How To Cook Frozen Chicken Breasts In The Instant Pot
This is the BEST way to cook frozen chicken breasts in the Instant Pot! It is so easy and they turn out so well, I almost never take the time to thaw chicken before cooking it. Add seasonings, sauces, broth, or just water, salt and pepper and the result is always amazing.
If youre wondering how to cook frozen chicken breasts in the Instant Pot or pressure cooker, youre in luck. Because youll never be stuck at 5:00 with nothing to make for dinner again!
Cooking frozen chicken has never been quicker, easier, or more delicious! The Instant Pot has definitely saved my butt a time or two
We are back on the Instant Pot bandwagon today with one of my favourites, although, again, Im not sure this actually qualifies as a recipe considering there are two ingredients and one is water or broth. But I promise you, if you learn how to cook frozen chicken breasts in the Instant Pot you may never go back!
I will be totally honest and say that I am not utterly obsessed with the Instant Pot like millions of other people. I havent moved on to cheesecake and egg bites and other things that make more sense to bake in the oven .
But there are a few things that I actually prefer to do in the Instant Pot, and chicken breasts is one of those things
And if youre looking for more Instant Pot chicken recipes, try this Instant Pot Whole Chicken from fresh or frozen!).
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts
You can absolutely use frozen chicken breasts, but there are a couple things to keep in mind. In this recipe I first sear the chicken breast for extra flavor, if using frozen chicken you wont be able to do that, so just skip that step.
The second thing to keep in mind is that for frozen chicken, while the cooking time will be the same, it will take longer to come to pressure, and it will take longer for the pressure to naturally release.
Why You Need This Recipe
- While chicken breasts vary in size, chicken tenders are consistently even in size which means this recipe comes out perfect and juicy every time!
- Its perfect for meal prep! Precooked chicken is a lifesaver on a busy weeknight when youre short on time. Recipes are such a cinch when the protein is already done.
- It literally takes less than 5 minutes to prep. You pour in the chicken broth and then dump in the chicken and youre done!
- Instant Pot chicken tenders are naturally gluten-free, grain-free, low-carb, and keto friendly.
Don’t Miss: Instant Pot Recipes Frozen Meat
How Long To Cook Frozen Breaded Chicken Strips In Air Fryer
Bake in oven for 16 to 18 minutes, or until heated through.Can you cook frozen chicken in an air fryer?Check the internal temperature, it should be of 74 degrees celsius/ 165 degrees fahrenheit.Cook for a total of 12+ minutes.
Cook the chicken tenders in the air fryer at 400.Flip and cook for a further 5 minutes.Flip strips over and lightly mist the tops with more cooking spray.Frozen chicken strips in the air fryer.
Frozen chicken tenders in air fryer are a quick and easy main dish.Grease air fryer basket and preheat at 400ºf for 5 minutes.How long do i cook frozen chicken tenders in my air fryer?How long to cook frozen chicken strips in air fryer?
How long to cook frozen chicken strips in air fryer?How to cook frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer.How to cook frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer:I dont always turn them completely, sometimes i just shake the basket a few times.
If cooking in multiple batches of chicken back to back, the following batches may cook a little quicker.If they are thick, obviously they will take longer.Instructions place the frozen chicken strips in the air fryer basket and spread out into a single even layer.It only takes a few minutes and this method results in a healthy alternative to deep frying chicken strips.
No oil spray is needed.No oil spray is needed.Open the bag of frozen chicken and unpack into a container.
The Best Instant Pot Chicken Tenders
We love making chicken tenders Instant Pot style – at least that’s what we call it around our house – and it is by far one of our favorite chicken recipes for busy weeknights.
The Instant Pot makes the process super quick and easy, and the result is just incredible.
And when we’re low on time, an easy dinner recipe like this is just what we’re in the mood to make, and eat.
Anyway, these Instant Pot chicken tenders are juicy, wonderfully crispy, and seasoned to perfection. And I have a secret ingredient that gives these chicken tenders an even better flavor.
And the best part about this Instant Pot chicken is that there is barely any prep needed – just a quick mix of the seasonings and slicing and coating the chicken breast is all you’ll have to do!
Also, since this recipe is so quick & easy to make – and the majority of the time is just letting the chicken cook – you can make these low carb french fries while the tenders cook, to create the ultimate meal!
Plus, these are fairly healthy chicken tenders. Since they’re not breaded and fried in oil – each serving is low in carbs and calories, & packed with protein!
You May Like: What Does It Mean When My Instant Pot Says Burn
How To Use A Mixer To Shred Chicken
Once your chicken is cooked and cool enough to handle, you can dice it up or shred it for use in your recipe.
- For easy shredding, you can place the chicken in a bowl and use a hand mixer like this one to shred the chicken. If you have a hand mixer or stand mixer, you need to try this trick!
- You can also shred the chicken with two forks by hand.
Heres what the above looks like as a quick step-by-step.
How To Double The Recipe
To cook more than one pound of chicken at a time, you do not need to add any extra liquid or change the cooking time. With more chicken in the pot, the Instant Pot will just take a little bit longer to reach pressure.
Make sure you do not fill your Instant Pot past the max fill line. In my 6 quart Instant Pot, I normally do not cook more than 2-3 pounds of chicken at a time.
Read Also: How Long To Cook Turkey Tenderloin In Instant Pot
Heres A Video Showing How We Made Frozen Chicken In The Instant Pot And Then You Can Follow These Instructions To Make Electric Pressure Cooker Chicken Sliders With It After They Were Done
You can use your Instant Pot chicken to make soft tacos too!
And then lets try some Crockpot frozen chicken. A great way if youre batch cooking a lot all at a time.
How Long To Cook Frozen Chicken Tenders In Instant Pot Air Fryer
Chicken tenders have never been so delicious!Choose the air fry option on the instant pot duo crisp air fryer and set the temperature to 400°f.Close and tighten the pressure cooker lid and cook the chicken for 6 minutes on high.Close the lid and turn the valve to the sealing position.
Cook at 375°f for 8 minutes.Cooked in the instant pot, they are ready to serve in 15 minutes and make for a great appetizer or main meal.Cooking chicken tenders in the vortex air fryer.For best results, use a maximum of two pounds of meat, frozen in individual pieces, place it in the pot in a single, even layer, and use at least one cup of liquid.
For cook time, i set the vortex to 400 and air fried for about 5 minutes.For fresh chicken tenders, cook on manual high for 3 minutes followed by a 6 minute npr.Frozen chicken breasts , 4 to 6 ounces:Frozen chicken tenders in air fryer are a quick and easy main dish.
Frozen chicken tenders, 2 to.Frozen chicken thighs, 4 to 8 ounces:Grease air fryer basket and preheat at 400ºf for 5 minutes.Heres what you do to make air fried chicken in just 15 minutes.
How do you cook frozen air fried chicken tenders?How long to cook chicken tenders in the air fryer lid.How long to cook frozen chicken strips in air fryer?How to cook frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer.
These cooking times are based on an air fryer temperature of 360 degrees f, and an internal temperature of 165 degrees f.We love this easy method for making our kids favorite lunch!
Read Also: Instant Pot Frozen Meat Cooking Times
Instant Pot Bbq Chicken Fast Tender And Kid
BBQ Chicken is part of dinner at least once every week or so. I love to serve it as is, toss it in a salad, or make sandwiches with it.
This is the one protein I can generally count on my kids eating and wanting more of.
Last week I took some dinner to a friend who just had a baby. I about melted to the floor when I saw her. So itty bitty!!
BUT, like usual, I was running out of time. A lunch meeting went late and I had 1 1/2 hours to fix dinner and deliver it.
Thank you, Instant Pot, I made BBQ Chicken, Cheesy Mashed Potatoes, Corn on the Cob, and a yummy slushee for dessert all in 45 MINUTES!! I was early. *fist bump*
But you know what really saved my bacon? Chicken tenders.
I hadnt cooked with tenders in my Instant Pot before. I just always have bought chicken breasts.
The day before I decided to buy tenders on a whim and OH MY HEAVENS. These little guys cooked up in lightening speed and were so stinking tender!!
Like, it broke while I was trying to get it out of the pot. That is how tender they were! I really might be a chicken tender convert now. I may never go back!
Instant Vortex Plus Crispy Crunchy Chicken Tenders
Heat cooking oil in an instant pot or pressure cooker and set the temperature at 375°F. Dip chicken pieces when the oil temperature reached 375°F. Close the lid and cook for 8-10 minutes. Open the lid and remove chicken pieces.
Yes we have breaded chicken similar to this and made bacon wrapped Ninja Foodi chicken tenders before. Those were good for the fry food taste we were looking for, this is a gluten free version though since were skipping the breadcrumbs.. NO flour, Panko, or almond flour are used in these.
Add chicken broth to the instant pot/pressure cooker, then place chicken in the broth, and top with the potatoes. Place the lid on in the locked position and turn the vent to the sealed position. Place the lid on in the locked position and turn the vent to the sealed position.
Instant Pot teriyaki chicken made with tender pieces of white meat simmered in a flavorful Japanese-inspired sauce. This tasty meal is ready to eat in 30 minutes or less using a pressure cooker. Serve alongside rice and vegetables for a complete dinner solution.
Read Also: Aluminum Foil Instant Pot
Can I Stack Chicken In An Instant Pot
Ideally, no. Butyes.
Placing chicken in the pressure cooker in a single layer will give you the best results to make sure its evenly-cooked. However, this limits how many pieces of chicken you can cook at once.
If were going by total amount, you can certainly fit more chicken with stacking . Just be aware that you may need to increase cooking time if you do this, and be sure to check internal temp.
If you are using frozen chicken, keep it to a single layer, no stacking.
Instant Pot Paleo Chipotle
The Cook
Spice up your mealtime routine with a mash up of sweet and savory deliciousness. These Instant Pot Paleo Chipotle-Honey Chicken Tenders are perfect with a side of paleo friendly coleslaw or atop a veggie laden spinach salad.
- 1 teaspoon Mustard Seed, Ground
- ½ teaspoons Oregano, Dried
- 1 ½ pounds Chicken Tenders, Fresh
Serving Day Ingredients
Don’t Miss: What To Do If Your Instant Pot Says Burn
Defrosting Chicken In Your Pressure Cooker
This is my very favorite way to quickly take chicken breasts from frozen to recipe-readyI use this method at least once a week!
If your recipe calls for diced, thawed chicken, but you didnt defrost the chicken breasts in advance, theres an easy fix! Pour 1 cup water into your pressure cooking pot and place a trivet in the bottom. Balance the frozen chicken breasts on the trivet, stacking crosswise if necessary. Lock the lid in place. Select High Pressure and 1 minute cook time.
When the cook time ends, turn off the pressure cooker and use a quick pressure release. Remove the chicken from the pot, dice it into small pieces, and continue with the recipe as directed.
Use an instant-read thermometer to verify each chicken breast is at least 165°F in the thickest part of the breast after cooking.
With this method, the chicken will cook a little bit on the outside, but the inside with be thawed, easy to dice, and ready to use in your favorite pressure cooker recipes. You can also use this method to thaw your chicken breasts and then coat the breasts with your favorite barbecue sauce and grill them on the barbecue.
Use this technique with your favorite diced chicken recipes:
Storing Instant Pot Chicken
Refrigerator: Place chicken in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: Place in an airtight container and store in the freezer up to 3 months. Freeze in a single layer so that youre not left with a clump of chicken when reheating.
Reheating: The best way to reheat leftover chicken is to use the oven. Place it in a baking dish and loosely cover with aluminum foil, then cook at 325-350F for 20-25 minutes . You can also reheat in the Instant Pot by setting it to steam for 5 minutes.
Now that you know how easy it is to make Instant Pot Chicken, Im sure it will be your go-to for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners! And if you ever forget to defrost your chicken, this method is 100% the way to go.
Read Also: How Long To Cook Pre Cooked Ribs In Instant Pot
Ingredients Needed To Make Instant Pot Chicken Tenders
There are just a few wholesome ingredients in this super easy recipe. Most of what you need are seasonings, and these can be omitted or swapped as you like.
Here are the ingredients you need to make our tasty Instant Pot chicken strips recipe:
- Olive oil or preferred high-heat cooking oil
- Seasonings paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, sea salt, ground black pepper
- Chicken tenders fresh or frozen
- Chicken broth I recommend low sodium
Why Instant Pot Frozen Chicken
You wont believe how perfectly moist and delicious frozen chicken turns out when you cook it in your Instant Pot!
When you know how to cook frozen chicken in an Instant Pot, you can stock up on chicken breasts when they are on sale and freeze them for later. When youre ready, you can cook the chicken from frozen, without defrosting it first. It is so quick and easy!
Instant Pot chicken breasts are one of my favorite foods to meal prep for the week. I cook a batch of chicken breasts in my Instant Pot to use for quick lunches and dinners throughout the week. This way I can put together healthy meals when Im short on time.
Ive rounded up 28 Instant Pot Chicken Recipes to give you even more ideas of what to cook for dinner!
You May Like: How To Defrost Ground Beef In Instant Pot
The Easiest Instant Pot Chicken Tenders From Frozen
I recently accidentally ended up with a bag of frozen chicken tenders instead of chicken breasts when I was planning to use for a chicken chili verde casserole.
At first I was a little disappointed for grabbing the wrong bag, but since I regularly make frozen chicken breasts in the instant pot, I knew I could easily make instant pot frozen chicken tenders too.
I realized that not only do I love cooking with frozen chicken tenders, I actually prefer cooking with them when I needed shredded or chopped chicken for a recipe.
Heres why using instant pot frozen chicken tenders for recipes is so amazing:
- Frozen chicken costs less than fresh
- Frozen chicken tenders cost less than frozen chicken breasts
- Chicken breasts are often irregular sizes whereas chicken tenders are a uniform size
- Using your Instant Pot or a pressure cooker to cook frozen chicken tenders makes them really moist and ideal whether you need them sliced in a recipe or shredded.
Instant Pot Chicken Breast Variations:
- Chicken is one of my favorite proteins because it can take on a wide variety of spices, seasonings and sauces! Mix things up with your seasoning blend or use a bottled blend that you love for a new flair.
- Slice and toss in barbecue sauce for easy Instant Pot BBQ Chicken.
- This seasoning blend and cooking method works just as well for a combination or breasts and thighs if you have a chicken thigh lover, toss in some boneless, skinless chicken thighs with your breasts and everyone is happy!
Recommended Reading: How Long To Cook Pre Cooked Ribs In Instant Pot
