Cooking frozen chicken in the Instant Pot is incredibly fast, safe, and efficient. There’s no need to thaw ahead of time, and the result is juicy, flavorful chicken that’s perfect for shredding, slicing, or serving as-is. Whether you’re planning to use it in salads, wraps, pasta dishes, or soups, this method gives you a blank canvas for any meal. It’s also a huge time-saver, especially on busy weeknights.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Chicken broth or water
Salt
Pepper
Optional: garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, lemon juice, or any seasoning blend of choice
Directions
Place frozen chicken directly into the Instant Pot insert.
Add 1 cup of chicken broth or water.
Season with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices.
Secure the lid and set the valve to the sealing position.
Cook on high pressure for:
Chicken breasts: 12–15 minutes (depending on thickness)
Chicken thighs: 13–16 minutes
Allow natural pressure release for 5–10 minutes, then release any remaining pressure manually.
Check internal temperature (should be 165°F) and remove chicken from the pot.
Let rest for a few minutes, then shred, slice, or serve as desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4–6 servings. Preparation time: 5 minutes Cooking time: 12–16 minutes Natural release: 5–10 minutes Total time: 25–30 minutes
Variations
Herb Chicken: Add dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano before cooking for a fragrant twist.
Spicy Chicken: Use Cajun seasoning, chili powder, or red pepper flakes for a bolder flavor.
Citrus Garlic Chicken: Add lemon juice and garlic powder for a zesty, aromatic profile.
Asian-Inspired: Use soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil after cooking for a stir-fry base.
BBQ Chicken: Shred the cooked chicken and mix with your favorite barbecue sauce for sandwiches or wraps.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze cooled chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
To reheat, add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out. Microwave in 30-second bursts or warm on the stovetop until heated through.
FAQs
Is it safe to cook frozen chicken in the Instant Pot?
Yes, it’s completely safe. The Instant Pot brings chicken up to a safe internal temperature quickly and evenly, even when starting from frozen.
Do I need to adjust the cooking time for thick chicken breasts?
Yes, thicker pieces may require closer to 15 minutes under pressure. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Can I cook multiple frozen chicken pieces at once?
Yes, just make sure the pieces are separated and not stuck together. Cooking time remains the same.
Should I use the trivet?
You can use it, but it’s not necessary. Placing chicken directly in the broth helps keep it moist.
Can I use frozen chicken with bones?
Yes, bone-in frozen chicken works too. Increase cooking time to 17–20 minutes depending on size.
Will the chicken be tender and juicy?
Yes, as long as you avoid overcooking and allow for a natural pressure release, the chicken will stay moist.
Can I season the chicken after it cooks?
Absolutely. This method produces a neutral base, perfect for seasoning or saucing after cooking.
What if my chicken isn’t fully cooked?
Return it to the pot and cook on high pressure for an additional 2–5 minutes. Always check internal temperature.
Can I make shredded chicken from frozen?
Yes, this method is perfect for making shredded chicken. Just shred with two forks or a mixer after cooking.
Is broth better than water?
Broth adds more flavor, but water works fine if you’re keeping things simple or planning to season afterward.
Conclusion
Cooking Frozen Chicken in the Instant Pot is a smart, stress-free solution for getting dinner on the table fast. Whether you’re short on time or simply forgot to thaw, this method ensures reliable, tasty results every time. Keep it simple or dress it up—either way, this is a kitchen shortcut you’ll want to use again and again.
Frozen Chicken in the Instant Pot is a quick and stress-free method to prepare juicy, tender chicken directly from frozen—perfect for slicing, shredding, or serving in countless dishes.
Ingredients
2–3 lbs frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 cup chicken broth or water
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
Optional: garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, lemon juice, or preferred seasoning blend
Instructions
Place frozen chicken directly into the Instant Pot insert.
Add 1 cup of chicken broth or water.
Season with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices.
Secure the lid and set the valve to the sealing position.
Cook on high pressure for:
Chicken breasts: 12–15 minutes depending on thickness
Chicken thighs: 13–16 minutes
Allow a natural pressure release for 5–10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
Check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F.
Let chicken rest for a few minutes, then shred, slice, or serve as desired.
Notes
Use broth for added flavor, but water works fine too.Don’t stack frozen chicken pieces together—separate them if possible for even cooking.Always check internal temperature before serving (165°F minimum).Perfect base for BBQ, tacos, stir-fries, soups, and more.Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months for easy future meals.
