If you’re looking for easy, delicious meals that save time without sacrificing flavor, Instant Pot chicken recipes are a game-changer. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving comfort food, the Instant Pot makes it fast and simple.
In this article, we’re sharing 5 Instant Pot chicken recipes that are flavorful, healthy, and beginner-friendly. Each recipe is customizable and can be served with sides you already have at home.
Why You’ll Love These Instant Pot Chicken Recipes
Using an Instant Pot allows you to prepare chicken dishes in half the time compared to traditional cooking methods. Here’s why these recipes are worth trying:
- Quick & Easy – Most recipes are ready in 30 minutes or less.
- Tender & Juicy Chicken – Pressure cooking locks in flavor and moisture.
- Minimal Cleanup – Cook everything in one pot.
- Versatile Flavors – From creamy pasta to Mexican-inspired tacos, there’s something for everyone.
1. Instant Pot Garlic Butter Chicken
Garlic butter chicken is one of the most comforting meals you can make — and in the Instant Pot, it’s ready in under 25 minutes.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry, optional for thickening)
Instructions
- Set Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Melt butter, then add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Place chicken into the pot and sear each side for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth, scrape any browned bits from the bottom, then secure the lid.
- Cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes, then allow a 5-minute natural release.
- Remove chicken. If you’d like a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook on Sauté for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Pro Tip: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright, zesty finish.
2. Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta
This creamy chicken Alfredo pasta is a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups penne pasta (uncooked)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Turn on Sauté mode and melt butter. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until lightly browned (they don’t need to be fully cooked).
- Add uncooked pasta and chicken broth. Stir to make sure pasta is submerged.
- Secure the lid and cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes. Perform a quick release.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until creamy and smooth.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Variation: Add broccoli florets before pressure cooking for a complete one-pot meal.
3. Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
Sweet, sticky, and savory — this honey garlic chicken is a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional for thickening)
Instructions
- Whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, and ginger in a bowl.
- Place chicken thighs in the Instant Pot and pour sauce over the top.
- Cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes, then quick release.
- Remove chicken and set aside. Turn Instant Pot to Sauté mode and stir in cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
- Return chicken to pot and coat with the sauce.
- Serve over white rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles.
Tip: Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flavor and presentation.
4. Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
This Mexican-inspired soup is hearty, spicy, and perfect for chilly nights.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to the Instant Pot. Stir well to combine.
- Cook on High Pressure for 12 minutes, then allow a 10-minute natural release.
- Remove chicken, shred with two forks, then return to the soup and stir.
- Serve hot with tortilla strips, shredded cheese, avocado slices, and fresh cilantro.
Make it Spicy: Add a diced jalapeño or extra chili powder before cooking.
5. Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken
BBQ pulled chicken is a crowd-pleasing recipe that works great for sandwiches, sliders, or wraps.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Mix chicken broth, BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in the Instant Pot.
- Add chicken breasts and coat with sauce.
- Cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes, then quick release.
- Shred chicken with two forks and return to pot, mixing well with the sauce.
- Serve on toasted buns with coleslaw for a classic BBQ sandwich.
Meal Prep Tip: This chicken freezes well for up to 3 months — perfect for quick lunches or dinners.
Final Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Chicken
- Don’t skip deglazing the pot. Scraping browned bits after sautéing prevents the burn warning.
- Use natural release for juicier chicken. Quick release can dry out lean chicken breasts.
- Double the recipe if you need leftovers — Instant Pot cooking time remains the same.
- Experiment with seasonings. These recipes are versatile — try adding smoked paprika, fresh herbs, or a splash of hot sauce for extra flavor.
Conclusion
These 5 Instant Pot chicken recipes are the perfect solution for busy weeknights, family dinners, and meal prep. They’re quick, versatile, and packed with flavor — proving that healthy and delicious meals don’t have to take hours to prepare.
Whether you’re craving creamy pasta, tangy BBQ chicken, or a hearty soup, your Instant Pot has you covered. Try one of these recipes tonight and discover how easy it is to make mouthwatering chicken dinners in minutes!