If you’re craving a fast, flavorful dinner that skips the fuss but delivers every bit of restaurant-worthy comfort, this Instant Pot Italian Herb Chicken Recipe is about to become your new weeknight staple. Bursting with Mediterranean-inspired herbs and juicy, garlic-kissed chicken, this dish takes minimal prep yet rewards you with tender, aromatic results in under 30 minutes. I reach for this recipe when I want to wow my family or guests with practically zero effort, and trust me: no one can resist the herby, lemony sauce spooned over perfectly cooked chicken. Whether you’re new to pressure cooking or already an Instant Pot devotee, you’ll fall hard for this Italian herb chicken magic!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of the charm of this recipe is how it transforms every-day pantry staples into big, memorable flavors. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, balancing taste, texture, and even adding a pop of color to your finished plate.
- Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Use 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless pieces for juicy, protein-packed results; thighs bring a little more richness, while breasts stay lean and tender.
- Olive Oil: Two tablespoons of this Mediterranean classic lay down a lush, aromatic base and help sear the chicken to golden perfection during the sauté step.
- Dried Basil: Just a teaspoon infuses the dish with sweet, slightly peppery notes that scream “Italian comfort food.”
- Dried Oregano: Oregano’s bold fragrance and earthy undertones round out that unmistakable herby backbone of the recipe.
- Dried Thyme: A half teaspoon gives floral, savory warmth that pairs beautifully with both chicken and citrus.
- Garlic Powder: No need to peel and chop—this pantry hero delivers mellow, all-over garlic flavor in every bite.
- Onion Powder: Half a teaspoon adds subtle savory sweetness and depth to the seasoning blend.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors; start with a half teaspoon, and adjust to taste if you like things a little punchier.
- Black Pepper: A quarter teaspoon is enough to lift up the herbs and balance out the lemony tang.
- Chicken Broth: Half a cup is all you need to keep the chicken moist and help create a luscious sauce at the end.
- Lemon Juice: The juice of half a lemon brightens up the entire dish and adds a little zing to offset the earthiness of the herbs.
- Fresh Parsley (for garnish): Don’t skip this! A tablespoon chopped over the top transforms the look and adds a fresh, green finish.
How to Make Instant Pot Italian Herb Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Herb Seasoning
Start by combining the basil, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This herby, aromatic blend lays the foundation for all the delicious layers of flavor you’ll get with every bite.
Step 2: Rub the Chicken
Pat your chicken pieces dry with paper towels and rub the seasoning mixture all over both sides. This literally coats every nook and cranny with an Italian herb crust, ensuring even, crave-worthy flavor and great color once seared.
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken
Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and drizzle in the olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Sear each piece for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden. Don’t worry about cooking it through—the Instant Pot will finish the job! This step boosts flavor and texture.
Step 4: Deglaze and Layer in Flavor
Press cancel on the sauté mode, then pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Use a spatula to gently scrape up any browned bits sticking to the bottom—these little nuggets carry incredible flavor into the sauce. Return all chicken to the pot so it can simmer in those delicious juices.
Step 5: Pressure Cook
Lock the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. The pressure infuses the chicken with herby goodness and keeps everything moist. After cooking, let the Instant Pot sit (natural release) for 5 minutes, then carefully do a quick release to finish.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Open the lid and check that the chicken’s internal temperature has reached at least 165°F. Plate the chicken, spoon plenty of that aromatic broth over the top, and don’t forget the generous sprinkle of fresh parsley. That’s it—you’ve mastered the Instant Pot Italian Herb Chicken Recipe!
How to Serve Instant Pot Italian Herb Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A final flourish of chopped fresh parsley is a must—it’s more than just a garnish, adding brightness and a pop of color. For a little extra luxury, you can also finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving.
Side Dishes
This chicken and its herby sauce are made for mopping up with a fluffy pile of rice, a swirl of al dente pasta, or even roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables. I love serving it with garlic green beans or a quick sauté of zucchini for a truly Italian-inspired meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the chicken and arranging it over a bed of mixed greens for a vibrant salad, or layer it onto toasted ciabatta for an open-faced sandwich with a splash of the cooking juices. Or simply let the Instant Pot Italian Herb Chicken Recipe shine as your main event with plenty of sauce on the side for dipping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken keeps beautifully—simply transfer any cooled portions and their sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as they mingle, making leftovers just as crave-worthy for lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
If you’re thinking long-term, freeze the chicken (with some of the sauce, if possible) in a sealed, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the chicken’s juicy texture.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of water or chicken broth to your leftovers and warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. The chicken stays tender thanks to the sauce, so you’re never left with dry, bland reheated meat.
FAQs
Can I use chicken with the bone in?
Absolutely! You can swap in bone-in pieces, just increase the pressure cooking time to about 12 minutes to ensure everything cooks through. The bone adds extra flavor, too.
What’s the best way to make this recipe dairy-free?
The recipe as written is naturally dairy-free, so you don’t need to make any changes. Just avoid adding Parmesan cheese if you’re keeping it completely dairy-free.
Can I add vegetables to the Instant Pot Italian Herb Chicken Recipe?
Definitely! Small potatoes, carrots, or even halved cherry tomatoes can be added right before pressure cooking for even more color and flavor. Keep in mind that softer veggies may get mushy if cooked for the full time, so firmer vegetables work best.
What if I don’t have all the dried herbs?
Don’t panic—you can substitute Italian seasoning for the individual herbs if that’s what you have on hand. You’ll still capture the spirit of the Instant Pot Italian Herb Chicken Recipe perfectly.
How can I make the sauce even creamier?
After pressure cooking, stir in a tablespoon of cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt into the warm sauce before serving for a richer, silkier finish. It’s not traditional, but it’s absolutely delicious!
Final Thoughts
I’m thrilled to share this Instant Pot Italian Herb Chicken Recipe with you—you truly get all the heart of Italian home cooking, without any of the hassle. I hope it finds a starring role in your meal rotation and brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine. Give this one-pot wonder a try, and don’t forget to let your tastebuds do a little happy dance!
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Instant Pot Italian Herb Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Instant Pot Italian Herb Chicken recipe is a flavorful and easy dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Tender chicken seasoned with a blend of herbs and cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Other:
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Mix together the basil, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning mixture over both sides of the chicken.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in the Instant Pot on sauté mode. Sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned.
- Add Liquid: Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits. Return all chicken to the pot.
- Cook Under Pressure: Lock the lid, set to high pressure for 8 minutes. Allow natural release for 5 minutes, then quick release. Check chicken temperature (165°F).
- Finish and Serve: Remove chicken, spoon cooking liquid over it, and garnish with parsley.
Notes
- Serve with rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
- For extra flavor, add Parmesan or white wine before pressure cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pressure Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken portion
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
