Instant Pot Chicken Bites

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These chicken bites are quick, delicious, and foolproof. The Instant Pot locks in moisture, so you get flavorful, tender chicken every time without overcooking. You can customize the seasonings to match your mood — from classic garlic butter to spicy buffalo or tangy teriyaki. Plus, cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks in one pot.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• Olive oil or butter
• Chicken broth or water
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt and black pepper
• Optional sauces: barbecue, buffalo, teriyaki, or honey garlic
• Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish

Directions

1. Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add olive oil or butter.
2. Season the chicken bites with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Once the pot is hot, add the chicken and sear for 2–3 minutes until lightly browned on all sides (you may need to do this in batches).
4. Add chicken broth or water to deglaze the pot, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom.
5. Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing, and pressure cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes.
6. Once done, allow a 5-minute natural release, then quick-release the remaining pressure.
7. If you’d like a sauce, switch back to Sauté mode and stir in your favorite (like buffalo, teriyaki, or honey garlic) until the chicken is coated and slightly thickened.
8. Garnish with parsley or green onions and serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Garlic butter bites: Stir in melted butter, minced garlic, and parsley after cooking.
• Buffalo style: Toss in buffalo sauce and serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
• Honey garlic: Mix equal parts soy sauce, honey, and minced garlic for a sticky glaze.
• Barbecue flavor: Coat with your favorite BBQ sauce after pressure cooking.
• Asian-inspired: Add teriyaki sauce and sesame seeds for a sweet-savory option.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave for 1–2 minutes. For freezing, place cooled chicken bites in a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, just increase the cooking time to 10 minutes on high pressure and skip the searing step.

Can I make these chicken bites spicy?

Definitely! Add cayenne pepper or toss in buffalo or hot sauce after cooking.

What’s the best cut of chicken to use?

Both chicken breasts and thighs work well — thighs are juicier, while breasts are leaner.

Do I need to brown the chicken first?

Browning adds extra flavor but isn’t mandatory if you’re short on time.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but don’t fill the Instant Pot more than two-thirds full. You may need a bit more broth.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Use Sauté mode after pressure cooking and simmer until thickened, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water).

What sides go well with chicken bites?

Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.

Can I use store-bought sauces?

Absolutely. Any sauce you love — barbecue, teriyaki, or sweet chili — works great.

How do I prevent the chicken from turning rubbery?

Avoid overcooking and always use natural pressure release for at least 5 minutes.

Can I meal prep these chicken bites?

Yes, they’re perfect for meal prep! Divide into portions and refrigerate or freeze for easy grab-and-go meals.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Chicken Bites are an easy, flavorful, and protein-packed dish that’s ready in minutes. With endless sauce and seasoning options, this recipe fits any craving — from spicy to savory or sweet. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving a quick dinner, these juicy bites will quickly become a household favorite.

Instant Pot Chicken Bites

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Instant Pot Chicken Bites are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. These bite-sized chicken pieces cook quickly under pressure, making them perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Versatile and customizable, they can be enjoyed plain, sauced, or paired with rice, pasta, or veggies for a complete meal.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish, Appetizer
• Method: Pressure Cooked, Instant Pot
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1/3 cup chicken broth or water
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Optional sauces: barbecue, buffalo, teriyaki, or honey garlic
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley or sliced green onions, for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add olive oil or butter.
2. Season chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Once the pot is hot, add the chicken in batches and sear for 2–3 minutes until lightly browned on all sides.
4. Add chicken broth or water to the pot, scraping the bottom to deglaze and release any brown bits.
5. Secure the lid, set the valve to Sealing, and pressure cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes.
6. When cooking is complete, allow a 5-minute natural release, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
7. Optional: Switch back to Sauté mode, add your preferred sauce, and cook for 2–3 minutes until thickened and well-coated.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions and serve warm.

Notes

• You can skip searing if using frozen chicken—just increase cooking time to 10 minutes.
• For a saucy version, stir in barbecue, buffalo, teriyaki, or honey garlic sauce after cooking.
• Thighs yield juicier bites, while breasts are leaner.
• Don’t overfill the Instant Pot—work in batches for best results.
• Reheat gently with a splash of broth to maintain moisture.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
• Calories: 240
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 410mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 115mg