The Instant Pot has become a popular kitchen appliance for its multi-functionality and convenience. One of the most common questions about cooking with an Instant Pot is how long to cook different types of meats, including chicken. Cooking chicken in an Instant Pot can result in tender and juicy meat, but the cook time varies depending on the cut, size, and whether it is fresh or frozen.
In this article, we will provide a guide on how long it takes to cook chicken in an Instant Pot. Whether you are cooking chicken for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, we will cover everything you need to know to cook perfectly cooked chicken every time.
Setting the Cooking Time for Your Instant Pot
Setting the cooking time for your Instant Pot is one of the first things you need to do before you start cooking your chicken. The cooking time will depend on the type of chicken you are cooking, whether it’s boneless or bone-in, and the size of the chicken pieces. Setting the wrong cooking time may result in an undercooked or overcooked chicken, which can be disappointing.
To set the cooking time, you need to refer to the Instant Pot recipe you are using or follow some general guidelines. For boneless chicken breasts and thighs, a cooking time of 6-8 minutes on high pressure is usually sufficient. If you are cooking bone-in chicken pieces, you may need to add an extra minute or two to the cooking time. It’s important to note that the cooking time starts once the Instant Pot reaches pressure and not when you start the machine. Make sure to also factor in the time it takes for the Instant Pot to reach pressure, which can take up to 10 minutes.
Preparing Your Chicken Before Cooking
Before cooking chicken in an Instant Pot, you need to ensure that it has been prepared properly. Firstly, you should clean and pat dry the chicken. If necessary, trim the fat, and remove any giblets or innards. It is always a good idea to marinate the chicken in your favorite herbs and spices for at least an hour to enhance its flavor.
It is important to ensure that the chicken has been thawed correctly if it has been frozen. The best way to thaw chicken is to let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. However, if you are running short on time, place the chicken in a bowl of cold water and change the water every half an hour until it is fully thawed. Once the chicken has been prepared, it is time to cook it in the Instant Pot.
Understanding the Instant Pot Cooking Process
The Instant Pot is a popular multi-function appliance that can make cooking a quick and hassle-free experience. If you’re new to using an Instant Pot to cook chicken, it’s a good idea to understand the cooking process first. Instant Pots rely on pressure cooking, which cooks food much faster than traditional stovetop cooking.
Once you add the chicken and any other ingredients, you seal the Instant Pot, and it starts building pressure. As the temperature inside the pot increases, the pressure creates a steamy, high-heat environment. This process cooks the chicken in a fraction of the time it would take in a conventional oven or stovetop. Understanding the cooking process is crucial to ensuring that the chicken is cooked perfectly, so be sure to read the instructions on your Instant Pot carefully before starting.
Factors That Affect Chicken Cooking Times
There are several factors that can affect the cooking time of chicken in an Instant Pot. The first factor is the size and thickness of the chicken. The larger the chicken, the longer it will take to cook. Similarly, thicker cuts of chicken will require more cooking time as compared to thin slices.
Another factor that affects cook time is the cooking method. For example, if you’re cooking chicken in a soup or stew, it may require a longer cook time because it needs to be tenderized. However, if you’re cooking boneless, skinless chicken breasts for shredding, it may only require a few minutes of cooking time. Additionally, frozen chicken will take longer to cook than thawed chicken.
The amount of liquid used in the Instant Pot can also impact cooking times. More liquid means the chicken will take longer to cook, while less liquid will result in a shorter cooking time. Ultimately, it’s essential to consider these factors when cooking chicken in an Instant Pot to ensure that it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
Cooking Different Cuts of Chicken in an Instant Pot
Cooking chicken in an Instant Pot is a convenient and efficient way to prepare a variety of meals. However, cooking different cuts of chicken requires different cooking times to ensure that the chicken is cooked through and tender.
For boneless, skinless chicken breasts, it is recommended to cook them on high pressure for 8-10 minutes. For bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks, cook on high pressure for 12-15 minutes. For a whole chicken, cook on high pressure for 6 minutes per pound. It is important to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165°F before consuming it. With an Instant Pot, cooking chicken has never been easier, allowing you to enjoy your favorite dishes in a fraction of the time.
Tips for Checking Doneness and Avoiding Overcooking
To check if chicken is cooked to perfection in an Instant Pot, you can use a meat thermometer to ensure that an internal temperature of at least 165°F has been reached. Simply insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat to check the temperature level. If the temperature is lower than 165°F, you will need to reposition the chicken and cook for an additional few minutes.
Overcooking chicken can be avoided by ensuring that there’s enough liquid in the Instant Pot before you begin cooking. Chicken can become dry and tough if there’s not enough liquid, so always use the recommended amount of broth or water. Additionally, if you’ve used a chicken cut with skin, remove the skin once the chicken is cooked. Leaving the skin on can make it rubbery, and ultimately, ruin the dish. By following these tips, you’ll have a perfect, flavorful chicken dish every time you use your Instant Pot.
Serving and Enjoying Your Delicious Instant Pot Chicken
After patiently waiting for your Instant Pot chicken to cook, it’s time to serve and enjoy your delicious creation. You can serve the chicken in a variety of ways, such as slicing it up and serving it with a side of vegetables, or shredding the chicken and using it as a protein in salads, tacos, or sandwiches.
To enhance the flavor of your Instant Pot chicken, top it off with some freshly squeezed lemon juice, herbs like rosemary or thyme, or a drizzle of olive oil. Additionally, adding some spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika can also elevate the flavors in your dish. With the convenience of cooking chicken in an Instant Pot, you can quickly prepare a delicious and nutritious meal that will leave your taste buds satisfied.
Verdict
Cooking chicken in an Instant Pot is a quick and easy way to have a delicious and healthy meal in no time. The amount of time it takes to cook chicken in an Instant Pot depends on the cut of meat and how much of it you are cooking. However, regardless of the cut, you can achieve tender and juicy chicken using an Instant Pot.
Using an Instant Pot to cook chicken also allows you to experiment with different flavors and cooking methods. You can use a variety of marinades and spices to create unique and tasty meals. All in all, cooking chicken in an Instant Pot is a great way to save time and effort in the kitchen while still enjoying a delicious and healthy meal.