Juicy Instant Pot Chicken Breast Recipe
User Reviews
4.3
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Prep Time
2 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Servings
3 servings
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Calories
237 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Mediterranean
Juicy Instant Pot Chicken Breast Recipe
Description
The recipe involves seasoning chicken breasts with a carefully mixed spice rub. The chicken is patted dry and seared on both sides in the Instant Pot using olive oil to build flavor and texture. After searing, chicken stock is added and the browned bits are scraped from the bottom. The chicken is placed on the trivet to cook under high pressure for six minutes, followed by a natural then quick pressure release to ensure juiciness.
The method helps retain moisture and infuses the chicken with the herbal and smoky notes from the spice rub and searing. Careful timing prevents overcooking, resulting in tender, well-seasoned chicken. The chicken can be served sliced or as a main protein.
Serving suggestions include pairing the chicken with Mediterranean salad, wrapping it in pita with vegetables and tzatziki, or serving alongside brown rice or roasted vegetables. The recipe advises thawing frozen chicken before use and adjusting timing for bone-in breasts or extra spice by adding cayenne pepper to the rub.
These preparation and timing notes ensure well-cooked chicken breast with flexibility for different serving ideas.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast 2 to 3 pieces, boneless, skinless
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp oregano dried
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
Instructions
- Mix onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, salt and black pepper in a small bowl.
- Pat dry the chicken on both sides. Rub the spice mix on both sides of the chicken breast.
- Press the "saute" function on the instant pot and add the olive oil. Sear the chicken breasts for about 3 minutes on each side. Transfer them to a plate.
- Add the chicken stock to the instant pot and scrape the bottom to get the brown bits.
- Place the trivet in the instant pot and place the chicken breasts on the trivet.
- Lock the lid and make sure the valve is on "sealing". Press the "pressure cook" button and make sure it's on "high".
- Set the timer for 6 minutes on instant pot. It will take about 5-10 minutes for the instant pot to come to pressure.
- Once the cooking time is up, do a natural pressure release for 5 minutes. Then turn the valve to "venting" and do a quick pressure release.
- Open the lid and serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
- This recipe requires thawed chicken breasts; avoid using frozen chicken because the searing step is essential.
- Adjust cooking time to 8 minutes plus 10 minutes natural release for bone-in chicken breasts.
- For added spice, add ¼ to ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
- Serve with Mediterranean salad, wraps with pita and tzatziki, or pair with brown rice and roasted vegetables.
- Monitor cooking time carefully to prevent drying out the chicken breast.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 3servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 237 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 237kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 4g | 1% |
| Protein | 33g | 66% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 98mg | 33% |
| Sodium | 1009mg | 42% |
| Potassium | 641mg | 14% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 224IU | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 26mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.