Whip Up 18 Easy Instant Pot Chicken Dinners

The Ultimate Collection of Easy & Delicious Instant Pot Chicken Recipes for Busy Families

Life as a parent is a whirlwind, isn’t it? One moment you’re tackling school runs and work, the next you glance at the clock, realizing dinner should have been on the table ages ago. Weekdays can be incredibly chaotic, making it a constant challenge to prepare nourishing and delicious meals. This is precisely where the Instant Pot steps in as a true kitchen hero, a device that has repeatedly saved my sanity and ensures my kids are fed without a dinnertime battle.

What other kitchen appliance can transform frozen chicken into a complete, delicious dinner in under an hour? The Instant Pot is an absolute game-changer for busy households, and in our home, chicken meals are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. My kids, bless their hearts, will devour chicken without a single complaint – a victory in itself for any busy parent!

Why Instant Pot Chicken is a Game Changer for Busy Lives

The Instant Pot isn’t just another gadget; it’s a culinary revolution for time-strapped individuals and families. Its ability to drastically cut down cooking times, especially for proteins like chicken, makes it indispensable. Here’s why embracing Instant Pot chicken recipes will transform your mealtime routine:

  • Unmatched Speed: Pressure cooking significantly reduces the time needed for cooking, allowing you to get dinner on the table faster than traditional methods.
  • Effortless Convenience: Many recipes involve a simple “dump and go” approach. Just add your ingredients, set the timer, and let the Instant Pot do the heavy lifting while you attend to other tasks.
  • Incredible Versatility: From hearty soups and stews to tender shredded chicken for tacos or sandwiches, the Instant Pot handles a vast array of chicken dishes with ease.
  • Healthy Meals Made Easy: Cooking chicken in the Instant Pot locks in moisture and nutrients, making it simple to prepare lean, healthy protein that’s both flavorful and good for you.
  • Family-Friendly Solutions: Chicken is universally loved by most children, and the Instant Pot makes it easy to create dishes that appeal to even the pickiest eaters, often simplifying meal prep for the whole family.
  • From Frozen to Feast: One of its most celebrated features is the ability to cook frozen chicken directly, eliminating the need for thawing and saving precious time on those particularly hectic days.

Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Chicken Every Time

To ensure your Instant Pot chicken dishes are always a success, keep these simple tips in mind:

  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: While it’s tempting to maximize space, overloading your Instant Pot can prevent even cooking and proper pressure buildup. Cook in batches if necessary.
  • Always Use Enough Liquid: The Instant Pot requires liquid to create pressure. Most chicken recipes call for at least 1 cup of liquid (broth, water, sauce) to ensure proper functioning.
  • Natural Release vs. Quick Release: Understand when to use which. Quick release is faster but can sometimes make meat tougher. Natural release (allowing pressure to dissipate slowly) is often better for tender, juicy chicken, especially for larger cuts.
  • Shredding Made Easy: For shredded chicken recipes, try using a hand mixer directly in the Instant Pot or a stand mixer to quickly shred cooked chicken breasts or thighs. It’s incredibly efficient!
  • Browning for Flavor: Don’t skip the sauté function! Browning chicken before pressure cooking can add a deeper, richer flavor profile to your final dish.
  • Adjust Cook Times for Fresh vs. Frozen: Remember that frozen chicken will require a longer cooking time than fresh chicken. Always consult your recipe for specific guidance.

Our Favorite Instant Pot Chicken Recipes

Below you will find an extensive collection of our absolute favorite Instant Pot chicken recipes that we have proudly shared on the site! Each recipe is designed to be delicious, easy to make, and perfect for busy parents seeking wholesome meals for their families. Make sure to pin this page and check back frequently, as we are constantly adding more mouth-watering meal ideas every week!

Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Experience the vibrant flavors of the Southwest with this incredibly easy Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup. It’s the perfect hearty meal to kick back and relax with, especially after a long day. Packed with tender chicken, beans, corn, and a savory broth, this recipe promises comfort in a bowl and is arguably the best Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup you’ll ever make!

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Quick Leftover Instant Pot Chicken Pizza

Transform your leftovers into a fun, new family favorite with this Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Pizza recipe! This ingenious meal is the absolute best way to utilize pre-cooked chicken from your Instant Pot, turning it into a delicious pizza that even the pickiest eaters will adore. Say goodbye to food waste and hello to a quick, yummy dinner!

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Easy Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Recipe for Busy Moms

This easy Instant Pot shredded chicken recipe is a lifeline for busy moms! Prepare a batch of perfectly tender shredded chicken on Sunday, and you’ll have a versatile protein ready to use in countless meals throughout the week. It’s perfect for tacos, sandwiches, salads, and more, making meal prep a breeze and simplifying weeknight dinners.

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Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Rice Soup

Warm up from the inside out with this comforting Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup. This recipe is the PERFECT antidote to cold, rainy days, offering a rich and hearty meal in under 15 minutes! Enjoy tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, wild rice, and a velvety smooth broth that comes together effortlessly in your Instant Pot.

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Simple Instant Pot Hawaiian Chicken

Dreaming of a tropical escape? This Instant Pot Hawaiian Chicken brings the vacation vibes straight to your dinner table! This simple recipe for chicken with sweet pineapple and savory sauce is not only incredibly easy to make but also kid-friendly and universally taste bud approved. It’s a fantastic way to brighten up any weeknight meal.

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Instant Pot Kung Pao Chicken

Skip the expensive Chinese takeout and create an authentic, flavorful Instant Pot Kung Pao Chicken right in your own kitchen! This easy-to-make recipe offers tender chicken with a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes, all while saving you money. Your taste buds and your wallet will definitely thank you for this delicious weeknight meal!

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Instant Pot Southwest Chicken Power Bowl

Recharge your day with this incredibly satisfying Instant Pot Southwest Chicken Power Bowl! This vibrant and nutritious dish is my absolute favorite go-to lunch, providing the perfect pick-me-up on those days when energy levels are low. It’s quick, easy, and packed with zesty flavors and wholesome ingredients that will keep you feeling full and energized.

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Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Wings

Get ready to spice things up with these perfectly crispy Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Wings! Whether fresh or from frozen, you can achieve delicious, tender wings with that signature buffalo kick in minutes. These wings are our ultimate appetizer for family movie nights or game day gatherings, pairing perfectly with a cold drink and good company.

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Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Nothing beats a comforting bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup, and this Instant Pot version makes it easier than ever! This Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup recipe will keep you warm and cozy on even the chilliest days. No need to slave over a hot stove; simply combine all your ingredients in the Instant Pot for a classic, soul-satisfying meal.

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Instant Pot Chicken Chile Verde Recipe

Prepare for a flavor explosion with this quick and easy Instant Pot Chicken Chile Verde recipe, guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser! Let your pressure cooker handle all the heavy lifting as you create a rich, savory, and slightly spicy dish that will impress your friends and family. It’s perfect for tacos, burritos, or simply enjoyed in a bowl.

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Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas

Enjoy sizzling, flavorful chicken fajitas from your pressure cooker in under 30 minutes! These easy Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas are absolutely delicious, making them the perfect quick dinner recipe for busy moms after school. Even the pickiest eaters will love customizing their own fajita wraps with this vibrant and speedy Mexican-inspired meal.

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Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo

This Easy Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo recipe is destined to become a family staple! Featuring a rich, homemade Alfredo sauce tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine noodles and tender chicken, often with a hint of broccoli, this is one comforting meal your kids will eagerly ask for again and again. It’s the perfect indulgent reward after a long day.

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Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip

This Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe is an absolute must-have for game days and gatherings. It’s one of my favorite go-to appetizers, boasting creamy, cheesy, and spicy goodness that’s guaranteed to please any crowd. Quick to prepare in your Instant Pot, this dip will be the star of your next party!

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Instant Pot Jambalaya with Chicken and Brown Rice

After a long day, there’s nothing more satisfying than a hearty bowl of Instant Pot Jambalaya with tender chicken and brown rice, perfectly complemented by a cold sweet tea. This flavorful jambalaya recipe is one of my ultimate comfort foods, and I’m confident it will quickly win its way into your heart too. Experience the taste of Louisiana, simplified for your Instant Pot!

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Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

If you’re a fan of the fiery and tangy flavors of buffalo chicken, then you absolutely must try these Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches! These quick-to-assemble shredded chicken sandwiches are bursting with bold flavor and make for a fun, satisfying meal. They’re perfect for a speedy lunch, an exciting dinner, or feeding a crowd with minimal effort.

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Instant Pot Garlic Herb Chicken Breast

Discover the secret to perfectly tender and flavorful chicken breast with this Instant Pot Garlic Herb Chicken Breast recipe. So quick and simple to prepare, it’s the ideal Instant Pot chicken dinner for a healthy and delicious weeknight meal. Serve it as a stand-alone protein, sliced over salads, or alongside your favorite vegetables for a wholesome plate.

3.4/5 from 73 ratings

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Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala

Bring the flavors of your favorite Indian restaurant home with this simple Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala. One of the most beloved Indian dishes, this recipe delivers extremely tender chicken bathed in a thick, rich, and aromatic sauce. When it comes to ultimate comfort food, this homemade chicken masala effortlessly rises to the top of the list.

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Instant Pot Chicken Corn Chowder

Warm, creamy, and incredibly satisfying, this easy 20-Minute Instant Pot Chicken Corn Chowder is the perfect recipe for those busy nights when you’re craving comforting, homemade food. With tender chicken and sweet corn swimming in a rich, velvety broth, this pressure cooker chowder delivers a hearty meal that the whole family will love in record time.

3.6/5 from 8 ratings

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We hope this expansive collection of Instant Pot chicken recipes becomes your go-to resource for effortless and delicious family meals. The Instant Pot truly shines when it comes to chicken, offering endless possibilities for quick dinners, meal prep, and comforting dishes that cater to all tastes. Don’t let busy schedules deter you from enjoying wholesome, homemade food. With these recipes, you’re well on your way to becoming an Instant Pot chicken master, transforming everyday meals into extraordinary culinary experiences!