Frozen chicken breast in instant pot recipe

The instant pot is the best way to cook frozen chicken breast. It turns out so juicy and delicious. If you forgot to thaw your chicken, then this Instant Pot frozen chicken breast recipe is perfect for you.

So if you’ve been wondering, can you Instant Pot frozen chicken breasts? The answer is yes, and the chicken will turn out juicy and flavorful.

Cooking frozen chicken can be quick and easy. I’m kinda addicted to how easy it is. 

Our favorite way to season the frozen chicken breasts before cooking is with this homemade all purpose seasoning blend. It pumps up the flavor of the chicken. 

Before we cook, let’s go over the tips first. 

Tips and Tricks for Cooking Chicken Breast in the Instant Pot

There are a few tips you’ll want to follow to make sure your chicken turns out great. 

Use Separate Chicken Breast

To make sure your chicken cooks evenly, you’ll want the chicken breasts to be separated. You don’t want an enormous chunk of chicken as it won’t cook well. But it is ok to stack the chicken breasts in the instant pot. 

Adding the Seasoning

Now you can just sprinkle the seasoning on the chicken breast but because they are frozen it won’t stick. But I have a trick for you that makes it stick.

You simply brush the chicken breast with water and while it’s still damp, sprinkle the seasoning on. This will help the seasoning stick to the frozen chicken instead of falling off onto the plate.

It’s the perfect way to get the seasoning to stick to the frozen chicken.

Placing the Frozen Chicken in the Instant Pot

I’ve seen some recipes for pressure cooking chicken where you put the chicken directly into the liquid on the bottom of the pot. 

But I think the chicken is better when it’s cooked on the rack above the liquid.  The seasoning sticks to the chicken and isn’t washed away by the liquid. It looks more like roasted chicken when done, instead of being super white and bland looking.  

To make sure your chicken is cooked through to 165 degrees, you’ll want to adjust the cooking time for different sized chicken breasts. 

Here’s the cooking guide I use for cooking frozen chicken breasts.

If your chicken breasts are 6-8 ounces, pressure cook on high pressure for 9-10 minutes, then natural release for 5 minutes.

If your chicken breasts are 9-10 ounces, pressure cook on high pressure for 12 minutes, then natural release for 5 minutes.

If your chicken breasts are 12 ounces, pressure cook on high pressure for 14 minutes, then natural release for 5 minutes.

What if my chicken isn’t cooked to 165 degrees?

After you release the pressure and open the pressure cooker, be sure to check for doneness. The best way to do this is with a meat thermometer. 

If your chicken breast isn’t at 165 degrees, you can place the lid back on the Instant Pot and cook on high for another couple of minutes to finish cooking the chicken to the right temperature. 

It won’t take long since the Instant Pot is already warmed up.

How to Cook Frozen Chicken Breasts in the Instant Pot (Video Tutorial)

I’ve made a quick video to show you how easy it is to pressure cook chicken breasts. But if watching a video isn’t for you, I get it. Scroll down for the written instructions and the printable recipe. 

How to Pressure Cook: Frozen Chicken Breasts (Step by Step)

Prepare your Chicken

Separate the chicken breasts if they are stuck together. You want individual pieces of chicken, not one huge chunk as it won’t cook properly. 

Add Seasoning

Sprinkle the chicken breasts with seasoning, we love this homemade all purpose seasoning blend. To get the spices and herbs to stick, brush the frozen chicken with a little water, and while it’s still damp sprinkle with the seasoning. 

Tip: you don’t have to just use dry rubs, you can use sauces too, like barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, or even sweet chili sauce. Whatever you prefer. 

Loading the Pressure Cooker

Place 1 cup of water or broth in the bottom of the pot. Add the rack to keep the chicken out of the liquid. 

Start the Pressure Cooker

Place the lid on the Instant Pot, make sure it’s set to sealing. Set to pressure cook on high for the time needed depending on the size of the chicken breast. Look at the guide above. 

Once cooking time is done, let pressure release naturally for 5 minutes. Then do a quick release. 

Check Chicken for Doneness

Using a meat thermometer to check for doneness. If your chicken breast is at 165 degrees, your chicken is cooked through. 

What should you serve your Instant Pot chicken with? Try this quick and easy Instant Pot mashed potatoes. 

More Delicious Chicken Recipes…

Cooked Chicken at the Ready

The Best Chicken Freezer Meals

World’s Best Chicken Easy Freezer Recipe

BBQ Chicken

Teriyaki Chicken

Here’s the printable recipe for you…

Instant Pot Frozen Chicken Breasts with Seasoning

This is the perfect way to quickly cook chicken breasts without thawing first. Pop it into the instant pot in about 20 minutes, the chicken will be perfectly cooked.

Prep Time 5 mins

Cook Time 15 mins

Course Main Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 129 kcal

• 4 Chicken Breast
• 1 cup Water
• 1 tablespoon All Purpose Seasoning

• Sprinkle the chicken with the all purpose seasoning.

• Place 1 cup of water in the instant pot. Add the rack.

• Place the seasoned chicken on the rack.

• Place lid on instant pot and set to sealing.

• Cook on high pressure for appropriate cooking time below.

• Cooking Times…

• If your chicken breasts are 6-8 ounces, pressure cook on high pressure 9-10 minutes, then natural release for 5 minutes.

• If your chicken breasts are 9-10 ounces, pressure cook on high pressure for 12 minutes, then natural release for 5 minutes.

• If your chicken breasts are 12 ounces, pressure cook on high pressure 14 minutes, then natural release for 5 minutes.

• After the cooking time is done, do a quick release to release the rest of the pressure.

• Carefully open your instant pot.

• Enjoy your perfectly cooked chicken or shred or dice to use in a recipe.

Once cooked the chicken can be diced or shredded or it can be cooled and frozen for later use.

Serving: 1Chicken BreastCalories: 129kcalProtein: 24gFat: 2.8g