In this video, I talk about how to defrost chicken in an Instant Pot with my best tips and an easy method. Don’t miss the important safety info!.
Defrosting chicken breast in an instant pot is a quick and easy way to thaw frozen chicken for meals. With just a few simple steps, you can safely defrost chicken breast right in your instant pot.
Why Defrost Chicken Before Cooking?
It’s important to properly defrost chicken before cooking for a few reasons
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Even cooking – Frozen chicken won’t cook evenly. The center could still be frozen even when the outside is cooked. Defrosting helps the chicken cook evenly throughout.
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To keep food safe, chicken must reach 165°F on the inside to kill any harmful bacteria. If the part is still frozen, it might not get hot enough.
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Texture – Frozen chicken can turn rubbery when cooked, Defrosting first helps it stay juicy and tender
How to Defrost Chicken Breast in an Instant Pot
Defrosting chicken in an instant pot is simple and fast. Here is a step-by-step guide:
1. Remove Chicken from Packaging
Take the chicken breasts out of any wrapping or packaging. This helps them defrost more efficiently.
2. Add Water to Pot
Pour 1 cup of water into the instant pot. The water will create steam to help defrost the chicken.
3. Place Chicken in Pot
Put the chicken breasts directly in the pot. They can touch each other, but try to keep them in a single layer.
4. Secure Lid
Lock the lid on top of the instant pot, Make sure the pressure valve is in the sealing position
5. Select Settings
Choose the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting at low pressure. Set the time for just 1-2 minutes.
6. Quick Release Pressure
Once cooking is done, use the quick release method to vent the steam and stop the cooking.
7. Check Chicken
Open the instant pot and check the chicken. It should be mostly defrosted but not fully cooked.
8. Cook Immediately
For food safety, cook the defrosted chicken right away. It’s now ready for any recipe!
Tips for Defrosting Chicken in an Instant Pot
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Use low pressure – High pressure can start cooking the chicken. Low pressure gently defrosts.
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Quick release – Natural release continues cooking the chicken after defrosting. Quick release stops this.
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Spread it out – Chicken clumped together may not defrost evenly.
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Add water – The water creates steam for even defrosting. Don’t skip this step.
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Defrost only – Don’t try to fully cook frozen chicken in an instant pot. Defrost first for best results.
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Cook immediately – Cook chicken after defrosting for food safety. Don’t refreeze.
Why Defrost in an Instant Pot?
Defrosting chicken in the instant pot has many advantages:
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It’s incredibly fast – Chicken can defrost in just 10-15 minutes in the instant pot.
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Very convenient – You don’t have to plan ahead or remember to move it from the fridge to counter.
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Consistent results – The instant pot environment leads to even defrosting throughout.
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Food safe – The sealed instant pot prevents contamination during defrosting.
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Simple cleanup – The pot contains any mess neatly inside while defrosting.
Checking Chicken is Defrosted
After defrosting in the instant pot, double check that the chicken is ready to cook.
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Touch test – The chicken should be soft but still very cold in the center when pressed.
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Look – It shouldn’t appear icy or frozen anywhere.
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Temperature – Check the thickest part with a food thermometer. It should read around 40°F.
If needed, return to the instant pot for an additional 1-2 minutes until fully defrosted. But avoid going over 15 minutes total.
Cooking Defrosted Chicken
Once chicken is defrosted in the instant pot, it needs to be cooked right away. Here are some easy cooking methods:
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Bake – Bake in the oven at 375°F until 165°F internal temperature.
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Sauté – Cook in an instant pot on sauté mode until browned and 165°F.
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Grill – Grill over medium heat until clear juices run and chicken reaches 165°F.
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Fry – Pan fry in oil over medium-high heat until golden brown and 165°F.
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Braise – Braise in sauce in an instant pot or oven until very tender.
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Poach – Gently simmer in broth until chicken is cooked through.
The defrosted chicken breast is now ready to use in any of your favorite recipes. Enjoy!
FAQs About Defrosting Chicken in an Instant Pot
How long does it take to defrost chicken in an instant pot?
It usually takes 10-15 minutes to defrost chicken breasts in an instant pot. Up to 2 pounds can defrost in around 15 minutes.
Can you put frozen chicken directly in an instant pot?
Yes, you can place frozen chicken directly into an instant pot to defrost it. Make sure to add water and use quick release.
Is it safe to defrost chicken in an instant pot?
Defrosting chicken in an instant pot is safe when done properly, using low pressure and cooking immediately after. This prevents bacterial growth.
Should you rinse chicken after defrosting in an instant pot?
No, rinsing chicken after instant pot defrosting isn’t necessary. The hot environment helps kill bacteria on the surface.
Can you re-freeze chicken after defrosting in an instant pot?
It’s not recommended. Defrosted chicken shouldn’t be refrozen for food safety. Cook it immediately instead.
How To Defrost Chicken In Instant Pot: A Quick Answer
The high temperature of pressure cooking isn’t the most even method to thaw chicken, but it’s pretty darn quick.
While it’s easier to cook frozen chicken in an Instant Pot than to just thaw it, here is a workaround to partially defrost frozen chicken without cooking it too much:
- Put the frozen chicken on a trivet so it doesn’t touch the pot directly and add one cup of water.
- For one to two minutes, set the Instant Pot to Manual or Pressure Cook on low. When the time is up, do a quick release of pressure right away.
This will partially thaw the chicken without cooking it too much.
After this, the chicken should be soft enough to finish cooking. Read on for full details and pro tips!.
Prepare the Instant Pot
Insert the trivet into your Instant Pot. This helps to elevate the chicken and allows for even heat distribution.
Pour in 1 cup of water. The steam generated from this water is crucial for the pressure cooking process.
Place your frozen chicken pieces on the trivet in a single layer. Try to spread them out as much as possible. They will not defrost as recently if they’re clumped together.
Close the lid of your Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting.
Set your Instant Pot to cook at low pressure. This is the important bit. For the time, you’ll want to go short – I advise 1 minute for chicken breasts.
Do not use High Pressure.
Once the timer goes off, use quick release to vent the pressure and stop the chicken from cooking. Natural release will continue past defrosting and begin cooking chicken breasts or other pieces.
After releasing the pressure, open the lid and check your chicken. It should be mostly defrosted but not cooked. If it still feels too frozen, you can repeat the process for an additional minute or two.
