Barber Foods Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Instant Pot Recipe

Barber Foods Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Instant Pot Recipe

Barber Foods is known for its Broccoli & Cheese Stuffed Chicken, a classic comfort food that proves to be even better when cooked to juicy perfection in the Instant Pot.

This blog is going to show you the steps for cooking frozen Barber Foods Broccoli & Cheese stuffed chicken breasts in your Instant Pot with juicy texture and creamy filling retained. Recipes that focus on rich, oven-baked flavor—like chutney mayo chicken, follow a different path but achieve similarly satisfying results. 

We will break down the method and timing for the best juiciness and tips to get that crispy outer crust, even when using the Instant Pot! Plus, we will throw in the best smart sides to serve, along with variations!

Why cook Barber Foods stuffed chicken with the Instant Pot?

Frozen stuffed chicken breasts like the ones from Barber Foods are already a convenient, pre-cooked gourmet meal for those busy weeknight dinners. When cooking in the oven, the overall length of time is undesirable, and the interior is usually overcooked and/or dry. Cooking your broccoli-stuffed chicken breast in the Instant Pot will keep in moisture and allow you to achieve perfection that allows for a safer internal temperature for stuffed meats.

When cooking Barber Foods Broccoli & Cheese stuffed chicken in the Instant Pot, it can also be completely cooked via steaming and pressure cooking methods in less than 30 minutes! When cooking with the Instant Pot, you can go directly from frozen – no need to thaw.

What is Barber Foods Broccoli & Cheese Stuffed Chicken?

Barber Foods has several types of stuffed chicken breast in its range, such as Broccoli & Cheese, Cordon Bleu, and Kyiv. The Broccoli & Cheese version is described as follows:

  • Breast of chicken, boneless and breaded
  • Stuffed with cheddar cheese, creamy, and chopped Broccoli
  • Frozen, fully cooked and pre-seasoned
  • Wrapped in breadcrumb-treated breading

It is an all-in-one protein entrée that works well with simple sides. Similar convenience and flavor can be found in a well-prepared baked chicken breast that’s juicy on the inside and lightly seasoned for balance.

Tools & Ingredients for Broccoli Stuffed Chicken

Ingredients:

  • 2 Barber Foods Broccoli & Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts (FROZEN, do not thaw)
  • 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth or water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional for a crispy finish)

Optional: 1 teaspoon garlic powder or Italian seasoning

Barber Foods Broccoli Stuffed Chicken Instant Pot Recipe

Tools You've Got to Have:

  • 6- or 8-quart Instant Pot
  • Trivet or steamer rack
  • Silicone tongs
  • Aluminum foil or air fryer lid (optional for crispiness)

Instant Pot Cooking Instructions

There are step-by-step processes for cooking frozen Barber Foods stuffed chicken in the Instant Pot.

Step 1: Prepare the Pot

At the bottom of an Instant Pot, pour in 1 cup of chicken broth or water. Place the trivet or steamer rack in the pot and set the chicken on top of the chicken broth or water. You are not trying to make the crust crisp like fried chicken crust; it is preferable to keep the coating dry and to let the chicken steam rather than boil, which will result in a more even cook.

Step 2: Place the Frozen Chicken

Remove the cardboard packaging and toss the frozen chicken breasts right onto the trivet. You can place them close together, but allow some space for the air to circulate.

Tip: Do not stack them.

Step 3: Time the Cooking Process

  • Seal the lid and set the valve to “sealed.”
  • Use the pressure cook or manual mode.
  • Set the timer for 15 minutes on high pressure.

Step 4: Release the Pressure Naturally

Allow the pressure to naturally release for 5 minutes, then do a quick release. This will help lock in moisture and prevent overcooking of your chicken.

Step 5: Check the Temperature of Perfection

Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken and stuffing to ensure it is 165°F (74°C).

If not done, put back under pressure for 2–3 more minutes.

Instant Pot Cooking Instructions

Getting the Crispy Finish for Broccoli Stuffed Chicken

Instant Pots are great for moisture, but they aren’t going to crisp the outside. Try one of these finishing methods:

Option 1: Air Fryer Lid

After pressure cooking the chicken, simply swap to an Instant Pot air fryer lid or use an air fryer (if you have one) for 5 minutes at 400 degrees to crisp the top.

Option 2: Oven Broil

When the chicken is finished cooking, place the piece onto a baking sheet and use your oven broiler for 3-5 minutes (in a preheated oven) to brown.

Option 3: Hot Skillet Sear

Heat olive oil in a non-stick or cast-iron skillet, and sear each side of the chicken for 1-2 minutes for an even crunchier texture on the outside.

What to Serve with Broccoli Stuffed Chicken

Since this stuffed chicken is already deeply flavored with Broccoli and cheese, your side dishes should be simple and complementary to the chicken. Pair your moose tenderloin with this broccoli cheese side for a perfect wild game dinner combo.

Best Side Dishes:

  • Garlic mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash
  • Steamed green beans or asparagus
  • Rice pilaf or herbed quinoa
  • Roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts
  • Crisp Caesar salad or arugula-spinach salad

For a vibrant plate, pairing it with something colorful and veggie-packed—like a chicken stir-fry with vegetables—adds both variety and nutrition to the meal.

Tips for Success

  • Use a trivet: This will prevent the breading from getting soggy.
  • Don’t overload: If cooking more than two pieces of chicken, add 1-2 minutes.
  • Building broth flavor: A garlic clove, bay leaf, or sprig of thyme could infuse a subtle flavor of chicken from the bottom up.
  • Check internal temp: It’s stuffed, so the internal cheesiness and Broccoli also need to reach safe cooking temperatures.

Varieties and Customizations

Although this blog is specifically on the Broccoli & Cheese flavor, you can use this Instant Pot procedure for any Barber Foods stuffed chicken variety.

Swap Ideas:

  • Cordon Bleu (served with Dijon mustard sauce)
  • Chicken Kiev (served with lemon-dill drizzle)
  • Buffalo Style (served with ranch dip and celery)

Are you curious about making your stuffed chicken from scratch? You will be able to freeze the homemade broccoli cheese-stuffed chicken breasts and use the same Instant Pot method for batch cooking.

Varieties and Customizations for Broccoli Stuffed Chicken

Storage and reheating tips

  • Refrigerated: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Frozen: Cooked stuffed chicken can be frozen again, with a possibility of a softened texture.

Reheating:

  • Microwave: 2–3 minutes at medium power
  • Oven: 10–12 minutes at 350°F and heated through
  • Air fryer: 400°F for 5-6 minutes for the best texture
Conclusion

Cooking in the Instant Pot will lock in juicy flavor, evenly cook the filling without losing moisture, and allow you to cook a better meal in less time than using the oven. Just remember to add some time at the end for a delicious cheesy filling and crispy, fried breaded coating if you choose to finish it this way.

Using just a few ingredients and about 30 minutes, you can have dinner that is worth more than you will put into it and feels much more gourmet. Add simple sides, and you can create a satisfying meal that requires little fuss and time, perfect for busy professionals and families or those simply looking for a comforting classic with updated conveniences.

FAQs

Is it possible to cook Barber Foods frozen chicken in an Instant Pot?

Yes, it’s frozen, and it’s made as such to be cooked from frozen.

How to make it in the Instant Pot?

Cook for 15 minutes at high pressure with a natural release of 5 minutes.

Do I need to thaw the chicken first?

No, it cooks perfectly from frozen in the Instant Pot.

How do I get it crispy?

When done, you can put it in an air fryer lid, broiler in the oven, or a skillet after it is done pressure cooking.