If you’re on the hunt for a simple, healthy, and seriously versatile protein prep, this Instant Pot Chicken Cubes – Low Carb Meal Prep Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Tender, flavorful chicken cubes come together in just minutes, perfect for those busy weeks when you want quick meals without sacrificing taste or nutrition. Packed with juicy chicken goodness and just the right seasoning, this recipe is a meal prep miracle that keeps your low carb goals on track and your palate happy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping this recipe straightforward with pantry staples means every ingredient plays a key role in creating a moist, flavorful chicken base that’s perfect for multiple dishes. These essentials bring just the right seasoning and moisture to make your chicken cubes a joy to cook with.
- 5 lbs boneless, skinless fresh chicken breasts: The lean protein hero of this recipe, easy to cube and quick to cook.
- 1 cup water: Provides the perfect cooking liquid to steam the chicken tender without drying it out.
- 1 teaspoon Better than Bouillon chicken base: Adds rich, savory depth reminiscent of homemade broth without extra sodium overload.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the chicken without overpowering it.
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper: Gives just the right little kick and balances the seasoning beautifully.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Cubes – Low Carb Meal Prep Recipe
Step 1: Season and Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting your fresh chicken breasts into evenly sized cubes, about bite-sized, which helps them cook uniformly. Sprinkle the pieces with salt and pepper, giving them just enough seasoning to bring out their natural taste without overshadowing their simplicity.
Step 2: Add Broth Mixture
Mix the Better than Bouillon chicken base with water until fully dissolved, creating a flavorful broth. Pour this into your Instant Pot over the cubed chicken. This broth steams the chicken cubes perfectly, infusing them with savory goodness that keeps them juicy and tender.
Step 3: Pressure Cook the Chicken
Seal your Instant Pot and set it to manual pressure cook for 8 minutes. Quick release the pressure once the timer goes off to prevent the chicken from overcooking. This quick cooking keeps the chicken soft but not mushy — ideal for meal prepping.
Step 4: Cool and Separate
Carefully remove the lid and let the chicken cool down before handling. Don’t throw away that flavorful liquid left behind — it’s perfect as a base for soups or sauces later on.
Step 5: Portion and Freeze
Divide your cooled chicken cubes into 8 portions and place them into freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible, flatten them for easy stacking, then label with the date. These chicken cubes freeze beautifully and are ready to add to your meals anytime.
How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Cubes – Low Carb Meal Prep Recipe
Garnishes
Tossing your chicken cubes with freshly chopped herbs like parsley, cilantro, or chives immediately livens them up. A squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a surprising and delightful zing that wakes up every bite.
Side Dishes
Pair these chicken cubes with a vibrant side of sautéed greens, roasted low-carb veggies, or a fresh cucumber salad to keep the meal light and balanced. Cauliflower rice is another fantastic companion that absorbs any sauces beautifully while keeping things low carb.
Creative Ways to Present
Use these chicken cubes as a protein-packed topping for salads, mix them into scrambled eggs for a filling breakfast, or blend into low carb wraps and lettuce cups for quick, flavorful lunches. Their neutral seasoning allows flexibility to transform them into different cuisines effortlessly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have cooked chicken cubes that aren’t going straight into the freezer, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days, perfect for grabbing and going during busy weekdays.
Freezing
For best freezer storage, flatten the portions in bags to save space and speed up thawing. Properly sealed, these chicken cubes maintain their quality for up to 3 months, making them a lifesaver for batch meal preppers aiming to stick to a low carb lifestyle.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out. Since the chicken is already cooked, the goal is just to warm it through without overcooking, keeping those tender cubes juicy and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw the chicken beforehand for even cooking. Using frozen chicken may increase cooking time and affect texture.
Is Better than Bouillon necessary, or can I substitute it?
You can use 1 cup of prepared broth instead; however, Better than Bouillon adds a richer flavor punch that makes these chicken cubes extra savory and satisfying.
Can I use this chicken for dishes other than meal prep?
Absolutely! These cubes are a versatile base for soups, casseroles, stir-fries, or even tossed in a salad. Their mild flavor lets you get creative.
How low carb is this recipe?
This recipe is naturally low carb since it uses just chicken and seasoning without any fillers, making it ideal for anyone limiting carbohydrate intake.
Can I double or halve the recipe?
Yes, the recipe scales well. Just adjust the seasoning slightly and ensure the Instant Pot is not overfilled to maintain proper pressure cooking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a meal prep recipe that’s as simple as it is flavorful. The Instant Pot Chicken Cubes – Low Carb Meal Prep Recipe fits that bill perfectly, delivering juicy, ready-to-use chicken cubes that keep your weekly meals fresh, healthy, and exciting. Give it a try and watch your low carb cooking routine become easier and way more delicious.
PrintInstant Pot Chicken Cubes – Low Carb Meal Prep Recipe
This Instant Pot Chicken Cubes recipe is a quick and easy low-carb meal prep solution featuring tender, seasoned chicken breasts cooked to perfection in a pressure cooker. The method locks in flavor using a homemade broth made with Better than Bouillon chicken base, creating versatile chicken cubes that can be frozen and used in various dishes throughout the week.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes (plus pressure build-up and release time approx. 5 minutes)
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Meal Prep, Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Ingredients
Chicken
- 5 lbs boneless, skinless fresh chicken breasts, cubed
Broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon Better than Bouillon chicken base
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the cubed chicken evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor before cooking.
- Add to Instant Pot: Place the seasoned chicken cubes into the Instant Pot or another pressure cooker.
- Prepare Broth: In a separate bowl, stir together 1 cup of water and 1 teaspoon Better than Bouillon chicken base to create a flavorful broth. Pour this broth over the chicken in the pot. (You may substitute with 1 cup of prepared broth if desired, though the bouillon adds extra flavor.)
- Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the steam release valve to the sealing position. Manually set to cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
- Quick Release Pressure: After cooking, carefully perform a quick pressure release by turning the valve to venting, to prevent overcooking.
- Cool the Chicken: Remove the lid and transfer the chicken to a plate to cool completely before freezing. Reserve the cooking liquid as it can be used later to make soups or sauces.
- Package for Freezing: Divide the cooled chicken evenly into 8 freezer-safe bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Flatten the bags for easy stacking and label with the date. Store in the freezer for future use.
Notes
- Do not add any cooking liquid to the freezer bags to avoid freezer burn and sogginess.
- The reserved cooking liquid can be frozen separately and used as a flavorful base for soups or stews.
- For best texture, perform a quick release to prevent chicken from becoming overcooked in the Instant Pot.
- This recipe is ideal for batch cooking and meal prep, saving time on busy days.
