How To Cook Chicken Instant Pot

How To Cook Chicken Instant Pot: A Step-By-Step Guide

Are you looking for a quick and easy way to cook chicken? Look no further than your Instant Pot! With its versatile functions and time-saving abilities, the Instant Pot has become a staple appliance in many kitchens. In this article, we will guide you through the process of cooking chicken in your Instant Pot, ensuring a delicious and flavorful meal in no time.

Choose the Right Cut of Chicken

Before diving into the cooking process, it’s important to choose the right cut of chicken. Whether you prefer bone-in or boneless, skin-on or skinless, each cut will require slightly different cooking times. For tender and juicy results, we recommend using chicken thighs, breasts, or drumsticks.

Gather Your Ingredients

To make a perfectly cooked chicken in your Instant Pot, you’ll need a few simple ingredients:

• Chicken pieces of your choice
• Seasonings (salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, etc.)
• Liquid (broth, water, or marinade)
• Optional vegetables or herbs for added flavor

Prepare and Season the Chicken

Before placing the chicken in the Instant Pot, take a moment to season it to your liking. Liberally sprinkle your preferred seasonings on both sides of the chicken, ensuring that every piece is well-coated. This step will infuse the chicken with delicious flavors as it cooks.

Set Up your Instant Pot

Now it’s time to set up your Instant Pot for cooking. Follow these simple steps:

1. Plug in your Instant Pot and ensure the inner pot is clean and dry.
2. Place the trivet inside the Instant Pot.
3. Add the liquid of your choice (broth, water, or marinade) to the pot. This will prevent the chicken from sticking to the bottom and provide moisture during cooking.
4. Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces on top of the trivet.

Cooking Time and Pressure

The cooking time and pressure setting will depend on the type and size of your chicken pieces. As a general guideline:

• For boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cook on high pressure for 6-8 minutes.
• For bone-in chicken pieces or larger cuts, cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes.

Natural Release or Quick Release?

After the cooking time is up, you have two options for pressure release:

• Natural Release: Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release the pressure. This typically takes around 10-15 minutes. Natural release helps to retain the juices and keep the chicken tender.
• Quick Release: Carefully turn the pressure valve to release the pressure manually. Be cautious of the steam. Quick release is a quicker method, but the chicken may lose a bit of juiciness.

Finishing Touches

Once the pressure is released, remove the lid and check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked. If needed, you can place the chicken back in the Instant Pot on the sauté function for a few minutes to crisp up the skin or add more flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Now that you have perfectly cooked chicken from your Instant Pot, it’s time to enjoy it! You can serve it as the main dish, use it in salads, sandwiches, or shred it for tacos or pasta. The possibilities are endless!

So, next time you’re in a rush to prepare a tasty chicken dish, remember your Instant Pot. Follow this step-by-step guide to cook chicken in your Instant Pot and savor the flavors of a delicious meal without the hassle and time-consuming methods of traditional cooking.

Bon appétit!