25 Instant Pot Chicken Dinners That Save Me on Weeknights

When dinner needs to be fast and hands-off, the Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting. These chicken dishes deliver big flavor without the long cook times or piles of pans. From saucy curries to bold rice dishes and quick shredded chicken for tacos or salads, these recipes prove that pressure cooking doesn’t mean bland or boring. Whether you’re starting with frozen chicken or layering in bold spices, these meals come together fast—and taste like they didn’t.

Chicken Paprikash

This Hungarian classic features chicken simmered in a smoky paprika-spiced sauce. It cooks until fall-apart tender and rich with flavor. Serve it over noodles or rice to soak up every drop. A cozy dish with depth.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash

Chicken Potato Stew

Chunks of chicken and potatoes simmer together in a thick broth with herbs and vegetables. It’s hearty, filling, and ideal for colder nights. Each bite is warm and soft, like a hug in a bowl. No sides needed.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Potato Stew

Chicken Tinga

This spicy Mexican shredded chicken is made with chipotle peppers and tomato. It’s juicy, smoky, and great in tacos, tostadas, or over rice. Just a quick sauté or pressure cook and it’s ready to go. Keeps well for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga

Easy Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Thighs

Thighs cook quickly under pressure and shred easily with a fork. Use them for sandwiches, salads, or tacos. The meat stays juicy and flavorful. A meal-prep go-to that’s never dry.
Get the Recipe: Easy Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Thighs

Instant Pot and Chicken and Potatoes

Seasoned chicken and cubed potatoes cook together in one pot. The flavors meld and the result is filling without needing sides. It’s fast, easy, and uses simple ingredients. A solid all-in-one meal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot and Chicken and Potatoes

Instant Pot Bourbon Chicken

Sweet and sticky with a slight kick, this chicken gets coated in a glossy sauce made with bourbon, soy, and garlic. It’s quick to cook and better than takeout. Serve over rice for a full meal. The sauce alone is worth making.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Bourbon Chicken

Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip

Cream cheese, hot sauce, and shredded chicken come together in this party favorite. It’s spicy, creamy, and highly scoopable. The Instant Pot melts everything fast. Serve with chips, bread, or celery sticks.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip

Instant Pot Butter Chicken

This Indian-inspired dish has a creamy tomato sauce spiced with garam masala. Chicken simmers into tenderness in minutes. Serve over rice or with naan. It tastes like takeout without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Rice

Spicy sausage, tender chicken, and seasoned rice all cook in the same pot. The flavors build while the rice soaks everything up. One scoop has everything you need. Feeds a crowd without effort.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Rice

Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

Soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and bay leaves make up this tangy, bold Filipino dish. The chicken turns dark, rich, and flavorful as it cooks. It’s simple but strong in taste. Serve with white rice for balance.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

Instant Pot Chicken Barley Soup

This hearty soup is packed with grains, vegetables, and chicken. Barley gives it a chewy bite and makes it filling. The broth stays clear but full of flavor. A solid cold-weather soup.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Barley Soup

Instant Pot Chicken Biryani

Layers of chicken, rice, and spices cook together into a fragrant, colorful dish. Each grain of rice is coated in flavor. It feels like a special meal without the long prep. Serve with yogurt or pickled onions.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Biryani

Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Creamy, thick, and loaded with soft gnocchi and shredded chicken. It’s rich but not too heavy. Think of it as a more comforting version of chicken soup. Serve with crusty bread.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Instant Pot Chicken Korma

Mildly spiced with a creamy base, this curry is rich but not overwhelming. The sauce clings to every piece of chicken. Serve with rice or flatbread. A good one for those who like softer flavors.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Korma

Instant Pot Chicken Mushrooms

Chicken thighs and mushrooms cook down together in a savory broth. The mushrooms add earthiness and the sauce builds as it simmers. Great over mashed potatoes or pasta. Simple and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Mushrooms

Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma

Bold spices coat the chicken, which cooks fast under pressure. Once done, it’s ready to pile into pita or bowls. It’s juicy with just the right char on the edges. A good one for meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma

Instant Pot Chicken Stew

Thick, hearty, and full of vegetables, this stew uses chicken thighs for depth. The pressure cooker builds flavor fast. It reheats well and makes great leftovers. Spoon it straight into bowls with no extras needed.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Stew

Instant Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice

Everything cooks together, so the rice soaks up all the chicken flavor. The thighs stay juicy, and the rice turns soft and rich. A great all-in-one meal. Quick, simple, and easy to clean up.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice

Instant Pot Frozen Shredded Chicken Breasts

Start with frozen chicken, end with shredded meat ready for anything. The Instant Pot turns frozen-solid into tender in under an hour. No thawing, no babysitting. It’s meal prep magic.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Frozen Shredded Chicken Breasts

Instant Pot Green Chicken Curry (Thai Green Curry Recipe)

Green curry paste, coconut milk, and tender chicken come together in this Thai-inspired dish. The sauce is creamy with just enough heat. Add your favorite vegetables and serve with rice. It’s flavorful and quick.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Green Chicken Curry (Thai Green Curry Recipe)

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Sweet, garlicky, and sticky in the best way. The sauce thickens as the chicken cooks. Serve over rice or with steamed vegetables. A family favorite that takes almost no effort.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Instant Pot Shredded BBQ Chicken

Chicken cooks down with BBQ sauce into a saucy, shred-friendly filling. Use it for sandwiches, sliders, or wraps. The flavor builds with pressure. A party-friendly favorite.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Shredded BBQ Chicken

Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Breast

Simple, reliable, and ready for anything. The chicken comes out juicy and easy to pull apart. Great for salads, tacos, or soups. Keep some in the fridge for fast meals.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Breast

Instant Pot Tortilla Soup

This soup is packed with shredded chicken, tomatoes, and bold spices. It cooks quickly and gets topped with crunchy tortilla strips. Add avocado, cheese, or lime on top. A one-bowl meal with lots of texture.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tortilla Soup

Thai Chicken Curry

This creamy curry comes together with coconut milk, red curry paste, and tender chicken. It’s spicy, smooth, and quick to make. Serve with rice or naan. The leftovers are even better.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Curry