How Long to Instant Pot Cook Chicken: Your Quick and Easy Guide
Cooking chicken in an Instant Pot is a game-changer for home cooks, offering convenience, speed, and succulent results. However, determining the optimal cooking time is crucial to achieve perfectly tender and juicy chicken. This comprehensive guide will delve into the factors influencing cooking time and provide precise instructions for various chicken cuts and cooking methods.
Factors Affecting Cooking Time
- Chicken Cut: Different chicken cuts vary in size and thickness, requiring different cooking times.
- Cooking Method: Options include steaming, boiling, and pressure cooking, each with its own time requirements.
- Desired Doneness: Cooking time depends on whether you prefer your chicken rare, medium, or well-done.
- Altitude: Higher altitudes affect boiling points, impacting cooking times.
Cooking Times for Various Chicken Cuts
Steaming Chicken:
- Whole Chicken: 6-8 minutes per pound
- Chicken Breasts: 4-6 minutes per pound
- Chicken Thighs: 6-8 minutes per pound
Boiling Chicken:
- Whole Chicken: 10-12 minutes per pound
- Chicken Breasts: 8-10 minutes per pound
- Chicken Thighs: 10-12 minutes per pound
Pressure Cooking Chicken:
- Whole Chicken: 6-8 minutes per pound at high pressure
- Chicken Breasts: 4-6 minutes per pound at high pressure
- Chicken Thighs: 6-8 minutes per pound at high pressure
Tips for Determining Doneness:
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Insert a thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. For chicken breasts, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For thighs, it should reach 175°F (80°C).
- Check the Juices: Pierce the chicken with a fork or knife. If the juices run clear, it’s done. Avoid overcooking, as this can result in dry, tough chicken.
Cooking Chicken in an Instant Pot
1. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices.
2. Add Liquid: Add enough liquid to the Instant Pot to create steam. For steaming, use 1 cup of water. For boiling, use 2 cups of water.
3. Place the Chicken: Place the chicken on a trivet or steamer basket to elevate it from the liquid.
4. Secure the Lid: Lock the lid in place and ensure the valve is set to the “Sealing” position.
5. Cook: Select the appropriate cooking method and set the timer according to the guidelines provided above.
6. Natural Release: After cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before manually releasing the remaining pressure.
7. Serve: Remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Whole Chicken in an Instant Pot
- Season the Chicken: Remove any giblets and season the chicken liberally with salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Place in Instant Pot: Place the chicken in the Instant Pot on a trivet.
- Add Liquid: Add 1 cup of water or broth to the pot.
- Cook: Set the Instant Pot to “Pressure Cook” on high pressure for 6-8 minutes per pound.
- Natural Release: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before manually releasing the remaining pressure.
- Carve and Serve: Remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and carve it into serving pieces.
Cooking Chicken Breasts in an Instant Pot
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and any desired seasonings.
- Place in Instant Pot: Place the chicken breasts in a single layer on the trivet.
- Add Liquid: Add 1 cup of water or broth to the pot.
- Cook: Set the Instant Pot to “Pressure Cook” on high pressure for 4-6 minutes per pound.
- Natural Release: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before manually releasing the remaining pressure.
- Slice and Serve: Remove the chicken breasts from the Instant Pot and slice them into desired portions.
Cooking Chicken Thighs in an Instant Pot
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and any desired seasonings.
- Place in Instant Pot: Place the chicken thighs in a single layer on the trivet.
- Add Liquid: Add 1 cup of water or broth to the pot.
- Cook: Set the Instant Pot to “Pressure Cook” on high pressure for 6-8 minutes per pound.
- Natural Release: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before manually releasing the remaining pressure.
- Remove and Serve: Remove the chicken thighs from the Instant Pot and serve them whole or shredded.
Troubleshooting
- Chicken is Undercooked: Increase the cooking time slightly or check the internal temperature to ensure it has reached the desired doneness.
- Chicken is Overcooked: Reduce the cooking time or use a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking.
- Not Enough Liquid: Add more liquid to the Instant Pot as needed to create sufficient steam.
- Pressure Not Building: Ensure the lid is properly sealed and the valve is set to the “Sealing” position.
Takeaways
Mastering the art of cooking chicken in an Instant Pot empowers you to create succulent and flavorful dishes with ease. By understanding the factors influencing cooking time and following the precise instructions provided, you can achieve perfectly cooked chicken every time. Experiment with different cuts, cooking methods, and seasonings to elevate your culinary skills and delight your taste buds.
Questions You May Have
Q: Why is my chicken dry after cooking in the Instant Pot?
A: Overcooking is the most common cause of dry chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and avoid cooking beyond the recommended times.
Q: Can I cook frozen chicken in the Instant Pot?
A: Yes, but increase the cooking time by 50%. For example, a 1-pound frozen chicken breast would cook for 6-9 minutes.
Q: How do I prevent my chicken from sticking to the Instant Pot?
A: Use a trivet or steamer basket to elevate the chicken from the liquid. Additionally, deglazing the pot with a bit of liquid after cooking can help release any stuck-on bits.