This Frozen Chicken Breast in Instant Pot recipe makes perfectly tender chicken breasts straight from frozen! Ready in just 30 minutes with zero thawing required, this foolproof method gives you juicy chicken every time - perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep!
If you love this recipe, check out Air Fryer Thin Chicken Breasts and Frozen Chicken Breast in Air Fryer next!
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Editor's Note: This post was originally published on August 8, 2021. I recently updated it on January 22, 2025, with more information and helpful tips, but the recipe remains the same.
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.
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Why I love this method
- No thawing needed: Cook straight from frozen in the same time as fresh.
- Always tender: Pressure cooking keeps chicken moist and juicy.
- Meal prep hero: Makes perfect chicken for salads, sandwiches, and other recipes that uses cooked chicken.
- Set and forget: Just 15 minutes of cooking time while you prep the sides.
Recipe ingredients
All ingredients for this Instant Pot chicken breast recipe are shown in the pic below and special notes are made in this bulleted list to assist you.
- Chicken breasts. Use boneless skinless chicken breasts, fresh or frozen. Size matters - try to use similar-sized pieces. Fresh chicken breasts can be used instead. If you prefer dark meat, use chicken thighs instead; however, add 5 extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Water or Broth. Creates steam for pressure cooking. Chicken broth adds extra flavor.
- Seasoning. Try my Dry Rub For Smoked Chicken made with brown sugar, Roasted Garlic and Peppers seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, seasoning salt, and black pepper. You can also use lemon-pepper seasoning, taco seasoning, your favorite chicken rub, or keep it simple with salt and pepper.
See the printable recipe card below for quantities and a full list of ingredients.
How to make frozen chicken breast in Instant Pot
- Add 1 cup of water to your Instant Pot. Place a trivet in the bottom and place chicken breasts on the trivet. Cover with your favorite seasoning or rub. Place the lid on, close the lid, and set the valve to seal. Cook frozen chicken on high pressure for 15 minutes.
- Once the timer beeps, allow the pressure cooker to release pressure naturally for at least 10 minutes. Then, quick-release the rest of the pressure.
- Now, just one more step - this is 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!
Top tips
- Watch the size. Large breasts may need extra time; small ones might need less.
- Let it rest. The 10-minute natural release is crucial for tender chicken.
- Check temperature. Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F at its thickest part with an instant-read thermometer.
Variations
- Shredded chicken: Cook as directed, then shred with two forks for tacos or sandwiches.
- Saucy: Add BBQ sauce or teriyaki sauce during the last 5 minutes.
- Spicy: Add chili powder or red pepper flakes to the seasoning.
- Italian style: Season with Italian herbs and serve over pasta.
- Asian inspired: Use ginger and garlic for seasoning.
- Grilled - Finish these chicken breasts on a preheated grill for 2 minutes on each side.
What to serve with Instant Pot chicken breast
- Quick sides: Pair with Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges, or Carrot Salad.
- Fresh and light: Add Greek Cucumber Salad or make a chicken salad.
- Chicken Recipes: Use for BBQ Chicken Pizza, Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells, chicken tacos, or chicken enchiladas.
Storage instructions
Store leftover cooked chicken breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Recipe FAQs
Add an extra 2-3 minutes for breasts over 8 ounces.
Yes, increase cook time to 20 minutes for thighs.
No, the trivet keeps chicken from sitting in liquid and getting waterlogged.
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Frozen Chicken Breast in Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, fresh or frozen (about 6-8 ounces each)
- 1 cup water or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning or your favorite chicken rub
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for optional searing)
Instructions
- Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot and place a trivet in the bottom.
- Arrange frozen chicken breasts on trivet. Season generously.
- 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.
- Optional: 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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Notes
- Similar-sized chicken breasts cook most evenly.
- Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- It works with fresh chicken at the same cooking time.
- Add extra seasoning after cooking if desired.
- Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
The provided nutrition information is automatically calculated. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
This recipe was originally published on August 8, 2021. It was completely updated on January 22, 2025.
About Jeri Walker
Jeri Walker is the founder and CEO of Winding Creek Ranch. She is a self-taught home cook who specializes in easy family-friendly recipes. Jeri is also a food writer who regularly writes articles for MSN. Read about Jeri's journey and connect with her on your favorite social media channels!
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!