How to Cook a Whole Frozen Chicken in an Instant Pot
Need dinner fast but forgot to thaw the chicken? Here’s How to Cook a Whole Frozen Chicken in the Instant Pot—no defrosting required.
This simple method delivers a juicy, flavorful chicken in under two hours (sometimes under 1 hour, depending on the size of the chicken), making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
With basic seasonings and a hands-off cook time, this is one of the easiest ways to get a wholesome, homemade meal on the table.
Looking for more real food made easy? Check out our Chicken Pot Pie recipe using leftover chicken!
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Quick Glance of Instant Pot Instructions
- Step 1: Add liquid to the Instant Pot.
- Step 2: Season the frozen chicken.
- Step 3: Place the chicken on the trivet inside the pot.
- Step 4: Pressure cook based on chicken weight.
- Step 5: Allow natural pressure release.
- Step 6: Check internal temperature.
- Step 7: Rest and carve before serving.
Why Cook a Whole Frozen Chicken in an Instant Pot?
I don’t know about you, but I often stare at my fridge at about 4:00 pm (or 5 if I’m being honest) and wonder what I’m going to magically throw together for dinner. Thawing chicken and then thinking of a recipe I could throw together is just not an option when it’s that late.
And I never even dreamed that I’d be able to make a whole chicken on an hour’s notice. Doesn’t it have to thaw in the fridge for a day or two before you cook it? Not anymore! When I figured out that my Instant Pot would cook a whole frozen chicken in under 2 hours, I was thrilled!
I love this easy recipe because you throw in the chicken, without thawing, and you can step away to do other things. Come back an hour later, and you have a perfectly cooked chicken you can throw on a plate with some veggies or rice.
What You’ll Need:
- Frozen Whole Chicken
This is the main protein for this recipe. Using it frozen makes this method fast and convenient — no need to thaw in advance. Great for when you forget to prep dinner and still want something delicious and homemade. - Water or Chicken Broth
These provide the necessary liquid for the Instant Pot to build pressure. Broth adds extra flavor, while water works just as well if you’re keeping it simple. Either way, you’ll have chicken broth by the time you finish this recipe! - Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika
A basic seasoning blend that adds flavor to the chicken while it cooks. These pantry staples create a savory, well-rounded taste without needing a marinade. - Instant Pot (or other electric pressure cooker)
An Instant Pot is the key to safely and quickly cooking a frozen whole chicken. It seals moisture and cooks the meat evenly in less time than oven roasting. - Trivet (optional)
Helps lift the chicken off the bottom of the pot to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Most Instant Pots come with one, but this one has convenient handles.
Step-By-Step Instructions for How to Cook a Whole Frozen Chicken in an Instant Pot
Pour 1.5 cups of water or chicken broth into the Instant Pot. I use a whole quart of chicken broth because that’s how I can it, but you only need 1-1.5 cups.
Mix 1/2 tbsp each of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika together. Rub it over the chicken; don’t worry if it doesn’t stick, it’ll still absorb flavor during cooking. If you’re feeling extra in a hurry, pour the mixture over the top of the chicken after you put it in the Instant Pot.
Place the chicken breast side up on the trivet. This side is preferred for juicier breast meat and easier removal. Breast side down is okay too, and may make it slightly juicier
Set the Instant Pot to High Pressure for about 30-60 minutes based on the weight of the chicken.
How Long to Cook a Whole Frozen Chicken in an Instant Pot
- 3lb chicken – 30 minutes
- 4lb chicken – 40 minutes
- 5lb chicken – 50 minutes
- 6lb chicken – 60 minutes
If you want your chicken to be more fall-off-the-bone tender, pressure cook an additional 10-15 minutes before naturally releasing pressure.
Let the pressure naturally release for 15–20 minutes. Using a meat thermometer, check the temperature. It should be 165°F in the breast and 175°F in the thigh.
Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving. Use the leftover meat in salads, wraps, soups, or chicken pot pie.
Can I Make Gravy from the Drippings?
Yes! If you want to make gravy from the liquid in the Instant Pot, it is super easy and delicious. Grab these ingredients:
- 2 cups drippings from the Instant Pot (if you have to add some water to make 2 cups, that’s okay)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Strain and measure the drippings. Set aside. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until it is golden. Stir constantly so it doesn’t burn.
Whisk in the drippings and bring the mixture to a low simmer. Stir constantly to avoid clumps. Simmer the gravy for 3-5 minutes, until it thickens. You can add more water or broth if it gets too thick. Season with salt and pepper and pour into a gravy dish.
Leftover Chicken Recipes
The beautiful thing about cooking a whole chicken is that you have dinner that night, and usually there’s leftover for another meal the next day. Check out some of my favorite ways to
- Chicken Pot Pie – My favorite go-to for leftover chicken!
- Pressure Canned Chicken Soup – Love this canned chicken soup recipe.
- Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta by Salt and Lavender
- Chicken Broccoli Casserole by Cooking with Carlee
- Fiesta Chicken Casserole by Together as Family
Frequently Asked Questions about Cooking Whole Frozen Chicken
There are different recommendations out there, but a good rule of thumb is 10 minutes per pound of chicken and then let the pressure release naturally for 15-20 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature of the breast reaches 165ºF.
No! This is the beauty of this recipe: no need for thawing. Make sure the giblets aren’t packaged inside the chicken.
You can, but softer vegetables will become mushy with that much cook time. Cooking the vegetables on the saute or steam mode after the high-pressure cooking is done will avoid overcooking. You can also cook them under high pressure for a few minutes when the chicken is done.
When the high-pressure cooking is done, you can finish the chicken in the oven by broiling for 5-10 minutes to get a perfectly crispy finish.
If the internal breast temperature is below 165º, return the chicken to the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 5-10 more minutes, followed by a quick release of pressure.
Yes, water will work just fine. Broth will add more flavor to the meat and make any gravy more flavorful, but water works in a pinch.
Seasoning a frozen chicken is difficult, but you can season the liquid, and the flavor will absorb into the chicken. You can also add seasoning after cooking.
Instant Pot Recipe for Whole Frozen Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 frozen whole chicken 3-6 lbs
- 1.5 cups water or chicken broth
- 1/2 tbsp salt
- 1/2 tbsp pepper
- 1/2 tbsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tbsp onion powder
- 1/2 tbsp paprika
Instructions
- Pour 1.5 cups water or chicken broth into the Instant Pot.
- Mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika together. Rub it over the chicken; don’t worry if it doesn’t stick, it’ll still absorb flavor during cooking.
- Place the chicken breast side up on the trivet (preferred for juicier breast meat and easier removal). Breast side down is okay too and may make it slightly juicier
- Set Instant Pot to High Pressure for about 30-60 minutes. *See Note to adjust time by weight
- Let it naturally release for 15–20 minutes.
- Check temperature: 165°F in the breast, 175°F in the thigh. Use a meat thermometer if you have one.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. Use the leftover meat in salads, wraps, soups, or chicken pot pie.
Notes
3lb-30 minutes 4lb-40 minutes 5lb-50 minutes 6lb-60 minutes If you want your chicken to be more fall-off-the-bone tender, pressure cook an additional 10-15 minutes before naturally releasing pressure. Natural Pressure release for 15-20 minutes.
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