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- 2 to 4 frozen chicken breasts (about 1.5 to 2 pounds) - 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter taste) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 2 teaspoons garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Fresh parsley or cilantro For this recipe, I keep it simple. The frozen chicken breasts are the star, and the broth adds moisture. I use olive oil for a nice sear. The seasoning mix packs flavor into the chicken. Garlic powder and onion powder add depth. Paprika gives a slight kick, while Italian seasoning adds a nice herbal note. Finish with fresh parsley or cilantro for color and taste. You can find the full recipe in the article. This easy list of ingredients makes cooking frozen chicken in your Instant Pot fun and stress-free! First, plug in your Instant Pot. Set it to the 'Sauté' function. This will heat the pot. Once it warms up, add one tablespoon of olive oil. Let the oil heat for about one minute. This step adds flavor to your chicken. While the pot heats, let’s prepare the seasonings. In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use about two teaspoons of garlic powder and one teaspoon of each other spice. Now, take the frozen chicken breasts and rub the spice mixture all over them. This adds great flavor. Now, it’s time to cook! Once the olive oil is hot, place the seasoned chicken breasts in the pot. Pour in one cup of chicken broth around the edges. Don’t pour it directly on the chicken. This will create steam and help cook the chicken evenly. Close the lid tightly. Make sure the valve is set to 'Sealing'. Press the 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' button. Set the timer for 10 minutes if the breasts are thin, or 12 minutes for thicker ones. When the cooking time is up, let the pot sit for about five minutes. This is called natural pressure release. After five minutes, carefully switch the valve to 'Venting'. This releases any remaining pressure. Now, open the lid carefully. Check the chicken's internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should be at least 165°F (75°C). If it is not, let it cook a bit longer. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot. You can serve it whole or shred it with two forks. Enjoy your delicious meal! For the full recipe, check out the Instant Pot Magic: Juicy Frozen Chicken Breasts. For thin chicken breasts, set your Instant Pot timer to 10 minutes. This ensures they cook through without drying out. If your breasts are thick, increase the time to 12 minutes. Always check the internal temperature after cooking. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. Cooking frozen chicken is safe if done right. The Instant Pot cooks the meat quickly. This helps kill harmful bacteria. However, if you thaw the chicken first, use it within two days. Always store thawed chicken in the fridge. Avoid refreezing thawed chicken for best quality and safety. While the basic seasoning mix is great, feel free to get creative! Add lemon zest for a bright taste. Consider a splash of soy sauce for umami. You can also use fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. Marinating the chicken for a few hours can also boost flavor. Just remember to adjust cooking times if you use thicker cuts. For more ideas, check out the Full Recipe for extra tips! {{image_2}} You can use your Instant Pot for other frozen meats too. Turkey and pork work great. Just adjust cooking times slightly. For turkey, cook for about 12 to 15 minutes. For pork, 15 to 20 minutes should do the trick. Always check the internal temperature. It should reach at least 165°F (75°C) for safety. Changing herbs and spices can alter the flavor of your chicken. Try using cumin for a warm taste. For a fresh twist, add lemon zest and dill. You can also use a barbecue rub for a smoky flavor. The options are endless. Mix and match to find your favorite blend. Sauces can enhance your chicken's taste. Try adding teriyaki sauce for a sweet flavor. BBQ sauce is another great option. You can also mix ranch dressing with the broth for a creamy finish. Just pour the sauce over chicken after cooking. This adds moisture and flavor, making every bite enjoyable. For more detailed instructions, check the Full Recipe. Once you finish cooking your chicken, cool it down quickly. Place the chicken in a shallow dish. Cover it with plastic wrap or a lid. Store it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This keeps it safe to eat later. Make sure to eat the chicken within three to four days. If you don’t plan to eat it soon, freeze it. To freeze cooked chicken, let it cool first. Slice or shred the chicken into smaller pieces. This helps it freeze faster. Use airtight containers or freezer bags. Remove as much air as you can from the bags. Label them with the date. You can freeze the chicken for up to three months. This way, you have a quick meal on hand. When it’s time to reheat the chicken, do it safely. Thaw frozen chicken in the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave for quick thawing. Reheat the chicken in the oven, microwave, or stovetop. If using the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Heat until the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures it is safe to eat. Enjoy your perfectly reheated chicken! It usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes. Thin breasts need 10 minutes. Thicker ones need 12 minutes. Always remember to add extra time for the pot to come to pressure. Yes, you can. Water works fine, but broth adds more flavor. You can also use white wine or coconut milk for a different taste. Just make sure the liquid covers the bottom of the pot. Yes, it is safe. The Instant Pot cooks food quickly, killing any harmful bacteria. However, you need to ensure the chicken reaches at least 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to check. If your chicken isn't done, just seal the pot again. Cook for an extra 2 to 3 minutes. Check the temperature again afterward. It's important to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C). You can double the recipe. Just make sure not to overload the pot. The cooking time stays mostly the same, but it may take longer for the pot to come to pressure. In this blog post, we explored how to cook frozen chicken in an Instant Pot. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. Remember, using quality broth and the right seasoning makes a big difference. Always check chicken doneness with a thermometer. If you want to try other proteins or flavors, I shared options for that too. With proper storage and reheating, your leftovers can stay tasty. Enjoy cooking with these easy steps and tips!

How To Cook Frozen Chicken Breasts In The Instant Pot

Discover the magic of cooking with frozen chicken breasts in your Instant Pot! This simple recipe will guide you to juicy and tender chicken every time, using just a few basic ingredients. With quick prep and a total cooking time of around 25 minutes, you can enjoy delicious meals in no time. Perfect for salads, wraps, or cozy dinners. Click through now to explore this easy Instant Pot recipe and elevate your cooking game!
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Ingredients
  

2 to 4 frozen chicken breasts (about 1.5 to 2 pounds)

1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter taste)

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 teaspoons garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Prep the Instant Pot: Begin by plugging in your Instant Pot and setting it to the ‘Sauté’ function. Add the olive oil and let it heat up for about a minute.

    Season the Chicken: While the pot is heating, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub this seasoning mix onto the frozen chicken breasts.

      Add Ingredients to the Pot: Once the olive oil is hot, add the seasoned frozen chicken breasts to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth around the edges (not directly on the chicken) to create steam.

        Seal and Cook: Close the lid of the Instant Pot, ensuring the valve is set to ‘Sealing’. Use the ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ button to set the timer to 10 minutes for thin breasts or 12 minutes for thicker ones.

          Natural Release: After the cooking cycle finishes, allow for a natural pressure release for about 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, you can carefully switch the valve to ‘Venting’ to release any remaining pressure.

            Check Doneness: Carefully remove the lid and check the internal temperature of the chicken breasts with a meat thermometer; it should be at least 165°F (75°C). If needed, let the chicken rest for a few minutes.

              Shred or Serve: Remove the chicken breasts from the pot. You can either serve them whole or shred them using two forks for use in salads, sandwiches, or wraps.

                Optional Sauce: For extra flavor, consider mixing any leftover broth with a spoonful of cornstarch dissolved in cold water. Set the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ again, pour in the mixture, and let it thicken for a few minutes to create a sauce.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 5 minutes | 25 minutes | 4 servings

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken breasts on a platter, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color. Pair with steamed vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.