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!

Sliced chicken with green beans on a plate.

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.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

  • Fast: cooking frozen chicken in the Instant Pot is little more than thirty minutes!
  • Easy: use simple seasonings and chicken broth for a delicious meal.
  • Meal prep: This is a great way to meal prep when planning your meals.
Frozen chicken and chopped potatoes in front of an Instant Pot.

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.
Frozen chicken breasts in an Instant Pot.
  • Step 2: Pour 1 cup chicken broth or water into the Instant Pot.
Pouring chicken stock from a measuring cup into an Instant Pot.
  • Step 3: Sprinkle seasoning blend over the chicken breasts.
Hand holding Mrs. Dash seasoning bottle.
Seasoned frozen chicken breasts in an Instant Pot.
  • 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.

Pro Tips

  • Single layer: Place the chicken breasts in a single layer. This way they will cook faster.
  • Separate the chicken breasts: The chicken breasts cook better when they are not frozen all together. Simply run cold water over them till they separate.
  • Skip the trivet: You don’t use the trivet with this recipe. If using the trivet, the chicken breasts will need longer to cook.
  • Use chicken broth instead of water: Pour in one cup chicken broth over chicken breasts (you could use water but the chicken broth adds flavor).
  • Favorite seasoning: Sprinkle on your favorite seasoning (I use Mrs. Dash). You could add garlic powder for more flavor. Or simply use salt and pepper.
  • Check for doneness: Using an instant read thermometer, be sure the internal temperature of the chicken is at 165℉. Place the thermometer in the thickest part of the chicken breast.
Frozen chicken breasts with chopped potatoes in front of an Instant Pot.

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.

Raw chopped potatoes in a steamer basket.

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!

CHECKOUT MY MUST HAVE INSTANT POT ACCESSORIES

Sliced chicken breast with green beans on a plate.

Instant Pot Frozen Chicken Breasts

Carol
Easily cook frozen chicken breasts in the Instant Pot for simple meals in less than thirty minutes.
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Coming to pressure 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American

Equipment

  • Instant Pot 6 Quart pressure cooker

Ingredients
  

  • 2 – 3 frozen chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon seasoning of your choice

Instructions
 

  • Add 2 – 3 frozen chicken breasts to the inner pot of your Instant Pot. Do not use the trivet.
    The chicken breasts cook better when they are not all frozen together. Selecting individually frozen chicken breasts is best. Lay the chicken breasts side by side. If they are stacked on top of one another, they will take longer to cook.
  • Pour in one cup of chicken broth over the chicken breasts (you could use water but the chicken broth adds flavor).
  • Sprinkle on your favorite seasoning (I use Mrs. Dash).
  • Close the lid on the Instant Pot.
  • Point the steam release handle to sealing.
  • Press the pressure cook or manual button (or poultry button) then set for 12 minutes using the -/+ buttons at high pressure. If the chicken breasts are thick, you may need to increase the cook time.(See Notes)
  • When finished cooking, allow a 10 minute natural pressure release. When it has counted to 10 minutes, press cancel then point the steam release handle to venting to let out the remaining steam. Remove the lid once the float valve has completely dropped (meaning all the steam has been released).
  • Check the internal temperature of the chicken using an instant read thermometer. The temperature should be 165℉. Place the thermometer in the thickest part of the chicken breast.
  • If the chicken hasn't reached 165°F, continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes till the 165°F temperature has been reached.

Notes

If using thick chicken breasts, increase the cook time to fifteen minutes.
 
Keyword chicken breasts, frozen, instant pot
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