Even starting from frozen, this Instant Pot chicken breast is ready in 30 minutes. Perfect for a hands-off main dish or an extra easy protein source to help you hit your protein goals!
I love my chicken to be moist and tender, and that’s why I personally prefer to roast a whole chicken in the oven and then make chicken broth.
However, I live in the real world, and sometimes I don’t WANT to cook in the oven.
And if we’re being real, sometimes I walk into the kitchen to make dinner, only to realize I COMPLETELY FORGOT to thaw the chicken.
Can you cook frozen chicken in the Instant Pot?
Learning how to cook frozen chicken in the Instant Pot is a lifesaver. You just need 2 ingredients and a bit of adjusting the cooking time.
INSTANT POT CHICKEN BREAST
Even when I DO remember to thaw meat for dinner, I still love making this Instant Pot frozen chicken breast recipe for a few reasons:
- Hands-off
- FAST
- Super easy
- Minimal Ingredients
Plus, knowing that I need FROZEN boneless chicken breasts from the get-go means I can stock up when fresh chicken breasts or boneless chicken thighs are on sale. I don’t even have to worry about taking them out of the package or coming up with a marinade for them!
Although if you DO want a marinade, these chicken marinades are pretty stinkin’ good.
INSTANT POT CHICKEN BREAST RECIPES INGREDIENTS
All you need to make frozen chicken in the Instant Pot AND have it turn out moist and juicy are these two ingredients:
- Frozen boneless skinless chicken breasts (not thawed!)
- Pineapple juice
You could also add a seasoning blend like Italian Seasoning, Poultry Seasoning, Cajun Seasoning, or Taco Seasoning, or simply salt and pepper to your Instant Pot frozen chicken breasts, but I tend to leave that out since I make a bigger batch at once to have leftover chicken for other meals, and they may not have the same flavor.
HOW TO COOK FROZEN CHICKEN IN THE INSTANT POT
Step 1: Place the pineapple juice and trivet in the Instant Pot. Place chicken breasts in a single layer on the trivet.
Step 2: Set the pressure to HIGH, set the pressure release valve to “seal”, and set the timer for 9 minutes.
Step 3: After the pressure cook timer has beeped, let the pressure naturally release (do nothing until the pressure valve drops on its own; you do not want to vent remaining pressure).
Step 4: Shred the chicken with two forks (or use a stand mixer) and mix the chicken back into the juices in the Instant Pot.
Psst! Want to kick this up a notch? Try finishing this chicken with a pinch of finishing salt! I love Ava Jane’s Kitchen because it doesn’t have microplastics (gross, right?) and it’s SO GOOD! Plus, you can get a free 8oz. bag of sea salt (just pay shipping and handling!)
Step 5: Serve warm, or cool and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days for future meals.
Pretty easy, right? And completely hands-off!
INSTANT POT CHICKEN BREASTS TIPS
I tried a few different methods when I was figuring out how to cook frozen chicken breast Instant Pot style.
- Quick release. I love the speed of the quick pressure release, but that made the chicken kind of rubbery, and it didn’t shred as well.
- Natural pressure release. Hands down, the best way to cook frozen chicken in the Instant Pot is to use the natural pressure release for moist and juicy chicken that shreds easily.
Most Instant Pot chicken breast recipes call for water, but I found that it creates a very boring and lackluster chicken.
- This may not be a big deal if you’re making something like Chicken Enchiladas or Chicken Southwest Salad where the Instant Pot shredded chicken will get mixed in with other things.
- But if you’re making something where you’ll notice the texture and flavor of the chicken, definitely use pineapple juice!
WHAT TO SERVE WITH PRESSURE COOKER CHICKEN
Since your pressure cooker chicken will be ready in under 30 minutes (once you include the time it takes the Instant Pot to pressurize, the cooking time, and the time for the pressure to naturally release), you also need side dishes that you can get done fast! These quick and easy sides fit the bill!
- Pan-Seared Broccoli
- Lemon Butter Asparagus
- The Best Stovetop Mac & Cheese
- Crispy Potato Wedges
- Easy Dinner Salad
INSTANT POT CHICKEN BREAST FOR PROTEIN
When you’re trying to hit your protein goals, it’s a good idea to have some quick and easy protein sources in your back pocket in case you need a boost.
Instant Pot chicken breast recipe is the perfect “back pocket” choice – you’ll get plenty of protein without affecting your fat or carbohydrates. And you don’t have to eat a ton of volume to bump your protein up by quite a bit – which is helpful if you get to the end of the day and realize you’re way behind!
It’s better if you spread your protein throughout the entire day, but sometimes life happens. If you need help figuring out a plan to get the protein you need to fuel your body, try one of my favorite High Protein Recipes on Repeat – these are the meals I return to again and again to hit my protein goals!
FROZEN CHICKEN BREAST INSTANT POT FAQS
Do you need to put the Instant Pot chicken breasts on top of a trivet?
You don’t HAVE to use the trivet, but if you just place the chicken in the Instant Pot with the pineapple juice, the pieces on the very bottom will cook directly in the liquid and may turn out a little bit mushy and soggy rather than perfectly moist.
What do you do if the Instant Pot chicken breasts aren’t cooked?
I’ve found 9 minutes on high pressure with a natural pressure release gives me perfectly cooked chicken every time, but if yours is still a little bit under temperature (chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165F), you can put the lid back on and cook for 1-2 additional minutes on high pressure.
INSTANT POT CHICKEN RECIPES
Making frozen chicken in the Instant Pot is a great way to batch-cook and meal prep an ingredient to eat for a few days in a row. Add these Instant Pot chicken breast recipes to this week’s menu plan!
- Bacon Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps
- Sweet and Sour Chicken (with homemade sauce!)
- Chicken & Spinach Enchiladas
- Chicken Shrimp Creole
- Buffalo Chicken Salad
- Southwestern Salad
High Protein Recipes on Repeat
Download the top 15+ recipes that are on repeat in my house, making it easy to feed my family AND meet my protein goals!
How to Make Frozen Chicken in the Instant Pot
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb frozen chicken breast (454g)
- 1 cup pineapple juice or water (250g)
Instructions
- Place the pineapple juice and the trivet inside the Instant Pot. Place the frozen chicken breasts on top of the trivet in a single layer.
- Set the pressure to HIGH, set the pressure release valve to “seal,” and set the timer to 9 minutes.
- After the pressure cook timer has beeped, let the pressure naturally release (do nothing until the pressure valve drops on its own; you do not want to vent the remaining pressure).
- Shred the chicken with two forks (or use a stand mixer) and mix the chicken back into the juices in the Instant Pot.
- Serve warm, or as desired.
I thought you had to use at least 3 cups of liquid in the 8qt?
The suggested minimum liquid for the 8 quart IP to come to pressure is 1 1/2 cups.
How would you make this with unfrozen chicken? I’d like to try it.
Janet, you should be able to follow the recipe but just shorten the instant pot cook time.
I will DEFINITELY try this and soon as in this weekend! My problem is always that I did not thaw the meat. This is crazy simple. Thank you for also providing the various ways to use, and the sides.
You are most welcome, Joy!