Cody Casey
Cooking chicken in an Instant Pot is a quick and easy way to prepare chicken for a variety of dishes. It is a versatile method that can be used for fresh or frozen chicken, and can yield juicy and tender chicken breasts or thighs. The Instant Pot can be used to cook chicken breasts, whole chickens, or shredded chicken, and can be seasoned with salt, pepper, or other spices to enhance the flavor. The cooking time varies depending on the type of chicken and whether it is frozen or fresh, but generally, it takes around 10-15 minutes to cook chicken in an Instant Pot.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chicken Type | Chicken breast, thighs, whole chicken |
| Chicken State | Fresh, frozen |
| Chicken Cut | Boneless, bone-in |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme leaves, cayenne pepper, lemon, onion |
| Liquid | Water, chicken broth, pineapple juice, apple juice |
| Cook Time | 8-15 minutes |
| Pressure Release | Natural release for 5 minutes, then quick release |
| Temperature | 165°F |
| Tools | Instant Pot, trivet, steamer basket, tongs, digital thermometer |
| Uses | Soups, salads, sandwiches, casseroles, tacos, chicken enchiladas, white chicken chilli, BBQ chicken pizza, chicken couscous |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking times for chicken breasts and thighs
The cooking time for chicken breasts and thighs in an instant pot varies depending on the type of chicken, whether it is frozen or fresh, and if it is boneless or bone-in.
For boneless, skinless chicken breasts, it is recommended to cook them on high pressure for 8 minutes. If the chicken breasts are frozen, the cooking time increases to 10-12 minutes. The cooking time also depends on the thickness of the breasts, with chicken breasts under 2 inches thick cooking for 8 minutes, and those over 2 inches thick cooking for 10 minutes. It is important to note that the cooking time remains the same regardless of the amount of chicken in the pot, but the pot will take longer to come to pressure if there is more chicken.
For bone-in chicken thighs, cook at high pressure for 10 minutes if they are boneless and skinless, and 12 minutes if they are bone-in and skin-on. Frozen boneless thighs will take 13 minutes to cook, while frozen bone-in thighs will take 15 minutes. It is recommended to let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes after cooking before turning the valve to venting to release any remaining steam.
It is worth noting that the cooking times may need to be adjusted depending on the size of the chicken pieces. If the chicken breasts or thighs are larger, increase the cooking time by 1 to 2 minutes. Additionally, it is always better to err on the side of less time as you can always cook the chicken for longer, but once it is overcooked, especially with boneless, skinless chicken breasts, it cannot be reversed.
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Using frozen chicken
Cooking chicken in an instant pot is a convenient and quick way to prepare a tasty meal. The instant pot is versatile, allowing you to cook chicken straight from frozen, without the need to thaw it first. This method also ensures your chicken is juicy and tender, avoiding any dryness.
To cook frozen chicken in an instant pot, first, add about one cup of liquid to the pot. You can use water, chicken broth, or even pineapple or apple juice. Place the frozen chicken breasts in a single layer on the trivet, ensuring they are not clumped together. You can use chicken thighs too, but be aware that bone-in thighs will require a slightly longer cooking time.
Add your desired seasonings, such as salt and pepper, and seal the lid. Make sure the vent is set to "sealed". Set the instant pot to manual, on high pressure, and cook for 10-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the breasts. Larger breasts will need a little more time. You can also add 5 minutes to any regular chicken recipe if it's frozen.
After cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 5 minutes, then turn the valve to "venting" to release any remaining steam. Check the internal temperature of the chicken with an instant-read thermometer; it should be above 165°F (75°C). If it hasn't reached this temperature, return the chicken to the pot for an additional 2-3 minutes on high pressure.
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Seasoning and flavouring
Firstly, decide on the type of chicken you will be using. You can use fresh or frozen chicken breasts or thighs, with or without bones. The cooking time may vary depending on the type of chicken, but the seasoning process remains the same.
For seasoning, you can start with a basic combination of salt and pepper. Sprinkle the salt and pepper generously over the chicken, ensuring that all surfaces are evenly coated. You can also add other dry spices to this mixture, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme leaves, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a hint of spiciness. Mix these spices together and rub them onto the chicken, creating a flavourful crust.
In addition to dry spices, you can also experiment with liquids to add moisture and flavour to your chicken. Use water or chicken broth as a base, and consider adding juices like pineapple or apple juice for a touch of sweetness. Place the chicken in the liquid or on a trivet above the liquid to avoid boiling the meat directly in the liquid, which can affect its texture.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can try more advanced seasoning techniques. For example, you can create a rotisserie-style chicken by combining salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, and cayenne pepper. Rub this mixture onto the chicken and place it in the instant pot with the breast side up. You can also add a cut lemon and onion to the cavity of the chicken for extra flavour.
Don't be afraid to get creative with your seasonings and liquids. You can use pre-made spice blends or create your own, and you can always adjust the quantities to suit your taste preferences. Remember that the instant pot is versatile, so feel free to experiment with different combinations of seasonings and liquids to find your favourite flavours.
Lastly, it's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts or thighs. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure your chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Shredding and dicing chicken
If you're short on time, you can remove the trivet and excess liquid from the Instant Pot, return the chicken to the pot, and use a hand mixer to shred it quickly and easily.
Once shredded, you can add liquid back into the chicken and stir well. This makes it extra flavourful and helps keep it moist. You can also add diced tomatoes to the chicken by adding a 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes with their juices and using 2/3 cups of chicken stock.
Leftover cooked, shredded, or diced chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. For best results, ensure the chicken is completely cool before freezing, and if using a bag, squeeze out as much air as possible.
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Using the trivet
To use the trivet, start by adding liquid to the Instant Pot. This can be water, chicken broth, or even pineapple or apple juice. The amount of liquid will depend on the size of your Instant Pot and the type of chicken you are cooking. For example, you may need more liquid for frozen chicken to ensure it cooks thoroughly. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This will help prevent food from sticking and burning.
Once the liquid is in the pot, place the trivet inside. Put your chicken on top of the trivet in a single layer. It's okay if the chicken overlaps slightly, but try to avoid stacking it too high. You can use any type of chicken, including breasts or thighs, with or without bones and skin, and fresh or frozen.
Before cooking, season your chicken as desired. You can simply use salt and pepper, or get creative with other seasonings and spices to enhance the flavour. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, making sure the vent is set to "sealed."
Now, you're ready to pressure cook your chicken. The cooking time will depend on the type of chicken and your desired level of doneness. For example, fresh chicken breasts typically cook for 8-10 minutes, while frozen chicken may need 10-12 minutes. Adjust the time based on the thickness of your chicken breasts.
Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure naturally release for about 5 minutes before turning the valve to vent. Then, carefully remove the lid and take out your chicken. If you're making shredded chicken, you can leave some liquid at the bottom of the pot and use a handheld mixer to shred the chicken directly in the Instant Pot.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes about 12 minutes for the Instant Pot to come up to temperature and then another 10 to 15 minutes to cook.
Add at least 1 cup of liquid to the Instant Pot. You can use water, chicken broth, or even pineapple or apple juice.
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, or any other seasonings you like. Place the chicken in the Instant Pot and set it to HIGH pressure for 8-10 minutes for fresh chicken, and 10-12 minutes for frozen.
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use an instant-read thermometer to check.
Yes, you can cook frozen chicken in an Instant Pot. Just make sure the chicken breasts are individually frozen and not frozen together in one big chunk, as this will affect how evenly it cooks.
