Instant Pot Frozen Chicken Breast Cooking Guide

My Busy-Day Chicken Trick

I cannot tell you how many times this recipe has saved my supper. You forget to take the chicken out of the freezer. Do not worry. I have done it a hundred times. This method is a lifesaver. It turns a frozen brick into tender, juicy chicken.

Just put your frozen chicken in the pot. Add some broth and a little salt and pepper. That is it. The steam does all the hard work for you. It feels like a little kitchen magic. What is your go-to meal when you forget to plan ahead? I would love to know.

Why The Broth Matters

You might think, “Can I just use water?” Well, you can. But broth adds a gentle flavor deep into the meat. It makes a big difference. The chicken tastes like it has been simmering for hours. It tastes cared for.

Using broth instead of plain water is my little secret. It turns the cooking liquid into a simple, tasty sauce. You can spoon a little over rice later. This small step makes a simple meal feel special. That is why it matters.

The Waiting Game

Now, here is the important part. After the pot beeps, you must walk away. Let it sit for ten minutes. Do not touch the valve. I know it is tempting. But this waiting time is crucial.

This lets the pressure go down slowly. It also lets the chicken finish cooking gently. If you let the steam out too fast, the chicken can get tough. Patience gives you the most tender meat. Fun fact: This quiet waiting time is called a “natural release.”

A Little Story About Juice

My grandson used to cut into his chicken right away. All the beautiful juices would run out onto the plate. The chicken would be a bit dry. I taught him to let it rest for five minutes first.

He was so surprised. The chicken was so much juicier. Those five minutes let the juices settle back into the meat. I still laugh at how amazed he was. Do you let your meat rest before cutting it? It is a tiny step with a big reward.

Shred or Slice?

Once your chicken is cooked and rested, you have a choice. You can slice it for neat pieces. Or you can shred it with two forks. Shredded chicken is perfect for tacos or sandwiches. It soaks up all the flavors.

I like to shred mine right in the pot with the leftover liquid. It keeps it moist and tasty. This way, a plain chicken breast becomes the start of many different meals. Which do you prefer for your recipes, sliced or shredded chicken?

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Chicken breast	2 pounds	Frozen
Chicken broth	1 cup	Or water can be used as a substitute
Salt and pepper	To taste

My Easiest Chicken Trick for Busy Days

Hello, my dear! Let’s talk about a lifesaver. I remember my grandson calling, panicked about dinner. He had forgotten to thaw the chicken. I told him my little secret. You can cook it straight from the freezer. His mind was blown. It’s so simple, I promise.

Here is how we do it. Just follow these easy steps. You will have tender, juicy chicken every single time. I still laugh at how easy it is.

• Step 1: Place your frozen chicken breasts in the pot. Try to lay them in one layer. Pour in one cup of chicken broth. It makes the kitchen smell amazing. Then, just sprinkle a little salt and pepper on top.
• Step 2: Now, put the lid on. Make sure the valve is set to “Sealing.” Press the “Pressure Cook” button. Set the timer for 12 minutes. For really thick chicken, add 3 more minutes. Then just walk away. It’s that simple.
• Step 3: The pot will beep when it’s done. Now, this is the important part. Do not touch it for ten minutes. Let the pressure come down on its own. (My hard-learned tip: Rushing this step makes the chicken tough. Patience is a secret ingredient!).
• Step 4: After ten minutes, turn the valve to “Venting.” When the hissing stops, you can open the lid. Carefully take the chicken out. I like to let it rest for five minutes. This keeps all the good juices inside. Do you have a favorite kitchen gadget? Share below!

Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: About 30 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings
Category: Dinner

Three Fun Twists for Your Chicken

This basic chicken is like a blank canvas. You can dress it up so many ways. My grandkids all like it different. It keeps things fun and new in the kitchen.

• Taco Night Twist: Before cooking, sprinkle the chicken with taco seasoning. Shred it when done. Perfect for soft tacos or a big salad.
• Cozy Herb Chicken: Use a cup of apple juice instead of broth. Add a sprinkle of dried thyme. It tastes like a warm hug.
• Zesty Lemon Pepper: Squeeze half a lemon over the frozen chicken. Add extra black pepper. It’s so fresh and bright.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

How I Love to Serve It

Now, what to do with this lovely, tender chicken? You have so many choices. I love making a big, comfortable plate. It makes everyone feel at home.

Shred it over a pile of fluffy white rice. Pour a little of the broth from the pot on top. Or slice it thin for sandwiches. My husband loves it with a simple green salad. For a treat, I make mashed potatoes. The chicken juices are a wonderful gravy.

This meal pairs nicely with a cold glass of iced tea. For a special night, a crisp glass of Chardonnay is lovely. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Chicken Tasty for Later

Let us talk about storing your chicken. I always make a big batch. This saves so much time on busy days.

Once it cools, put it in a sealed container. It will stay good in the fridge for three days. You can also freeze it for up to three months.

I remember my first time freezing chicken. I was so proud of my future self. It made dinner the next week a breeze.

To reheat, just warm it in a pan with a little broth. This keeps the chicken from getting dry. Batch cooking matters because it gives you a head start.

A good meal is ready when you need it. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Chicken Troubles

Sometimes cooking does not go as planned. That is okay. Here are some easy fixes for you.

Is your chicken still a little frozen? It can stick together. Make sure each piece is separate before cooking.

Is the chicken tough? You might not have let the pressure release naturally. I once got impatient and opened the valve too soon. The chicken was very rubbery.

Letting it release slowly makes the meat tender. This matters because tender chicken is a joy to eat. Does the flavor seem bland? Just add a pinch more salt after cooking.

Seasoning well builds your confidence. You learn what tastes good to you. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Quick Chicken Questions Answered

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free? A: Yes, it is naturally gluten-free. Just check your broth label to be sure.

Q: Can I make it ahead? A: Absolutely. Cook and shred it on Sunday. Use it for quick meals all week.

Q: What can I use instead of broth? A: Water works just fine. You can also use vegetable broth.

Q: Can I double the recipe? A: You can, but do not fill the pot past the max line. Cook in two batches if needed.

*Fun fact: Letting the chicken rest for five minutes helps all the juices spread out.* Q: Any optional tips? A: Try adding a sprinkle of garlic powder with the salt and pepper.

Which tip will you try first?

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope this guide helps you feel confident in the kitchen. Cooking should be simple and fun. You can do this.

I love seeing your creations. It makes my day. Please share your photos with our community.

Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! I cannot wait to see what you make. Happy cooking!

—Grace Ellington.