

• Quick Cooking Time: Cooking boneless chicken breast in an Instant Pot is significantly faster than traditional cooking methods. It takes only 8-12 minutes to cook, depending on the size and thickness of the breast.
• Tender and Juicy Results: The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking function ensures that the chicken breast is cooked evenly and remains tender and juicy.
• Easy to Prepare: Cooking boneless chicken breast in an Instant Pot requires minimal preparation and effort. Simply season the chicken, add some liquid, and cook.
• Versatile: You can cook boneless chicken breast in a variety of ways in an Instant Pot, including grilling, sautéing, and steaming.

Choosing the Right Boneless Chicken Breast

When it comes to cooking boneless chicken breast in an Instant Pot, it’s essential to choose the right type of chicken. Here are some tips to help you select the best boneless chicken breast:

• Opt for Fresh or Frozen: Fresh or frozen boneless chicken breast is ideal for cooking in an Instant Pot. Avoid canned or pre-cooked chicken breast, as it may not yield the best results.
• Choose the Right Size: Select boneless chicken breast that’s around 1-1.5 pounds in weight and 1-1.5 inches in thickness. This size is ideal for cooking in an Instant Pot.
• Consider Organic or Hormone-Free: If you’re concerned about the quality of your chicken, consider opting for organic or hormone-free boneless chicken breast.

Preparing the Boneless Chicken Breast for Cooking

Before cooking the boneless chicken breast in an Instant Pot, it’s essential to prepare it properly. Here are some steps to follow:

• Rinse and Pat Dry: Rinse the boneless chicken breast under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
• Season the Chicken: Season the boneless chicken breast with your desired herbs and spices. You can use a store-bought seasoning blend or create your own using salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
• Add Aromatics: Add some aromatics like onion, garlic, and lemon to the Instant Pot for added flavor.

Basic Instant Pot Boneless Chicken Breast Recipe

Here’s a basic recipe for cooking boneless chicken breast in an Instant Pot:

Ingredients:

• 1-1.5 pounds boneless chicken breast
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Press the “Saute” button on the Instant Pot and heat the olive oil until shimmering.
2. Add the sliced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the boneless chicken breast and cook until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the chicken broth, salt, and pepper to the Instant Pot.
6. Close the lid and set the valve to “Sealing”.
7. Press the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button and set the cooking time to 8-12 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the breast.
8. Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
9. Remove the chicken breast from the Instant Pot and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips and Tricks for Cooking Boneless Chicken Breast in Instant Pot

Here are some tips and tricks to help you achieve the best results when cooking boneless chicken breast in an Instant Pot:

• Use a Meat Thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken breast is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Don’t Overcook: Don’t overcook the chicken breast, as it can become dry and tough.
• Add Liquid: Add enough liquid to the Instant Pot to cover the chicken breast and ensure it’s cooked evenly.
• Experiment with Flavors: Experiment with different flavors and seasonings to add variety to your boneless chicken breast dishes.

Cooking Boneless Chicken Breast from Frozen

Cooking boneless chicken breast from frozen is a convenient option when you’re short on time. Here’s how to do it:

• Increase Cooking Time: Increase the cooking time by 50% when cooking boneless chicken breast from frozen.
• Add More Liquid: Add more liquid to the Instant Pot to ensure the chicken breast is cooked evenly.
• Check the Temperature: Check the internal temperature of the chicken breast to ensure it’s cooked to a safe temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Variations and Recipes

Here are some variations and recipes you can try when cooking boneless chicken breast in an Instant Pot:

• Lemon Pepper Chicken: Add lemon pepper seasoning to the chicken breast for a bright and citrusy flavor.
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken: Add garlic and parmesan cheese to the chicken breast for a rich and savory flavor.
• Korean-Style BBQ Chicken: Add Korean chili flakes and soy sauce to the chicken breast for a spicy and sweet flavor.

Conclusion

Cooking boneless chicken breast in an Instant Pot is a quick, easy, and delicious way to prepare a protein-packed meal. By following the tips and tricks outlined in this article, you can achieve tender and juicy results every time. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, cooking boneless chicken breast in an Instant Pot is a great way to add variety to your meals and impress your family and friends.

What are the benefits of cooking boneless chicken breast in an Instant Pot?

Cooking boneless chicken breast in an Instant Pot offers several benefits. It allows for quick and easy cooking, which is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. The Instant Pot also helps to retain the moisture and flavor of the chicken, resulting in a tender and juicy final product.

Additionally, cooking boneless chicken breast in an Instant Pot is a healthy option as it doesn’t require adding extra oil or fat. The Instant Pot also allows for cooking a variety of chicken breast recipes, from simple and classic to complex and flavorful, making it a versatile cooking method.

How do I prepare boneless chicken breast for cooking in an Instant Pot?

To prepare boneless chicken breast for cooking in an Instant Pot, start by rinsing the chicken under cold water and patting it dry with paper towels. Remove any visible fat or connective tissue, and season the chicken with your desired herbs and spices.

Next, place the chicken breast in the Instant Pot, either directly on the bottom of the pot or on a trivet. Add your desired cooking liquid, such as chicken broth or water, and close the lid. Make sure the valve is set to “sealing” and press the “poultry” or “manual” button to start the cooking process.

How long does it take to cook boneless chicken breast in an Instant Pot?

The cooking time for boneless chicken breast in an Instant Pot will depend on the size and thickness of the chicken. Generally, it takes around 8-12 minutes to cook boneless chicken breast in the Instant Pot, with a 5-10 minute natural release time.

It’s essential to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the specific model of your Instant Pot and the level of doneness you prefer. It’s always a good idea to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I cook frozen boneless chicken breast in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can cook frozen boneless chicken breast in an Instant Pot. However, it’s essential to note that the cooking time will be longer than cooking fresh chicken. Generally, it takes around 15-20 minutes to cook frozen boneless chicken breast in the Instant Pot, with a 10-15 minute natural release time.

When cooking frozen chicken, make sure to add a little more liquid to the pot, as the frozen chicken will release more moisture during cooking. Also, be aware that cooking frozen chicken may result in a slightly different texture and flavor compared to cooking fresh chicken.

How do I prevent boneless chicken breast from becoming dry and tough in the Instant Pot?

To prevent boneless chicken breast from becoming dry and tough in the Instant Pot, it’s essential to not overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, and remove it from the pot as soon as it reaches 165°F (74°C).

Additionally, make sure to add enough liquid to the pot, as this will help to keep the chicken moist and tender. You can also add a little bit of fat, such as butter or oil, to the pot to help keep the chicken moist. Finally, be gentle when handling the cooked chicken, as rough handling can cause the chicken to become tough and dry.

Can I cook boneless chicken breast with other ingredients in the Instant Pot?

Yes, you can cook boneless chicken breast with other ingredients in the Instant Pot. In fact, the Instant Pot is perfect for cooking a variety of chicken breast recipes, from simple and classic to complex and flavorful.

Some popular ingredients to cook with boneless chicken breast in the Instant Pot include vegetables, such as carrots and potatoes, and grains, such as rice and quinoa. You can also add your favorite sauces and seasonings to the pot to create a delicious and flavorful dish.

How do I store and reheat cooked boneless chicken breast cooked in an Instant Pot?

To store cooked boneless chicken breast cooked in an Instant Pot, let it cool completely before refrigerating or freezing it. Cooked chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 4-6 months.

To reheat cooked boneless chicken breast, simply place it in the microwave or oven and heat it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can also reheat the chicken in the Instant Pot by adding a little bit of liquid to the pot and cooking it on the “saute” function until heated through.