These tender and juicy Frozen Chicken Breasts in the Instant Pot taste amazing and take just 30 minutes to cook, including the time to pressure up!
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I rarely take the chicken out to thaw anymore; there's really no point! Cook time is the same if it's fresh or frozen! This recipe has saved me many, many times when I haven't taken out anything for dinner!
I use this recipe to make BBQ Ranch Chicken Pizza. You can also serve this chicken on a green salad with fresh vegetables, or with a side of Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes, Carrot Salad, or Miracle Whip Coleslaw.
Why You'll Love Frozen Instant Pot Chicken Breasts
- The chicken is tender and juicy.
- Use fresh or frozen chicken breasts
- Cook time is just 15 minutes.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Recipe Ingredients
Only a few ingredients are needed to make this easy chicken recipe:
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken breasts, fresh or frozen. I used boneless skinless chicken breasts, but you could also use skin-on chicken breasts.
- Water, or use chicken broth for extra flavor.
- Seasoning. Use my Dry Rub For Smoked Chicken, lemon-pepper seasoning, your favorite chicken rub, or just salt and pepper.
See the printable recipe card below for quantities and a full list of ingredients.
How To Cook Frozen Chicken Breast In The Instant Pot
Add 1 cup of water to your Instant Pot. Place a trivet in the bottom of the Instant Pot and place chicken breasts on the trivet. Cover with your favorite seasoning or rub. Place the lid on, close the lid, and set it to seal. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
Once the timer beeps, allow the pressure cooker to naturally release for at least 10 minutes. Then, quick-release the rest of the steam.
Now, just one more step - this is entirely optional, but it makes the chicken breasts in the Instant Pot even better!
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken breasts for 2 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Add extra seasoning if you like. Serve immediately with your favorite sides!
Substitutions
If you prefer dark meat, use chicken thighs instead. However, add 5 extra minutes to the cooking time for chicken thighs.
If you want shredded chicken, cook the chicken breasts as above, then remove them to a plate or bowl and shred them with 2 forks.
Variations
- Spicy - add chili pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning.
- Saucy - add your favorite barbecue sauce or teriyaki sauce.
- Grilled - finish these chicken breasts off on a preheated grill for 2 minutes on each side.
Recipe FAQs
If you follow this recipe, it is unlikely that you will overcook chicken in the Instant Pot. It is cooked in a sealed pot full of moisture, so the chicken gets more tender.
Yes, you need to add 1 cup of liquid. The liquid can be either water, chicken broth, or apple or pineapple juice.
Set manual pressure and the timer for 15 minutes of high pressure. The fresh chicken will come to pressure in about 10 minutes, and the frozen chicken will come to pressure in about 13-15 minutes. When the 15-minute cooking time is up, do a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release the rest.
Storage Tips
Fridge: Cooked chicken will last in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
Freezer: Cooked chicken will last in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 4 months. I like to wrap the chicken with plastic wrap before placing the chicken in a container in the freezer.
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Recipe
Frozen Chicken Breasts In Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, fresh or frozen 8 oz or 200 g each
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning or your favorite chicken rub
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot and place a trivet in the bottom. Place chicken breasts in the pressure cooker and season with lemon-pepper seasoning.
- Place the lid on the Instant Pot and set the lid to seal. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
- Once the timer beeps, naturally release the pressure for 10 minutes. Manually release the rest of the pressure.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear cooked chicken breasts for 2 minutes on each side, just until they start to turn brown.
- Serve chicken breasts immediately, and enjoy!
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Recipe Notes:
NUTRITION INFORMATION
The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
Ramona says
Great advice and such useful information. Cooking from frozen is a quick and so convenient option.
Tyanne says
Such an easy recipe with little ingredients! Perfect for a night after working all day.
Jamie says
This was so delicious for dinner and the breast came out so moist too! The lemon pepper seasoning added the perfect flavor too!
Kay says
Perfect quick and easy, I always have chicken in the freezer but never knew I could cook from frozen!
Elizabeth says
The best way to cook chicken from frozen! Great recipe!
Addie says
This is great for meal prep!
Raquel says
Loved that I could make this from frozen - great for those busy days!