Instant Pot Frozen Boneless Chicken Breasts

Cooking frozen chicken breasts in the Instant Pot is delicious and easy. This is the best time saver for getting dinner on the table fast. An easy weeknight dinner solution. A simple way to cook chicken that is always juicy and tender. It is never overcooked or dry. No more rubbery chicken.

This recipe for chicken uses simple seasonings, chicken broth and little more than thirty minutes from start to finish. Faster than takeout and tastier, too!

Simple meals for busy weeknight dinners almost always start with the Instant Pot in my house. I love how easy this pressure cooker is to use to get dinner ready in minutes. Just literally dump a few boneless, skinless frozen chicken breasts in to cook. Then come back minutes later to perfectly cooked, juicy and tender chicken.

No Need To Thaw

According to the USDA, it says it’s safe to cook frozen chicken in the Instant Pot pressure cooker but not the slow cooker. This is an informative but short article that I recommend reading.

I can’t tell you how many times I have forgotten to take out chicken to defrost. Such a simple thing to take from the freezer to the refrigerator. No, I can’t seem to remember to do that. Despite having my meal plans, I still forget.

Cooking frozen chicken breasts usually means thawing in the microwave which could result in having rubbery chicken. Then baking in the oven for an hour. Not so good for the family. I swear HANGRY is a real thing!

Thankfully, I can rely on the Instant Pot to help get dinner on the table in record time.

Quick Dinner Ideas For Cooked Chicken

Chicken for dinner is a staple at my house. It is a quick meal that everyone enjoys. Especially this Instant Pot chicken chili.

• Shred the cooked chicken. Add BBQ sauce and serve on hamburger buns.
• Add taco seasoning to shredded chicken for tacos.
• Make chicken salad with your favorite recipe.
• Slice up the chicken, add a side of rice or potatoes and a salad.

How Long Does Frozen Chicken Cook In The Instant Pot

Frozen chicken breasts in the pressure cooker only need twelve minutes to cook. Use the manual or pressure cook button on your Instant Pot to set the time for twelve minutes at high pressure. You could also use the poultry button. Just make sure it is set for twelve minutes.

If your chicken breasts are very thick, you may need to increase the time to fifteen minutes.

This cook time doesn’t take into account the time needed for the pressure cooker to come to pressure.

The time it takes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure can vary with cooking frozen food. It can take a little longer with frozen than it does with refrigerated foods. Usually, the pressure cooker takes approximately 10 – 15 minutes to come to pressure with frozen chicken breasts.

Steps To Cooking Instant Pot Frozen Chicken Breasts

Please scroll down to the recipe card for the full instructions.

• Step 1: Add frozen chicken to the Instant Pot in a single layer. This can be about 2 – 3 chicken breasts.

• Step 2: Pour 1 cup chicken broth or water into the Instant Pot.

• Step 3: Sprinkle seasoning blend over the chicken breasts.

• Step 4: Lock the lid in place. Point the steam release handle to sealing. Set for 12 minutes at high pressure. When finished cooking, allow a 10 minute natural release to let out the steam.
• Step 5: Once the float valve is completely down, open the lid and enjoy your dinner.

One Pot Meal

One of my favorite ways to use the Instant Pot is when I cook two different foods at the same time in the same pot. For example, cooking chicken with potatoes or rice together is such a time saver.

I often will place chicken breasts in the bottom of the Instant Pot. Then, with either a steamer basket full of chopped potatoes or a bowl of rinsed rice placed on top of the chicken.

This is what is called pot in pot cooking. It takes the same amount of time! There isn’t any altering the cooking time. Both foods are cooking at the same time. Pure genius!

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