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Forgot to defrost the chicken for your dinner tonight? Don’t fret, learn how to cook frozen chicken in the Instant Pot quickly and easily so you can get dinner on the table! You can then use the cooked chicken is countless recipes from salads to sandwiches and soups.
Video tutorial for cooking from frozen
Ingredients you’ll need
- Frozen chicken: This recipe is for skinless boneless chicken breasts that are about 8 ounce each in weight You can use bone-in chicken though as long as the weight is the same.
- Broth or water: You can use chicken stock, vegetable stock or water to cook the chicken. Stock does add extra flavor though.
- Seasoning: Salt, black pepper and your choice of other seasoning, like garlic powder or oregano.
How to cook frozen chicken in instant pot
- Place the frozen chicken in the Instant Pot. It’s ok if the chicken is stuck together, but make sure it’s not one large block of chicken.
- Add seasonings and pour the broth over the top.
- Seal the lid and cook on high pressure.
- Naturally release the pressure and check the chicken is cooked through.
Tips for making cooking from frozen in instant pot
- Save the broth after cooking. Make sure to strain the chicken broth after cooking the chicken in it. Whether you started with chicken broth, vegetable broth or water, the remaining liquid will be very flavorful to use in soups or to cook grains.
- Don’t skip the seasoning. It not only flavors the dish, but the salt will allow the chicken to hold on to moisture, meaning that every bite is extra juicy.
- Let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure. This process allows the chicken to continue cooking. If you release it quickly, your chicken won’t be cooked through and can be dry.
- Use an instant read thermometer to check that your chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should register at 165F. If the chicken is not at this temperature, seal the Instant Pot and cook for an additional couple of minutes. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts.
- Check out the complete guide on using an Instant Pot. It includes guidelines for pressure cooking, tips making the most of the features and even cooking times for the most common foods.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use this method for chicken thighs as well, you will just need to increase the cooking time to 12 to 13 minutes as they will take longer to cook. Again, use an instant read thermometer to check that they are fully cooked before serving.
These chicken breasts are great for your weekly meal prep as well as for weeknight meals. The cooked chicken will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can enjoy them cold, or reheat in the oven at 350F until warmed through.
You can serve these chicken breasts as they are with your favorite potato and veggies sides for an easy weeknight meal. Leftovers can be enjoyed cold with a salad or you can shred them and add them to chicken rice soup or white chicken chili.
Serve them with:
Sweet Potato Fries
Oven Baked Fries
Caesar Salad
Green Beans
Learning how to cook chicken breasts from frozen can save many a dinners in your home and the process is quick and easy! This method results in perfectly tender and juicy chicken every time, and it’s so effortless! It’s so great for weekly meal prep too!
More instant pot recipes:
- Instant Pot Shredded Chicken
- Instant Pot Beef & Broccoli
- Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
- Instant Pot Chickpeas
- Instant Pot Chicken Stock
- Instant Pot Broccoli Soup
If you’ve tried this healthy-ish feel good recipe for How to Cook Frozen Chicken in the Instant Pot or any other recipe on FeelGoodFoodie, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below! I would love to hear about your experience making it. And if you snapped some shots of it, share it with me on Instagram so I can repost on my stories!
How to Cook Frozen Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 ½ – 2 pounds frozen chicken breasts about 8 ounce each
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon total other spices eg, garlic powder & oregano
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
Instructions
- Place the chicken breast inside the Instant Pot. Season with salt, pepper and any other seasoning you’re using. Pour the broth over the chicken.
- Place the lid on and move the valve to sealing. Press manual pressure and set the timer to 10 minutes high pressure. You’ll notice the Instant Pot will start to come to pressure first and then the timer will begin. It can take 8-10 minutes to come to pressure.
- When the cook time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then do a quick release for any remaining pressure. Carefully open and remove the lid. Check the internal temperature of the chicken to make sure it’s 165°F or higher. If it’s not, seal again and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Strain the remaining broth in the Instant Pot to use for soups. Cut the chicken as desired and use in a recipe, as desired.
Equipment
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
Hi! Was wondering if you need to have low-sodium or regular broth for this recipe, please? Thanks!
Hi Christina, you can use either!
This recipe is delicious! The only issue I had was I had to double the cook time. However, it was delicious!
Thank you! The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts. Glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Can this recipe be for bone-in, boneless or either? Thanks
This recipe is for skinless boneless chicken breasts that are about 8 ounce each in weight You can use bone-in chicken though as long as the weight is the same.
Your email on how to use the Instant Pot to cook frozen chicken is so timely because I just purchased the Instant Pot Pro and it is supposed to be delivered today. It is almost like you were reading my mind,
thank you,
Paul
That’s perfect! Hope it helps!