Juicy Chicken Breast Bone in Instant Pot Recipe
Looking for a foolproof way to make chicken breast bone-in Instant Pot? This recipe guarantees tender, juicy chicken with minimal effort. Pressure cooking locks in moisture while the bone enhances flavor. For more delicious chicken recipes, try our healthy Instant Pot chicken, juicy smoked chicken breast, or best smoked chicken breast.
The beauty of cooking chicken breast bone-in Instant Pot is the perfect balance of convenience and flavor. In just about 30 minutes, you’ll have restaurant-quality chicken ready to enjoy on its own or in countless dishes. For more tasty options, try our smoked chicken leg quarters, smoked chicken legs, garlic chicken, or Instant Pot chicken tenders.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or preparing a quick weeknight dinner, this chicken breast bone in Instant Pot recipe will become your new favorite cooking method. The results are consistently delicious, and the hands-off cooking process gives you time to prepare sides or simply relax while dinner cooks itself.
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
- Time-efficient cooking that delivers tender, juicy chicken in under 30 minutes
- Foolproof method that works perfectly even for beginners
- Versatile chicken that can be used in multiple meals throughout the week
Recipe Ingredients
Everything you need for perfect chicken breast bone in Instant Pot is simple and likely already in your kitchen:
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts
- Water
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Optional seasonings (garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning)
Ingredient Notes
- Bone-in chicken breasts: The bone helps retain moisture and adds flavor during cooking. This recipe is specifically designed for bone-in cuts, which cook differently than boneless.
- Skin-on vs. skinless: I recommend keeping the skin on during cooking for added flavor and moisture, even if you plan to remove it before eating.
- Water amount: The 1 cup measurement is perfect for creating enough steam without diluting flavors – this is the minimum required for proper pressure cooking.
How to Make Chicken Breast Bone In Instant Pot
Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time! For exact measurements and printable instructions, scroll down to the recipe card.
- Season chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper plus any optional seasonings
- Add 1 cup water to Instant Pot inner pot
- Place trivet inside (optional but recommended)
- Arrange chicken breasts on trivet or directly in water
- Seal Instant Pot lid and set valve to “Sealing” position
- Select “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting for 10 minutes (25 minutes if frozen)
- Allow 10 minutes natural pressure release, then quick release remaining pressure
- Check internal temperature has reached 165°F
- Optional: Broil 3-5 minutes for crispy skin
- Rest chicken 5 minutes before serving
Pro Tips
This recipe is my go-to for a quick dinner fix, and these tips will help you achieve perfect results:
- For the juiciest chicken, don’t skip the natural pressure release step – this allows the meat fibers to relax
- If using larger chicken breasts (over 12 oz each), add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time
- For maximum flavor, try brining the chicken breasts for 30 minutes before cooking
- Season under the skin for more flavorful meat
- For a one-pot meal, add vegetables like carrots and potatoes around the chicken (may need to adjust cooking time)
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store cooled chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator
- Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers
- Reheating: Warm gently in microwave with a damp paper towel over the chicken, or in a 300°F oven until heated through (about 15 minutes) to maintain moisture
Additions & Substitutions
Additions:
- Add lemon slices and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for aromatic flavor
- Include a splash of white wine or chicken broth instead of water for richer flavor
- Incorporate sliced onions and garlic cloves in the cooking liquid for depth
Substitutions:
- Replace water with chicken broth for more flavor
- Swap regular salt for seasoned salt or a spice blend
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts if you prefer darker meat (reduce cooking time to 8 minutes)
FAQs about this Chicken Breast Bone In Instant Pot
How long do you cook bone-in chicken breasts in the Instant Pot?
Does bone-in chicken take longer to cook than boneless?
How much liquid do you need to pressure cook chicken?
What Can I Serve with this Chicken Breast Bone In Instant Pot?
This versatile chicken pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or a fresh green salad. It’s also perfect sliced over pasta or incorporated into casseroles and sandwiches.
If you try this chicken breast bone in Instant Pot recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Please leave a comment and rating below to share your experience.
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Chicken Breast Bone-In Instant Pot
Equipment
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 bone-in skin-on chicken breasts
Seasonings
- 1 cup water
- salt and pepper to taste
- optional seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Rub the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. If desired, add additional seasonings.
- Add water to the Instant Pot. Place the chicken breasts directly in the water or use a trivet.
- Close the lid and turn the valve to the Sealing position. Set to Pressure Cook (Manual) and cook for:
- 10 minutes for fresh chicken breasts
- 25 minutes for frozen chicken breasts
- After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining steam.
- For crispy skin, place the cooked chicken under the broiler for 3-5 minutes.
