If you love quick, flavorful, and stress-free meals, you’ll adore these 5 Instant Pot chicken recipes. The Instant Pot has completely changed the way we cook—turning long, slow-cooked meals into fast, weeknight-friendly dinners. Whether you’re a busy parent, a meal-prep enthusiast, or just someone who wants dinner on the table with minimal effort, these recipes are perfect.
This guide covers five delicious recipes: from classic shredded chicken to creamy pasta dishes, healthy soups, and spicy favorites. Each one is packed with flavor, uses simple ingredients, and is ready in under an hour.
Why Choose Instant Pot Chicken Recipes?
Cooking chicken in the Instant Pot locks in moisture and infuses flavor in a way that stovetop or oven cooking can’t always achieve. Here are a few reasons why these 5 Instant Pot chicken recipes deserve a place in your weekly rotation:
- Speed: Most recipes cook in 30 minutes or less.
- Flavorful: Pressure cooking intensifies spices, herbs, and marinades.
- Hands-Off Cooking: No need to stand over the stove — just set it and let the Instant Pot do the work.
- Versatile: You can make soups, stews, pasta, tacos, and more all in one pot.
- Easy Clean-Up: Fewer dishes mean less time scrubbing after dinner.
1. Instant Pot Garlic Butter Chicken
If you’re craving a rich and buttery chicken dish, this is the one for you. This recipe combines tender chicken breasts with garlic, butter, and a touch of cream for a simple yet indulgent meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt & pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Melt butter, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add chicken breasts, sear each side for 2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth, sprinkle with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Close the lid, set to Pressure Cook (Manual) for 8 minutes.
- Quick release pressure, remove chicken, and switch back to Sauté.
- Stir in heavy cream and let sauce thicken for 2–3 minutes.
- Serve chicken with sauce spooned over the top and garnish with parsley.
Serving Suggestion: Pair this with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables for a restaurant-quality dinner.
2. Instant Pot Chicken Tacos
Taco night just got easier! This is one of the most versatile Instant Pot chicken recipes — perfect for tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or taco bowls.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup salsa (your favorite brand)
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
- ½ cup chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions:
- Place chicken, salsa, taco seasoning, and broth into the Instant Pot.
- Close the lid and set to Pressure Cook for 10 minutes.
- Quick release the pressure and shred the chicken with two forks.
- Squeeze in lime juice and mix well.
Serving Suggestion: Load up warm tortillas with chicken, top with shredded cheese, diced onions, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
3. Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Nothing says comfort food like a big bowl of chicken noodle soup. This Instant Pot version is ready in a fraction of the time but still delivers all the cozy, homemade flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken thighs (bone-in for more flavor)
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups egg noodles
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Use Sauté mode to soften onion, carrots, celery, and garlic for 3–4 minutes.
- Add chicken, broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Close lid, set to Pressure Cook for 10 minutes.
- Quick release pressure, remove chicken, shred it, and return to pot.
- Add egg noodles and use Sauté mode to cook for 5 minutes until tender.
Pro Tip: Serve with crusty bread and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a complete meal.
4. Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
Sweet, sticky, and slightly tangy — this recipe is a family favorite. It’s perfect served over rice or noodles for a quick and delicious dinner.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water (slurry)
Instructions:
- Whisk together soy sauce, honey, garlic, vinegar, and broth.
- Place chicken in Instant Pot and pour sauce mixture over the top.
- Set to Pressure Cook for 12 minutes, then quick release.
- Remove chicken, set to Sauté, and stir in cornstarch slurry to thicken sauce.
- Return chicken to coat with sauce.
Serving Suggestion: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.
5. Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Yes, you can cook pasta and chicken together in one pot — and it comes out creamy, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Turn Instant Pot to Sauté mode, add olive oil and chicken, and cook until lightly browned.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add pasta and broth, making sure pasta is submerged.
- Close lid, set to Pressure Cook for 6 minutes.
- Quick release pressure, stir in cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
Pro Tip: Add steamed broccoli or spinach at the end for extra nutrition.
Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Chicken Recipes
- Natural Release vs. Quick Release: Use natural release for bone-in chicken to keep it juicy, and quick release for boneless chicken to avoid overcooking.
- Don’t Overfill the Pot: Always stay below the max fill line when using liquids.
- Deglaze the Pot: After sautéing, add a splash of broth to scrape up brown bits — this prevents the dreaded “burn” message.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Chicken should always reach an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
Final Thoughts
These 5 Instant Pot chicken recipes prove that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create wholesome, flavorful meals. Whether you’re craving something creamy like chicken Alfredo, cozy like chicken noodle soup, or bold like taco night, your Instant Pot has you covered.
Try one of these recipes tonight — and save the rest for busy weeknights. Your family (and your taste buds) will thank you!