From chicken and rice to shredded chicken, and chicken pot pie to butter chicken, you may have a hard time deciding which Instant Pot chicken recipe to make from this collection of popular Instant Pot Chicken Recipes. Chicken is the most popular meat to cook in the Instant Pot and this collection of recipes gives you so many choices!
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Introduction
The Instant Pot pressure cooker has changed the way I cook because it’s such an easy way to make healthy, delicious meals. And there’s nothing easier than Instant Pot chicken.
Chicken is one of the most versatile proteins, and you can make Instant Pot chicken in less time than other methods of cooking. Chicken is easy to make in the Instant Pot when you’re having a busy day.
In this guide, I provide tips on how to make chicken in your Instant Pot so that it is always tender and flavorful.
I also share some of my favorite Instant Pot chicken recipes from my blog and other blogs including chicken breasts, thighs, legs, wings, and Mexican, Indian, Thai, Asian, Italian, and more!
Tips For How to Cook Instant Pot Chicken
- Use chicken pieces that are about the same size or cut the chicken into equally sized pieces in order to cook them evenly in your electric pressure cooker.
- Cooking chicken breast can be tricky at times. You can get more juicy chicken breasts by cooking them in broth or cooking liquid. This prevents it from drying out because it’s such a lean cut.
- Avoid huge pieces of chicken. The smaller pieces just have more flavor.
- For tender and juicy chicken, brown larger pieces of chicken using the sauté mode, before pressure cooking. The caramelization from the browning adds another layer of flavor.
- Alternatively, you can do a reverse sear and brown the chicken pieces after pressure cooking them.
- Pressure cooking can dilute spices, so season the chicken well to make it flavorful.
- When sauteing before pressure cooking, deglaze the pot well to prevent the burn message.
- Cooking time will vary depending on the cut of the chicken and the thickness of the pieces. Increase pressure cooking time if you’re using whole pieces of chicken and the recipe calls from cut up pieces.
- Pressure cook chicken on high pressure.
- When possible, do a natural release of pressure. Doing a quick release can cause the pressure to drop rapidly in a few minutes. This causes the natural juices to be expelled which can cause the chicken to be dry and stringy. Although a 10-minute resting period is adequate, a full natural pressure release allows the maximum juices to be retained.
- In many recipes, you can use fresh or frozen chicken. When cooking frozen chicken, increase the cooking time by 1 to 2 minutes.
- Place the chicken on a trivet to prevent the chicken from sticking to the bottom of the pot, and causing a burn notice. This applies to recipes that have less liquid.
- If your chicken comes out too dry, cook it again at high pressure for about 10 minutes with a natural release. It might not be as flavorful but it will be moist.
- If you have to pick between chicken breasts and thighs, choose thighs because the Instant Pot is best suited for darker meat.
- Let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before cutting or slicing.
Chicken Cooking Time Chart
The following times are general guides for cooking different cuts of chicken. Actual cooking times can vary based on the thickness of the chicken pieces and the quantity of chicken you’re cooking.
Cut of Chicken | Cook Time | Pressure Release |
---|---|---|
Boneless skinless chicken thighs | 8 minutes | Natural release |
Boneless skinless chicken breasts | 8 minutes | Natural release or 10 minute natural release |
Bone-in chicken thighs | 10 minutes | Natural release |
Bone-in chicken drumsticks or legs | 10 minutes | Natural release |
Bone-in chicken breasts | 10 minutes | Natural release or 10-minute natural release |
Chicken wings | 5 minutes | Natural release then broil or air fry for 10 minutes |
Frozen chicken (separated pieces only) | Add 2 to 3 minutes | Natural release |
Shredded chicken | Add 2 minutes | Natural release |
Chicken Breast Recipes
Instant Pot chicken breasts are the most popular cut of chicken. Although the best chicken for the Instant Pot is dark meat, chicken breasts can be moist and juicy in the Instant Pot if you avoid overcooking them!
Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan
Instant Pot White Chicken Chili Recipe
Image Courtesy of iFoodReal
Instant Pot Salsa Chicken
Image Courtesy of Joy Filled Eats
Chicken Leg Recipes
Who doesn’t like chicken legs? Cooking drumsticks in the Instant Pot is quick and easy. These easy Instant Pot chicken recipes are perfect for busy weeknights and they’re kid-friendly.
The chicken comes out moist and juicy. Since the pressure cooker helps to preserve moisture, the fall-off-the-bone chicken pieces are tender and juicy.
Instant Pot Jamaican Jerk Chicken
Instant Pot Korean Chicken with Gochujang
Instant Pot Smoked Paprika & Garlic Chicken Legs recipe
Image Courtesy of Boulder Locavore
Chicken Thigh Recipes
One of the easiest and foolproof ways to cook chicken thighs is in the Instant Pot. They can be cooked quickly and easily, without worrying about them drying out.
Get creative with your cooking by trying my favorite recipes for Instant Pot chicken thighs. These recipes use a variety of exotic spices and that makes them very flavorful.
Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma
Peri Peri Chicken
Hearty Instant Pot Coq au Vin
Thai Grilled Chicken Thighs
Whole Chicken Recipes
Cooking a whole chicken in the Instant Pot is a quick and easy way to have a delicious and healthy meal on the table in no time. The chicken comes out moist and juicy because the Instant Pot locks in the moisture.
So you don’t need to worry about it drying out. The best part is that the Instant Pot can cook a whole chicken in around 30 minutes, so it’s a great option for busy weeknights.
Instant Pot Rotisserie Chicken
Image Courtesy of A Cedar Spoon
Instant Pot Whole Chicken and Gravy
Image Courtesy of Two Kooks in the Kitchen
Mexican Recipes
You can easily cook flavorful and authentic Mexican chicken dishes in your Instant Pot. Chicken tacos are a popular choice, but you may also like to try chickentinga and burrito bowls.
Chicken Birria Tacos Instant Pot or Stove and Video
Image Courtesy of 24 Bite
Best Instant Pot Chicken Tinga
Instant Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl
Image Courtesy of Number 2 Pencil
Indian Recipes
You can cook easy homemade authentic Indian chicken dishes in the Instant Pot, so you don’t need to order takeout. These easy Instant Pot recipes are my favorite recipes including chicken tikka masala, butter chicken, and chicken biryani. The recipes come with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips.
Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala
Instant Pot Chicken Curry Recipe
Instant Pot Chicken Korma
Healthy Instant Pot Butter Chicken with Cashew Butter
Instant Pot Butter Chicken
Image Courtesy of Ministry of Curry
Achari Chicken
Image Courtesy of Indiaphile
Thai Chicken
These restaurant-worthy Instant Pot Thai recipes are a great way to enjoy your Thai favorites without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients and your Instant Pot, you can have a delicious Thai dish on the table in no time! These delicious recipes right here are my favorite Instant Pot recipes! Serve the curries with white white rice, preferabley jasmine, or brown rice.
Thai Instant Pot Panang Curry with Chicken
Instant Pot Thai Red Curry with Chicken
Instant Pot Thai Green Curry with Chicken
Thai Instant Pot Yellow Curry with Chicken
Instant Pot Thai Peanut Noodles
Instant Pot Thai Coconut Soup (Tom Kha Gai)
Asian Chicken
Whether you love to order orange chicken, teriyaki chicken, or fried rice at your favorite Asian restaurant, this collection of Instant Pot Asian chicken recipes is going to have something for everyone.
Instant Pot Orange Chicken
Image Courtesy of A Fork’s Tale
Easy Pressure Cooker Recipes: Honey Sesame Chicken – Thrifty Jinxy
Image Courtesy of Thrifty Jinxy
Instant Pot Fried Rice
Best Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Image Courtesy of Nourish Plate
Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken
Image Courtesy of Make it Skinny Please
Italian
You’re going to love these Italian-inspired recipes because they’re hearty and comforting. This selection of delicious and easy-to-make Instant Pot chicken dishes is inspired by the flavors of Italy. If you’re looking for dinner ideas, try these recipes that pair aromatic Italian seasoning and herbs with flavorful moist chicken.
Restaurant-Quality Instant Pot Chicken Marsala
Image Courtesy of Healthy Recipes 101
Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken
Image Courtesy of Easy Chicken Recipes
Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore
Image Courtesy of A Mind Full Mom
Soups and Stews
With an instant pot, you can cook soup in a fraction of the time it would take on the stovetop or in the oven. That’s why Instant Pot soup recipes are perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time.
With the convenience of the Instant Pot, you can effortlessly create soups and stews like cream of chicken, noodle soup, and spicy curry soup.
Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Chicken Stew
Instant Pot African Peanut Stew
Coconut Chicken Curry Soup
Khow Suey – Burmese Noodles
Instant Pot Chicken Taco Soup
Image Courtesy of One Wholesome Life
Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings
Image Courtesy of Simply Happy Foodie
Chicken Tortilla Soup (Instant Pot)
Image Courtesy of Free Your Fork
Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Soup
Chicken Fajita Soup
Image Courtesy of The Typical Mom
Chicken Pasta
With an Instant Pot, you can cook chicken in your Instant Pot with pasta, saving you time and cleanup. These recipes for Instant Pot pasta with chicken are so flavorful and quick to make.
Instant Pot Chicken Mac and Cheese
Image Courtesy of Little Sunny Kitchen
Instant Pot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
Image Courtesy of Monday is Meatloaf
Instant Pot Chicken Spaghetti
Image Courtesy of Oh Snap Macros
Chicken and Rice
Chicken and rice is one of the most popular combinations all over the world. Whether you’re looking for Indian biryani, Latin arroz con pollo, or Cajun jambalaya, these comforting chicken and rice recipes have something for everyone.
Easy Instant Pot Jambalaya
Instant Pot Arroz Con Pollo | Chicken and Rice
Easy Instant Pot Chicken Biryani
Image Courtesy of Watch What U Eat
Appetizers with Chicken
Chicken appetizers are not limited to wings, but they are the most popular. Here are some chicken appetizers you can whip up for your next party or potluck. Some of the recipes can be prepared ahead of time.
Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Wings
Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
Image Courtesy of Chaos and Wine
Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
Image Courtesy of The Oregon Dietitian
Baked Chicken Taco Cups Appetizer with Phyllo
Image Courtesy of Cupcakes and Cutlery
Chicken and Vegetables
Make dinner by cooking one of these healthy Instant Pot one-pot chicken and vegetables recipes. These recipes are easy to follow and can be customized to your liking by substituting other vegetables with a similar cooking time.
Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes
Image Courtesy of Dizzy Busy and Hungry
Instant Pot Chicken and Broccoli
Image Courtesy of Eating in an Instant
Instant Pot Chicken and Mushrooms
Image Courtesy of Recipes From a Pantry
Spicy Chicken Recipes
If you want to learn how to make some spicy Instant Pot chicken recipes, then this section is for you. Here are some of my favorite spicy chicken recipes that are sure to please everyone. These satisfying dinners have a touch of spice to them but are not too overpowering.
Instant Pot Filipino Chicken Adobo
Image Courtesy of Cooking with Curls
Instant Pot Firecracker Chicken (Better than Takeout!)
Image Courtesy of The Soccer Mom Blog
Delicious New Orleans Instant Pot Gumbo
Shredded Chicken
If you like shredded chicken recipes, these versatile recipes can be used in a variety of dishes including rice bowls, salads, and sandwiches.
Tasty BBQ Pulled Chicken (Instant Pot)
Image Courtesy of Dish N The Kitchen
Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
Image Courtesy of The Forked Spoon
Instant Pot Gochujang Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Image Courtesy of Served From Scratch
Creamy Chicken Recipes
Whether you’re looking for an Instant Pot creamy chicken pasta dish or a creamy chicken soup, these recipes are comforting and rich. And because the Instant Pot does all the work, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.
Creamy Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta with Sausage
Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo
Image Courtesy of The Kitchen Girl
Instant Pot Cream of Chicken Soup
Chicken Casseroles
Chicken casseroles are a classic comfort food but take some time to bake in the oven. These recipes can be easily made in the Instant Pot. This section features a variety of delicious and easy-to-make chicken casserole recipes that are sure to please the whole family.
Instant Pot Chicken Casserole with Stuffing
Image Courtesy of Recipes By Kelsey Smith
Instant Pot chicken broccoli rice casserole
Image Courtesy of Savor the Best
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Adventures of a Nurse
Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Image Courtesy of Eating on a Dime
Lemon Chicken
Lemon is a great way to add a touch of brightness and flavor to your Instant Pot meals. The acidity of the lemon juice helps to tenderize the chicken, while the other ingredients in these recipes add layers of flavor that are sure to please.
Instant Pot Lemon Chicken Thighs
Image Courtesy of Food Folks and Fun
Greek Lemon Chicken Soup – The Art of Food and Wine
Image Courtesy of The Art of Food and Wine
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