How Long to Cook Frozen Chicken Thighs in the Instant Pot
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Looking for how long to cook frozen chicken thighs in the Instant Pot? You’re in the right place. THIS IS WHAT WE DO!
After all, we did write an Instant Pot cookbook. There is a lot of misinformation about cooking frozen food in the Instant Pot, so we are glad you’ve come to the right place.
How Long to Cook Frozen Chicken Thighs in the Instant Pot
In an effort to nail down the perfect timing for frozen chicken thighs in the Instant Pot for our cookbook, we have overcooked and undercooked quite a few meals.
Here’s what we learned is the perfect method:
- Add 1 cup of chicken broth or water to a 6 quart Instant Pot (or 1 1/2 cups if you have an 8-quart).
- Then add in your chicken thighs and lock and seal the lid. Here is how long you cook frozen chicken thighs:
- 1-2 Pounds Frozen, Boneless Chicken Thighs: Cook at high pressure for 15-20 minutes with a quick release.
- 2-3 Pounds Frozen, Bone-In Chicken Thighs: Cook at high pressure for 17-22 minutes with a quick release.
Be sure to read on for our pro tips, so you get the best results, though!
Pro Tips on Cooking Frozen Chicken in the Instant Pot
If possible, don’t stack your chicken
We have learned this the hard way. Because the Instant Pot cooks so fast, if meat (especially chicken) is stacked, it’s really hard for it all to cook evenly.
The outside gets done and the inside remains pink as a pig. (Is that a phrase? It is now.) If it’s impossible to not stack your chicken, just be sure to check for doneness throughout. If it’s not done, move it around with some tongs, cook on high pressure for 1-2 more minutes, and check again.
Use a meat thermometer
Because cooking frozen food in the Instant Pot is more of an art than a science, the only way to really tell if the chicken is done is to check its temperature.
While writing our cookbook, From Freezer to Cooker, we methodically tested chicken recipes by taking the internal temperature with our trusted meat thermometer at different points during the cooking time. We discovered that Instant Pot Freezer Meals have a mind of their own. This is why we provided a range of 17-22 minutes instead of a hard and fast number.
Recommended Meat Thermometer
We both use and trust this digital meat thermometer. It’s helpful for all types of meals!
Allow extra time to come to pressure
I’ve found that Instant Pot Freezer Meals or a batch of frozen chicken thighs in the Instant Pot takes almost twice as long to come to pressure than a thawed meal does.
Make sure you allow for that time when prepping or you’ll have a hangry family. I wish there was a one-size-fits-all pattern to freezer meal cooking times in the Instant Pot but there just isn’t.
Use our FREE Instant Pot Cooking Times Chart
During our two years of research and testing Instant Pot cooking times, we learned EXACTLY how long to cook meals in the Instant Pot both from fresh OR from frozen.
Instant Pot Cooking Times Chart
After testing hundreds of Instant Pot recipes, we have honed in on the best timing and methods for cooking different types of meals in the Instant Pot.
Want More Freezer Meals for the Instant Pot?
We’ve got you covered. Hop over to this post highlighting 20+ Best of the Best Freezer Meals for the Instant Pot. It includes freezer meal instructions for EVERY recipe plus tons of pro tips and tricks we’ve learned over the years.
Did you make this? Snap a photo and tag us on Instagram at @thrivinghome so we can see your creations and cheer you on!
Instant Pot Frozen Chicken Thighs
How to cook chicken thighs from frozen in the Instant Pot.
Ingredients
- 2–3 pounds frozen chicken thighs (boneless or bone-in)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 3/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup chicken broth (using 1 1/2 cups if you have an 8-quart Instant Pot)
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
- Place frozen chicken thighs and broth inside the Instant Pot, being mindful not to stack if possible. Sprinkle evenly with all the seasonings.
- Lock and seal the lid.
- Using the manual function, cook at high pressure for 15-20 minutes if using boneless chicken thighs (17-22 if using bone-in) and then quick release the pressure. (Check to make sure the chicken is done, which means no more pink inside and/or registers 165°F internally.)
- Optional: Preheat the broiler. Place the cooked thighs, skin side up, on a rimmed baking sheet. Broil for a few minutes until the skin is crispy.
I varied from recipe but never used an instant pot before and the chicken came out cooked perfectly. Thank you
So glad you had perfect results Casey! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review.
I love this recipe. I have never left a review of food recipes before, but I love how easy and flavorful these are and I love the fact that your site provides budget friendly recipes. We have recently gone down to a one income home, amd every penny counts. Keep up the great work.
I halved the broth and added 2 small onions and chopped mushrooms, when thighs were done I placed them in broiler to crisp while I used Sautee and made the drippings into a gravy, put it over egg noodles and….
Not a single morsel left over.
Oh my Heather! I am salivating at your suggestions… mushrooms and gravy over crispy chicken thighs and egg noodles!??!? Yes please! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review and let us know of your changes. We’re so glad you found us and are enjoying our recipes!
Easy & so delicious!
Amazing that my chicken was frozen & done perfectly in 15 min.
So juicy & moist!
I did replace the paprika with smoked paprika & didn’t have any poultry seasoning on hand. Mmm so good! Thank you!
Yay! Glad to hear if turned out perfectly for you Martha. Thanks for leaving a review with your substitutions so others know what worked for you!
This is my first time to try this recipe. I love how fast I was able to get frozen chicken from the package to cooking in the IP! I also love all the savory seasonings in this recipe. Looking forward to trying it when it’s done. Thank you for providing this easy yet savory recipe.
Hi Kathy! Hope you enjoyed the chicken. The combination of seasonings in this recipe is one of my favorites! Thanks for leaving a review.
It the broth in this recipe thawed or frozen? I would assume you add that in thawed to help it pressurize? Thanks! Your cookbooks and blog are always my go-tos!
We usually add it when it’s thawed. But, if it’s frozen, just saute the chicken with frozen broth for 5-10 minutes to release some liquid before pressure cooking.
Thank you! No one just gives you times alone in case you just want the chicken.
You are welcome Chris! Glad you found us.
If I double the recipe how much longer should I put the chicken in for to cook properly?
Hi Amanda. Unfortunately, it is hard for me to answer that question. The main thing when doubling is that you will likely end up stacking some of the chicken and that can cause the chicken that is more in the middle of the stack not to get to temperature in the same amount of time as the others. I would add 3-5 minutes more, but you’ll need to check the temperature of each chicken thigh and you might need to put a few back in to cook a couple more minutes. Good luck!
Thank u for your help with this ….I had no idea how long this would take and ur recipe was all I needed to get through it. Much abliged…
Wonderful! So glad we could help. Thank you for taking the time to leave a review Nikki.
Your information was very helpful & love your tongue & check attitude.