If you’ve ever needed an easy way to cook chicken that turns out juicy and flavorful every time, this Easy Instant Pot Chicken Breasts recipe is for you! I love my Instant Pot. I definitely go through seasons of using it more than others, but it’s always so nice to pull it out when I need to make a quick batch of perfect hard-boiled eggs, whip up dinner in a pinch, or prep some meat for other meals.

Today, I’m sharing my go-to recipe for cooking chicken breasts in the Instant Pot. You can enjoy them as whole chicken breasts with your favorite side dishes, or shred them up to use in all kinds of recipes throughout the week. It’s truly one of the easiest meal-prep staples for busy moms and families. If you like to meal prep, you might also love my Easy Instant Pot Chicken Thighs. They’re flavorful, freezer-friendly, and a great alternative to chicken breasts.

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Why You’ll Love These Easy Instant Pot Chicken Breasts

Quick & Easy – From start to finish, you’ll have perfectly cooked chicken in under 30 minutes.
Juicy & Tender – No more dry chicken! The Instant Pot locks in flavor and moisture, helping you avoid the dry results you might get from oven baking or pan cooking. If your chicken does turn out a little dry, don’t worry — just adjust your cook time down next time, as every batch of chicken (and every Instant Pot) can vary slightly.
Versatile – Eat it as-is, shred it for tacos, mix it into casseroles, or meal prep for the week.
Scalable – Double the recipe and cook once for multiple meals.

Equipment You’ll Need

Instant Pot (or other electric pressure cooker)
Meat thermometer (to check doneness)
Cutting board (if shredding the chicken)
Two forks (if shredding the chicken)

Optional: If you plan on shredding the chicken, two forks work perfectly. But I’ve also seen these meat claws on Amazon, and they look like they’d make the process even easier. I haven’t tried them yet, but they’re on my list! If you decide to give them a try before I do, let me know how you like them.

Ingredients

3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 5 medium breasts)
1 (14.5 oz) can chicken broth
2 teaspoons salt

Tip: Use a high-quality salt for the best flavor and nutrition. I love Redmond Real Salt — it’s unrefined, full of natural trace minerals, and free from the additives you’ll often find in regular table salt.

1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder

How to Make Easy Instant Pot Chicken Breasts

1. Prep the chicken – Place chicken breasts directly into the Instant Pot insert.

2. Season – Sprinkle salt, garlic powder, and onion powder evenly over the chicken.

3. Add broth – Pour the chicken broth into the pot, making sure the breasts are almost covered.

4. Cook – Close the lid, set the valve to “Seal,” and pressure cook for 7–8 minutes depending on thickness (see recipe notes). Turn off the “Keep Warm” setting.

5. Release pressure – Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release for 10 minutes, then carefully open the valve to release any remaining pressure.

6. Check doneness – Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches at least 165°F internal temperature.

7. Serve or shred – Remove the chicken. Eat immediately as whole breasts, shred with two forks for meal prep, or store for later use.

Ways to Use Shredded Instant Pot Chicken

Chicken Street Tacos – Load with salsa, lime, and toppings.
Chicken Salad – Mix with mayo, celery, and spices for a light lunch.
Creamy Chicken Skillet with Tomatoes & Marinara – A cozy, family-friendly meal where tender shredded chicken is tossed in a creamy marinara sauce with tomatoes. (You’ll love this easy variation of my Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Tomatoes & Marinara).
Casseroles & Soups – Add protein to almost any dish.

Storage & Freezer Tips

Refrigerator: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Shred and portion chicken into freezer bags, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat from frozen in soups and casseroles.
Reheating Tip: To keep chicken moist, sprinkle with a little broth before microwaving.

Now It’s Your Turn!

This Instant Pot chicken is one of those “set it and forget it” recipes that makes weeknights so much easier. Whether you’re making shredded chicken tacos, prepping for salads, or just need an easy protein for dinner, this recipe is always a winner.

👉 Have you tried making shredded chicken in your Instant Pot? Let me know in the comments how you use it!

📌 Also, be sure to pin this recipe so you’ll always have it handy as an easy go-to!