Cooking chicken in an Instant Pot is a game-changer for busy kitchens. It’s fast, hands-off, and yields juicy, tender chicken every time-whether fresh or frozen. If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re in for a treat! Here’s everything you need to know to cook chicken perfectly in your Instant Pot, plus tips on seasoning and using your cooked chicken in delicious meals.
Why Cook Chicken in an Instant Pot?
– Speed and Convenience: Instant Pot chicken cooks much faster than traditional methods. No need to thaw frozen chicken first; just pop it in and set the timer.
– Moisture Retention: The pressure cooking method locks in moisture, so your chicken stays juicy and tender.
– Versatility: Use the cooked chicken for salads, sandwiches, soups, tacos, or meal prep for the week.
– Hands-Off Cooking: Once you set it, the Instant Pot does the work-no constant checking required.
What You’ll Need
– Instant Pot (6 or 8-quart works best)
– Chicken (breasts, thighs, legs, wings, or whole chicken)
– 1 cup of liquid (water, chicken broth, or even juice for extra flavor)
– Seasonings of your choice (salt, pepper, garlic, herbs, spices)
Step-by-Step: How to Cook Chicken in an Instant Pot
1. Prepare Your Chicken
Season your chicken with salt, pepper, or your favorite spice blend. You can keep it simple or get creative with Mexican, Italian, or all-purpose seasoning mixes.
2. Add Liquid and Trivet
Pour 1 cup of liquid into the Instant Pot. Place the metal trivet inside the pot to keep the chicken elevated above the liquid. This helps steam the chicken evenly.
3. Place the Chicken
Arrange your chicken pieces in a single layer on the trivet. This ensures even cooking.
4. Seal and Cook
Close the lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Cook on High Pressure:
– Fresh boneless chicken breasts or thighs: 8 to 10 minutes
– Frozen boneless chicken breasts or thighs: 10 to 12 minutes
– Whole chicken: about 35 minutes (after searing the skin if desired)
Cooking times can vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces.
5. Pressure Release
Let the pressure release naturally for 5 to 10 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure.
6. Check and Rest
Open the lid and check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C). If it’s just shy, let it rest for a few minutes or cook under pressure for a couple more minutes. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing or shredding.
Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Chicken
– Searing (Optional): For extra flavor and a nice crust, use the sauté function to brown the chicken before pressure cooking.
– Flavor Boost: Add aromatics like garlic, bay leaves, or herbs to the cooking liquid.
– Frozen Chicken: No need to thaw! Just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
– Shredding Made Easy: After cooking, shred chicken with two forks or a mixer for quick pulled chicken.
Seasoning Ideas to Try
| Flavor Profile | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Mexican | Salt, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder |
| Italian | Salt, Italian seasoning blend |
| All-Purpose | Salt, poultry seasoning |
| Classic | Salt, black pepper |
Mix your spices beforehand and rub generously on the chicken before cooking for consistent flavor.
What to Do with Your Instant Pot Chicken
– Slice it for salads or sandwiches.
– Shred it for tacos, enchiladas, or BBQ chicken sliders.
– Cube it for soups, pasta, or stir-fries.
– Use leftover broth from cooking as a flavorful base for soups or cooking grains.
Cooking chicken in your Instant Pot is a fantastic way to save time while preparing healthy, delicious meals. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this method will quickly become a staple in your kitchen routine. Enjoy perfectly cooked chicken with minimal effort!
Juicy, tender chicken is just a few button presses away-give it a try tonight!