This Frozen Chicken Breast in Instant Pot method delivers tender, juicy chicken straight from the freezer. Ready in about 30 minutes with no thawing required, it’s a reliable, time-saving option for weeknights and meal prep.
If you enjoy this technique, try other quick chicken recipes like Air Fryer Thin Chicken Breasts or Frozen Chicken Breast in Air Fryer for more options.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on August 8, 2021 and updated on January 22, 2025 with clarifications and tips; the recipe itself is unchanged.
I rarely bother to thaw chicken anymore—pressure cooking makes frozen breasts just as quick and easy as fresh. This simple Instant Pot method has rescued many busy dinners.
The cooked chicken works great on BBQ Ranch Chicken Pizza, on salads with fresh vegetables, or alongside Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes, Carrot Salad, or a creamy coleslaw.
Why I love this method
- No thawing needed: Cook directly from frozen in virtually the same time as fresh.
- Consistently tender: Pressure cooking retains moisture for juicy results.
- Meal prep friendly: Perfect for salads, sandwiches, and recipes that use cooked chicken.
- Minimal hands-on time: About 15 minutes cooking while you prepare sides.
Recipe ingredients
Below are the primary ingredients with helpful notes to guide you.
- Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless breasts—fresh or frozen. Try to choose pieces that are similar in size for even cooking. If using thighs, add about 5 minutes to the cook time.
- Water or broth: 1 cup creates the steam needed for pressure cooking; chicken broth adds flavor.
- Seasoning: Use lemon-pepper, taco seasoning, your favorite chicken rub, or a simple salt-and-pepper seasoning. A dry rub with brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, seasoning salt, and black pepper also works well.
See the printable recipe card below for exact quantities and full details.
How to make frozen chicken breast in Instant Pot
- Add 1 cup of water or broth to the Instant Pot. Place the trivet inside and arrange the frozen chicken breasts on top. Sprinkle with seasoning or rub. Close the lid and set the valve to seal. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
- When the cook time ends, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for at least 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
- Optional: For better color and texture, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the cooked breasts 1–2 minutes per side until golden. Add more seasoning if desired and serve with your favorite sides.
Top tips
- Mind the size: Larger breasts may need additional time; smaller pieces may cook faster.
- Let it rest: The 10-minute natural release helps keep the meat tender and evenly cooked.
- Check doneness: Use an instant-read thermometer—chicken is safe at 165°F in the thickest part.
Variations
- Shredded chicken: Cook as directed, then shred for tacos, sandwiches, or salads.
- Saucy: Toss with BBQ or teriyaki sauce after cooking; alternatively, add sauce in the last few minutes of cooking for a glazed finish.
- Spicy: Add chili powder, cayenne, or red pepper flakes to the rub.
- Italian: Season with Italian herbs and serve over pasta or in sandwiches.
- Asian-inspired: Use ginger, garlic, and soy-based sauces.
- Grill finish: Finish on a preheated grill for a smoky char—about 1–2 minutes per side.
What to serve with Instant Pot chicken breast
- Quick sides: Serve with sweet potato wedges, roasted potatoes, or a simple vegetable side.
- Fresh and light: Use the chicken on a green salad, Greek cucumber salad, or in a chicken salad.
- In recipes: Use this cooked chicken for pizza toppings, Alfredo-filled pasta, tacos, enchiladas, or sandwiches.
Storage instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen cooked chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Recipe FAQs
Add 2–3 minutes for breasts over 8 ounces to ensure they reach 165°F.
Yes. Increase the cook time to about 20 minutes for frozen boneless thighs.
It’s best to use a trivet so the chicken stays out of the cooking liquid and avoids becoming waterlogged.
More easy Instant Pot recipes
- Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Instant Pot Ham and Potato Soup
- Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna
- Two-Ingredient BBQ Chicken
- Frozen Pork Ribs in Instant Pot
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Printable Recipe
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
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Add 1 cup of water or broth to the Instant Pot and place a trivet in the bottom.
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Arrange frozen chicken breasts on the trivet and season generously.
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Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
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Allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
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Optional: Sear in heated olive oil 1–2 minutes per side for color.
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Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- Similar-sized chicken breasts cook most evenly.
- Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- The same cooking time works for fresh breasts as well.
- Add extra seasoning after cooking if desired.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate and not guaranteed to be exact.
This recipe was originally published on August 8, 2021 and was updated on January 22, 2025.