Instant Pot Chicken Breast and Gravy

Instant Pot Chicken Recipes

There is nothing better than a hot, flavorful, easy dinner and the Instant Pot is one of my very favorite tools for getting all of that – quickly! This delicious recipe for Instant Pot Chicken and Gravy is made with chicken breasts, a handful of seasonings and some pantry staples. It’s quick to make and just bursting with flavor. It’s comfort food that you’ll want to make time and time again.

This instant pot chicken breast recipe is a real crowd pleaser and appeals to kids and adults alike. The creamy gravy is perfect for serving along some mashed potatoes. Add in your favorite veggies and you’re set! A delicious, easy meal the whole family will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Instant Pot = Magic Pot. There’s a few steps in this recipe but the instant pot takes of it all! Sautéing the chicken, cooking the chicken until it’s so incredibly tender, and then making the gravy. One pot does it all!
• Versatility. This Instant Pot Chicken is amazing on it’s own – super flavorful and seasoned just right, this chicken is perfect with just a salad on the side. It’s also great in this Chicken Salad! The gravy is completely optional but it’s easy to make and so good!
• Easy Ingredients. I love that this recipe calls for ingredients I always have on hand: chicken breasts, seasonings and chicken broth or stock. It’s one of those instant pot chicken recipes that you’ll find yourself making a couple times a month.

Ingredients Needed

You’ll be amazed at the flavor in this easy recipe! Made with simple ingredients, this Instant Pot Chicken Breast and Gravy is a homey, comforting dish the whole family will love.. As always, you can find the full printable recipe with complete instructions in the recipe card at the end of this post. 

• chicken breasts – you’ll need about 3 to 4 medium breasts for this recipe. Chicken tenders are also a great option or even chicken thighs.
• extra virgin olive oil – The chicken is going to be sauteed in the olive oil for a couple minutes to give it extra flavor. It also helps the spices to stick to the chicken.
• spices and herbs – A handful of spices make for a really flavorful seasoning blend for this instant pot chicken breast recipe. You’ll need dried parsley, paprika or smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, mustard powder and garlic powder.
• chicken broth or stock – I opt for the low sodium chicken broth so I can control the salt level in this recipe.

For the Gravy (Optional)

• cornstarch – Mixed with water to create a slurry, this will thicken the gravy.
• bouillon cube or better than chicken bouillon base – This is totally optional but will add a lot of flavor to the gravy.
• butter – Again, optional, but adds a nice buttery richness to the gravy.
• heavy cream – I like to add this for a bit of creaminess in the gravy. It’s optional but one of my favorite ways to finish off any gravy recipe.

How To Make Chicken Breasts In The Instant Pot

1. Prepare seasoning mix. Combine spices and dried herbs in a small bowl and stir to combine.
2. Saute chicken breasts. Drizzle oil on the chicken breasts and sprinkle with the seasoning mixture. Rub it on both sides of the breasts. Turn on the Instant Pot to the sauté function and add oil. Cook the breasts, 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until browned. Turn off the instant pot.
3. Pressure cook chicken. Add chicken stock and dried parsley to the pot. Pressure cook on high for 8 minutes. Let pressure naturally release for 5 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.
4. Make gravy (optional). Turn the instant pot to the saute setting. Whisk together water and cornstarch and add to the pot, whisking to combine. Add chicken bouillon or better than bouillon base if using now. Cook for 7 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the gravy thickens to your liking. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in butter and heavy cream if using (makes the gravy richer).
5. Serve and enjoy. Slice chicken breasts and serve gravy over chicken breasts. Serve with a side of mashed potatoes and some veggies for a complete meal.

Storage Information

Refrigerator: Store any leftover chicken and gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezer: You can also freeze any leftovers for up to 3 months! Let cool and then transfer to a freezer safe, airtight container. Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat and heat until warmed through.

Trish’s Tips and Tricks

• Customize this recipe by trying new seasonings and spices. It’s a great way to take this simple recipe and enjoy it many different ways.
• Try using the trivet that came with your instant pot and place the chicken on it after sauteeing instead of place right in the pot.
• The gravy is an optional component to this recipe. If you aren’t planning on making the gravy, feel free to reduce the amount of chicken broth (or stock) by about half a cup.
• Test for seasoning before serving! Sometimes the gravy will need a little more salt or pepper.
• We like to serve this easy instant pot chicken breast recipe with mashed potatoes, pea salad and dinner rolls.