Instant Pot Frozen Chicken Breast: Ultimate Guide to Shredded

It happens to the best of us. It’s 5:00 PM, you’re exhausted, and the main ingredient for dinner is sitting in your freezer—rock hard. In the past, this meant defrosting it in the microwave (gross) or ordering takeout (expensive).

But if you have an Instant Pot, you don't need to thaw anything.

This is your ultimate guide to transforming frozen chicken breasts into juicy, tender shredded chicken in under 40 minutes. Whether you are a dedicated meal prepper or just trying to save dinner, this method is safer, faster, and yields a delicious bonus: homemade chicken stock.

meal prep" title="Shredded Instant Pot Chicken Breast - Meal Prep Ready" loading="lazy" />

Why Cooking Frozen Chicken in the Instant Pot Wins for Meal Prep

Before we dive into the "how-to," let's look at why this specific technique is superior to the slow cooker or stovetop, based on current data.

• Zero Thawing Required: You can take chicken straight from the freezer to the pot.
• Speed: While a slow cooker takes hours, this method clocks in at a total time of about 30 to 40 minutes (including pressure build and release).
• Nutrition: This is a macronutrient powerhouse. A standard serving contains roughly 129 calories and 24g of protein, with 0g total carbs, making it perfect for Keto and Low Carb diets.
• The "Bonus" Quart: Unlike baking, pressure cooking yields about 1 quart of golden chicken stock as a byproduct. Don't pour this down the drain!

Essential Ingredients & Equipment for Instant Pot Chicken

The Essentials

• Frozen Chicken Breasts: 2–4 breasts (approx. 1-2 lbs). Tip: If you freeze your own chicken, freeze them flat rather than in a ball to ensure even cooking.
• Liquid: 1 cup minimum.
  • Expert Tip: Research suggests you should always use broth, not plain water, for the best flavor infusion. Cooking the chicken in seasoned liquid makes it significantly more juicy and tender.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or a dried herb blend.

Equipment

• Instant Pot: (6-quart or 8-quart).
• Shredding Tool: Two forks, meat claws, or a stand mixer (more on this hack later).

The Perfect Timing: How Long to Cook Frozen Chicken Breast

This is the most debated part of pressure cooking. If you search the top recipes, you will find cook times ranging from 10 to 16 minutes.

Here is the synthesized "Sweet Spot" to ensure your chicken isn't rubbery but reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F:

Note on Timing: While some sources suggest 10 minutes for frozen, adding those extra 2–3 minutes (total 15 minutes) ensures the heat penetrates the center of thick frozen breasts without drying out the exterior.

Why Natural Release Matters for Tender Chicken

Do not flip the vent to "Quick Release" immediately after the timer beeps. Doing so causes the moisture inside the meat to evaporate instantly, resulting in dry, stringy chicken. Allow a 5-minute natural pressure release (NPR) to let the fibers relax.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Cook Frozen Chicken Breast

1. Prepare the Pot

Place the stainless steel trivet inside your Instant Pot. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth (or vegetable broth).

• Why the trivet? It prevents the chicken from sitting directly on the bottom, which can sometimes trigger a "Burn" notice if your liquid reduces too fast. However, if you want maximum broth flavor, you can place the chicken directly in the liquid.

2. Season the Frozen Block

Place your frozen chicken breasts on the trivet. They might be stuck together—that is okay. Sprinkle your seasoning blend liberally over the top.

3. Pressure Cook

Secure the lid and set the valve to "Sealing." Select Manual/Pressure Cook (High) and set the timer for 15 minutes.

• Note: The pot will take about 10–12 minutes to come to pressure before the countdown starts.

4. The Rest Period

Once the timer beeps, let the pot sit undisturbed for 5 to 10 minutes (Natural Release). Then, carefully flip the valve to "Venting" to release any remaining steam.

5. Check Temperature

Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part of the breast has reached 165°F.

How to Shred Cooked Chicken Breast Like a Pro (3 Ways)

Once your chicken is cooked, you have a few options for shredding.

Level 1: The Fork Method

Transfer the hot chicken to a cutting board/plate. Use two forks to pull the meat apart. This is simple but takes a little elbow grease.

Level 2: Meat Claws

If you do this often, invest in Meat Shredding Claws. They act like extensions of your hands and tear through the protein much faster than forks.

Level 3: The Stand Mixer Hack (The Game Changer)

This is the fastest method found in our research.

1. Transfer the hot chicken breasts into the bowl of your stand mixer.
2. Attach the paddle attachment.
3. Turn the mixer on low speed for 30–60 seconds.
4. It shreds the chicken perfectly in seconds. Warning: Watch closely—if you mix too long, you'll end up with chicken mush.

The "Bonus" Chicken Stock & Meal Prep Storage for Shredded Chicken

You just made 3-4 cups of shredded chicken, but look in the pot. That liquid is now rich with chicken juices and seasoning.

1. Strain it: Pour the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a mason jar.
2. Use it: This is perfect for soups, or cooking rice/quinoa for your meal prep bowls.

Storage Guidelines for Meal Prep

If you are batch cooking for the week (or month), follow these safety timelines:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Place in freezer-safe bags (remove as much air as possible) for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this recipe for fresh chicken?

Yes! If your chicken is thawed, simply reduce the High Pressure cook time to 10–12 minutes. Keep the natural release the same.

Why is my chicken tough?

If the chicken is tough, it likely wasn't cooked long enough (for the collagen to break down) or you quick-released the pressure too fast. If it's rubbery, check the internal temp—if it's under 165°F, put the lid back on and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

What can I make with shredded chicken?

Since this recipe has neutral seasoning, it is a blank canvas. Use it for:

• Tacos & Enchiladas (Mix with salsa)
• BBQ Sandwiches (Toss with BBQ sauce)
• Chicken Salad (Mix with mayo, celery, and grapes)
• Soup Toppers (Add to ramen or tortilla soup)