Emilie Meyer
Chicken leg quarters are a cheap and versatile cut of meat that can be cooked in an Instant Pot. The cooking time varies depending on the size of the legs, the power capacity of the Instant Pot, and whether they are boneless or bone-in. Generally, it takes around 20-30 minutes to cook chicken leg quarters in an Instant Pot, with an additional 5 minutes for natural pressure release. For frozen chicken leg quarters, they can be cooked on high pressure for 25-30 minutes. To crisp up the skin, the chicken leg quarters can be broiled in the oven or air-fried after pressure cooking.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time | 8 minutes per pound of chicken |
| Power | High pressure |
| Additional Steps | Broil in the oven or air fry at 360 F for a few minutes to crisp up the skin |
| Storage | Store leftover chicken quarters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for a few months |
| Reheating | Defrost frozen chicken overnight in the fridge, add water, sauce, or stock, then reheat in the instant pot or stovetop |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and creole seasoning |
| Broth | Water, onion, celery, and carrot |
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What You'll Learn
Pressure cooking time for chicken quarters
The pressure cooking time for chicken quarters depends on a few factors. These include the size of the leg quarters, the power capacity of your instant pot, and whether the chicken legs are boneless or bone-in.
For 4 pounds of chicken leg quarters, one source recommends pressure cooking for 32 minutes, which is 8 minutes per pound. Another source recommends 20 minutes for small-sized leg quarters. If you have bone-in thighs, 10 minutes is sufficient.
For frozen chicken quarters, ensure they are partially frozen and can be stacked without forming one clump of solid ice. You can then cook them on high pressure for 25 minutes with a quick-pressure release.
After pressure cooking, you can broil the chicken in the oven or air fry it to crisp up the skin.
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Broiling/air frying for crispy skin
Chicken quarters are a combination of thighs and drumsticks, which are usually the most affordable cuts. They are also the tastiest and juiciest parts of the chicken. Chicken quarters are sold as bone-in and skin-on and usually come in packages of three or four quarters.
Broiling
Broiling chicken quarters in the oven is a great way to make the skin crispy while keeping the meat underneath tender and juicy. After cooking the chicken in the Instant Pot, place the chicken on a baking sheet and set your oven to High Broil. Broil for 3-5 minutes on each side, or until the skin is crisped to your desired level of doneness.
Air frying
Air frying is a healthier alternative to deep-frying as it cooks food without the need for large amounts of oil. It is also quicker than an oven and won't heat up your house in the hotter months. To get crispy skin on your chicken quarters, start by patting the chicken dry with paper towels before adding oil and spices. Then, preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 5 minutes. While it preheats, prepare the chicken by coating it with an oil and spice blend. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, skin side down, and set the temperature to 380°F for 20-25 minutes or an internal temperature of 165°F-185°F. Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time. When the chicken is done, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 2-5 minutes before serving.
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Seasoning the chicken
When it comes to seasoning chicken quarters for the Instant Pot, there are several options to consider. The first step is to wash and pat the chicken legs dry. Then, you can choose to rub oil onto the chicken before sprinkling and rubbing in your chosen spices.
One option is to season the chicken with salt and pepper, and you can add a little spice with some Creole seasoning. You could also try an Italian seasoning blend, with salt, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. If you're making a Mexican dish, why not try taco seasoning? Or, for a simple, versatile option, just add salt and pepper to your chicken broth or water.
You can also use bottled seasoning blends or dry rub seasoning mixes, which are available in a variety of flavors. These can be stored in your pantry, ready for when you need them.
Remember, the Instant Pot is a great way to cook chicken as it uses high pressure to lock in moisture and flavor, so your chicken will taste delicious with minimal effort!
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Cooking chicken quarters from frozen
First, prepare your Instant Pot and the ingredients. You will need frozen chicken quarters, liquid (water, broth, or even beer), salt, pepper, and spices (optional).
Next, open your Instant Pot and add one cup of liquid. Place the metal rack inside, and then put your frozen chicken quarters on top. Ensure the chicken pieces are separated and not stacked directly on top of each other; this will help them cook more evenly. If desired, you can sprinkle your spices and seasonings onto the chicken at this stage.
After that, close the lid and ensure the pressure valve is closed. Set the Instant Pot to manual and pressure cook for 15-25 minutes on high pressure. The time may vary depending on the number of chicken quarters you are cooking and their size. For example, if cooking more than two chicken legs, you may need to add up to 10 minutes to the cooking time.
Once the timer goes off, let the pressure release naturally for about 5 minutes, and then release any remaining pressure manually. Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer; it should be at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption.
If you prefer crispier skin, you can broil the chicken in the oven or air fry at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.
And that's it! Your Instant Pot chicken quarters are now ready to be served with your favorite sides and sauces. Enjoy!
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Storing and reheating chicken quarters
Storing Chicken Quarters
Properly storing chicken quarters will help maintain their freshness, flavour, and safety. Here are some key tips for storing chicken quarters:
- Refrigeration: If you plan on consuming the chicken within a few days, store it in the refrigerator. Ensure your refrigerator temperature is set to 41° Fahrenheit or below to maintain optimal food quality.
- Airtight Containers: Store the chicken quarters in airtight containers or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminium foil to prevent spoilage and retain moisture.
- Freezer Storage: If you want to store chicken quarters for longer, freezing is a good option. Set your freezer temperature to 0° Fahrenheit or below, and use airtight containers or freezer bags to prevent freezer burn and maintain quality.
- Portioning: Consider portioning the chicken quarters into smaller quantities before freezing. This way, you can easily thaw and use the amount you need without having to defrost the entire batch.
Reheating Chicken Quarters
When it comes to reheating chicken quarters, there are several methods you can use to ensure the chicken is safely reheated while maintaining its taste and texture:
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 325° Fahrenheit. Loosely cover the chicken quarters with aluminium foil and place them in the oven. Remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of cooking to allow the skin to crisp up.
- Instant Pot: Add some water, sauce, or stock to your Instant Pot. Reheat the chicken quarters until they are warmed through, usually for about 10 minutes. You can also use the pressure cooking function followed by the air fryer function to achieve crispy skin.
- Stovetop: Cut the chicken meat off the bone and place it in a hot pan with some olive oil. Add vegetables if desired, and cook for a few minutes until everything is heated thoroughly.
- Air Fryer: If you're looking for crispy skin, an air fryer is a great option. Reheat the chicken quarters at 360° Fahrenheit for about 6-7 minutes, depending on the quantity and your air fryer's capacity.
- Microwave: For a quick reheat, place the chicken quarters in a microwave-safe dish, add a little water, cover, and heat on medium power for a longer duration. Avoid high power, as it can dry out the meat.
Remember, it is essential to use a food thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 145° Fahrenheit during reheating, as this temperature kills off harmful bacteria.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes about 20 minutes to cook chicken in an instant pot. However, the time may vary depending on factors such as the size of the chicken legs, whether they are boneless or bone-in, and the power capacity of your instant pot.
Aim for a temperature of 185°F or higher for the chicken to be tender and fall off the bone. Bone-in chicken parts are forgiving and benefit from overcooking as the longer they cook, the softer they get.
Frozen chicken quarters can be cooked on high pressure for 25 minutes with a quick-pressure release. If they are partially frozen, you can fit them into the instant pot and cook them for 30 minutes on high pressure.
Set the timer for 32 minutes for 4 lbs of chicken leg quarters. This translates to 8 minutes of high pressure per pound of chicken.
After pressure cooking the chicken leg quarters, you can crisp the skin by placing them under the broiler in your stove or air fryer for a few minutes.
