Steamy Chicken Secrets: Pressure Cooker Magic

Steam chicken is a quick, easy, and healthy meal to make in a pressure cooker. It's a simple process that yields tender and juicy chicken that can be used in a variety of dishes. The basic ingredients are chicken breasts, water or broth, and salt, but you can also add various seasonings and spices to enhance the flavor. The cooking time is generally around 10 minutes for fresh chicken and 10-12 minutes for frozen, depending on the thickness of the breasts. Pressure cooking is a great way to reduce cooking time and energy, and it's perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.

Choosing your pressure cooker: classic stovetop or electric

Pressure cookers are a great way to cook chicken, as they trap steam inside a sealed pot, increasing the cooking temperature and reducing the cooking time. When choosing between a classic stovetop or an electric pressure cooker, there are several factors to consider, including speed, convenience, durability, and versatility. Here's a detailed comparison to help you decide which type of pressure cooker is best for your needs.

Stovetop Pressure Cookers

Stovetop pressure cookers are ideal for those who prioritize speed and power. They reach higher heat and pressure than electric cookers, resulting in faster cooking times. If you're looking for a durable option that will last for decades, stovetop pressure cookers are a great choice. They are typically made of stainless steel or aluminum and can be used on various cooktops, including gas, electric, halogen, induction, ceramic, and glass. Additionally, stovetop pressure cookers offer more advanced pressure cooking techniques and allow you to tinker with heat settings during the cooking process. They are also versatile and can be used as regular pots without the pressure cooking lid. However, they require more attention during the cooking process and may be noisier due to constant steam venting.

Electric Pressure Cookers

Electric pressure cookers are perfect for those who want a more hands-off approach to cooking. They are automated and easy to use, allowing you to set them and forget them. These cookers have built-in sensors and timers that automatically adjust the pressure and cooking time. They also offer additional cooking options, such as steaming, rice cooking, slow cooking, and sautéing. Electric pressure cookers are safer to use, thanks to features like lid-locking mechanisms and sensors that detect if the lid is sealed securely. However, they are slower than stovetop models, taking longer to reach pressure and operating at a lower pressure. They also require counter space and can be bulkier, making storage more challenging.

Making the Decision

Both stovetop and electric pressure cookers have their advantages and disadvantages. Stovetop pressure cookers excel in speed, power, and durability, while electric pressure cookers offer convenience, automation, and safety features. Consider your cooking needs, the level of involvement you want during the cooking process, and the available space in your kitchen when making your decision. Ultimately, both types of pressure cookers will save you time and energy, so choose the one that best aligns with your cooking style and preferences.

Preparing your chicken: cleaning, seasoning and stuffing

The first step in preparing your chicken is cleaning it thoroughly. Rinse the chicken under cold running water, making sure to remove any excess fat, blood, or feathers. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels or a clean cloth. You can also use a small knife to trim any excess fat or skin from the chicken. This step is important to ensure the chicken is free of any dirt, bacteria, or impurities that may affect the taste or safety of the dish.

Once the chicken is clean and dry, you can begin seasoning it. In its simplest form, you can season the chicken with just salt and pepper, but feel free to experiment with other seasonings and spices to enhance the flavour of the dish. For example, you can try using dried oregano, Italian seasoning, chili powder, smoked paprika, all-purpose seasoning, or taco seasoning. You can also rub the chicken with a mixture of spices and herbs, such as garlic powder, dried oregano, and smoked paprika. If you're making a specific type of cuisine, like Mexican food, you can sprinkle taco seasoning on the chicken. For Italian dishes, add some Italian seasoning or garlic.

If you want to stuff your chicken, there are a variety of options to choose from. A classic option is to stuff the cavity of the chicken with onion and lemon, which will impart a delicious flavour to the meat. You can also try adding other ingredients like garlic, herbs, or citrus fruits. Another option is to create a seasoned rub for the skin of the chicken. This can be done by mixing various dried herbs and spices, such as rosemary, thyme, paprika, or cumin, and rubbing it all over the chicken skin before cooking. This will not only add flavour but also help to create a crispy skin.

Additionally, if you're cooking a whole chicken, you can try brining it before cooking. Brining involves submerging the chicken in a salt water solution for several hours, which helps to keep the meat juicy and tender while also adding flavour. You can also try marinating the chicken in a mixture of herbs, spices, and oil before cooking to enhance the flavour even further.

Remember, the key to a delicious steamed chicken is to be creative and experiment with different combinations of seasonings and stuffings until you find the ones that you enjoy the most!

Using a steamer basket or submerging in liquid

To steam chicken in a pressure cooker, you will need a steamer basket or trivet, chicken, and water or broth. You can also add aromatics and seasonings to infuse flavour into the chicken.

First, place the steamer basket or trivet into your pressure cooker. If you are using a steamer basket, ensure it is large enough to hold your chicken. If you are using a trivet, place it in the bottom of the pressure cooker.

Next, pour in the water or broth. You will need enough liquid to generate steam without submerging the chicken. As a general rule, add 1 cup of liquid for every 3 pounds of chicken.

Now, prepare the chicken by cleaning it and patting it dry. You can also add flavour by stuffing the chicken with onion and lemon or by applying a seasoned rub to the skin.

Place the chicken into the steamer basket, ensuring that it is not submerged in the liquid. Secure the lid on the pressure cooker and set the timer according to the size and cut of the chicken. As a guide, a 3-pound chicken requires 18 minutes of high-pressure cooking, and you can add 6 minutes of cooking time per additional pound.

For chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks, the cooking process is similar. Place the chicken pieces in the steamer basket above the liquid to guarantee tender, moist chicken. Alternatively, you can submerge the chicken pieces in a liquid marinade to allow them to absorb flavour. Ensure that the sauce is quite runny, as the pressure cooker requires liquid to function.

Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the pressure cooker, drain any remaining liquid, and serve.

Cooking times: how long to cook based on chicken size

The cooking time for chicken in a pressure cooker depends on the size and type of chicken.

For boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cook for 8 minutes if thawed and 10 minutes if frozen. If you want to shred the chicken, cook for 10 minutes and use the quick-release method.

For chicken breasts that are under 2" thick, cook for 8 minutes. For chicken breasts that are over 2" thick, cook for 10 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F before consumption.

For a whole chicken, a good rule of thumb is to cook for 5-6 minutes per pound for a thawed chicken, and 10-12 minutes per pound for a frozen chicken.

Storing and freezing: how to store and freeze your chicken

Once your chicken is cooked, it's important to store it properly to ensure it stays fresh and safe to eat. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store and freeze your chicken:

Storing Cooked Chicken:

• Allow the chicken to cool: Before storing your cooked chicken, it's important to let it cool down. Leave it on the counter for no more than an hour or until it reaches room temperature. You can also place it in the roasting pan to cool if you prefer.
• Refrigerate within 2 hours: Once the chicken is cooled, it should be stored in the refrigerator within 2 hours. The ideal refrigerator temperature is 40°F or below.
• Use airtight containers: Store the chicken in airtight containers or bags. This helps to maintain moisture and prevent bacteria from entering.
• Label and date: Be sure to label your containers with the date and contents. This will help you keep track of how long the chicken has been stored.
• Consume within 3 to 4 days: According to the USDA, leftover cooked chicken should be consumed within 3 to 4 days. Bacteria can still grow slowly at refrigerated temperatures, so it's important to eat the chicken within this timeframe.

Freezing Cooked Chicken:

• Shred or cut into portions: Before freezing, consider shredding the chicken or cutting it into smaller portions. This will make it easier to defrost and use in recipes.
• Wrap portions separately: Wrap individual portions in a double layer of plastic wrap or freezer paper. This helps to prevent freezer burn and makes it easier to separate portions when frozen.
• Use airtight containers or freezer bags: Place the wrapped portions in airtight containers or freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible from the bags before sealing them tightly.
• Label and date: Label and date your packaging. This will help you keep track of how long the chicken has been frozen and ensure you consume it within the recommended timeframe.
• Freeze for up to 3 months: Cooked chicken can be safely frozen for up to 3 months. After this period, it may start to lose moisture and its texture and flavour may change.
• Defrost in the refrigerator: To defrost frozen chicken, place it in the refrigerator for 24 hours. This allows the chicken to thaw slowly and helps retain its texture. Avoid defrosting at room temperature, as it can cause bacteria to grow.

Frequently asked questions