Cooking frozen chicken in a pressure cooker is a quick and convenient way to get dinner on the table fast. With the ability to cook frozen chicken without thawing, the pressure cooker saves you time and effort. But how long exactly does it take? In this comprehensive guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about cooking frozen chicken in the pressure cooker.
An Overview of Cooking Frozen Chicken in a Pressure Cooker
A pressure cooker is able to cook frozen chicken so quickly because it builds up high pressure, raising the boiling point of water and creating steam that heats food very quickly. This high-heat environment ensures thorough cooking and tender, juicy chicken.
The main benefits of using a pressure cooker for frozen chicken include:
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Speed – Dinner can be ready in as little as 10-30 minutes depending on the size of the chicken pieces. Much faster than oven baking.
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Convenience – No need to thaw the chicken first, saving you time.
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Tender and Juicy – Pressure cooking locks in moisture.
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Enhanced Flavor – Spices and seasoning permeate the chicken well.
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Safe – The high pressure kills bacteria, ensuring properly cooked chicken.
Cooking Time for Different Cuts of Frozen Chicken
The cooking time can vary substantially depending on the particular cut and size of the frozen chicken.
Here are approximate pressure cooking times for different frozen chicken cuts
- Boneless chicken breasts – 10-12 minutes
- Bone-in chicken breasts – 15-18 minutes
- Boneless chicken thighs – 10-12 minutes
- Bone-in chicken thighs – 15-18 minutes
- Chicken wings – 10-12 minutes
- Chicken drumsticks – 12-15 minutes
- Whole chicken – 20-30 minutes
For larger, thicker pieces, you may need to increase the time by a few minutes. It’s always best to err on the side of caution and cook a bit longer than risk undercooked chicken.
Proper Pressure Cooker Settings
To cook frozen chicken in a pressure cooker, you’ll want to use the high pressure setting. Most electric pressure cookers will have a pre-programmed poultry button or manual high pressure option.
On stovetop pressure cookers, you’ll need to bring it up to high pressure over medium-high heat. Consult your device’s manual for specific guidance.
Let the pressure release naturally for 5 to 10 minutes after cooking before doing a quick pressure release to keep the food from getting too done. This helps keep the chicken extra moist and tender.
Why Cook Frozen Chicken in a Pressure Cooker?
Using a pressure cooker to cook frozen chicken provides several advantages:
Speed and Convenience
The high pressure significantly reduces cooking time, allowing you to get dinner on the table faster. In as little as 15 minutes, you can have delicious chicken ready to eat! No need to plan ahead and thaw the chicken.
Retains Moisture and Nutrients
Pressure cooking is gentler and retains more moisture compared to other high-heat methods like grilling. The chicken comes out very juicy and tender. Nutrients also remain intact instead of leaching out into the cooking liquid.
Intensifies Flavor
The pressurized environment infuses spices and seasoning into the chicken exceptionally well. You can experiment with different marinades, spices, and sauces to add lots of flavor.
Fewer Dishes
Unlike roasting which requires a baking sheet, pressure cooking just needs a single pot. With less cooking equipment, cleanup is simpler.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Frozen Chicken in a Pressure Cooker
Follow these simple steps for perfect pressure cooked frozen chicken every time:
1. Prepare the Pressure Cooker
Make sure the pressure cooker is clean, the sealing ring is properly inserted, and the valves/vents are clear of debris. Add 1-2 cups of liquid to the pot – water, chicken broth, or sauce works well.
2. Season the Chicken
Season the frozen chicken pieces with salt, pepper, herbs, spices, or marinades. The seasonings will permeate the chicken as it cooks.
3. Arrange the Chicken in the Pot
Lay the chicken out in a single layer at the bottom of the pot. Too many pieces will cause the food to cook unevenly, so leave some space between them.
4. Lock the Lid and Cook
Secure the lid and set to cook on high pressure for the recommended time based on the size of the chicken pieces. Use natural release.
5. Check Doneness
Test the thickest part of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached 165°F internally. If undercooked, pressure cook for a few more minutes.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Once properly cooked through, the frozen chicken is ready to serve. Use it in soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps, and more.
Pressure Cooker Frozen Chicken Recipe Ideas
Here are some recipe ideas to inspire you:
BBQ Chicken – Toss frozen chicken with BBQ sauce in the pressure cooker pot. Cook 10-12 minutes for boneless breasts. Shred and serve on buns.
Chicken Noodle Soup – Combine frozen chicken, mixed vegetables, chicken broth, noodles and seasonings. Pressure cook for 8-10 minutes once up to pressure.
Jamaican jerk seasoning and marinade should be used on frozen chicken meat for jerk chicken. Add 1 cup broth. Cook for 15 minutes then shred.
Chicken Tacos – Cook frozen chicken breasts with taco seasoning and salsa. Shred the chicken and serve in warmed tortillas with toppings.
Tips for Safely Cooking Frozen Chicken in a Pressure Cooker
To ensure your frozen chicken turns out perfectly cooked and safe to eat, keep these tips in mind:
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Always use a meat thermometer to check doneness, even if the chicken looks done. Re-cook if under 165°F.
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Don’t overload the pot to avoid uneven cooking. Keep pieces in a single layer.
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Make sure there is adequate liquid for the chicken to cook properly and build pressure.
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Allow for a natural pressure release before opening the lid. This finishes the cooking process gently.
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Clean the pressure cooker thoroughly after each use, including the sealing ring, valves, and lid.
The Takeaway
Cooking frozen chicken in the pressure cooker is quick, convenient, and an excellent way to get a healthy meal on the table fast. With the right cut, pressure cooker settings, cook times, and proper food safety precautions, you can make juicy, tender frozen chicken any night of the week. In as little as 10-30 minutes dinner can be ready to enjoy!
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How to Cook Frozen Chicken in the Instant Pot
FAQ
How long to pressure can frozen chicken?
Chicken or RabbitTable 1. Recommended process time for Chicken or Rabbit in a dial-gauge pressure canner. Hot and RawPints75 minQuarts90With Bones:
How long will it take to cook chicken in a pressure cooker?
I’ve cooked the whole chicken 6 minutes per pound and it came out fully cooked.Nov 24, 2023
How long does it take to cook chicken from frozen?
How do you cook frozen chicken in a pressure cooker?
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.
Can a pressure cooker thaw frozen chicken?
Yes, a pressure cooker can successfully thaw and cook a whole frozen chicken in one hour, depending on its size. A whole chicken can be cooked from frozen as long as it reaches 165F, which is a safe temperature.
How long does it take to cook chicken in a pressure cooker?
Lock the lid in place. Select High Pressure and 7 minutes cook time. (Add 2 or 3 minutes if you want shreddable chicken. After the cooking time is over, let the pressure drop naturally for 5 minutes. Then, do a quick pressure release to finish.
How long to cook frozen chicken thighs in Instant Pot?
To cook frozen chicken thighs in the Instant Pot: Following the method outlined in this post, cook frozen boneless chicken thighs for 13 minutes at high pressure, followed by a 10 minute natural release. Frozen bone-in thighs will take 15 minutes at high pressure, followed by a 10 minute natural release.
How long does it take to pressure cook chicken in Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot will take about 10 minutes to come to pressure and start counting down from 10. When the cook time is up, let pressure release naturally for 5-10 minutes before releasing the remaining pressure. Check that the internal temperature of the chicken is 165 degrees F — mine is always at least or higher.
How long do you cook frozen skinless chicken?
Large (12-ounce) frozen chicken breasts without bones or skin: cook for 16 minutes at high pressure and then let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. When the cook time ends, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes. The chicken will continue to cook during this time. A natural release is also crucial for tender, juicy chicken.