The Instant Pot continues to amaze! Today, I’ll teach you how to cook frozen chicken in the Instant Pot in minutes, compared to hours. You will not believe how simple it is to cook chicken that is moist and fork tender in the Instant Pot in just a few minutes.
How often do you use chicken in your recipes? One of the best things about the Instant Pot is that it saves time! I love that I can cook frozen chicken in just a few minutes and get it fork-tender.
Before I owned the Instant Pot, I had to plan ahead to cook chicken for hours if I wanted it to shred easily, now it’s about a 30 minutes process. All you need is chicken (fresh or frozen) liquid, seasoning and the Instant Pot!.
The first few times I cooked frozen chicken in the Instant Pot, I was concerned the chicken would not cook completely, as a result, I overcooked it. It takes about 45 to 60 minutes (covered) at 350 degrees for me to cook frozen chicken in the oven. The time depends on how thick the frozen chicken breast is.
Knowing the Instant Pot usually cooks in a fraction of the time of traditional cooking methods (oven, slow cooker, stove) I guessed 20-30 minutes would be the perfect amount of cook time. Wrong! After 30 minutes of cooking, the chicken was almost dry, which is hard to do in an Instant Pot! The next time, I tried 10 minutes.
The chicken was cooked, but seemed a bit on the fleshy side. Not raw, just not quite firm enough for my liking and more difficult to shred. Does this sound a little like Goldilocks sampling the porridge?! I finally settled on cooking frozen chicken on the MANUAL setting for 12 minutes. The result was perfectly cooked chicken.
I like to allow the pressure to release naturally, instead of manually (turning the venting dial by hand) if possible. I think the extra time in the Instant Pot with the liquid helps lock the moisture into the meat. That said, if you are in a hurry, it is fine to release the pressure manually using the pressure release (venting) valve after the cooking process is finished and the timer has gone off.
For purposes of uniformity, I weighed the chicken for this recipe at 2 lbs total before cooking, about 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves. Two pounds of meat is about 6 servings, or 8 servings if you have a several side dishes or are feeding littles. Two pounds of frozen chicken will yield about 6-8 cups of cooked, shredded chicken to be used in salads, soups or other dishes.
I used chicken breasts of a medium to thick size, anywhere from 9-12 oz each (weight before cooking). I buy chicken at the grocery and also from Costco.
For convenience sake (so I always have chicken on hand) I purchase 10 lb bags of Foster Farms chicken at Costco. This is what I use most often, especially when cooking in bulk. The chicken breasts in the 10 lb packages tend to be quite thick, but work in this recipe for How to Cook Frozen Chicken in the Instant Pot.
If you’re cooking for a crowd, or just want to cook a large amount of chicken at one time I have had success cooking 5 lbs of chicken, frozen, in the Instant Pot. I simply place the chicken in the pot add the liquid and then turn the pot on for 15 minutes. Same result as when the chicken is cooked in a smaller size batch.
I have the 6 quart Instant Pot, and can comfortably cook 5-6 lbs of chicken at a time. I also own the 8 quart Instant Pot, which I use a little less than my 6 quart IP, but have used it to cook frozen chicken with same results as using the 6 quart model. When cooking a large batch of chicken, remember the chicken will shrink while cooking so even though you fill the pot with chicken if you’re cooking a 5lb batch, after the chicken is cooked and the lid is opened, the volume of the chicken in the pot will be reduced by about 1/4 to 1/3.
After cooling the cooked meat, chop or shred and place in containers to be used immediately or frozen for later use. I use my Quisinart Food Processor to shred the chicken while still warm by pulsing a few times. A reader told me she places her hand held mixer into the bowl with the cooked chicken and turns on to shred the chicken. I tried this method in my stand mixer and it is like magic! Shredded chicken without using forks to pull apart! Perfect for salads (below) like this Chicken and Kale Salad with Apricot Vinaigrette!
I you haven’t read the basics of using the Instant Pot, take a look at Instant Pot, Now What? It will help you be more familiar with the IP and taking the plunge into cooking in the IP. I promise, once you start using the Instant Pot, there’s no going back! If I used the Instant Pot for nothing more than cooking frozen chicken, it would be worth the price.
Of course, the Instant Pot can do so much more than cook frozen chicken, and has become my favorite kitchen appliance. Hope this recipe on How to Cook Frozen Chicken in the Instant Pot is helpful to you! Let us know in the comments your experiences with cooking frozen chicken in the Instant Pot. I welcome feedback and love to hear your thoughts.
Weeknight dinners have never been the same since you learned how to cook frozen chicken in an Instant Pot. You don’t have to let chicken thaw before cooking it in an Instant Pot. You can cook it straight from the freezer. The pressurized environment makes it possible for frozen chicken to cook quickly while staying very moist and tender.
We’ll talk about everything you need to know to cook frozen chicken breasts, thighs, and other cuts in an electric pressure cooker like the Instant Pot.
Why Cook Frozen Chicken in the Instant Pot?
There are several benefits to using an Instant Pot to cook frozen chicken:
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It only takes less than 30 minutes for chicken to go from frozen to cooked and ready to shred. You won’t have to remember to put the chicken in the fridge to thaw.
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Results that are juicy and tender—the moist, pressurized environment keeps the chicken from drying out. The chicken turns out very moist and tender.
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Safely cooks from frozen – With traditional slow cooking methods, cooking frozen meat can potentially put it in the “danger zone” temperature range for too long. The Instant Pot quickly brings the chicken up to a food-safe temperature.
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More flavor – Cooking in liquid allows chicken to soak up flavors from broth, salsa or sauce.
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Easy meal prep – Make a batch of shredded chicken to use in meals and salads all week long.
How Long to Cook Different Cuts of Frozen Chicken
The cook time will vary based on the size and cut of chicken:
Frozen Chicken Breasts
- Small (6-8 oz): 11-12 minutes
- Medium (9-10 oz): 13-14 minutes
- Large (12 oz): 16 minutes
After cooking, allow 10 minutes natural pressure release before manually venting. Chicken breasts should reach 165°F internally.
Frozen Chicken Thighs
- Boneless: 13 minutes
- Bone-in: 15 minutes
After cooking, allow 10 minutes natural pressure release before manually venting. Chicken thighs should reach 175°F internally.
Frozen Chicken Tenders/Pieces
- Cook for 6 minutes then 10 minute natural pressure release.
Whole Frozen Chicken
- Small (3-4 lbs): 22 minutes
- Large (5-6 lbs): 30 minutes
Use natural pressure release. Chicken should reach 165°F at the thickest part of the breast.
Tips for Cooking Frozen Chicken in the Instant Pot
Follow these tips for the best results when cooking frozen chicken in the Instant Pot:
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Don’t overfill the pot – For food safety reasons, do not fill the inner pot more than 2/3 full. Overfilling can affect pressurization.
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Use cooking liquid – Chicken needs moisture to cook evenly. Use 1/2 to 1 cup broth, salsa, BBQ sauce or water.
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Layer pieces evenly – Spread chicken pieces out in an even layer on the bottom of the pot.
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Allow natural release – Letting pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before quick releasing ensures the chicken cooks through.
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Check internal temp – Use an instant read thermometer to verify chicken has reached a safe minimum internal temperature after cooking.
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Rest before shredding – Let chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before shredding for maximum juiciness.
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Adjust time as needed – Increase cook time if chicken is not fully cooked through. Decrease time if chicken is drying out.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here is a simple step-by-step method for cooking frozen chicken breasts in the Instant Pot:
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Place frozen chicken breasts in a single layer on the bottom of the Instant Pot inner pot.
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Pour 1/2 cup chicken broth or water around the chicken breasts.
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Secure the lid and set the pressure release valve to “sealing.”
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Select the Manual/Pressure Cook setting and adjust cook time based on size of breasts:
- Small (6-8 oz): 11-12 minutes
- Medium (9-10 oz): 13-14 minutes
- Large (12 oz): 16 minutes
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Once cooking is complete, allow pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes. Then manually release any remaining pressure.
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Carefully remove lid. Chicken is done when it reaches 165°F internally.
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Let chicken rest 5-10 minutes before shredding or slicing.
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Shred chicken as desired to use in recipes. Enjoy!
Flavor Variations
Plain chicken works great as the base for many dishes. But you can also infuse flavors right into the chicken as it cooks in the Instant Pot. Try these creative options:
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Salsa chicken – Substitute salsa for the cooking liquid.
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BBQ chicken – Use barbecue sauce as the cooking liquid.
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Lemon garlic chicken – Add lemon juice, garlic and herbs to the cooking liquid.
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Jerk chicken – Use Caribbean jerk seasoning on the chicken.
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Chicken tikka masala – Add spices like garam masala, cumin and coriander.
Tips for Using Cooked Chicken
Once you’ve cooked up a batch of tender, juicy chicken in the Instant Pot it’s time to put it to use! Here are some serving ideas:
- Shredded chicken tacos, burritos, quesadillas
- Chicken salad sandwiches or wraps
- Chicken soup – noodle soup, tortilla soup, ramen soup
- Chicken casserole with rice or pasta
- Queso chicken dip
- Chicken fried rice or stir fry dishes
- Chicken enchiladas or tamales
Pre-cooked chicken is wonderful to have on hand for quick, easy meals. Just reheat and add to your favorite sauces, soups and dishes for dinner on busy nights!
Is It Safe to Cook Frozen Chicken in the Instant Pot?
Yes, it is completely safe to cook frozen chicken in the Instant Pot as long as basic food safety guidelines are followed:
- Don’t overfill the inner pot beyond the max fill line
- Make sure the chicken is not stacked or overlapping
- Use an instant read thermometer to verify the chicken has reached 165°F minimum temperature after cooking
- Avoid opening the lid before pressure cooking time is complete
- Allow the full natural pressure release time before opening lid
The moist heat environment allows the frozen chicken to safely thaw as it comes up to temp. The chicken also cooks very quickly under pressure, limiting time in the “danger zone.”
As when cooking chicken by any method, proper handling and refrigeration after cooking are important. Leftover chicken should be refrigerated within 2 hours.
More Delicious Instant Pot Chicken Recipes
- Easy Instant Pot Whole Chicken
- Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
- Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala
- Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
- Instant Pot Chicken Tacos
- Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan
The possibilities are endless when cooking chicken in the Instant Pot. With a little trial and error, you’ll have perfectly cooked frozen chicken every time!
How to Cook Frozen Chicken in the Instant Pot
- 2 lbs frozen chicken
- 1/2 cup water
- salt, pepper, other seasonings as desired*
- Spray the Instant Pot insert with cooking oil.
- Put the chicken in the pot and season it with a lot of salt, pepper, and any other spices you like.
- Add 1/2 cup of water to the pot’s sides to cover the chicken.
- Make sure that the lid’s sealing ring is in the right place.
- Place the lid on top of the pot and lock or seal it.
- Set the Instant Pot to MANUAL for 12 minutes. If the chicken is not frozen, 8 minutes will work.
- Press the MANUAL button to start the cooking process.
- When the timer goes off and the chicken is done, you can either carefully turn the valve on top of the Instant Pot to the VENTING position to release the pressure by hand (be careful not to put your face over the pot while the steam is releasing), or you can just let the pressure release on its own for 10 to 15 minutes before taking the lid off.
- Once you’re done cooking, take the chicken out of the pot and shred or chop it.
How to Cook Frozen Chicken in the Instant Pot
FAQ
How long to cook frozen chicken thighs in Instant Pot?
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.
Can you cook frozen chicken in Instant Pot?
This is the BEST way to cook frozen chicken breasts in the Instant Pot! It is so easy and they turn out so well, I almost never take the time to thaw chicken before cooking it. Add seasonings, sauces, broth, or just water, salt and pepper and the result is always amazing.
Can you cook frozen chicken tenders in the Instant Pot?
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 kept in the fridge for up to three to four days in a container that doesn’t let air in.
How long does shredded chicken take to cook in Instant Pot?
It does take a little longer to shred chicken in the Instant Pot than slice chicken, but it still takes a lot less time than slow cooking chicken (45 minutes at most vs. 4-8 hours). Making more than 2 pounds of frozen chicken breast is not a good idea if you want the chicken to be easy to slice.
How much chicken can you cook in an Instant Pot?
We don’t recommend cooking more than 4 pounds of frozen chicken breast in a 6 quart Instant Pot or more than 6 pounds of frozen chicken in an 8 quart Instant Pot – if you go higher than this you likely won’t be able to close the lid and will need to defrost it first. The time here definitely varies based on the amount of chicken you’re cooking!
How long does it take to pressure cook chicken in Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot will take about 10 minutes to come to pressure and start counting down from 10. When the cook time is up, let pressure release naturally for 5-10 minutes before releasing the remaining pressure. Check that the internal temperature of the chicken is 165 degrees F — mine is always at least or higher.
How long to cook chicken from frozen in an Instant Pot?
Pour your liquid of choice into the Instant Pot. Place the frozen chicken breasts, in a single layer, into the Instant Pot. Add your seasonings of choice. Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to Manual on High for 10-12 minutes (larger breasts will need more time to cook.)Feb 16, 2025
How long for 2 chicken breasts in Instant Pot?
It will take about 12 minutes for the Instant Pot to come up to temperature and then another 10 to 15 minutes of cook time. Be sure to use medium chicken breasts (about 8 ounces) each. If you have larger or smaller, you may need to play around and adjust timing accordingly.Jun 28, 2024
How long do you cook frozen chicken?