How Long to Cook Chicken in the Instant Pot? Your Ultimate Guide
Cooking chicken in an Instant Pot is incredibly fast and easy. Generally, boneless, skinless chicken breasts require approximately 8-10 minutes of high-pressure cooking, while bone-in chicken pieces need around 12-15 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for the juiciest results.
Why Instant Pot Chicken is a Game Changer
The Instant Pot has revolutionized home cooking, and chicken is one of the dishes that benefits the most from its speed and convenience. Gone are the days of dried-out, overcooked chicken. The Instant Pot delivers consistently moist, flavorful chicken in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods.
The Benefits of Cooking Chicken in an Instant Pot
- Speed: Cooks chicken much faster than baking or roasting.
- Moisture: Retains moisture, resulting in incredibly tender chicken.
- Convenience: One-pot cooking reduces cleanup.
- Versatility: Can be used for various chicken cuts and recipes.
- Flavor Infusion: Pressure cooking helps flavors penetrate deeply into the meat.
The Simple Steps to Instant Pot Chicken Perfection
Here’s a step-by-step guide to cooking chicken in your Instant Pot:
- Preparation: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps with browning, although browning isn’t strictly necessary for Instant Pot cooking.
- Seasoning: Generously season the chicken with your favorite spices. Consider salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and herbs.
- Adding Liquid: Pour approximately 1 cup of liquid (chicken broth, water, or a marinade) into the Instant Pot. This is crucial for creating steam and pressure.
- Placing Chicken: Place the chicken in the Instant Pot. Ensure it’s submerged in the liquid, at least partially. Use a trivet if desired, especially for larger chicken pieces.
- Cooking Time: Set the Instant Pot to high pressure for the appropriate time based on the chicken type and size (see the table below).
- Pressure Release: Allow for a natural pressure release (NPR) for optimal tenderness. This means letting the pressure release on its own for about 10-15 minutes before manually releasing the remaining pressure.
Chicken Cooking Times: A Quick Reference Guide
| Chicken Cut | Bone-In/Boneless | Cooking Time (High Pressure) | Pressure Release | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Breasts | Boneless | 8-10 minutes | 10 minutes NPR | Adjust based on thickness; thicker breasts need more time. |
| Chicken Breasts | Bone-In | 12-15 minutes | 15 minutes NPR | Generally more flavorful than boneless. |
| Chicken Thighs | Boneless | 6-8 minutes | 10 minutes NPR | Dark meat is more forgiving if slightly overcooked. |
| Chicken Thighs | Bone-In | 10-12 minutes | 15 minutes NPR | Offers richer flavor. |
| Whole Chicken (3-4 lbs) | Bone-In | 6 minutes per pound | 20 minutes NPR | Use a trivet to keep the chicken elevated. |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Under or Overcooking: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Insufficient Liquid: Always add enough liquid to generate steam and pressure.
- Forgetting to Release Pressure: Failing to release pressure after cooking can result in overcooked chicken. Follow NPR guidelines for optimal results.
- Not Seasoning Properly: Generous seasoning is key to flavorful chicken.
- Crowding the Pot: Avoid overcrowding the Instant Pot, as this can hinder even cooking.
Mastering the Natural Pressure Release (NPR)
The natural pressure release is essential for juicy, tender chicken. During NPR, the chicken continues to cook gently as the pressure gradually decreases, allowing the fibers to relax and retain moisture. If you’re short on time, you can do a quick release (QR) after a few minutes of NPR, but be aware that the chicken may be slightly less tender.
Troubleshooting: What to Do If Your Chicken is…
- Dry: Reduce cooking time, increase natural pressure release time, or add more liquid.
- Undercooked: Return the chicken to the Instant Pot, add a little more liquid, and cook for a few more minutes.
- Tough: The chicken may have been overcooked. Try shorter cooking times and a longer natural pressure release in future attempts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Instant Pot Chicken
Can I cook frozen chicken in the Instant Pot?
Yes, you can cook frozen chicken in the Instant Pot! However, you’ll need to increase the cooking time by about 50%. Also, make sure the chicken pieces are separated to ensure even cooking. It’s absolutely crucial to check the internal temperature to 165°F before serving.
What is the minimum amount of liquid needed to cook chicken in the Instant Pot?
The general rule of thumb is to use at least 1 cup of liquid in the Instant Pot. This is necessary to create the steam needed for pressure cooking. Using too little liquid can result in a BURN warning on your Instant Pot and an improperly cooked dish.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way to ensure your chicken is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, avoiding the bone. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Can I cook a whole chicken in the Instant Pot?
Yes, cooking a whole chicken in the Instant Pot is a great way to achieve a juicy and flavorful bird. Use a trivet to elevate the chicken above the liquid, and cook for approximately 6 minutes per pound, followed by a 20-minute natural pressure release.
What’s the difference between natural pressure release (NPR) and quick release (QR)?
Natural pressure release (NPR) allows the pressure to dissipate naturally, which can take 10-20 minutes. Quick release (QR) involves manually releasing the pressure by carefully turning the valve. NPR is generally preferred for chicken as it helps retain moisture. QR can sometimes result in tougher chicken.
Can I use different types of liquid for cooking chicken in the Instant Pot?
Absolutely! While chicken broth is a popular choice, you can use various liquids, such as water, vegetable broth, wine, or even marinade. Each liquid will impart a slightly different flavor to the chicken.
Does cooking time vary based on the size of the chicken pieces?
Yes, the cooking time should be adjusted based on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces. Thicker pieces will require more cooking time, while thinner pieces may cook faster. Use the table above as a general guideline and always check the internal temperature.
How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the bottom of the Instant Pot?
Using a trivet can help prevent the chicken from sticking to the bottom of the Instant Pot. Also, ensure that there is sufficient liquid in the pot. If you’re browning the chicken first, deglaze the pot with some of the cooking liquid before pressure cooking.
Can I add vegetables to the Instant Pot while cooking chicken?
Yes, you can add vegetables to the Instant Pot while cooking chicken. However, keep in mind that some vegetables, like broccoli and asparagus, will cook very quickly and may become mushy. Harder vegetables, like potatoes and carrots, are better suited for cooking alongside the chicken.
What if the chicken is still pink inside after cooking?
If the chicken is still pink inside, it means it hasn’t reached a safe internal temperature. Return the chicken to the Instant Pot, add a bit more liquid, and cook for a few more minutes. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
How do I store leftover Instant Pot chicken?
Allow the chicken to cool slightly before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, cooked chicken will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Can I use the Instant Pot to cook rotisserie-style chicken?
Yes, you can create a rotisserie-style chicken effect in the Instant Pot, although the skin won’t be as crispy as oven-roasted. Season the chicken generously, place it on a trivet, and cook for approximately 6 minutes per pound, followed by a 20-minute natural pressure release. For a slightly crispier skin, you can broil the chicken in the oven for a few minutes after it’s cooked in the Instant Pot.