Instant Pot Frozen Whole Chicken Recipe

I’ve been there—standing in the kitchen at 5 p.m. with a frozen solid chicken and no dinner plan in sight. That’s exactly why I swear by this Instant Pot Frozen Whole Chicken method. It’s my go-to solution when time is tight and hunger is knocking. With just 90 minutes and zero thawing, this Instant Pot Frozen Whole Chicken turns into juicy, fall-off-the-bone meat that's full of flavor and perfect for everything from Sunday dinner to weeknight meal prep. What I love most? It’s foolproof. Every time I make this Instant Pot Frozen Whole Chicken, it comes out tender, well-seasoned, and ready to serve—and it’s honestly one of the most dependable recipes in my kitchen.

Why This Frozen Whole Chicken Instant Pot Recipe Works So Well

There’s something truly game-changing about making an Instant Pot Frozen Whole Chicken—it’s one of those little kitchen wins that busy families like mine count on. Unlike traditional methods that require hours of thawing and planning, this Instant Pot Frozen Whole Chicken takes you straight from freezer to table with no stress.

The pressure cooker works its magic by creating steam that gently cooks the frozen meat from the inside out, leaving you with juicy, flavorful chicken that can even crisp up beautifully with a quick finish. It’s become a weeknight lifesaver in our home because this Instant Pot Frozen Whole Chicken pairs perfectly with simple sides like roasted veggies or mashed potatoes, and the leftovers? They’re gold—ideal for salads, sandwiches, or cozy soups all week long.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Health Benefits and Serving Suggestions
• Recipe Variations
• Essential
• Storage
• The Secret That Changed My Instant Pot Frozen Whole Chicken Forever
• FAQ
• Why This Instant Pot Frozen Whole Chicken Deserves a Spot in Your Weekly Rotation
• Related
• Pairing
• Instant Pot Frozen Whole Chicken Recipe

Ingredients

• Whole frozen chicken (3-4 pounds)
• Chicken broth or water
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Dried thyme
• Dried rosemary
• Salt (or to taste)
• Black pepper
• Dried sage
• 1 lemon (sliced, optional)
• 2 bay leaves (optional)

Substitution Tips: If you don't have chicken broth, water works fine, though broth adds extra flavor. For a gluten-free option, make sure your seasonings don't contain additives. You can swap dried herbs for fresh ones – just use three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Prepare Your Instant Pot and Chicken

1. Remove any packaging from your frozen whole chicken, including the giblet bag if present (it might be frozen inside).
2. Rinse the chicken under cold water to remove any ice crystals and pat it dry with paper towels as much as possible.
3. Pour the chicken broth into your Instant Pot and place the metal trivet inside. This keeps the chicken elevated above the liquid, preventing it from getting soggy.

Season and Set Up for Cooking

1. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and sage to create a flavorful rub.
2. Rub this seasoning mixture all over the frozen chicken, getting into all the crevices. Don't worry if it doesn't stick perfectly to the frozen surface – the pressure cooking process will help the flavors penetrate the meat.
3. Place the seasoned chicken breast-side up on the trivet in your Instant Pot.
4. Add the lemon slices and bay leaves around the chicken if using. These add a subtle citrus note and extra depth of flavor.

Pressure Cook and Release

1. Secure the lid and set the valve to "sealing."
2. Select "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" and set the timer for 90 minutes on high pressure. For a 3-pound chicken, 90 minutes is perfect, but add 5-10 minutes for larger birds over 4 pounds.
3. Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 15 minutes. This gradual pressure reduction keeps the meat tender and prevents it from becoming tough.
4. After 15 minutes, carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.

Final Check and Serve Your Instant Pot Frozen Whole Chicken

1. Remove the chicken carefully using tongs or large spoons – it will be very tender and might fall apart.
2. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the thigh.
3. For crispy skin, place the cooked chicken on a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
4. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before carving and serving.

Helpful Hints and Pro Tips for perfect Instant Pot Frozen Whole Chicken

The secret to perfect results lies in not opening the Instant Pot during cooking – resist the temptation to check! The pressure cooking environment needs to stay consistent for the frozen chicken to cook evenly. Also, save that flavorful cooking liquid at the bottom of your pot. It makes an incredible base for gravy or can be used as chicken stock for future recipes.

Health Benefits and Serving Suggestions

This Instant Pot Frozen Whole Chicken recipe provides lean protein that's perfect for various dietary needs. Chicken is naturally low in carbs and high in protein, making it suitable for keto, paleo, and low-carb diets. The cooking method retains more nutrients compared to other high-heat cooking methods.

Serve your Instant Pot Frozen Whole Chicken alongside roasted Brussels sprouts, garlic mashed cauliflower, or a fresh garden salad. The rich, savory flavors pair wonderfully with roasted root vegetables or steamed broccoli for a complete, balanced meal.

Recipe Variations

Transform this basic frozen whole chicken instant pot recipe by changing up the seasonings. Try a Mediterranean version with oregano, basil, and sun-dried tomatoes, or go Mexican-inspired with cumin, chili powder, and lime. For an Asian twist, use soy sauce, ginger, and five-spice powder.

You can also stuff the cavity with aromatics like quartered onions, celery stalks, or fresh herb sprigs before cooking. These additions infuse the meat with even more flavor during the pressure cooking process.

Essential

While any 6-quart or larger Instant Pot works for this recipe, having the right accessories makes the process smoother. The metal trivet that comes with your pressure cooker is essential for keeping the chicken elevated. A meat thermometer helps ensure perfect doneness, and silicone tongs make removing the hot chicken much safer.

If you don't have an Instant Pot, this same technique works in any electric pressure cooker. Just adjust the cooking time according to your specific model's instructions.

Storage

Store leftover instant pot frozen whole chicken in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in airtight containers. The meat stays moist and flavorful, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinner additions throughout the week.

For longer storage, shred the meat and freeze it in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Frozen cooked chicken works perfectly in casseroles, soups, or quick stir-fries when you need a protein boost.

FAQ

Why This Instant Pot Frozen Whole Chicken Deserves a Spot in Your Weekly Rotation

This Instant Pot Frozen Whole Chicken recipe is more than just a dinner hack—it’s a reminder that great meals don’t need to be complicated. With no thawing, barely any prep, and results that feel like you cooked all day, it’s the kind of recipe that quietly becomes part of your family’s rhythm. Whether you're feeding a hungry crew or planning ahead for the week, this one delivers comfort, ease, and flavor in every bite. And if you're like me and love to end a cozy meal with something sweet, treat yourself to my silky-smooth Lemon Posset Brulee or go all out with these decadent Chocolate Mousse Brownies. You’ve earned it.

Related

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Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Instant Pot Frozen Whole Chicken recipe: