How To Cook Chicken In Instant Pot

Introduction

The Instant Pot has revolutionized home cooking, offering a convenient and efficient way to prepare a wide range of dishes. Among the most popular uses is cooking chicken. “How to cook chicken in Instant Pot” has become a staple for its speed, ability to produce consistently moist and tender results, and versatility. From weeknight dinners to meal prepping, the Instant Pot simplifies the process of cooking chicken, making it accessible to cooks of all skill levels. Its popularity stems from the fact that it significantly reduces cooking time while enhancing flavor, sealing in moisture and creating a delicious meal in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods.

Ingredients

The ingredients required are simple and readily available:

Chicken pieces: Bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (such as thighs, drumsticks, or a whole chicken cut into pieces) or boneless, skinless chicken breasts/thighs.
Broth or Water: Chicken broth enhances flavor, but water works as well. Approximately 1 cup is typically sufficient.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano), and any other desired spices.
Optional Aromatics: Onion, garlic cloves, celery stalks, carrots (roughly chopped) to add depth of flavor to the broth.

For substitutions, consider using vegetable broth or bouillon cubes mixed with water if chicken broth is unavailable. Different spice blends can be used to vary the flavor profile.

Preparation Steps

Proper preparation is key to flavorful and evenly cooked chicken.

Rinse Chicken: Rinse the chicken pieces under cold running water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps remove any potential bacteria and allows the seasoning to adhere better.
Season Generously: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and other desired spices, ensuring even coating. For optimal flavor, consider marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) in the refrigerator. A simple marinade could consist of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs.
Prepare Aromatics (Optional): Roughly chop the onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. These will be placed at the bottom of the Instant Pot to infuse the chicken with additional flavor.

Tip: Pre-salting the chicken at least 30 minutes before cooking helps the meat retain moisture during the pressure cooking process.

Cooking Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions for perfectly cooked Instant Pot chicken:

Add Aromatics (Optional): Place the chopped onion, garlic, celery, and carrots at the bottom of the Instant Pot.
Place Chicken: Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces on top of the aromatics (if using). Avoid overcrowding the pot; work in batches if necessary. For boneless, skinless chicken, placing it on a trivet helps prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
Add Liquid: Pour the broth or water over the chicken. Ensure there is enough liquid (at least 1 cup) to create steam and build pressure.
Secure Lid: Close the Instant Pot lid and ensure the pressure valve is set to “Sealing.”
Pressure Cook: Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the cooking time according to the type of chicken:
- Bone-in, Skin-on Chicken Pieces (Thighs, Drumsticks): 8-10 minutes on high pressure, followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release (NPR).
- Whole Chicken (Cut into Pieces): 10-12 minutes on high pressure, followed by a 10-minute NPR.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: 6-8 minutes on high pressure, followed by a 5-minute NPR (for tender chicken). For shreddable chicken, cook for 8-10 minutes, followed by a 10-minute NPR.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: 8-10 minutes on high pressure, followed by a 5-minute NPR.
Release Pressure: After the natural pressure release, carefully release any remaining pressure manually by moving the pressure valve to “Venting” (Quick Release). Be cautious of the steam.
Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165F (74C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, avoiding the bone. If necessary, return the chicken to the Instant Pot and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on high pressure.
Shred or Serve: Remove the chicken from the Instant Pot. If using boneless chicken, shred it with two forks. Serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

Instant Pot chicken is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

Shredded Chicken: Use shredded chicken in tacos, burritos, salads, sandwiches, or casseroles.
Roasted Chicken Flavor: After pressure cooking, place the chicken under the broiler for a few minutes to crisp up the skin and add a roasted flavor.
Serve with Sides: Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad.
Make Chicken Soup: Use the leftover broth from cooking the chicken to make a delicious and flavorful chicken soup.
Flavor Enhancements: Drizzle with your favorite sauce, such as BBQ sauce, teriyaki sauce, or a creamy garlic sauce.

Tips and Common Mistakes

Avoid these common mistakes and follow these tips for the best results:

Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking. Cook in batches if necessary.
Ensure Enough Liquid: Insufficient liquid can cause the Instant Pot to display a “Burn” message. Always use at least 1 cup of liquid.
Adjust Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Natural Pressure Release: Allowing for a natural pressure release helps the chicken retain moisture and prevents it from drying out.
Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to season the chicken liberally. The pressure cooking process can sometimes mute flavors, so it’s important to start with a well-seasoned base.
Burning issues: Elevate chicken with trivet to avoid burning issue

Explore More Cooking Guides

Learning how to cook chicken in the Instant Pot unlocks a world of culinary possibilities. Its ease and speed make it a perfect choice for busy weeknights, while its ability to deliver tender, flavorful results elevates even simple meals. The adaptability of this method allows for endless variations, catering to diverse tastes and culinary preferences. From classic comfort food to globally inspired dishes, Instant Pot chicken is a reliable and versatile ingredient. Why not try it today and discover the convenience and deliciousness for yourself? Explore more exciting and easy-to-follow cooking guides at foodrecipestory.com and elevate your culinary journey!