How To Cook Frozen Chicken in the Instant Pot

Learn how to cook frozen chicken in the instant pot. You can take frozen breasts straight from the freezer and cook them in just 12 minutes. The cooked chicken breasts can be seasoned and served, shredded, or used in a favorite recipe.

The Instant Pot has been a trendy kitchen tool for the last few years. We have found it a game changer due to how drastically it changes the amount of time foods cook in the instant pot. We like using the pressure cooker to cook foods from frozen and recipes that usually take hours and can be cut way back like our favorite Pulled Pork.

In under 15 minutes, you’ll have flavorful chicken that can be used in many ways. Use it as shreddable chicken seasoned with taco seasoning for tacos or barbecue sauce in a bun for BBQ sandwiches. Use it as sliceable chicken served next to Cheesy Green Bean Casserole. Instant pot chicken breasts work great for chicken salad, casseroles, or use for weekly meal prep by storing in an airtight container or placing in freezer bags for longer storage. The options are endless!

How To Make

Insert the wire rack into the Instant Pot. The wire rack is used to elevate the chicken slightly above the water which helps in even cooking. Place the frozen raw chicken breasts and one cup of liquid into the Instant Pot. Place them in a single layer if possible. Season the chicken with salt and pepper or you can also season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or chili powder for different flavors.

Put the cover (lid) on the Instant Pot. Make sure the Instant Pot is set to the “Sealing” position. This is important to build up pressure during cooking. Cook on high pressure for 12 minutes if you’re using frozen boneless chicken breasts. If using thawed chicken, reduce the cooking time to 8 minutes. This shorter cooking time is because thawed chicken cooks faster than frozen chicken. For frozen bone-in chicken breast adjust the cook time to about 25 minutes. For a frozen whole chicken, the rule of thumb is to cook it for 10 minutes per pound of chicken.

Once the cooking time is complete, you can choose to do a “quick release.” This involves carefully turning the steam release valve from the “Sealing” position to the “Venting” position. Be cautious as hot steam will be released. If you are not around when the time is up you can opt for a natural pressure release where the steam releases on it’s own.

After the pressure has been fully released and the float valve drops down, it’s safe to open the Instant Pot lid. At this point, you can use the tender chicken breasts as is, or you can choose to shred it for various dishes like tacos, sandwiches, salads, etc.

It’s important to note that cooking times and methods can vary based on factors such as the size of the chicken breasts, the specific Instant Pot model, and personal preferences for cooking doneness. Always follow safety guidelines provided by the Instant Pot’s manufacturer and consider using a food thermometer to ensure that the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature (165°F or 74°C) to prevent any foodborne illnesses.

PRO TIP: Save the broth at the bottom of the Instant Pot once your chicken is done cooking! You can store in the fridge to use within 2-3 days for another recipe or freeze in a freezer storage container. 

Cooking Times for Different-Sized Chicken Breasts

Cooking times for chicken breasts in an Instant Pot can vary based on their thickness and size. Here are general guidelines for how long it takes to cook frozen chicken breasts in the instant pot thawed chicken breasts of different sizes:

Frozen Chicken Breasts:

• Small (4-6 oz): About 10-12 minutes on high pressure.
• Medium (6-8 oz): About 12-14 minutes on high pressure.
• Large (8-10 oz): About 14-16 minutes on high pressure.

Thawed Chicken Breasts:

• Small (4-6 oz): About 6-8 minutes on high pressure.
• Medium (6-8 oz): About 8-10 minutes on high pressure.
• Large (8-10 oz): About 10-12 minutes on high pressure.

Please note that these are approximate cooking times and can vary based on factors such as the specific Instant Pot model, altitude, and personal preferences for doneness. It’s crucial to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches at least 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

If cooking a mixture of chicken breast sizes, you might choose an average cooking time that suits the largest piece, as smaller pieces will generally cook a bit faster.

How To Cook Frozen Chicken in Slow Cooker

If you’re looking to cook frozen chicken in the slow cooker, know that cooking frozen meats in the crockpot is not advised due to possible food safety issues. That said, I have cooked frozen chicken in the slow cooker. Set it to high for 3-4 hours then turn down to low. If you’re looking to cook chicken on the stovetop, check out how long to boil chicken breasts for another quick and easy way to cook chicken.

Tips and Tricks

Properly Season the Chicken: Seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper enhances their flavor. You can also add other seasonings or herbs to suit your taste preferences.

Use a Cooking Liquid: The recipe calls for 1 cup of water, but you can use other liquids like chicken broth or even a mixture of broth and water for added flavor.

Thawing Chicken: If using frozen chicken, you can get better results by thawing the chicken breasts before cooking. Thawing ensures more even cooking and reduces the risk of undercooked portions. You can thaw the chicken in the refrigerator or using a quick thawing method.

Checking Doneness: While the recipe provides general cooking times, it’s essential to ensure that the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the chicken breasts.

Resting Period: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute within the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful end product.

FAQ

More Instant Pot Chicken Recipes: 

• Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos
• Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
• Instant Pot Chicken Spaghetti