How to Cook Frozen Chicken Breasts in the Instant Pot
from kristineskitchenblog.comForgot to thaw the chicken for dinner? No problem! With this easy method, you can cook frozen chicken in the Instant Pot. Use it in casseroles, salads, soups, tacos and more!
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 196kcal
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds frozen boneless skinless chicken breasts about three 8-ounce breasts
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth or water
- salt and pepper
- other seasonings as desired, such as garlic powder, dried oregano or paprika
Instructions
- Place the frozen chicken breasts in the Instant Pot inner pot. Pour in the broth. Sprinkle chicken with salt, pepper and seasonings as desired.
- Close the Instant Pot lid. Move the steam release valve to the "sealing" position.
- Press the "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" button and use the +/- buttons to set the cook time (cook at high pressure): 11-12 minutes total cook time for chicken breasts that weigh 6-8 ounces each, 13-14 minutes total cook time for 9-10 ounce chicken breasts or 16 minutes cook time for 12 ounce chicken breasts.
- The Instant Pot will take some time to reach pressure and then the cook time will begin counting down.
- When the cook time ends, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, by leaving the Instant Pot alone. Then carefully move the steam release valve to the "venting" position. Wait for any remaining steam to escape (there may be none). Check that the float valve (pin) has dropped down and then carefully take off the lid.
- Use an instant read thermometer to check that the temperature of the chicken has reached at least 165° F. If it is not quite done, you can finish cooking it using the sauté function.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing or shredding.
Notes
- Important: If your chicken breasts are frozen together in a large mass, they will not cook evenly. Place them in cool water until you are able to separate the chicken breasts.
- To cook fresh (not frozen) chicken breasts, use this Instant Pot Chicken Breast recipe.
- To cook frozen chicken thighs in the Instant Pot: Following the method outlined in this post, cook frozen boneless chicken thighs for 13 minutes at high pressure, followed by a 10 minute natural release. Frozen bone-in thighs will take 15 minutes at high pressure, followed by a 10 minute natural release. See my Instant Pot Chicken Thighs recipe for more tips.
- To cook frozen chicken tenders in the Instant Pot: Following the method outlined in this post, cook frozen chicken tenders for 6 minutes at high pressure, followed by a 10 minute natural release.
- To Store: Cooked chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Nutrition
Serving: 4ounces | Calories: 196kcal | Protein: 35g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 96mg | Sodium: 87mg
