You know those nights when you want something healthy, delicious, and ready in a flash? That’s exactly why I fell in love with this paleo chicken recipe in my Instant Pot. It’s become my go-to for busy weeknights—juicy, flavorful chicken with just a handful of pantry staples. No fancy prep, no endless cleanup. Just toss everything in the pot, press a button, and boom—dinner’s ready. And the best part? It’s packed with protein, totally grain-free, and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Trust me, this recipe is about to become your new best friend on those “I need dinner NOW” kind of days.

Why You’ll Love These Paleo Chicken Recipes Instant Pot

Let me tell you why this chicken recipe is an absolute game-changer—especially when life gets crazy. First off, it’s ready in 20 minutes from start to finish (yes, really!). No babysitting the stove or waiting forever for flavors to develop. Just sear, press a button, and walk away. Plus, it’s so darn healthy—no weird additives, no sneaky sugars, just lean protein and simple spices that make your taste buds sing.

Here’s what else makes it magic:

• Minimal cleanup: One pot means no mountain of dishes mocking you afterward
• Foolproof flavor: The broth and lemon juice keep the chicken crazy moist—no dry, sad chicken here!
• Meal prep hero: Makes killer leftovers for salads, wraps, or just snacking straight from the fridge
• Versatile AF: Swap spices or add veggies—it’s basically a blank canvas for your cravings

Seriously, this recipe checks all the boxes. Easy, healthy, delicious? Sign me up every single time.

Ingredients for Paleo Chicken Recipes Instant Pot

Grab these simple ingredients – I bet you already have most in your pantry! The beauty of this recipe is how ordinary items transform into something extraordinary under pressure (literally). Here’s your shopping list:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 medium)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (the good stuff!)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (not garlic salt!)
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet – your call)
• 1/2 tsp salt (I use sea salt)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly ground if you’re fancy)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (fresh squeezed makes all the difference)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional but pretty)

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

No boneless breasts? Bone-in thighs work great – just add 2 minutes to cook time. Out of olive oil? Avocado oil is my backup. For broth, homemade bone broth adds extra nutrition (or use water in a pinch). Lemon juice absolutely must be fresh though – that bottled stuff just won’t give you the same bright flavor pop!

Equipment Needed for Paleo Chicken Recipes Instant Pot

Okay, let’s talk gear – you’ll be shocked how little you actually need for this recipe! The star is obviously your Instant Pot (any size works, though I use my 6-quart). Grab some tongs for easy flipping when searing – trust me, you don’t want to fish out hot chicken with a fork. A set of measuring spoons keeps your spice ratios perfect. That’s it for essentials! Though if you’re like me and obsess over doneness, a meat thermometer gives peace of mind (165°F is the magic number).

How to Make Paleo Chicken Recipes Instant Pot

Alright, let’s get cooking! This recipe is so simple you’ll wonder why you ever stressed over weeknight dinners. Just follow these steps and you’ll have juicy, flavorful chicken in no time.

Step 1: Season the Chicken

First things first – pat those chicken breasts dry with paper towels (this helps the spices stick better). In a small bowl, mix together all your spices – garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Now rub this magic dust all over every inch of your chicken. Don’t be shy – get under those folds and really massage it in!

Step 2: Sear in Instant Pot

Turn your Instant Pot to sauté mode (it should say “normal” heat level) and let it heat up for a minute. Add the olive oil – when it shimmers, carefully place your chicken in. Listen to that sizzle! Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until you get a nice golden crust. Pro tip: don’t crowd the pot – do this in batches if needed.

Step 3: Pressure Cook

Pour in your chicken broth and lemon juice – it’ll sizzle and steam (that’s the good stuff deglazing the pot!). Secure the lid, make sure the valve is set to sealing, and hit “manual” or “pressure cook” for 8 minutes on high. When time’s up, let it naturally release pressure for 5 minutes (no peeking!), then quick release any remaining steam. Carefully remove your perfectly cooked chicken – it should be juicy and fork-tender!

Tips for Perfect Paleo Chicken Recipes Instant Pot

After making this recipe more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks to guarantee perfect results every single time. First – fresh lemon juice is non-negotiable. That bottled stuff just doesn’t give the same bright, zesty kick. Second, don’t skip the sear – those golden brown bits add insane flavor depth. Third, set a timer for the natural release – 5 minutes is the sweet spot before quick releasing. Any longer and you risk overcooking. And finally, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing – it keeps all those delicious juices right where they belong!

Serving Suggestions for Paleo Chicken Recipes Instant Pot

This chicken is crazy versatile! I love it piled high on a bed of cauliflower rice with extra lemon wedges – the perfect light meal. For heartier days, pair it with roasted Brussels sprouts or garlicky green beans. Leftovers? Toss it into salads, lettuce wraps, or even make killer chicken salad (hello, lunch prep!). The possibilities are endless!

Storing and Reheating Paleo Chicken Recipes Instant Pot

Here’s the beautiful thing about this chicken – it actually gets more flavorful as it sits! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When hunger strikes again, reheat gently in the microwave (covered with a damp paper towel to keep it moist) or toss it in a skillet with a splash of broth to revive that perfect texture. Pro tip: the juices at the bottom of the container make an amazing sauce – don’t you dare pour them out!

Paleo Chicken Recipes Instant Pot FAQs

I get asked about this recipe all the time – here are the most common questions with my tried-and-true answers!

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Just add 2-3 minutes to the pressure cook time (10-11 minutes total). No need to thaw – that’s the beauty of Instant Pot magic. The liquid helps them cook evenly, though I do recommend patting them dry before seasoning if they’re super icy.

How can I adjust the spice level?
Want more kick? Double the paprika or add a pinch of cayenne. For milder flavor, cut the garlic powder in half. The beauty of this paleo chicken recipe is how customizable it is – make it your own!

Is this keto-friendly too?
You bet! With only 2g net carbs per serving, it fits perfectly into keto macros. Just watch any sides you pair it with – I stick to low-carb veggies to keep it fully keto-compliant.

Nutritional Information for Paleo Chicken Recipes Instant Pot

Just so you know, these numbers are estimates (your exact counts may vary slightly based on ingredient brands). Per serving (about 6 oz chicken): 250 calories, 40g protein, and 8g fat – making it a lean, protein-packed powerhouse. It’s naturally low-carb with just 2g net carbs too! Now go try this recipe tonight – I wanna hear how it turns out for you!

Juicy Paleo Chicken Recipes Instant Pot Ready in 20 Minutes

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• Author: Christina R. Jones
• Total Time: 20 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Calorie

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Description

A simple and quick paleo-friendly chicken recipe made in an Instant Pot. Perfect for a healthy meal with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the olive oil.
3. Add the chicken and sear for 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice.
5. Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
6. Allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure.
7. Remove the chicken, shred if desired, and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

• Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
• Adjust cooking time if using frozen chicken.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Instant Pot
• Cuisine: Paleo

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (6 oz chicken)
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: paleo chicken, instant pot chicken, healthy chicken recipe