Instant Pot Frozen Chicken Breast

This simple method for cooking frozen chicken breast in Instant Pot gives you juicy chicken breast every time. Making chicken from frozen in the Instant Pot is so easy, it’s sure to become your favorite kitchen hack. 

Suitable for Gluten Free, Low Carb, Whole30, Paleo, and Keto diets. Post includes Weight Watchers points.

If you have ever faced dinner time having forgotten to pull anything out of the freezer, this simple method to cook frozen chicken breast Instant Pot is the answer!

With just two ingredients (chicken broth and frozen chicken breast), you can prepare tender, juicy chicken in just minutes – no thawing required!

When time is short but you want a healthy meal, Instant Pot frozen chicken breast will save the day. Even if you forget to plan ahead, you can safely cook frozen chicken breast in Instant Pot.

Not only does pressure cooking frozen breast save time, it turns out perfectly cooked. Tender, flavorful chicken to use in all your favorite recipes and for meal prepping? Yes please!

If you like this then please do check out this Instant Pot Chicken Breast and this Instant Pot Salsa Chicken, these tasty Instant Pot Chicken Tenders and last but not least these Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos.

Why Make This Recipe

• Quick Dinner – We all forget to plan ahead every now and then, so cooking frozen chicken breasts in the Instant Pot is the answer! 
• Versatile – Frozen chicken breasts can be cooked quickly in Instant Pot and it’s perfect for use in all of your favorite recipes. The tender meat also makes the juiciest shredded chicken. 
• Perfect For Healthy Meals – Chicken breasts are a lean and healthy source of protein and cooking frozen chicken breasts in an Instant Pot can help you keep your diet on track.

Ingredient Notes

• Chicken – Select frozen chicken breasts that are similar in size. I prefer to cook boneless skinless chicken in the instant pot. 
• Liquid – Chicken broth or another liquid such as water, pineapple juice, or apple juice.

How To Make Frozen Chicken Breast Instant Pot

Get full ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.

1. Pour chicken stock into the Instant Pot insert and add the frozen chicken breast into the liquid, making sure they are not stuck together. You can also put a trivet in the bottom of the insert and place the chicken on top of the trivet. 
2. Cover and seal the Instant Pot and set for manual pressure / high pressure for 10–12 minutes (depending on the size).
3. When done, allow a 5 minute natural pressure release (or a 10 minute natural release for thicker chicken breasts), then quick release any remaining pressure. 
4. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the cooked chicken has reached a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees F or 74 degrees C.
   

Tips For Success

• No need to thaw. You can cook frozen chicken breasts in Instant Pot direct from frozen.
• Separate frozen chicken breasts before cooking. You can freeze chicken breasts individually to make this easy, or place frozen chicken breasts in a bowl of water for a few minutes while you prepare the Instant Pot. They should be easy to pull apart after just a few minutes. 
• You can cook frozen chicken on a trivet inside the Instant Pot if you prefer. Pour the chicken broth into the instant pot, add the trivet and place chicken breasts on the trivet instead of in the liquid. 
• Follow the recipe exactly to avoid overcooking chicken breast.
• If you plan to make shredded chicken from cooked chicken breasts, reserve some of the cooking liquid to add to the meat while you shred.
• Use an instant read thermometer to make sure the internal temperature of the frozen chicken breasts has reached at least 165 degrees F / 74 degrees C. 
• Cooking times do not include the amount of time it takes for the Instant Pot to come up to pressure or for the pressure to release. 

Variations

• Swap The Instant Pot Cooking Liquid – You can replace the broth with water or try apple or pineapple juice to make the chicken moist and flavorful. 
• Season The Chicken Breasts – The easiest way to season chicken breasts is to season the raw chicken before freezing. You can also season cooked chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, salt and pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder or your favorite blend of herbs and spices. 
• Add Sauce – After cooking, top with your favorite bbq sauce, marinara, or a cream sauce. 

Budget-Friendly Tips For Cooking Frozen Chicken Breasts

• Buy In Bulk – Chicken breasts are affordable, especially when you purchase them in bulk. Look for chicken breast when it is on sale and freeze for later use. 
• Double The Recipe – The cooking time for frozen chicken is the same no matter how many frozen chicken breasts you make. You can easily make enough instant pot chicken breasts for an entire week of meals. 
• Make It A Meal – While you can cook chicken and add it to your favorite instant pot chicken recipes, you can also make the chicken a meal itself. Add a few side dishes to enjoy with your instant pot chicken breasts. It only takes a few extra minutes.

Prep Ahead And Storage

• Prep Ahead – Cook up to 4 days in advance and reheat when needed.
• Store – Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze – Allow the cooked chicken to cool completely, then transfer into a freezer bag and remove all the excess air. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.  Thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat to use in your favorite recipes. 

Meal Prep

• Cooking frozen chicken early in the week is a great way to prep for easy weeknight meals and quick lunches. Frozen breasts cook almost as quickly as fresh breasts.
• Cook your frozen chicken breasts in the instant pot, shred, and then add to soups, casseroles, salads, tacos and more. 

FAQs

More Recipes You May Like

• Instant Pot Salsa Chicken.
• Instant Pot Shredded Chicken.
• Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos.
• Instant Pot Stuffed Chicken Breast.
• Instant Pot Chicken Tenders.
• Easy Rosemary Instant Pot Chicken Thighs.
• Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas.
• Instant Pot Enchilada Rice.
• Instant Pot Chicken Breast.
• Easy Instant Pot Whole Chicken.

Serving Suggestions

• Instant Pot Baby Potatoes.
• Smothered Green Beans.
• Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries.
• Garlic Butter Instant Pot Red Potatoes (dump and start)

Weight Watchers Points

There are 0 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.

Get The Instant Pot Frozen Chicken Breast Recipe: