This Frozen Chicken Breast in Instant Pot method yields tender, juicy chicken breasts straight from frozen. In about 30 minutes with no thawing required, you get reliable results every time—ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.
If you enjoy this recipe, try the Air Fryer Thin Chicken Breasts or Frozen Chicken Breast in Air Fryer for more quick chicken ideas.
Editor’s Note: This post first appeared on August 8, 2021, and was updated on January 22, 2025 with extra tips. The recipe itself remains the same.
I rarely bother to thaw chicken anymore—there’s no need. Pressure cooking cooks frozen chicken just as well as fresh, and this method has saved many last-minute dinners.
Use this chicken for BBQ Ranch Chicken Pizza, on a green salad, or with sides like Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes, Carrot Salad, or creamy coleslaw.
Why I love this method
- No thawing needed: Cook directly from frozen in the same time as fresh.
- Always tender: Pressure cooking locks in moisture for juicy results.
- Meal prep friendly: Makes great chicken for salads, sandwiches, and casseroles.
- Easy: About 15 minutes of pressure cook time while you prep sides.
Recipe ingredients
Ingredients are pictured below. Notes follow to help you choose substitutions and seasonings.
- Chicken breasts — boneless, skinless, fresh or frozen. Try to use similarly sized pieces so they cook evenly. Use thighs if you prefer dark meat (add 5 minutes cooking time).
- Water or chicken broth — 1 cup to create steam; broth adds flavor.
- Seasoning — lemon-pepper, taco seasoning, your favorite chicken rub, or a simple salt-and-pepper seasoning. A brown sugar-based dry rub also works well for a slightly sweet crust after searing.
See the printable recipe card below for exact quantities and the full ingredient list.
How to make frozen chicken breast in Instant Pot
- Add 1 cup of water (or broth) to the Instant Pot. Place the trivet in the bottom and arrange the frozen chicken breasts on the trivet. Sprinkle your chosen seasoning or rub over the chicken. Close the lid, set the valve to seal, and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
- When the cook time ends, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for at least 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
- Optional: For a more appealing color and texture, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken breasts 1–2 minutes per side until lightly browned. Add extra seasoning if desired and serve immediately.
Top tips
- Mind the size: Larger breasts may need an extra 2–3 minutes; very small pieces may cook faster.
- Natural release: The 10-minute natural release helps the meat stay moist and finish cooking gently.
- Check doneness: Chicken is safe at an internal temperature of 165°F measured in the thickest part with an instant-read thermometer.
Variations
- Shredded chicken: Cook as directed, then shred for tacos, enchiladas, or sandwiches.
- Saucy: Toss with BBQ or teriyaki sauce after cooking; or add sauce and heat briefly in the pot at the end.
- Spicy: Mix in chili powder, cayenne, or red pepper flakes.
- Italian: Season with Italian herbs and serve over pasta or in a sub.
- Asian-inspired: Use ginger, garlic, and a splash of soy sauce.
- Grill finish: After pressure cooking, finish on a hot grill for 1–2 minutes per side for grill marks.
What to serve with Instant Pot chicken breast
- Quick sides: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges or a crisp Carrot Salad.
- Fresh: Greek cucumber salad, mixed greens, or a classic chicken salad.
- Use in recipes: Great for BBQ chicken pizza, chicken Alfredo stuffed shells, tacos, enchiladas, and more.
Storage instructions
Store leftover cooked chicken 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 before reheating.
Recipe FAQs
For breasts over about 8 ounces, add 2–3 extra minutes of cook time.
Yes. Increase the cook time to 20 minutes for frozen boneless skinless thighs.
No. The trivet keeps the chicken elevated above the liquid so it won’t become 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 (about 6–8 ounces each), fresh or frozen
- 1 cup water or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning or your favorite chicken rub
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for searing)
Instructions
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Add 1 cup of water or broth to the Instant Pot and place the trivet in the bottom.
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Arrange frozen chicken breasts on the trivet and season well.
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Close the lid and set the valve to seal. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
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When the timer finishes, allow a 10-minute natural pressure release, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
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Optional: Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the cooked chicken 1–2 minutes per side until lightly browned.
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Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- Similar-sized chicken breasts cook most evenly.
- Always verify the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- This method also works with fresh chicken using the same cook time.
- Add extra seasoning after cooking if desired.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days or freeze 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 updated on January 22, 2025.