Discover the Best Chicken Recipes in Instant Pot: Your Ultimate Guide

Tired of boring weeknight dinners? Craving juicy, flavorful chicken without spending hours in the kitchen? Then you've come to the right place! The Instant Pot is a game-changer when it comes to cooking chicken, offering speed, convenience, and incredible results. This guide is your go-to resource for discovering the best chicken recipes in instant pot, from classic comfort food to exciting international flavors. Get ready to transform your chicken dinners forever!

Professional illustration showcasing best chicken recipes in instant pot concepts and best practices

Why Use an Instant Pot for Chicken?

Before we dive into the recipes, let's talk about why the Instant Pot is such a superstar for cooking chicken. It's not just about speed (although that's a huge plus!). The Instant Pot offers several key advantages:

• Speed: Chicken cooks significantly faster in an Instant Pot compared to traditional methods like baking or roasting.
• Moisture Retention: The pressure cooking process locks in moisture, resulting in incredibly juicy and tender chicken.
• Flavor Infusion: The sealed environment allows flavors to meld together beautifully, creating rich and complex dishes.
• One-Pot Cooking: Many Instant Pot chicken recipes are one-pot wonders, meaning fewer dishes to wash!
• Versatility: From whole chickens to shredded chicken to chicken breasts, the Instant Pot can handle it all.

Top 10 Best Chicken Recipes in Instant Pot: Your Culinary Adventure Begins

Ready to get cooking? Here are 10 of the absolute best chicken recipes in instant pot, guaranteed to impress your family and friends:

1. Instant Pot Whole Chicken: Rotisserie-Style Perfection

Forget the grocery store rotisserie chicken – you can make an even better version at home with your Instant Pot! This recipe delivers a juicy, flavorful whole chicken with crispy skin (thanks to a quick broiling session at the end). It's perfect for a Sunday dinner or for meal prepping.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 cup chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
2. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken.
4. Place the trivet in the Instant Pot.
5. Pour the chicken broth into the Instant Pot.
6. Carefully place the chicken on the trivet.
7. Close the lid and set the valve to sealing.
8. Cook on high pressure for 6 minutes per pound (e.g., a 4-lb chicken would cook for 24 minutes).
9. Let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
10. Carefully remove the chicken from the Instant Pot.
11. Optional: Broil the chicken in the oven for 5-10 minutes to crisp the skin.

Expert Tip: For extra flavor, stuff the chicken cavity with lemon wedges, garlic cloves, and fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme.

2. Instant Pot Chicken and Rice: A Comfort Food Classic

Chicken and rice is a timeless comfort food dish, and the Instant Pot makes it even easier to prepare. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. It's a fantastic example of how the Instant Pot simplifies classic chicken dinners.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Turn on the Instant Pot to sauté mode.
2. Add the olive oil, onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the chicken and cook until lightly browned.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
5. Add the rice and chicken broth.
6. Stir to combine.
7. Close the lid and set the valve to sealing.
8. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
9. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
10. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve.

Variations: Add frozen peas, corn, or green beans for extra vegetables. You can also use brown rice, but you'll need to increase the cooking time.

3. Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup: The Ultimate Cure-All

Is there anything more comforting than a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup? The Instant Pot makes this classic soup incredibly easy to prepare, and it's perfect for fighting off a cold or simply enjoying a cozy meal. It's a testament to the Instant Pot's ability to create deeply flavorful and nourishing dishes.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup egg noodles

Instructions:

1. Turn on the Instant Pot to sauté mode.
2. Add the olive oil, onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the chicken breasts, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and thyme.
4. Close the lid and set the valve to sealing.
5. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
6. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
7. Remove the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks.
8. Return the shredded chicken to the Instant Pot.
9. Add the egg noodles and cook on sauté mode until the noodles are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
10. Serve immediately.

Health Benefits: Chicken noodle soup is packed with nutrients and electrolytes, making it a great choice when you're feeling under the weather.

4. Instant Pot BBQ Chicken: Finger-Lickin' Good

Craving BBQ chicken but don't want to fire up the grill? The Instant Pot delivers tender, flavorful BBQ chicken in a fraction of the time. This recipe is perfect for sandwiches, salads, or simply enjoying on its own. It's a delicious and convenient way to satisfy your BBQ cravings any time of year.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken breasts in the Instant Pot.
2. Pour the BBQ sauce and chicken broth over the chicken.
3. Close the lid and set the valve to sealing.
4. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
5. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
6. Shred the chicken with two forks.
7. Toss the shredded chicken with the remaining BBQ sauce in the Instant Pot.
8. Serve on buns, salads, or as a main course.

BBQ Sauce Selection: Experiment with different BBQ sauces to find your favorite flavor profile, from sweet and tangy to smoky and spicy.

5. Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas: A Fiesta in a Flash

Bring the flavors of Mexico to your kitchen with these easy Instant Pot chicken fajitas. This recipe is packed with colorful vegetables and flavorful spices, and it's ready in under 30 minutes. It's a quick and delicious way to enjoy a healthy and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
• 1 packet fajita seasoning
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Turn on the Instant Pot to sauté mode.
2. Add the olive oil, onion, and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the chicken strips and fajita seasoning.
4. Cook until the chicken is lightly browned.
5. Add the chicken broth.
6. Close the lid and set the valve to sealing.
7. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
8. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
9. Serve with tortillas, salsa, sour cream, and guacamole.

Serving Suggestions: Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for a softer texture.

6. Instant Pot Butter Chicken: A Creamy Indian Delight

Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of butter chicken with this easy Instant Pot recipe. This dish is packed with aromatic spices and tender chicken, and it's surprisingly simple to make at home. It's a restaurant-quality meal that you can enjoy in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Turn on the Instant Pot to sauté mode.
2. Add the olive oil, onion, garlic, and ginger and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the chicken thighs, garam masala, turmeric powder, and chili powder (if using).
4. Cook until the chicken is lightly browned.
5. Add the diced tomatoes.
6. Close the lid and set the valve to sealing.
7. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
8. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
9. Stir in the heavy cream and butter.
10. Season with salt to taste.
11. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with rice or naan bread.

Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder to control the spice level of the dish.

7. Instant Pot Chicken Tinga: A Smoky Mexican Stew

Chicken tinga is a flavorful Mexican stew made with shredded chicken in a smoky chipotle sauce. This Instant Pot version is quick, easy, and incredibly delicious. It's perfect for tacos, tostadas, or enchiladas.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
• 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from the can of chipotle peppers)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Turn on the Instant Pot to sauté mode.
2. Add the olive oil, onion, and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the chicken thighs, diced tomatoes, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, cumin, oregano, and chicken broth.
4. Close the lid and set the valve to sealing.
5. Cook on high pressure for 12 minutes.
6. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
7. Remove the chicken thighs and shred them with two forks.
8. Return the shredded chicken to the Instant Pot and stir to combine.
9. Season with salt to taste.
10. Serve on tacos, tostadas, or enchiladas with your favorite toppings.

Chipotle Peppers: Adjust the number of chipotle peppers to control the spice level of the dish. Be careful, they are quite spicy!

8. Instant Pot Lemon Herb Chicken: A Light and Refreshing Meal

For a lighter and brighter chicken dish, try this Instant Pot lemon herb chicken. This recipe is infused with the flavors of lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs, making it a perfect choice for spring or summer. It's a healthy and delicious way to enjoy chicken.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Turn on the Instant Pot to sauté mode.
2. Add the olive oil and cook the chicken breasts until lightly browned on both sides.
3. Add the garlic, lemon juice, thyme, rosemary, and chicken broth.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Close the lid and set the valve to sealing.
6. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
7. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
8. Serve with roasted vegetables or a salad.

Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs, such as oregano, parsley, or basil, to create your own unique flavor profile.

9. Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings: A Southern Comfort Classic

Chicken and dumplings is a quintessential Southern comfort food dish, and the Instant Pot makes it surprisingly easy to prepare. This recipe features tender chicken, creamy gravy, and fluffy dumplings, all cooked in one pot. It's a hearty and satisfying meal that's perfect for a cold day.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Turn on the Instant Pot to sauté mode.
2. Add the olive oil, onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the chicken thighs, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and thyme.
4. Close the lid and set the valve to sealing.
5. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
6. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
7. Remove the chicken thighs and shred them with two forks.
8. Return the shredded chicken to the Instant Pot.
9. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
10. Stir in the milk and melted butter until just combined.
11. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the Instant Pot.
12. Close the lid and set the valve to venting.
13. Cook on sauté mode until the dumplings are cooked through, about 10-15 minutes.
14. Serve immediately.

Dumpling Texture: For lighter dumplings, avoid overmixing the batter.

10. Instant Pot Chicken Chili: A Warm and Hearty Bowl

Chicken chili is a delicious and healthy alternative to beef chili. This Instant Pot version is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
• 1 packet chili seasoning
• 1 cup chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Turn on the Instant Pot to sauté mode.
2. Add the olive oil, onion, and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the bell pepper and chicken and cook until the chicken is lightly browned.
4. Add the black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, corn, chili seasoning, and chicken broth.
5. Close the lid and set the valve to sealing.
6. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
7. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
8. Serve with your favorite chili toppings, such as sour cream, cheese, and green onions.

Topping Ideas: Get creative with your chili toppings! Some popular choices include avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, and tortilla chips.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Instant Pot Chicken

Here are some essential tips and tricks to ensure your Instant Pot chicken recipes turn out perfectly every time:

• Don't Overcrowd the Pot: Overcrowding can prevent the Instant Pot from reaching pressure properly and can result in uneven cooking.
• Use Enough Liquid: The Instant Pot needs liquid to create steam and pressure. Always use at least 1 cup of liquid, even for recipes that don't seem to require it.
• Natural Release vs. Quick Release: Natural pressure release (NPR) allows the pressure to release slowly on its own. Quick pressure release (QPR) involves manually releasing the pressure by turning the valve. NPR is generally recommended for meats as it helps them retain moisture.
• Adjust Cooking Time for Thickness: Thicker cuts of chicken will require longer cooking times.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: The best way to ensure your chicken is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Sauté Before Pressure Cooking: Sautéing the chicken and vegetables before pressure cooking can add depth of flavor to your dishes.
• Deglaze the Pot: After sautéing, deglaze the pot by adding a little liquid and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This will prevent the "burn" error.

Troubleshooting Common Instant Pot Chicken Problems

Even with the best recipes and tips, you might encounter some common Instant Pot chicken problems. Here's how to troubleshoot them:

• Chicken is Dry: Make sure you're using enough liquid and not overcooking the chicken. Natural pressure release can also help retain moisture.
• Chicken is Undercooked: Increase the cooking time slightly and use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• "Burn" Error: This usually indicates that food is stuck to the bottom of the pot and is burning. Deglaze the pot after sautéing and make sure there's enough liquid.
• Instant Pot Won't Reach Pressure: Make sure the lid is properly sealed and the valve is set to sealing. Check the sealing ring for any damage or debris.

Beyond the Basics: Exploring Creative Instant Pot Chicken Recipes

Once you've mastered the basic Instant Pot chicken recipes, you can start experimenting with more creative and adventurous dishes. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• International Flavors: Explore cuisines from around the world with recipes like Instant Pot Moroccan Chicken Tagine, Korean BBQ Chicken, or Thai Green Curry Chicken.
• Stuffed Chicken Breasts: Stuff chicken breasts with your favorite fillings, such as spinach and artichoke dip, feta and sun-dried tomatoes, or ham and cheese, and cook them in the Instant Pot for a quick and easy meal.
• Chicken Wings: Cook chicken wings in the Instant Pot for tender and juicy wings, then broil or bake them for crispy skin.
• Meal Prep: Use the Instant Pot to cook large batches of chicken for meal prepping. Shredded chicken is perfect for salads, sandwiches, tacos, and more.

The Instant Pot: A Culinary Game Changer for Chicken Lovers

The Instant Pot has revolutionized the way we cook chicken, making it easier, faster, and more delicious than ever before. With its versatility and convenience, the Instant Pot is a must-have appliance for any chicken lover. From classic comfort food dishes to exciting international flavors, the possibilities are endless. So, dust off your Instant Pot and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure!

Conclusion

Hopefully, this comprehensive guide has inspired you to explore the wonderful world of Instant Pot chicken. With these recipes and tips, you'll be whipping up delicious and easy meals in no time. These are just a few of the many possibilities when it comes to the **best chicken recipes in instant pot**, so get creative and start experimenting! ```