Steaming Chicken Perfection With The Instant Pot

Cooking chicken in an instant pot is a convenient and tasty way to prepare chicken. The pressure cooker method is similar to poaching, but with less liquid, and you can simply press a button and leave it to cook. This guide will show you how to steam cooked chicken in your instant pot.

How to steam cook frozen chicken in the instant pot

Steaming chicken in the Instant Pot is a great way to cook chicken that's juicy and tender. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you steam cook frozen chicken in your Instant Pot.

Step 1: Prepare the Instant Pot

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

Step 2: Add Liquid and Seasonings

Add 1 cup of liquid to the Instant Pot. You can use water, chicken broth, or even fruit juices like pineapple or apple juice. Place the desired amount of frozen chicken breasts on top of the trivet in a single layer. Make sure the frozen breasts are separated and not in a clump. You can season the chicken with salt and pepper, or any other spices and herbs of your choice.

Step 3: Secure the Lid and Set the Timer

Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and ensure the vent is set to "sealed". Set the timer for 10-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts. The cook time remains the same regardless of the number of chicken breasts you're cooking. However, it will take longer for the Instant Pot to build up pressure if you're cooking a larger amount.

Step 4: Natural Release and Check Temperature

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. Open the lid and use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the chicken. It should have reached an internal temperature of 165°F. If it hasn't, you can secure the lid again and let it cook for another minute or two.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. You can shred, slice, or dice the chicken as needed. Enjoy your perfectly cooked, juicy chicken!

How to steam cook fresh chicken in the instant pot

Steaming fresh chicken in an instant pot is a quick and easy way to get juicy and tender chicken breasts. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve perfect results:

Step 1: Prepare the Instant Pot

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

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 for added sweetness.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

Place fresh chicken breasts on top of the trivet in a single layer. Avoid stacking or crowding the chicken breasts to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Season the Chicken

Season the chicken with salt and pepper, or any desired seasonings. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or add other seasonings like Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, or taco seasoning depending on your preference and what you plan to serve the chicken with.

Step 5: Secure the Lid and Set the Vent

Secure the lid on the instant pot and make sure the vent is set to "sealed". This step is crucial to building up pressure inside the pot.

Step 6: Pressure Cook

Set the instant pot to cook on high pressure. The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of your chicken breasts. As a general rule, cook fresh chicken breasts for 8-10 minutes. If your breasts are thicker than 2 inches, cook them for 10 minutes.

Step 7: Natural Release

Once the cooking cycle is complete, let the pressure naturally release for about 5 minutes. This helps ensure the chicken stays juicy and continues to cook gently.

Step 8: Quick Release and Check Temperature

After the natural release, move the steam release valve to the "venting" position to release any remaining pressure. When the floating valve in the lid drops, it's safe to remove the lid. Check the internal temperature of the chicken with an instant-read thermometer. The thickest part of the breast should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If it hasn't reached this temperature, you can close the lid and let it rest for a few more minutes or cook for an additional minute or two.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Remove the chicken from the instant pot and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing or shredding. This helps retain the juices and ensures the chicken stays moist. Your chicken is now ready to be served!

Tips:

• You can cook frozen chicken breasts in the instant pot as well, but increase the cooking time to 10-12 minutes.
• Avoid using the poultry setting on the instant pot, as it is based on average chicken breasts. Instead, cook the chicken on the manual high-pressure setting based on the thickness of your breasts.
• Don't stack or overcrowd the chicken breasts in the pot. Always arrange them in a single layer for even cooking.
• Save the leftover liquid in the pot as it makes a delicious chicken broth that can be used in soups or gravies.

How to season chicken for steaming in the instant pot

Steaming chicken in the Instant Pot is a great way to ensure your chicken is juicy and tender. The best way to season chicken for steaming in the Instant Pot is to use a combination of dry spices and fresh herbs that complement each other and enhance the flavour of the dish. Here are some tips and suggestions for seasoning chicken before steaming it in the Instant Pot:

Choose Your Spices:

• Go-to chicken seasonings include salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
• You can also use other spices like taco seasoning, Italian seasoning, or any other spice blend that you like.
• For an Asian-style salad, you can add ginger and green onion to the water for extra flavour.
• If you're making an Italian dish, add some Italian seasoning or garlic.
• For Mexican dishes, try a combination of chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder.
• You can also keep it simple with just salt and pepper.

Prepare the Chicken:

• Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are roughly 8 to 10 ounces in weight and around 1 inch thick.
• Place the chicken breasts on a plate and sprinkle your chosen spice mix evenly over both sides, ensuring they are well-coated.

Use a Trivet:

• Pour 1 cup of water or low-sodium chicken broth into the bottom of your Instant Pot.
• Place the trivet that comes with your Instant Pot over the water. You can also use a folding steamer basket if you don't have a trivet.
• Put the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the trivet in a single layer to ensure even cooking.

Cook the Chicken:

• Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and move the steam release valve to the "sealing" position.
• Set the pressure cook time depending on the size and type of chicken you're using (fresh or frozen). For fresh chicken breasts, cook for 8-10 minutes, and for frozen, cook for 10-12 minutes.
• After the cooking cycle, allow the pressure to naturally release for about 5 minutes.
• Then, move the steam release valve to "venting" to release any remaining pressure.

By following these steps and choosing your preferred seasonings, you can create delicious and flavourful steamed chicken in your Instant Pot!

How to shred steamed chicken

Now that your chicken is cooked, it's time to shred it! There are a few ways to do this:

Using a Hand Mixer

Place the chicken in a bowl or back into your Instant Pot (make sure to remove the trivet and excess liquid first). Use an electric hand mixer fitted with two beaters to beat the chicken until it starts to shred. This should only take about 60 seconds and is faster than using forks.

Using Forks

You can also shred the chicken with two forks by hand. Hold a fork in each hand and use them to pull the chicken apart. This method will take a little longer but will get the job done!

Using a Stand Mixer

If you have a stand mixer, you can use it to shred your chicken. Place the chicken in the mixer's bowl and use the paddle attachment to mix until the chicken is shredded.

Once your chicken is shredded, you can use it in a variety of recipes such as tacos, chicken salad, sandwiches, soups, and more! You can also store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

How to store steamed chicken

Once you've steamed your chicken to perfection, 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 steamed chicken:

Storing Cooked Chicken in the Fridge:

Firstly, allow your steamed chicken to cool down to room temperature. This step is important to prevent bacterial growth and keep your chicken safe to eat. Once it has cooled, transfer the chicken to an airtight storage container or bag. You can store cooked chicken in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. Make sure your refrigerator is set to 40 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal food safety.

Storing Cooked Chicken in the Freezer:

If you don't plan on eating your steamed chicken within the next few days, it's best to store it in the freezer. Just like with fridge storage, allow the chicken to cool to room temperature first, and then transfer it to an airtight storage container or freezer bag. You can also wrap individual servings in plastic wrap or aluminium foil before placing them in the container for added protection from freezer burn. Store your cooked chicken in the freezer for no longer than 4 months to maintain optimal flavour and texture. Ensure your freezer is set to 0 degrees Fahrenheit for safe food storage.

Food Safety Tips:

Always use a reliable meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is fully cooked before storing. It should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, try to consume or freeze your leftover chicken within 4 days to minimise the risk of bacterial growth.

Frequently asked questions