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–+ servings
Instant Pot Frozen Chicken.
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5 from 28 votes

How to Cook Frozen Chicken

It's easy to cook frozen chicken breasts in the Instant Pot with minimal effort or planning. Perfect for easy weeknight meals and meal prep.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Yumna Jawad

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ - 2 pounds frozen chicken breasts about 8 ounce each
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon total other spices eg, garlic powder & oregano
  • 1 cup chicken/vegetable broth

Instructions

  • Place the chicken breast inside the Instant Pot. Season with salt, pepper and any other seasoning you’re using. Pour the broth over the chicken.
  • Place the lid on and move the valve to sealing. Press manual pressure and set the timer to 10 minutes high pressure. You’ll notice the Instant Pot will start to come to pressure first and then the timer will begin. It can take 8-10 minutes to come to pressure.
  • When the cook time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then do a quick release for any remaining pressure. Carefully open and remove the lid. Check the internal temperature of the chicken to make sure it’s 165°F or higher. If it’s not, seal again and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  • Strain the remaining broth in the Instant Pot to use for soups. Cut the chicken as desired and use in a recipe, as desired.

Notes

Oven-Baked Frozen Chicken
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  • Place frozen chicken breasts in a baking dish, brush with oil, and season.
  • Bake for about 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F.
  • Works best with individually frozen pieces.
Simmered or Poached on the Stovetop
  • Add frozen chicken to a pot with broth or water.
  • Bring to a gentle simmer (not a hard boil) and cook until the chicken reaches 165°F.
  • This is a great option for soups or shredded chicken.
Air Fryer Method
  • Preheat air fryer to 360°F.
  • Arrange frozen chicken in a single layer—no stacking.
  • Cook for 18–25 minutes depending on thickness, flipping halfway through.
  • Perfect for crispy chicken with a quick cook time.
What to Avoid
  • Slow cookers aren’t recommended for frozen chicken. They heat too slowly and can keep the meat in an unsafe temperature range for too long.
  • Microwaves tend to cook unevenly and leave cold spots, which isn’t ideal for frozen meat.
Storage: The cooked chicken will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 264kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 48g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 145mg | Sodium: 789mg | Potassium: 850mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 194IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 1mg

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