For a no-fuss main course, this Ninja Foodi Chicken Breast is perfect. In just 25 minutes, you have juicy succulent chicken that the family is going to love. Pair with a simple side for a fast and easy weeknight meal.
As a busy mom, it is practically a given that there is a lot of chicken on the menu. From Ninja Foodi Grill Chicken to Blackstone Chicken, Ninja Foodi Whole Chicken, Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs and Air Fryer BBQ Chicken, there is no shortage of chicken recipes in my dinnertime rotation.
And, of course, it is the perfect simple meal that works with so many side dishes.
This chicken breast in the Ninja Foodi is one of my favorites!
The steam crisp function takes flavors to the next level, delivering juicy, tender chicken that is so full of flavor. (But no worries if your Foodi doesn't have that option; I've got instructions for older models too.)
Ingredient Talk
I use thawed boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe—they cook evenly and stay juicy. Chicken thighs work too, or you can check out my Ninja Foodi Chicken Thighs recipe. If starting from frozen, just add 6 to 8 minutes to the cook time.
The chili-garlic seasoning blend gives great flavor balance. I’ve also tried lemon pepper, basil, and parsley when I want something a little different.
Cornstarch is optional but handy if you want to thicken the pan juices into a quick sauce.
Wendy's Tips & Tricks
- If you like, you can pound the chicken to about ½ inch thick so it will cook evenly. (This step is optional; this recipe isn’t fussy, and I haven’t found this necessary with average-sized chicken breast.)
- If you want a pan sauce, remove the cooked chicken from your Ninja Foodi and then set to sauté mode. Whisk in some cornstarch, adding additional broth if desired. Cook and stir until the sauce thickens.
- For the best flavor, season the chicken for at least one hour and up to a day ahead of time.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken breast in the Ninja Foodi works well with so many sides! Here are some great options.
How to Make
Ninja Foodi Chicken Breast
Equipment
- Ninja Foodi
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup lemon juice or more broth
- ½ teaspoon cornstarch optional
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- In a small dish, combine the chili powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle the seasonings over the chicken.
- Place the inner pot in your Ninja Foodi and pour the broth and lemon juice into the pot.
- Place the chicken in your air crisper basket and place in the inner pot on top of the liquid.
STEAMCRISP Function (preferred)
- Select STEAMCRISP, and set the temperature to 400° F.
- Set the time to 17 minutes for large breasts and 15 minutes for small.
- Place the crisper basket on top of the inner pot and close the lid. Hit START.
- When the time is up, carefully open the lid and remove the air crisp basket.
- Use an instant read thermometer, and make sure that the internal temperature is at least 160° F.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. The temperature will continue to rise as the chicken rests, and should be at least 165° F before serving.
Pressure Cooker
- Place the basket on top of the inner pot and close the lid. Turn the valve to sealing.
- Select PRESSURE, HI and set the time to 8 minutes for large breasts and 7 minutes for small.
- When the time is up, do an instant release. Lift the basket from the Ninja Foodi, and carefully pour out the liquid from the inner pot.
- Return the pot and chicken to the Foodi and set to AIR FRY at 400 ° F for 4 minutes, until the chicken is lightly brown and the internal temperature is at least 160° F.
Optional Pan Sauce
- While the chicken is resting, set the Ninja Foodi to saute. Whisk the cornstarch into the broth. (You can add additional broth if desired.)
- Cook until the mixture is boil and thickened, about 2 minutes.
- Serve the chicken with the sauce.
Lee says
There's no steamcrisp or air fry option so idk what your using but it's not the same ninja foodi as me.
Wendy Polisi says
There are pressure cooker instructions in the recipe card below the steam crisp instructions for those that don't have a model with steam crisp.
Merle Reedhead says
Just wondering if you can suggest a step that would give the chicken a more appealing look. Comes out quite pale. Sauté for a few minutes before pressure cooking? Other than that it was very good.
Wendy Polisi says
Which method did you use? The air fry step at the end of the pressure cooking method should ensure that it gets brown. The steam crisp should do the same. Let me know which you used and I am happy to make a suggestion!