Instant Pot Recipe for Whole Frozen Chicken
These Instant Pot frozen whole chicken instructions make it easy to get a juicy, tender dinner on the table—no thawing required. With simple seasonings and hands-off cooking, this method is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals. It’s a reliable go-to for flavorful, fall-apart chicken straight from the freezer.
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
Cook Time by Weight
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.
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.