Steaming Chicken: Pressure Cooker Timing Perfection

Pressure cookers are a great way to cook chicken, as they reduce cooking time and energy. The process involves using steam pressure built up inside a sealed pot to increase the cooking temperature. When cooking chicken in a pressure cooker, it's important to ensure that the chicken is either placed in a steamer basket above the cooking liquid or submerged in a liquid marinade. The cooking time will depend on the size and type of chicken being cooked. For example, a 3-pound chicken requires 18 minutes of high-pressure cooking, while boneless chicken breasts and thighs take around 10 minutes.

How to steam a whole chicken in a pressure cooker

Steaming a whole chicken in a pressure cooker is a quick and easy way to cook a tender and juicy bird. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve delicious results:

Prepare the Pressure Cooker

Firstly, you will need to gather your equipment and ingredients. For this method, you will require a pressure cooker, a trivet or steamer basket, a cup of chicken broth or water, and a whole chicken.

Once you have your equipment and ingredients ready, it's time to begin preparing the pressure cooker. Place the cooking liquid (either chicken broth or water) in the bottom of the pressure cooker, and then lower in the steamer basket or trivet.

Prepare the Chicken

Now it's time to prepare your chicken. Start by cleaning the chicken and patting it dry. You can then choose to add flavour by stuffing the cavity with onion and lemon or applying a seasoned rub to the skin.

Cook the Chicken

Carefully lower the prepared chicken into the steamer basket. Secure the lid of the pressure cooker and set the cooking time according to the size of your chicken. As a general guide, a 3-pound chicken will require 18 minutes of high-pressure cooking. For larger chickens, add 6 minutes of cooking time per additional pound.

Once the chicken is cooked, release the pressure naturally for a few minutes, then turn the valve to the "venting" setting to release any remaining steam.

Serving and Storing

Your chicken is now ready to be served! You can shred, slice, or cube the meat as needed. It can be used in a variety of dishes, such as salads, sandwiches, soups, or pasta.

If you have any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, cooked chicken can be frozen in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

How to steam chicken breasts in a pressure cooker

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts
• Salt
• Pepper
• Chicken broth or water
• Aromatic spices or vegetables (optional)

Utensils

• Pressure cooker
• Trivet or steamer basket

Method

Place the inner pot into your pressure cooker and put the trivet in the bottom.

Add one cup of liquid to the instant pot (water, chicken broth, pineapple or apple juice). You can add aromatics like bay leaves, garlic, ginger, or green onion to the water for extra flavour.

Place the chicken breasts on top of the trivet in a single layer. You can season the chicken with salt and pepper or your desired seasoning.

Secure the lid and make sure the vent is set to "sealed". Pressure cook on high for 8-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the breasts. The pot will take longer to come to pressure if you are cooking more chicken.

Allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then turn the valve to "venting" to release any remaining steam.

Check the chicken with a thermometer; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If it's not quite there, place the lid back on and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. If the chicken is still not cooked, secure the lid and cook for 1-3 minutes longer on high pressure.

Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before cutting or shredding.

Tips

• You can cook frozen chicken breasts in the same way, but make sure they are separated and not in a clump.
• If you don't have a trivet, you can put the chicken directly into the liquid, but it won't be as juicy.
• You can use the leftover liquid (now chicken broth) to turn your chicken into soup or upgrade your ramen.

How to steam frozen chicken in a pressure cooker

Pressure cooking is a great way to cook chicken, as it reduces cooking time and energy usage. The process involves using steam pressure built up inside a sealed pot to significantly increase the cooking temperature.

To steam frozen chicken in a pressure cooker, follow these steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Pressure Cooker

Place the inner pot into the pressure cooker and put the trivet at the bottom. If you don't have a trivet, you can use aluminium foil as a makeshift rack.

Step 2: Add Liquid

Add 1 cup of liquid to the pressure cooker. You can use water, chicken broth, or even pineapple or apple juice.

Step 3: Prepare the Frozen Chicken

Place the frozen chicken breasts on top of the trivet in a single layer. If you are cooking multiple chicken breasts, ensure they are separated and not in a clump.

Step 4: Season the Chicken

You can season the chicken with salt and pepper or any other desired seasonings. Keep in mind the flavours of your dish; for example, you could use taco seasoning for Mexican food or Italian seasoning for Italian dishes.

Step 5: Secure the Lid and Pressure Cook

Secure the lid on the pressure cooker and make sure the vent is set to "sealed". Pressure cook on high for 10-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts. The cooking time remains the same regardless of the amount of chicken; however, the pot will take longer to come to pressure if you are cooking more chicken.

Step 6: Release Pressure

Once the timer goes off, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 5 minutes. Then, turn the valve to "venting" to release any remaining steam.

Step 7: Check the Chicken's Temperature

Check the temperature of the chicken with a thermometer. It should have reached an internal temperature of 165°F. If it hasn't, you can secure the lid again and cook for an additional 1-3 minutes.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before cutting or shredding. You can serve it as is, chop it up, or add your favourite sauces. Enjoy!

How to make chicken gravy in a pressure cooker

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts
• Chicken broth
• Ranch seasoning mix
• Garlic powder
• Cornstarch
• Water
• Chicken gravy mix
• Salt and pepper
• Bay leaves
• Aromatic spices or vegetables (optional)

Utensils:

• Pressure cooker
• Whisk
• Small bowl

Method:

• Add chicken broth, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and pepper to the pressure cooker. Whisk until the powders have dissolved.
• Add the chicken and ensure it's mostly submerged. If not, spoon some liquid over the top.
• Close the lid and set the timer to cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
• Allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick-release the remaining pressure.
• Take the chicken out of the pressure cooker and cut it up or shred it.
• Mix cornstarch and water together in a small bowl. Pour it into the pressure cooker, along with the chicken gravy mix.
• Press the "saute" button and whisk until the gravy mix has dissolved. The sauce will thicken within a few minutes, so turn off the saute function once it's about as thick as you want it.
• Add the cut-up chicken back into the pressure cooker and combine with the sauce.
• Serve immediately with mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, pasta, egg noodles, or rice.

Tips:

• The gravy mix and ranch seasoning both contain salt, so use low-sodium chicken broth if you're concerned about the salt content.
• Make sure you don't add the gravy mix at the beginning, as it contains cornstarch, which can cause scorching and make the gravy gloopy.
• You can make your own ranch seasoning mix if you prefer.
• You can change up the flavor by using one packet of chicken gravy mix and one packet of ranch dressing mix.

How to steam chicken in an Instant Pot

Steaming chicken in an Instant Pot is a quick and easy way to cook chicken. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Instant Pot

Place the inner pot into the Instant Pot and put the trivet that comes with the Instant Pot at the bottom. If you don't have a trivet, you can use aluminium foil as a makeshift rack.

Step 2: Add Liquid

Add 1 cup of liquid to the Instant Pot. You can use water, chicken broth, or even pineapple or apple juice.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts on top of the trivet in a single layer. If you are cooking a whole chicken, you can add flavour by stuffing it with onion and lemon or by adding a seasoned rub to the skin. For chicken breasts, you can season with just salt and pepper, or add other seasonings like taco seasoning, Italian seasoning, garlic, or teriyaki sauce.

Step 4: Secure the Lid and Set the Timer

Secure the lid of the Instant Pot and make sure the vent is set to "sealed". Set the timer for 8-10 minutes for fresh chicken breasts, and 10-12 minutes for frozen chicken. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chicken breasts. For a whole chicken, a 3-pound chicken requires about 18 minutes of high-pressure cooking. Add 6 minutes for each additional pound.

Step 5: Release the Pressure

Once the timer goes off, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then turn the valve to "venting" to release any remaining steam.

Step 6: Check the Temperature

Use a thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F. If it has not, secure the lid again and cook for another minute or two.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before cutting or shredding. You can use the chicken in a variety of dishes, such as chicken enchiladas, white chicken chili, or BBQ chicken pizza. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions