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November 19, 2024
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to cook frozen chicken breast, look no further than the Instant Pot. This popular multi-cooker can cook chicken from frozen to deliciously tender in a flash. Whether you forgot to defrost your chicken or simply prefer the convenience of cooking straight from the freezer, the Instant Pot is a game-changer in the kitchen.
Cooking frozen chicken breast in the Instant Pot is a breeze. Firstly, the Instant Pot’s pressure cooking feature allows for fast cooking times, making it perfect for thawing and cooking frozen meat. Secondly, the pressure cooking process helps to lock in moisture, resulting in juicy and flavorful chicken breast every time. With the right combination of seasonings and cooking settings, you can have a mouthwatering chicken dinner on the table in no time.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to cooking frozen chicken breast in the Instant Pot:
Step 1: Place the frozen chicken breast in the Instant Pot, ensuring they are not stuck together.
Step 2: Season the chicken breast with your choice of spices, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, or paprika.
Step 3: Add a cup of flavorful liquid, such as chicken broth, water, or marinade, to the Instant Pot. This will help prevent the chicken from sticking to the pot and infuse it with additional flavor.
Step 4: Close the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the steam release valve is set to the sealed position.
Step 5: Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting on the Instant Pot and set the cooking time according to the thickness of your frozen chicken breast. A general guideline is to cook for 10 minutes per inch of thickness.
Step 6: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release the pressure for 5-10 minutes before carefully using the quick release valve to release any remaining pressure.
Step 7: Open the Instant Pot lid and check the internal temperature of the chicken breast using a meat thermometer. It should read at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
Step 8: Remove the chicken breast from the Instant Pot and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Preparation for Cooking
Before you begin cooking frozen chicken breasts in the Instant Pot, there are a few important steps you should take to ensure the best results.
Gather Ingredients and Equipment
First, gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment. For this recipe, you will need frozen chicken breasts, spices of your choice, and any additional ingredients you plan on using. You will also need an Instant Pot or similar electric pressure cooker.
Thaw the Chicken Breasts (Optional)
While it is possible to cook frozen chicken breasts directly in the Instant Pot, thawing them beforehand can result in a more tender and evenly cooked final dish. If you have the time, consider thawing the chicken breasts by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or using the defrost function on your microwave.
If you choose to cook the chicken breasts while they are still frozen, they may take slightly longer to cook, and the texture may not be as ideal as it would be with thawed chicken.
Season the Chicken Breasts
Next, season the chicken breasts with your choice of spices. This can be as simple as adding salt and pepper, or you can get creative and use a variety of herbs and spices to enhance the flavor of the dish.
Consider using spices like garlic powder, paprika, cumin, or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary. Applying the spices directly to the chicken breasts will help to infuse the flavors into the meat as it cooks.
Pro Tip: To add an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in your favorite marinade for at least 30 minutes prior to cooking.
Just Bare® Chicken Lightly Breaded Breast Strips | Fully Cooked | 16G Protein | Frozen |1.50 LB
Amazon.com
Once you have gathered your ingredients and seasoned the chicken breasts, you are ready to start cooking your frozen chicken breasts in the Instant Pot.
Cooking Process
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook frozen chicken breast in the Instant Pot:
Step 1: Prepare the Instant Pot
Ensure that the Instant Pot is clean and in good working condition. Place the trivet that came with the Instant Pot inside the inner pot. The trivet will keep the chicken breast elevated from the liquid so that it cooks evenly.
Step 2: Add Flavors and Seasonings
Season the frozen chicken breast with your preferred flavors and seasonings. This can include salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or any other spices you prefer.
Step 3: Add Liquid
Add around 1 cup of liquid to the Instant Pot. This can be water, chicken broth, or any other type of liquid that complements the flavors you are using. The liquid is essential to create the necessary steam to cook the chicken.
Tyson Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, 2.5 Lb. (Frozen)
Amazon.com
Step 4: Set the Cooking Time
Place the lid on the Instant Pot and set the cooking time. For frozen chicken breast, a common cooking time is around 10-12 minutes on high pressure.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken
Press the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” button on the Instant Pot and set the timer accordingly. The Instant Pot will take some time to build up pressure, and then it will start cooking the chicken.
Step 6: Natural Release
Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release the pressure for about 5-10 minutes. This means leaving the Instant Pot undisturbed and letting the pressure drop on its own. This helps to keep the chicken tender and juicy.
Step 7: Quick Release
If you’re short on time, you can do a quick release by carefully turning the pressure release valve to “Venting” to release the remaining pressure. Be cautious of the hot steam that will be released.
Step 8: Check the Internal Temperature
Using a meat thermometer, check the internal temperature of the chicken breast to ensure it has reached a safe temperature of 165°F (74°C) for consumption.
Just Bare® Chicken Lightly Breaded Spicy Breast Fillets | Fully Cooked |22 G Protein | Frozen |1.50 LB
Amazon.com
Step 9: Shred or Serve
Once the chicken is cooked, you can shred it with two forks for use in various recipes such as tacos, salads, or casseroles. Alternatively, you can serve the chicken breast as is with your favorite side dishes.
With these easy steps, you can successfully cook frozen chicken breast in the Instant Pot and enjoy a delicious meal in no time!
Tips for cooking frozen chicken breast
When it comes to cooking frozen chicken breast in the Instapot, there are a few tips that can help you achieve the best results.
1. Use the trivet: Place a trivet at the bottom of the Instapot before adding the frozen chicken breast. This will help keep the chicken elevated from the liquid and ensure it cooks evenly.
2. Add enough liquid: It is important to add enough liquid to the Instapot when cooking frozen chicken breast. This will help create steam, which will thaw and cook the chicken. A general rule of thumb is to use 1 cup of liquid for every pound of chicken.
Tyson Grilled & Ready Chicken Breast Strips, 22 oz (Frozen)
Amazon.com
3. Season the chicken: Before cooking, make sure to season the chicken with your favorite herbs, spices, and marinades. This will help enhance the flavor of the chicken as it cooks.
4. Increase cooking time: Cooking frozen chicken breast in the Instapot will generally take longer than cooking thawed chicken breast. Increase the cooking time by 50% to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
5. Check the internal temperature: To ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before it is considered safe to eat.
| Weight of Frozen Chicken Breast | Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| 1 pound | 12-15 minutes |
| 2 pounds | 15-18 minutes |
| 3 pounds | 18-20 minutes |
Following these tips will help you cook delicious and tender frozen chicken breast in the Instapot every time.
Serving suggestions
Once your frozen chicken breast is cooked to perfection in the instant pot, there are endless options for serving it. Here are a few suggestions:
Tyson Rotisserie Seasoned Chicken Breasts, 2.5 Lb (Frozen)
Amazon.com
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1. Classic pairing: Serve your cooked chicken breast with some steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, and green beans. This classic pairing is both healthy and delicious. |
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2. Salad: Chop up your cooked chicken breast and toss it with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and your favorite salad dressing. This makes for a light and refreshing meal. |
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3. Sandwich:  Marie Callender's Frozen Meal, Chicken Pot Pie, 15 oz
Amazon.com
Slice your cooked chicken breast and layer it on some bread or a roll with lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite condiments. This makes for a quick and easy lunch option. |
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4. Pasta: Cook up your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or penne, and top it with your cooked chicken breast, some marinara sauce, and grated Parmesan cheese. |
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5. Stir-fry: Slice your cooked chicken breast into strips and stir-fry it with some mixed vegetables and your favorite sauce. Serve it over rice or noodles for a flavorful and filling meal. |
Feel free to experiment and get creative with your serving suggestions. The versatile flavor of the chicken breast will complement a variety of dishes.
FAQ
How long does it take to cook frozen chicken breast in the instapot?
It typically takes about 10-12 minutes of pressure cooking time to cook frozen chicken breasts in the instapot.
What is the recommended cooking time for frozen chicken breasts in the instapot?
The recommended cooking time for frozen chicken breasts in the instapot is 10-12 minutes, but it can vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts.
Can I cook frozen chicken breast directly in the instapot without thawing?
Yes, you can cook frozen chicken breast directly in the instapot without thawing. The pressure cooking function of the instapot allows you to cook frozen meat quickly and safely.
How do I ensure that the frozen chicken breast is fully cooked in the instapot?
To ensure that the frozen chicken breast is fully cooked in the instapot, use a meat thermometer to check if the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
What can I do if the frozen chicken breast is not cooked through in the instapot?
If the frozen chicken breast is not cooked through in the instapot, you can close the lid again and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Make sure to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer before consuming.