If you’ve ever found yourself staring into the freezer with frozen chicken, unsure of how to defrost chicken in Instant Pot without ruining dinner, you’re not alone. As someone who loves to cook but is often strapped for time, I’ve discovered that the Instant Pot is a life-saver when it comes to defrosting chicken quickly and safely.
It’s one of the fastest ways to defrost chicken in an Instant Pot, whether you're working with frozen chicken breasts, frozen chicken thighs, or boneless skinless chicken. In this article, I’ll walk you through the process of defrosting chicken in the Instant Pot, share tips on cooking it afterward, and offer some of my favorite Instant Pot chicken recipes to make mealtime easier. Check it out!
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Why Use an Instant Pot to Defrost Chicken?
You might be wondering, “Why not just use the microwave, or let the chicken thaw chicken in the fridge overnight?” While those are viable options, they come with their own challenges. Microwaving chicken often leads to uneven defrosting and sometimes results in overcooked chicken in spots.
The refrigerator method requires patience and isn’t always feasible when you need to get dinner on the table quickly.
That’s where the Instant Pot comes in. The Instant Pot is not just for cooking—it’s also amazing for defrosting chicken. Here’s why:
Quick & Even Defrosting:
The Instant Pot uses high pressure to defrost chicken evenly, which means you’re less likely to end up with parts of the chicken still frozen while other parts are cooking.
Safe Defrosting:
With the Instant Pot, you won’t risk leaving your frozen chicken sitting at room temperature, which can promote bacterial growth. The Instant Pot cooking process is much faster than traditional defrosting methods.
No Drying Out:
Unlike microwaving, the Instant Pot keeps your chicken moist, whether you're reheating chicken breasts or defrosting chicken for cooking.
How to Defrost Chicken in an Instant Pot: Step-by-Step
Defrosting chicken in an Instant Pot is simple, but it’s important to follow a few steps to ensure the chicken defrosts evenly and safely. Here’s my go-to method for defrosting frozen chicken in an Instant Pot.
1. Prepare the Instant Pot
Start by adding 1-1.5 cups of water or chicken broth to the Instant Pot. You can also use apple juice, pineapple juice, or a mix of the two for added flavor. This liquid is necessary because it creates the steam needed for the Instant Pot to build pressure and defrost the chicken. Without enough liquid, the Instant Pot won’t be able to properly pressure cook your chicken.
2. Place the Chicken in the Instant Pot
Now, it’s time to add the frozen chicken to the Instant Pot. If you're cooking frozen chicken breasts or frozen chicken thighs, place them in the pot directly. For best results, try to arrange the chicken in a single layer.
If you're defrosting boneless skinless chicken or smaller chicken pieces, you can stack them, but make sure they’re loosely packed to allow steam to circulate around the chicken.
If you prefer to add some flavor, feel free to sprinkle your chicken with seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning before sealing the Instant Pot lid.
3. Set the Instant Pot to High Pressure
With your chicken in place, close the Instant Pot lid and make sure the pressure release valve is set to sealing. Set your Instant Pot to high pressure for about 10 minutes. Yes, 10 minutes! The Instant Pot’s high pressure will quickly thaw and begin cooking the chicken.
If you’re working with frozen chicken breasts, you may need slightly longer, depending on their size, but 10 minutes is usually a good starting point. For chicken thighs or smaller chicken pieces, you can reduce the time to about 8 minutes.
The cook time is fairly flexible, but it is important not to overcook your chicken, especially if you plan to cook it right after defrosting.
4. Wait for Natural Pressure Release or Quick Release
Once the pressure cook cycle completes, you can either allow the Instant Pot to naturally release the pressure or use the quick release method. I recommend allowing the Instant Pot to naturally release for a more tender, evenly cooked chicken. This helps the chicken continue cooking in the remaining pressure and prevents it from being overcooked.
If you're in a rush, you can use the quick release by carefully turning the pressure release valve to venting. But remember, this may result in slightly less juicy chicken.
5. Check the Internal Temperature
After the pressure release, carefully remove the chicken from the pot and check its internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer. The USDA recommends that chicken reach at least 165°F to ensure it’s safe to eat. If your chicken isn’t fully defrosted or cooked, you can always pop it back into the Instant Pot for an extra 2-3 minutes.
How to Cook Chicken After Defrosting
Once your frozen chicken is defrosted, it’s ready for cooking. The beauty of using the Instant Pot for defrosting is that it makes it super easy to continue cooking right away. You can quickly switch over to a recipe, such as making chicken noodle soup, or use your defrosted chicken for a variety of Instant Pot chicken recipes.
Here are a few ideas for what you can do with your freshly defrosted chicken:
Instant Pot Chicken Breasts:
After defrosting, season your chicken with salt and pepper, drizzle with BBQ sauce, or rub with your favorite taco seasoning. Then set the Instant Pot to pressure cook for 10-12 minutes and you’ll have perfectly cooked chicken ready to shred for tacos, chicken salad, or sandwiches.
Shredded Chicken
Use the natural release method after pressure cooking and shred your chicken with a stand mixer or frying pan for easy meal prep. You can use the shredded chicken for chicken salads, taco fillings, or even add it to your chicken noodle soup recipe.
Instant Pot Chicken Thighs
After defrosting frozen chicken thighs, cook them with chicken broth, garlic, and Italian seasoning for tender, juicy thighs. You can serve them over rice, make chicken and vegetables, or even throw them on a grilled pan for added texture.
Cook Frozen Chicken in the Instant Pot
If you need to cook your frozen chicken straight from the freezer, you can follow the same steps above, but increase the cook time by about 5 minutes. You can still achieve perfectly cooked, juicy chicken!
How to Store Leftover Defrosted Chicken
If you have leftover cooked chicken after using the Instant Pot, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze leftover chicken in freezer bags or vacuum-sealed bags to keep it fresh for up to 3 months.
For longer storage, consider freezing the chicken with some cooking liquid (like chicken broth or pineapple juice) to keep it moist when reheating. When you’re ready to cook it again, you can simply defrost it in the Instant Pot.
Instant Pot vs. Traditional Defrosting Methods
When it comes to defrosting chicken, I’ve tried many methods—slow cooker, stovetop pressure cooker, and even the classic refrigerator method. Here’s why the Instant Pot is the winner:
- Speed: The Instant Pot defrosts chicken in a fraction of the time compared to the refrigerator or water bath methods. A few minutes of high pressure and you’re ready to cook!
- Moisture: Unlike the microwave or stove, the Instant Pot keeps your chicken juicy by trapping moisture and using it to cook frozen chicken evenly.
- Safety: The Instant Pot’s ability to quickly raise the temperature of frozen meat helps that you can avoid the danger zone (40°F - 140°F), where bacteria thrive.
Common Issues When Defrosting Chicken in the Instant Pot
While defrosting chicken in the Instant Pot is quick and easy, there are a few common issues you might encounter:
- Overcooked Chicken: If you leave the chicken in the Instant Pot for too long, it can become dry and overcooked. To avoid this, always use a meat thermometer and monitor the internal temperature of the chicken.
- Chicken Not Fully Defrosted: If the chicken is still frozen after the initial cook time, simply put it back in the Instant Pot and pressure cook for an additional 5 minutes. This will help that your chicken is properly defrosted and cooked through.
FAQ's
Yes, you can easily defrost chicken breasts in the Instant Pot. Simply add 1 cup of water, place the chicken in a single layer, and cook on manual or pressure cook for 10 minutes on high pressure. For juicy chicken ready to cook, allow the natural release to avoid overcooking.
To cook frozen chicken thighs, set your Instant Pot to high pressure for 12-15 minutes. This will allow the thighs to defrost and be ready to cook further. After the natural release, you’ll have perfectly defrosted chicken thighs to add to your more chicken recipes.
Yes, you can defrost chicken in a smaller Instant Pot. The defrosting time might slightly adjust depending on how many chicken pieces you're cooking. Ensure the chicken flat in the pot for even defrosting. If you’re working with frozen food, it may take a little longer to reach pressure.
Absolutely! After you’ve defrosted chicken in the Instant Pot, you can add barbecue sauce for cooking. Simply place the chicken back in the Instant Pot, pour the barbecue sauce over it, and cook fresh on manual or pressure cook for 5-7 minutes for flavorful, tender chicken.
Conclusion
Whether you’re working with frozen chicken breasts, frozen chicken thighs, or boneless skinless chicken, the Instant Pot helps you defrost and cook your chicken safely and efficiently. After learning how to defrost chicken in an Instant Pot, you’ll be able to skip the long waiting times for defrosting in the fridge and enjoy Instant Pot chicken recipes like chicken salad, shredded chicken, or a comforting chicken noodle soup in no time! Happy cooking!
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