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Forgot to thaw your chicken? No problem! Learn the best ways to cook frozen chicken in the Instant Pot. Dinner in under 40 minutes!
Forgot to Thaw Your Chicken? Here’s the Solution
How many times have you opened the freezer at 5 pm, realized you forgot to thaw the chicken, and felt your dinner plans slipping away? It’s a common scenario, and I’ve been there more times than I can count. Standing in front of the freezer, it’s easy to feel like your only options are takeout or cereal. But don’t worry, there’s a better solution. Cooking frozen chicken straight from the freezer is not only possible but also simple and quick with the right methods.
❤️ Kelsey
Table of Contents
Ingredients Needed
- Frozen chicken breasts – I use 2 in this recipe, but you can use as many as your Instant Pot can fit without stacking.
- Chicken broth – Store-bought or homemade both work well.
- Seasonings – I like to use Trader Joe’s 21 Seasoning Salute to flavor my chicken, but you can use your favorite chicken seasoning or simply salt and pepper if the chicken will be seasoned when used in a recipe.
How to Cook Frozen Chicken in the Instant Pot
- Place a trivet in the instant pot and add chicken broth. Place the frozen chicken breasts in a single layer on the trivet. Season the chicken with your favorite seasoning.
- After placing the lid securely on the instant pot, set the valve to sealing and cook the chicken on “Manual” on the high pressure setting for 12 minutes. Let the pressure naturally release for about 20 minutes.
- Remove chicken breasts from the instant pot.
- Serve whole with sides or slice to serve over a salad or pasta.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to season the chicken before cooking can lead to bland results.
- Skipping the trivet can result in rubbery chicken due to boiling instead of steaming.
More Options for Cooking Frozen Chicken Breasts
1. Oven Method (Classic and Reliable)
If you’ve got a little extra time and no fancy gadgets, the oven is your best friend for cooking frozen chicken. Here’s how I do it:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Place frozen chicken breasts on a baking sheet. I recommend using chicken breasts that are about 1 inch thick or less to ensure even cooking. Thicker pieces may require more time and a lower temperature.
- Rub each piece with a little butter or olive oil. Trust me, this step makes a world of difference in flavor and texture.
- Sprinkle your favorite seasonings over the chicken.
- Bake for 30-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check—it’s the most reliable way to ensure doneness.
Tip: To boost flavor, try marinating the chicken for a few minutes after rubbing it with oil. Even a quick coating of garlic powder, paprika, and a drizzle of lemon juice can transform the dish.
2. Air Fryer Method (Quick and Crispy)
The air fryer is a game-changer for busy nights. It cooks chicken faster than the oven and gives it a slight crisp on the outside. Here’s how I do it:
- Preheat the air fryer to 360°F.
- Mix together ½ cup of panko breadcrumbs, ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. You can add garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning if you like.
- Rub each chicken piece with butter or olive oil, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help it stick.
- Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, ensuring there’s space between pieces for even cooking.
- Cook for 10 minutes, flip the chicken, and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.
Tip: For an extra crispy finish, lightly spray the coated chicken with cooking spray before air frying.
Recipes to Try with Cooked Frozen Chicken
Once your chicken is ready, you can whip up these easy dishes:
No more dinner disasters! With these methods, you can turn frozen chicken into a tasty, satisfying meal in no time. Bookmark this page, try these methods, and let me know your favorite in the comments below. I’d love to hear your tips and tricks too!
Frozen Chicken in the Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, frozen, about 1 inch thick
- 1 cup chicken broth, or water
- seasonings to taste, (I used Trader Joe's 21 Seasoning Salute)
Instructions
- Pour chicken broth into the instant pot. Place the trivet insert over the broth. Add the chicken in a single layer on top of the trivet. Season the chicken to add flavor.
- Place the lid on the instant pot. Set the valve to sealing and cook the chicken on Manual on the high pressure setting for 12 minutes. When the timer goes off, let the pressure naturally release for about 20 minutes, or until the pin drops.
- Take the lid off and shred or slice chicken to serve.
Equipment
- Instant Pot with trivet insert
Notes
Instant Pot Trivet
- You will need a trivet for this method.
- Most instant pots come with a trivet, but I lost mine. I bought a silicon trivet at Target.
- If you don’t use the trivet and you put the chicken directly into the broth or water, it will essentially boil the chicken instead of steaming it and the texture will be more rubbery.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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I made this recipe tonight, following directions to the letter. I used the trivet that came with my Instant Pot. The chicken breasts did not touch the chicken broth below, and yet the bottoms of the breasts came out rubbery. Hmm,… can you suggest a cooking time other than the 12 mins in the recipe that cooks the chicken thoroughly but does not come out rubbery? Thanks!
How big were the chicken breasts you used?
Love this! Made such a difference and now it comes out perfectly every time!!
Thanks for the tip about putting the chicken on a trivet in the instant pot. It made a difference in the texture, and I also like that the seasoning stays on the bottom of the chicken instead of in the broth at the bottom. Great tip!