Instant Pot Frozen Chicken Breast
Cooking frozen chicken breast in the Instant Pot is one of the easiest ways to get tender, juicy shredded chicken without thawing. This simple method is perfect for meal prep and works well for sandwiches, casseroles, soups, wraps, and salads.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Pressure Build + Release:: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 chicken breasts
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2–3 frozen chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1 tsp paprika (optional)
- 1 tsp onion powder (optional)
Instructions
- Place the trivet inside the Instant Pot and pour the chicken broth or water into the bottom of the pot.
- Arrange the frozen chicken breasts in a single layer on the trivet.
- Sprinkle the salt, pepper, and garlic powders, paprika, and onion powders evenly over the chicken.
- Secure the lid and set the valve to Sealing.
- Select Pressure Cook (High Pressure) and cook for 12 minutes.
- Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure.
- Remove the chicken and shred with two forks if desired. The chicken should be tender and easy to pull apart.
Notes
Cooking thawed chicken breast:
If your chicken breasts are thawed instead of frozen, reduce the cook time to 8–10 minutes on High Pressure, depending on thickness. Allow a 5–10 minute natural pressure release before opening the lid.
For shredded chicken:
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before shredding so the juices redistribute.
Flavor variations:
Add taco seasoning, Italian seasoning, paprika, or onion powder depending on how you plan to use the chicken.