Instant Pot Bone-In Chicken Breast: How Long to Cook?

Unlock Juicy Perfection: Your Guide to Instant Pot Bone-In Chicken Breast

Ever wished you could make perfectly tender, incredibly juicy bone-in chicken breast without the fuss? Your Instant Pot is about to become your new best friend! While cooking bone-in chicken breast can sometimes feel like a guessing game, especially when you want that ideal texture and flavor, your trusty pressure cooker takes all the guesswork out of it. It’s quick, efficient, and delivers consistently delicious results.

Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the days ahead, mastering how long to cook bone in chicken breast in Instant Pot is a game-changer. Let’s dive into the simple steps and expert tips to ensure your chicken is always a winner!

Why the Instant Pot is Perfect for Bone-In Chicken Breast

The Instant Pot truly shines when it comes to cooking chicken, especially cuts like bone-in breasts. Here’s why:

• Speed: Pressure cooking drastically reduces the time needed compared to oven baking or stovetop methods.
• Moisture & Tenderness: The sealed, high-pressure environment locks in moisture, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy chicken every single time. Say goodbye to dry, rubbery chicken!
• Flavor Infusion: Cooking under pressure allows flavors from your broth and seasonings to penetrate deeply into the meat, creating a more delicious dish.

The Golden Rule: Food Safety First!

Before we get into cooking times, always remember the most crucial rule for any poultry: ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). A reliable meat thermometer is your best friend here. This temperature ensures your chicken is safe to eat and perfectly cooked.

Fresh or Thawed Bone-In Chicken Breast: The Instant Pot Method

For best results with fresh or thawed bone-in chicken breast, here’s your straightforward guide:

Recommended Cooking Time:

• Pressure Cook: 10-12 minutes on High Pressure (for average-sized breasts, about 10-12 ounces each).
• Pressure Release: Follow with a 10-minute Natural Pressure Release (NPR), then manually release any remaining pressure.

This timing will give you beautifully cooked chicken that’s easy to shred or slice.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Chicken: Pat your bone-in chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season generously on all sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or your favorite poultry seasoning blend.
2. Add Liquid: Pour 1 cup of liquid (chicken broth, water, or even a splash of white wine) into the inner pot of your Instant Pot. This liquid is essential for creating the steam needed for pressure.
3. Place Chicken: Position the chicken breasts on a trivet or directly into the liquid. Using a trivet can help keep the chicken out of the direct liquid, though either method works well. Make sure not to overcrowd the pot; arrange them in a single layer if possible, or stack no more than two deep to ensure even cooking.
4. Seal and Cook: Secure the lid, making sure the sealing ring is in place and the vent is set to “Sealing.” Select “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” and set the time to 10-12 minutes on High Pressure.
5. Natural Release: Once cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes (NPR). This helps the chicken stay moist and tender. After 10 minutes, carefully switch the vent to “Venting” for a Quick Release (QR) of any remaining pressure.
6. Check Temperature & Rest: Carefully remove the chicken from the Instant Pot. Immediately check the thickest part of the largest breast with an instant-read thermometer to ensure it has reached 165°F (74°C). If not, place it back in the Instant Pot and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on high pressure, followed by a quick release. Once it’s at temperature, let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes on a cutting board before slicing or shredding. This resting period helps redistribute the juices, keeping your chicken incredibly moist.

Cooking Bone-In Chicken Breast from Frozen

Forgot to thaw your chicken? No problem! The Instant Pot handles frozen bone-in chicken breast like a champ, making it a lifesaver on busy days.

Adjusted Cooking Time for Frozen:

• Pressure Cook: 15-20 minutes on High Pressure (for average-sized frozen breasts).
• Pressure Release: Always follow with a 10-minute Natural Pressure Release (NPR), then manually release any remaining pressure.

Remember that seasoning frozen chicken can be a bit trickier, so consider seasoning the liquid or adding flavor after it’s cooked.

Pro Tips for Amazing Instant Pot Chicken

• Sear for Flavor (Optional but Recommended!): For an extra layer of flavor and crispy skin (if you like to eat it), you can sear your bone-in chicken breasts in the Instant Pot on the “Sauté” function with a little oil before pressure cooking. Remove, deglaze the pot with liquid, then proceed with cooking.
• Boost the Broth: Instead of just water, use chicken broth or add aromatics like onion, garlic cloves, or herbs (thyme, rosemary) to the cooking liquid for a more flavorful chicken.
• Don’t Overcrowd: While the Instant Pot is spacious, avoid packing too many chicken breasts in at once. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
• Rest is Best: Don’t skip the resting step! It makes a huge difference in the juiciness of your chicken.

Factors That Influence Cooking Time

While our recommended times are a great starting point, a few things can slightly alter how long to cook bone in chicken breast in Instant Pot:

• Size and Thickness: Larger, thicker chicken breasts will need a minute or two more. Smaller ones might need a minute less.
• Initial Temperature: As we covered, frozen chicken takes longer than fresh or thawed.
• Altitude: For very high altitudes, you might need to add a minute or two to the cooking time, as water boils at a lower temperature, affecting pressure.

Troubleshooting Common Instant Pot Chicken Issues

• Undercooked Chicken: If your chicken hasn’t reached 165°F, simply put it back in the Instant Pot, secure the lid, and cook for another 2-3 minutes on high pressure, followed by a quick release. Check the temperature again.
• Dry Chicken: This usually happens from overcooking. Always use a meat thermometer and stick to the recommended cooking times and the 10-minute NPR. The Instant Pot typically prevents this, but a long QR without resting can contribute to dryness.

Your Instant Pot Bone-In Chicken FAQ

Is 10 minutes enough for bone-in chicken breast in the Instant Pot?

Yes, for fresh or thawed average-sized bone-in chicken breasts (10-12 oz), 10-12 minutes on high pressure followed by a 10-minute Natural Pressure Release is typically perfect to reach 165°F.

Do I need to add water to cook chicken in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you always need at least 1 cup of liquid (broth or water) in the Instant Pot for it to come to pressure properly and cook your chicken safely and effectively.

Can I stack bone-in chicken breasts in the Instant Pot?

You can stack them up to two layers deep, but ideally, try to arrange them in a single layer for the most even cooking. If stacking, ensure they are roughly the same size.

How do I know when the Instant Pot chicken is done?

The only reliable way is to use an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken, ensuring it reads 165°F (74°C).

Ready to Cook!

Cooking bone-in chicken breast in your Instant Pot is a simple, effective way to get delicious, tender, and juicy results every time. By following these easy steps and keeping an eye on those essential cooking times and temperatures, you’ll master this dish in no time. Enjoy your perfectly cooked chicken!