Easy Instant Pot Chicken Breast with Velvety Gravy

Effortless Instant Pot Chicken Recipes for Every Home Cook

There’s truly nothing more satisfying than a hot, flavorful, and easy dinner, and the Instant Pot is unequivocally one of the best kitchen tools for achieving all that – with incredible speed and minimal effort! This phenomenal recipe for Instant Pot Chicken and Gravy is crafted with simple, accessible ingredients: tender chicken breasts, a versatile blend of seasonings, and common pantry staples. It comes together quickly and is absolutely bursting with savory goodness. This is the epitome of comfort food, a dish so delicious and convenient that you’ll find yourself craving it and making it time and time again.

This Instant Pot chicken breast recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, appealing to discerning adults and picky eaters alike. The creamy, rich gravy provides the perfect accompaniment, ideal for ladling generously over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes. Round out your meal with your favorite seasonal vegetables, and you’re all set! It’s a complete, delicious, and easy meal that the entire family will wholeheartedly love, promising satisfied smiles around the dinner table.

Why This Instant Pot Chicken Breast Recipe Will Become Your New Favorite

There are countless reasons why this Instant Pot Chicken Breast recipe is about to revolutionize your dinner routine. From its incredible flavor to its unmatched convenience, here’s why you’ll absolutely adore making this dish:

• The Instant Pot: Your Culinary Game Changer. This recipe truly showcases the magic of the Instant Pot. While there are a few simple steps involved, your pressure cooker effortlessly handles everything! From perfectly sautéing the chicken to cooking it until it reaches an unbelievably tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and then, in a seamless transition, allowing you to whip up a luscious gravy right in the same pot. It’s a one-pot wonder that minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor.
• Unmatched Versatility for Any Occasion. This Instant Pot Chicken is astonishingly delicious on its own. The chicken is incredibly flavorful, seasoned to perfection, making it an ideal centerpiece for a light meal simply served with a fresh green salad. Beyond that, its tender texture makes it fantastic for shredding and incorporating into other dishes, like a delightful homemade chicken salad. And remember, the rich, savory gravy is completely optional, but it’s incredibly easy to make and adds an extra layer of comfort that’s hard to resist.
• Simple, Everyday Ingredients. One of the many things to love about this recipe is its reliance on ingredients you likely already have stocked in your pantry and refrigerator. All you need are chicken breasts, a handful of aromatic seasonings, and some chicken broth or stock. This makes it one of those essential Instant Pot chicken recipes you’ll happily find yourself preparing a couple of times a month, proving that delicious, home-cooked meals don’t have to be complicated or require special trips to the grocery store.
• Healthy and Wholesome. Lean chicken breast provides an excellent source of protein, making this a nutritious meal option. When paired with healthy sides like steamed vegetables or a crisp salad, it becomes a balanced dinner you can feel good about serving your family.
• Perfect for Meal Prep. The cooked chicken and gravy store beautifully, making this recipe an excellent choice for meal prepping. Enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week, saving you time and effort on busy days.

Essential Ingredients for Your Instant Pot Chicken Breast and Gravy

You’ll be truly amazed by the depth of flavor packed into this straightforward recipe! Crafted with readily available, simple ingredients, this Instant Pot Chicken Breast and Gravy creates a hearty, comforting dish that the entire family will wholeheartedly embrace and enjoy. It’s a testament to how simple components can create something truly special. As always, you can find the full printable recipe with complete instructions and precise measurements in the recipe card at the very end of this post.

• Chicken Breasts: The Star of the Show – For this recipe, you’ll need approximately 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, typically translating to about 3 to 4 medium-sized pieces. If you prefer, chicken tenders can be used for faster cooking, or even chicken thighs for a richer, darker meat option. Ensure they are relatively uniform in size for even cooking.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: For Sautéing and Flavor Infusion – A couple of tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil are crucial. The chicken will be expertly sautéed in this oil for a few minutes, which not only develops a fantastic golden-brown crust and extra layer of flavor through the Maillard reaction but also helps the delicious spice blend adhere beautifully to the chicken.
• Aromatic Spices and Herbs: The Flavor Foundation – A thoughtful blend of common spices and dried herbs creates a robust and incredibly flavorful seasoning for this Instant Pot chicken breast recipe. You’ll need dried parsley (divided for both chicken and gravy), paprika (or smoked paprika for a deeper, more complex flavor), onion powder, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, mustard powder (which adds a subtle tang and enhances other flavors), and garlic powder. This combination ensures every bite is savory and satisfying.
• Chicken Broth or Stock: The Liquid Gold – We highly recommend opting for low sodium chicken broth or stock. This choice allows you complete control over the final salt level of your dish, ensuring it’s perfectly seasoned to your preference. The broth also forms the foundational liquid for both cooking the chicken and developing the gravy.

For the Unforgettable Gravy (Highly Recommended, Yet Optional)

While the chicken is fantastic on its own, this quick and easy gravy elevates the meal to pure comfort food status. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Cornstarch: Your Thickening Agent – Mixed with an equal amount of cold water to create a smooth slurry, cornstarch is essential for thickening the liquid in the Instant Pot into a luscious, velvety gravy. It’s a gluten-free option for thickening.
• Chicken Bouillon Cube or Better Than Bouillon Base: Flavor Enhancer – This ingredient is entirely optional but profoundly impactful. Adding a chicken bouillon cube or a tablespoon of Better Than Bouillon chicken base will significantly boost the savory, umami flavor of your gravy, making it richer and more complex.
• Butter: For Added Richness and Shine – Again, butter is an optional but highly recommended addition. Stirring in a couple of tablespoons of unsalted butter at the end imparts a wonderful buttery richness and a beautiful sheen to the gravy, making it even more decadent.
• Heavy Cream: For Creamy Perfection – We love adding a splash of heavy cream to the gravy for an extra layer of luxurious creaminess. While not strictly necessary, it’s one of our favorite ways to finish off any gravy recipe, lending a smooth, restaurant-quality texture and taste.

Step-by-Step Guide: How To Make Juicy Chicken Breasts In The Instant Pot

Creating this delicious Instant Pot Chicken Breast and Gravy is surprisingly simple! Follow these detailed steps to achieve perfectly tender chicken and a luscious gravy every time:

1. Prepare Your Signature Seasoning Mix. In a small mixing bowl, combine one teaspoon of dried parsley, all of the paprika (or smoked paprika), onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, mustard powder, and garlic powder. Stir these ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined. This is your flavorful dry rub that will infuse the chicken with incredible taste.
2. Expertly Sauté the Chicken Breasts. Begin by drizzling one tablespoon of olive oil evenly over the chicken breasts. Then, generously sprinkle the prepared seasoning mixture over both sides of each breast, gently rubbing it in to ensure full coverage. Turn on your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function and allow it to heat up for a minute. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the hot pot. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the pot (you may need to do this in batches if your pot is crowded). Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms. This crucial step adds immense depth of flavor. Once browned, turn off the Instant Pot.
3. Pressure Cook to Tender Perfection. Pour the chicken stock into the pot, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon – this is called deglazing and adds even more flavor to your gravy while preventing a “burn” notice. Add the remaining teaspoon of dried parsley to the broth. Place the lid securely on the Instant Pot and lock it into place. Ensure the sealing valve is set to “Sealing.” Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting on high pressure and set the timer for 8 minutes. Once cooking is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, carefully switch the sealing valve to the “Venting” position to manually release any remaining pressure. Once the float valve drops, unlock and remove the lid. Transfer the perfectly cooked chicken breasts to a clean plate and cover them loosely with foil to keep them warm while you prepare the gravy.
4. Craft the Irresistible Gravy (Optional, but Highly Recommended!). With the chicken removed, turn the Instant Pot back to the “Sauté” setting. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until a smooth slurry forms. Pour this cornstarch slurry into the simmering liquid in the Instant Pot, whisking constantly to combine and prevent lumps. If you’re using chicken bouillon or Better Than Bouillon base, add it now. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, for 7 to 10 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency. Taste the gravy and season with additional salt and pepper as needed. For an extra touch of richness, stir in the optional butter and heavy cream until melted and fully incorporated. This creates an incredibly velvety and flavorful gravy.
5. Serve and Savor Your Delicious Creation. Carefully slice the tender Instant Pot chicken breasts against the grain. Generously spoon the warm, savory gravy over the sliced chicken. Serve immediately with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and your favorite steamed or roasted vegetables for a complete, comforting, and utterly satisfying meal that the whole family will rave about!

Storage and Reheating Information for Leftovers

Ensuring your delicious Instant Pot Chicken and Gravy remains fresh and enjoyable for subsequent meals is easy with proper storage:

Refrigerator: Any leftover chicken and gravy can be stored together in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners throughout the week.

Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze any leftovers for up to 3 months! First, allow the chicken and gravy to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe, airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bags. To reheat, simply let the frozen meal thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, you can gently warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s thoroughly heated through and steaming. Adding a splash of extra chicken broth or water can help restore the gravy’s consistency if it thickens too much after freezing.

Trish’s Expert Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Instant Pot Chicken

To ensure your Instant Pot Chicken Breast and Gravy turns out flawlessly every time, here are some invaluable tips and tricks from Trish:

• Unleash Your Inner Chef with New Seasonings: Don’t be afraid to customize this recipe! Experiment with different seasoning blends and spices to create unique flavor profiles. Italian seasoning, Cajun spice mix, or a lemon-herb blend are all fantastic options that can transform this simple recipe into many diverse and exciting meals.
• Utilize Your Instant Pot Trivet for Even Cooking: For even more tender and uniformly cooked chicken, consider using the trivet (or steamer rack) that came with your Instant Pot. After sautéing the chicken breasts, place them on the trivet instead of directly in the liquid. This slightly elevates the chicken, preventing it from boiling and ensuring it’s cooked perfectly by the steam.
• Adjust Broth if Skipping Gravy: The gravy is indeed an optional component of this recipe. If you’re planning to skip making the gravy, feel free to reduce the amount of chicken broth (or stock) by about half a cup. This will ensure your chicken is still cooked perfectly without leaving too much excess liquid.
• Always Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, always taste your gravy and the chicken to ensure the seasoning is just right. Sometimes, a little extra salt, pepper, or a pinch more of your favorite herb can make all the difference, bringing out the best in the flavors.
• Classic Sides Make the Meal: We find that this easy Instant Pot chicken breast recipe pairs exquisitely with classic comfort food sides. Our top recommendations include creamy mashed potatoes (perfect for soaking up that delicious gravy!), a vibrant and fresh pea salad, and warm, fluffy dinner rolls. This combination creates a truly complete and satisfying family meal.
• Don’t Rush the Natural Release (or Partial): The 5-minute natural pressure release (NPR) is important for ensuring the chicken remains juicy. It allows the temperature inside the pot to drop gradually, preventing the chicken from drying out. Don’t skip this step for the best results.
• Adjust Cook Time for Chicken Size: The cooking time of 8 minutes is ideal for medium chicken breasts. If your chicken breasts are particularly thick (over 1 inch at their thickest point), you might need to add 1-2 minutes to the pressure cooking time. Conversely, for thinner breasts or tenders, you might reduce it slightly.

Can I use a different cut of chicken other than breasts?

Absolutely! This recipe is wonderfully adaptable and can be made successfully with chicken tenders or even bone-in or boneless chicken thighs. If using chicken tenders, the cook time might need to be slightly reduced. For chicken thighs, particularly bone-in, you might need to add a few minutes to the pressure cooking time. Always ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

What other seasonings could I use to customize this recipe?

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility! You can easily swap out the seasoning blend to suit your taste preferences. Consider using a zesty lemon pepper seasoning, a robust Italian herb blend, a smoky chipotle rub, or even a spicy Cajun seasoning. If you have a favorite store-bought poultry blend, this recipe is a fantastic way to utilize it and create a truly personalized meal.

Can this Instant Pot chicken recipe be doubled?

Doubling the recipe has some limitations primarily due to the physical constraints of your Instant Pot’s size. You could potentially double the amount of chicken breasts, but you will almost certainly need to sauté the chicken in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, which prevents proper browning. The chicken broth, however, typically does not need to be doubled; increasing it by about 50% usually suffices to ensure enough liquid for cooking and for a good quantity of gravy. Just ensure you don’t exceed the ‘Max Fill’ line of your Instant Pot.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts directly in the Instant Pot?

Yes, you absolutely can use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe! However, you will need to skip the initial searing step as frozen chicken won’t brown properly. Additionally, you will need to add approximately 5 to 7 minutes to the pressure cooking time to ensure the chicken cooks through completely. For safety, always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.

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Instant Pot Chicken Breast and Gravy