How Long To Pressure Cook Chicken

Introduction

The pressure cooker has revolutionized home cooking, offering a faster, more efficient way to prepare meals. Among the many dishes it excels at, chicken stands out as a particularly well-suited candidate. Pressure cooking chicken results in incredibly tender and flavorful meat, and understanding “how long to pressure cook chicken” is key to achieving perfect results every time. This method has gained immense popularity due to its speed and the way it locks in moisture, producing juicy, succulent chicken that is far superior to many other cooking techniques.

Ingredients

The basic ingredients for pressure cooking chicken are simple and readily available:

Chicken: Use bone-in, skin-on pieces for maximum flavor and moisture. A whole chicken, cut into pieces, works well. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can also be used, but require slightly less cooking time.
Liquid: Chicken broth or water is essential for creating steam and pressure. Broth adds extra flavor. Aim for about 1 cup.
Aromatics: Onions, garlic, celery, and carrots add depth of flavor. Roughly chop them.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or bay leaf), and spices (such as paprika or garlic powder) are crucial for seasoning the chicken.

Variations can include adding ingredients like lemon wedges, ginger, or chili peppers for different flavor profiles. For a richer flavor, consider using wine as part of the liquid.

Preparation Steps

Proper preparation is essential for optimal results:

Wash the Chicken: Rinse the chicken pieces under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps remove any surface bacteria.
Prepare the Aromatics: Roughly chop the onions, garlic, celery, and carrots. There’s no need for precise cuts, as they are primarily used to flavor the broth.
Season the Chicken: Generously season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs and spices. Ensure all sides are evenly coated.
Optional: Sear the Chicken: For added flavor and visual appeal, searing the chicken pieces in the pressure cooker before adding the liquid can be beneficial. Use a little oil and sear each side until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.

Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps to pressure cook chicken to perfection:

Add Aromatics: Place the chopped onions, garlic, celery, and carrots into the bottom of the pressure cooker.
Arrange Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken pieces on top of the aromatics. Ensure they are in a single layer if possible.
Add Liquid: Pour chicken broth (or water) over the chicken. Ensure the liquid reaches about 1 inch up the sides of the chicken, but do not completely submerge it.
Pressure Cook: Secure the lid of the pressure cooker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Bring the pressure cooker to high pressure.
Cooking Time: Once high pressure is reached, reduce the heat to maintain pressure and cook for the following times:
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces: 8-10 minutes
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: 6-8 minutes
- Whole chicken (cut into pieces): 10-12 minutes
These times are guidelines and may need slight adjustment based on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces.
Release Pressure: Once the cooking time is complete, release the pressure using either the natural pressure release method (allowing the pressure to release on its own, which takes about 10-15 minutes) or the quick release method (carefully releasing the pressure valve). Natural release is generally preferred as it results in more tender chicken.
Check for Doneness: Once the pressure is fully released, carefully open the lid. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165F (74C).
Shred or Serve: Remove the chicken from the pressure cooker. It can be shredded with two forks for tacos, salads, or sandwiches, or served whole as a main course.

Serving Suggestions

Pressure-cooked chicken is incredibly versatile:

Classic Roasted Chicken Dinner: Serve with roasted vegetables (potatoes, carrots, Brussels sprouts) and gravy made from the pressure cooker broth.
Chicken Tacos or Burritos: Shred the chicken and use it as a filling for tacos or burritos, topped with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
Chicken Salad: Dice the chicken and mix it with mayonnaise, celery, onion, and grapes for a delicious chicken salad sandwich.
Chicken Noodle Soup: Use the pressure-cooked chicken and broth as the base for a comforting chicken noodle soup.
Chicken and Rice: Serve over rice with steamed broccoli or green beans.

Tips and Common Mistakes

To ensure perfect pressure-cooked chicken every time, keep these tips in mind:

Don’t Overcrowd: Avoid overcrowding the pressure cooker, as this can prevent even cooking. Cook in batches if necessary.
Use Enough Liquid: Ensure there is enough liquid in the pressure cooker to create steam. Too little liquid can result in the chicken burning.
Avoid Overcooking: Overcooking chicken in the pressure cooker can make it dry and tough. Use the recommended cooking times as a guideline and check for doneness with a meat thermometer.
Season Generously: Chicken can be bland if not properly seasoned. Don’t be afraid to use plenty of salt, pepper, and herbs.
Natural Release for Tenderness: Whenever possible, use the natural pressure release method, as it results in more tender and juicy chicken.
Thicken the Sauce: If the broth is too thin, simmer it on the stove after removing the chicken to reduce it and thicken it into a gravy.

Explore More Cooking Guides

Mastering “how long to pressure cook chicken” is a game-changer for any home cook. The speed, convenience, and exceptional flavor make it a highly desirable cooking method. From simple weeknight dinners to elaborate weekend feasts, pressure-cooked chicken offers versatility and satisfaction. Its adaptability to different cuisines and flavor profiles makes it a culinary staple. So, bring out the pressure cooker and experiment with this fantastic recipe, and do not hesitate to explore more cooking guides at foodrecipestory.com for more amazing meal ideas.