Description
This Instant Pot Italian Herb Chicken recipe offers a quick and flavorful way to prepare tender, juicy chicken breasts infused with classic Italian herbs and spices. Perfect for a busy weeknight, this dish combines the convenience of pressure cooking with simple ingredients to deliver a delicious, healthy meal in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2-3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or oregano, basil, thyme)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Liquid
- 1 cup chicken stock
Instructions
- Prepare the Instant Pot: Insert the trivet into the Instant Pot and pour in 1 cup of chicken stock to create a base for pressure cooking and prevent the chicken from sticking.
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, combine Italian seasoning, garlic powder, brown sugar, kosher salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Coat the chicken breasts evenly with this spice mixture for infused flavor.
- Place Chicken in Instant Pot: Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer on the Instant Pot’s trivet to ensure even cooking.
- Pressure Cook: Seal the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the vent is set to the closed position. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes if using fresh chicken, or 15 minutes if the chicken is frozen.
- Release Pressure and Check: Allow for natural pressure release or quick release based on your timing preference. Verify that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen chicken breasts depending on your schedule; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Natural pressure release will keep the chicken moist but takes longer than quick release.
- Italian seasoning can be customized with your favorite herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme.
- To add more flavor, consider searing the chicken in the Instant Pot before pressure cooking.
- Serve with steamed vegetables, pasta, or over a salad for a complete meal.
