Pressure Cooker Vs Steamer: Which Is Best For Chicken?

There are many ways to cook chicken, and two of the most popular methods are steaming and pressure cooking. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice depends on the specific dish and personal preference. Steaming is a simple and effective way to cook chicken, preserving its natural juices and resulting in tender, moist meat. On the other hand, pressure cooking utilises steam pressure to increase the cooking temperature, reducing cooking time and energy consumption. It is a versatile method suitable for various dishes, including soups, stews, and rice dishes. While both methods produce delicious results, pressure cooking may be preferred for its convenience and ability to cook a wider range of dishes.

Chicken cooked in a pressure cooker can be used for salads, sandwiches, pasta, etc

Chicken cooked in a pressure cooker can be used for a variety of dishes, including salads, sandwiches, pasta, and more. The pressure cooker's ability to cook chicken quickly and efficiently makes it a convenient option for meal preparation. Here are some ways you can use pressure-cooked chicken in your meals:

Salads

Pressure-cooked chicken is an excellent addition to salads, providing a good source of protein. You can shred or slice the chicken and toss it into a variety of salads, such as a healthy chicken salad or an Asian-style salad with ginger and green onion. The versatility of pressure-cooked chicken allows you to experiment with different flavours and ingredients to create your own unique salad combinations.

Sandwiches

Chicken cooked in a pressure cooker can also be used to make delicious sandwiches. Simply slice or shred the chicken and add it to your favourite sandwich bread. You can create sandwiches for a light lunch or a hearty meal, such as a sourdough sandwich with a few slices of chicken or a BBQ chicken sandwich with sliced chicken tossed in barbecue sauce.

Pasta

Pressure-cooked chicken is a versatile ingredient that can be tossed into pasta dishes to add flavour and protein. You can easily reheat the chicken with your choice of sauce and combine it with pasta for a quick and tasty meal. For example, you can make creamy Italian Instant Pot chicken breasts or toss the chicken with mayonnaise for a quick chicken salad to mix with your pasta.

Other Dishes

The possibilities with pressure-cooked chicken are endless. You can use it in soups, casseroles, tacos, enchiladas, pizzas, and more. It can be seasoned and customized to suit a variety of cuisines, such as Mexican, Italian, or Asian. The convenience of having cooked chicken in your fridge or freezer means you can easily add it to any dish that calls for precooked chicken, making it a versatile and time-saving option for meal preparation.

Pressure cookers are more versatile than steamers

For example, soups, rice, various meats, and pulses can all be cooked in a pressure cooker, whereas most consumer steamers aren’t made to handle this sort of variety. Steamers, in the majority of cases, are primarily designed to help you with cooking vegetables.

Pressure cookers are also faster and more effective than steamers. They are often around ten times more efficient and quicker than other methods of cooking. The science is simple: cooking at a higher pressure means that food can be cooked at a temperature that exceeds the normal boiling point of water. The trapped steam and much lower quantity of water make this possible, and the results are impressive.

Pressure cookers can also be used for steaming. Pressure cooking requires a liquid that can then be turned into steam. Any searing or browning should be done before pressure cooking. However, you can also steam food in a pressure cooker, so long as the pot is sealed tightly.

Pressure cookers are also multifunctional. Many pressure cookers also function as a multi-cooker, integrating other appliances like a rice cooker, slow cooker, or steamer, making it an appliance that certainly earns its keep in the kitchen.

Pressure cookers are faster than steamers

Pressure cookers are a great way to cook chicken quickly and efficiently. They are faster than steamers because they use steam pressure to significantly increase the cooking temperature, reducing the overall cooking time. This means you can have a delicious chicken dinner on the table in no time!

The pressure cooker's sealed environment allows steam to build up inside, creating a higher cooking temperature than traditional stovetop methods. This high-pressure environment ensures that chicken is cooked faster and more evenly, resulting in juicy and tender meat. The cooking time is further reduced as pressure cookers require less cooking liquid than steamers, using just enough water to generate steam.

When it comes to convenience, pressure cookers offer a "set it and forget it" approach. Once the desired settings are selected, you can walk away and let the pressure cooker do its magic. This hands-off cooking method is perfect for busy individuals and families who want a hassle-free way to prepare chicken.

Additionally, pressure cookers are incredibly versatile. They can be used to cook a whole chicken or individual pieces, accommodating various recipes and meal prep ideas. Whether you're making chicken enchiladas, BBQ chicken pizza, or a simple chicken salad, the pressure cooker has got you covered.

Not only do pressure cookers save time, but they also reduce energy consumption. By decreasing the cooking time and requiring less liquid, pressure cookers are more energy-efficient than traditional cooking methods, including steaming. This makes pressure cookers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option for preparing chicken and other dishes.

In summary, pressure cookers offer a faster, more efficient, and versatile way to cook chicken compared to steamers. With their ability to reduce cooking time, energy consumption, and the convenience they offer, pressure cookers are a valuable asset in any kitchen, making meal preparation easier and more enjoyable.

Chicken can be cooked in a pressure cooker from frozen

Yes, it is possible to cook chicken in a pressure cooker from frozen. This method is convenient and can save time by removing the need to defrost the chicken before cooking. It is also possible to cook chicken from fresh in a pressure cooker, but the cook time will be similar to that of frozen chicken.

There are a few things to keep in mind when cooking frozen chicken in a pressure cooker. Firstly, it is important to ensure that the chicken is not in a thick, solid block. Instead, it should be frozen in individual pieces so that it cooks more quickly and evenly. This can be achieved by freezing the chicken pieces separately on a baking sheet before transferring them to freezer bags. Secondly, the chicken should be placed in the pressure cooker in a single layer to ensure even cooking. It is also recommended to use a maximum of two pounds of meat for best results.

When cooking frozen chicken in a pressure cooker, it is necessary to add a liquid such as water, broth, or juice to create steam pressure. The amount of liquid required will depend on the size of the pressure cooker, but a general guideline is to use at least one cup of liquid. The cooking time will depend on the type of chicken being cooked and the desired level of doneness. For example, boneless skinless chicken breasts will take around 10-12 minutes on high pressure, while bone-in skin-on breasts will take 25-30 minutes. It is important to note that the pressure cooker will take longer to come to pressure when cooking from frozen.

It is also possible to add seasonings, sauces, or aromatics to the pressure cooker to enhance the flavour of the chicken. However, this is optional, and the chicken can be cooked with just water or broth.

Chicken can be cooked in a pressure cooker with or without a trivet

If you are cooking chicken breasts, place the inner pot into the pressure cooker and put the trivet at the bottom. Add one cup of liquid (water, chicken broth, pineapple or apple juice) to the pot. Place the chicken breasts on top of the trivet in a single layer. You can season the chicken with salt, pepper, or any other seasonings you like. Secure the lid and make sure the vent is set to "sealed".

If you are cooking a whole chicken, you can keep it simple and cook the whole bird unseasoned, or you can add your own seasoning and flavour. Place the cooking liquid in the bottom of the pressure cooker and lower in the steamer basket. Prepare the chicken by cleaning it and patting it dry. You can add flavour by stuffing the chicken with onion and lemon or by adding a seasoned rub to the skin. Next, lower the chicken into the steamer basket. Secure the lid and set the cooking time according to the size of the chicken. As a general guide, a 3-pound chicken requires 18 minutes of high-pressure cooking. Add 6 minutes of cooking time per additional pound.

Pressure cooking isn't great for chicken skin, making it rubbery and tough. You may want to remove the skin before cooking the chicken, unless you plan to roast the chicken afterwards.

Frequently asked questions