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    Popular » Recipes » Instant Pot

    Cook Frozen Chicken Breasts in the Instant Pot

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see disclosure for more information. Published: Jun 9, 2021 by Dee

    Learn how to cook frozen chicken breasts in the Instant Pot pressure cooker and use in your favorite chicken recipes. This easy cooking method is a huge time saver, and you'll never have to worry about defrosting chicken for dinner again! via @meamel

    Learn how to cook frozen chicken breasts in the Instant Pot pressure cooker and use in your favorite chicken recipes. This easy cooking method is a huge time saver, and you'll never have to worry about defrosting chicken for dinner again!

    Jump to Recipe -
    chicken breasts in bowl near instant pot pressure cooker

    If you've ever forgotten to defrost chicken for dinner, you're going to love how easy it is to cook them from frozen in your pressure cooker! No more changing dinner plans at the last minute or ordering takeout -- This easy Instant Pot recipe saves the day!

    I try to cook fresh with chicken whenever possible, but whenever there's a sale on chicken breasts, we stock up! I used to hate freezing chicken because it was such a pain to defrost -- I always forgot to set it out!

    But, you can cook chicken directly from the freezer right in your Instant Pot. For this recipe, we'll focus on cooking basic, plain chicken. But, you can use it and adapt it for just about any recipe that calls for cooked chicken!

    Jump to:
    • How to Cook Frozen Chicken Breasts in the Instant Pot
    • How Long to Pressure Cook
    • Shred with Mixer
    • Cook with Sauce
    • How to Store
    • Tips for Success
    • Recipe
    • Reviews

    How to Cook Frozen Chicken Breasts in the Instant Pot

    First, place the frozen chicken directly into the inner pot. You don't need to use a trivet. Just add them to the pot. I like to use my 8 quart for this because it has a larger surface area, but you can use any size for the basic method.

    Next, add ½ cup of water or chicken broth for the 6 quart or 1 cup for the 8 quart. The frozen chicken will release extra liquid as it defrosts, but you can use the recommended amount of liquid for your model if you're more comfortable with that.

    frozen chicken breasts in the instant pot pressure cooker

    You can season the chicken when pressure cooking or wait until later if you're using the cooked chicken in another recipe. I usually add a little salt and pepper and maybe a little garlic powder. But this part is up to you.

    How Long to Pressure Cook

    How long to cook frozen chicken breasts in the Instant Pot depends on how thick they are. The same applies when cooking fresh chicken.

    Cook thin frozen chicken breasts for 12 to 15 minutes. Cook thicker pieces for 15 to 20 minutes. Always allow a 10 minute natural release, and quick release the remaining pressure.

    cooked chicken in instant pot

    Shred with Mixer

    You can shred the cooked chicken in the pot with your electric mixer -- super quick and easy! I make shredded chicken all the time for tacos, and it's a great time saver. You can also cut it up to use for chicken salad or pasta salad.

    shred chicken in instant pot with mixer

    Cook with Sauce

    You can cook frozen chicken with your favorite sauce. I use this method to make Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken, BBQ Chicken and Salsa Verde or Salsa Chicken.

    How to Store

    You can store the shredded chicken or chicken breasts in a covered container in the refrigerator. The cooked meat will keep for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, place the cooked chicken in a freezer safe container and freeze. According to the USDA, it's safe to freeze the cooked chicken. Reheat within 4 to 6 months for best quality.

    Tips for Success

    • Freeze fresh chicken breasts flat in a freezer bag, not touching each other if possible. This makes it easier to fit in the Instant Pot, and it will cook evenly.
    • You can cook frozen chicken breasts stuck together as long as it's not one big lump. Try to break them apart, but I have cooked them with sides stuck together with success.
    • Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. Cooked chicken should be at least 165 degrees.
    • Cook chicken for an additional 5 minutes if internal temperature is not 165 degrees.

    Recipe

    instant pot frozen chicken breasts cooked in white bowl

    Cook Frozen Chicken Breasts in Instant Pot

    Published by Dee
    Learn how to cook frozen chicken breasts in the Instant Pot pressure cooker and use for almost any recipe that calls for cooked chicken.
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Recipe Share by Email
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    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    pressure time 10 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course Main
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6
    Calories 64 kcal

    Equipment

    • Instant Pot Pressure Cooker

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 small chicken breasts about 1½ to 2 pounds
    • 1 cup water or chicken broth
    • salt and pepper if desired

    Instructions
     

    • Place the frozen chicken in the Instant Pot
    • Add water or chicken broth
    • Add salt, pepper if desired, or your favorite seasonings
    • Place the lid on the Instant Pot, and make sure valve is set to sealing. Hit Pressure Cook for 15 minutes
    • Pot will take a few minutes to reach pressure, then will begin counting down and cook. When pot beeps, allow a 10 minute natural release, then quick release remaining pressure
    • When pin drops, carefully remove lid. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature is at least 165°. Add an additional 5 minutes of cooking time if it's not.
    • Shred the chicken, or remove to use in desired recipe or refrigerate for later

    Notes

    Avoid cooking a solid lump of frozen chicken, as it will not cook evenly.
    You can cook frozen chicken in sauce or with desired spices/seasoning.

    Nutrition information is estimated. Please do your own calculation to fit special diets.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 64kcalProtein: 12gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 36mgSodium: 68mgPotassium: 209mgVitamin A: 17IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe? Please comment and rate it! Show me your dish on Instagram!Mention @meatloafandmelodrama or tag #meatloafandmelodrama!
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    More Recipes made in the Instant Pot Pressure Cooker

    • Instant Pot Kraft Mac and Cheese
    • Instant Pot BBQ Chicken
    • Instant Pot Turkey Stock
    • Best Instant Pot Baked Ziti

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Matt says

      July 25, 2021 at 10:06 am

      Easy! Even for this new single dad to handle! Going to try all of the combinations you mentioned. Glad I found this blog5 stars

      Reply
      • Dee says

        July 25, 2021 at 10:27 pm

        Thank you so much, Matt! I'm so glad you enjoyed the chicken!

    2. Sandra says

      June 13, 2021 at 11:09 am

      This is perfect! Thanks for this easy to follow recipe!5 stars

      Reply
    3. Beth says

      June 11, 2021 at 11:28 am

      We love this recipe, so glad I can cook so many recipes in my instant pot! Can't wait to make this yummy and tasty recipe again!5 stars

      Reply
    4. Amanda Livesay says

      June 11, 2021 at 7:15 am

      This makes dinner so easy! Especially on those nights I forget to pull meat out of the freezer.5 stars

      Reply
    5. Erica says

      June 11, 2021 at 7:15 am

      This was amazing! I need to try this again soon!5 stars

      Reply
    6. Catalina says

      June 11, 2021 at 6:19 am

      Everything seems easier with my Instant Pot! Love the idea to cook frozen chicken breast!5 stars

      Reply
    7. Claire says

      June 10, 2021 at 7:18 pm

      Great! I'm excited to try this!5 stars

      Reply
    8. Amanda says

      June 10, 2021 at 4:16 pm

      I love using this method, since I can't seem to ever remember to thaw out the chicken for dinner 🙂5 stars

      Reply

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    I’m the blogger, chief cook, recipe developer and photographer behind Meatloaf and Melodrama. I absolutely love to create easy, budget-friendly, homemade meals and treats for my family. I also love to think of new ways to repurpose leftovers so that my family will actually eat them!

    More about me →

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