Frozen Chicken Breasts in the Instant Pot

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Learn how to cook frozen chicken breasts in the Instant Pot in under 30 minutes. This easy recipe results in tender, juicy chicken perfect for tacos, casseroles, enchiladas, soups, and salads.

frozen chicken breasts cooked in the Instant Pot ready to be served.

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How to Cook Frozen Chicken Breasts in the Instant Pot (Easy Recipe!)

Have you tried a grocery delivery service before? They are such a lifesaver… until they’re not. Don’t get me wrong, I love the convenience of having someone else do the shopping for me, but I’ve discovered a trend that there is usually a missing item, like the rotisserie chicken I am planning to use to make taquitos, or there are moldy strawberries.

It’s almost a running joke in my house: “What’s the missing item from today’s order?” Thank goodness for my Instant Pot, thoughโ€”it’s my go-to when I need to improvise! It’s especially handy when I need cooked, shredded chicken for a recipe, and the rotisserie chicken I added to my online grocery order is nowhere to be found.

Today I am showing you how to make perfectly cooked frozen chicken breasts in the Instant Pot. It’s one of my favorite kitchen hacks! Why cook frozen chicken breasts in the Instant Pot? I’ve always got frozen chicken breasts in my freezer, but I’m not always great about remembering to thaw the chicken.

  • Quick and Convenient: With the Instant Pot, there is no need to plan ahead or wait for the chicken to defrost. Chicken straight from the freezer goes into the Instant Pot and cooks in under 30 minutes.
  • Juicy and Delicious: The pressure cooking process that the Instant Pot uses locks in the juice leaving you with juicy chicken breasts perfect for tacos, enchiladas, casseroles, meal prep, salads, soups, etc.
  • Hands-off: This is the kind of recipe that once the Instant Pot is set, you can walk away and let it do its thing.
cooked chicken breasts being shredded with two forks

Whether you are making my Buffalo Chicken Dip, Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas, Chicken Stuffed Peppers, or these Skinny Creamy Taquitos, you are going to love this time-saving hack when you learn how to make frozen chicken breasts in the Instant Pot.

Let’s head to the kitchen and I’ll show you how easy it is!

โค๏ธ Ashley

HOW TO MAKE FROZEN CHICKEN BREASTS IN THE INSTANT POT

gather ingredients

frozen chicken breasts, water, salt and pepper is all you need!

prepare chicken for the Instant Pot

Add water to the instant pot, season the chicken, then add frozen chicken breasts to the Instant Pot.

pressure cook chicken

It’ll take about 12 minutes for average sized chicken breasts, a bit longer for larger ones. Use a meat thermometer (like this one!) to check that the internal temperature of the chicken is at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. We don’t want pink chicken!

shred or dice

Whether you shred or dice the chicken is up to you and how you will be using it. For salads and wraps (Chicken Caesar Wrap anyone?), I prefer diced chicken. For tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or Buffalo Chicken Dip, I prefer shredded. Use a knife to dice the chicken, or two forks to shred the chicken.

cooked chicken breasts being shredded with two forks for meal prep

Instant Pot Magic: Skip the Thaw

This easy recipe provides tender juicy chicken every time! I can’t get over how easy and stress-free it is to cook frozen chicken breasts in the Instant Pot. Give this method a try, and you may never go back to crossing your fingers and hoping you get that rotisserie chicken in your grocery delivery order! ;)

frozen chicken breasts cooked in the Instant Pot ready to be served.

Tips for Success

  • Use a Meat Thermometer: This is the best way to ensure that your chicken is fully cooked.
  • Don’t Skip the Liquid: The Instant Pot relies on liquid to come to pressure. Without it, the pressure cooking process will not work.
  • Arrange Frozen Chicken in a single layer: it is best if you can arrange chicken in a single layer. If you can’t, make sure to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

Whether you are trying to transform your meal prep game, or you have a hard time remembering to thaw frozen chicken, this foolproof method for cooking chicken breasts in the Instant Pot is going to be a game changer!

Did you try this recipe? Please don’t forget to share it with your friends or save it for later. And let me know in the comments your favorite recipes for using shredded or diced chicken. Enjoy!

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Frozen Chicken Breasts in the Instant Pot

Learn how to cook frozen chicken breasts in the Instant Pot in under 30 minutes. This easy recipe results in tender, juicy chicken perfect for tacos, casseroles, enchiladas, soups, and salads.
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Servings: 4

Equipment

  • Instant Pot / Pressure Cooker

Ingredients 

  • 3-4 chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
  • 1 cup water or broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions 

  • Add water: pour 1 cup of water or chicken broth into the Instant Pot.
  • Prepare the frozen chicken: season both sides of the frozen chicken with salt and black pepper. You can also add garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
  • Add chicken to the Instant Pot: place frozen chicken breasts in the bottom of your Instant Pot in a single layer if possible.
  • Pressure Cook: Ensure that the valve is set to sealing, then select "Manual" and set the timer for 10-12 minutes on high pressure for chicken breasts that are 6-8 ounces each. For larger chicken breasts that are 8-10 ounces each, set the timer for 13-14 minutes.
  • Is your chicken frozen together in a block or you are unable to add it in a single layer? Add an additional 2-3 minutes.
  • Natural Release: Allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes, then vent the valve to release any remaining pressure.
  • Check the temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is at least 165 degrees internally. If not, continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until chicken is done.
  • Shred or dice: Allow the chicken to rest, then shred or dice the chicken before serving.

Notes

Additional seasoning suggestions: garlic powder, onion powder, paprikaย 
Tried this recipe?Mention @CenterCutCook and tag #CenterCutCook!
Can I cook frozen chicken breasts directly in the Instant Pot?

Yes, you can safely cook frozen chicken breasts in the Instant Pot.

How long should I cook frozen chicken breasts in the Instant Pot?

For average sized chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces) – cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes. For large chicken breasts (about 8-10 ounces) – cook on high pressure for 13-14 minutes.

Do I need to add liquid to the Instant Pot

Yes, the Pressure Cooker needs liquid to be able to come to pressure. Without liquid, the pressure cooking process will not work.

What temperature should I cook chicken to?

Chicken should be cooked to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to check the chicken at the thickest part.

Hi, I’m Ashley & I’m so happy you’re here!

Ashley is the founder of CenterCutCook and a former teacher that now spends her days in the kitchen so that she can share her favorite recipes with you!