Pressure Cook Chicken
The ultimate comfort food, Pressure Cook Chicken is juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor. This easy weeknight dinner can be ready in a flash, making it perfect for busy schedules. Experience the magic of pressure cooking and make this dish tonight!
Equipment
- Oven
- Instant Pot
- Chef's Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts roughly 8-10 ounces each/~1-inch thick
Instructions
- Begin by pouring 1 cup of water into the bottom of your Instant Pot. This is crucial as it generates the steam needed for cooking. Next, place the handled trivet over the water. If you have the trivet that comes with your pressure cooker, it will work perfectly.
- In a small bowl, mix together ¾ teaspoon of fine sea salt, ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon of paprika, and ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper. This seasoning blend really brings out the flavor in the chicken.
- Take the seasoned mixture and sprinkle half of it evenly over the top of the chicken breasts. Make sure to flip them over and season the other side too. You can adjust the seasoning to your taste—feel free to get creative!
- Carefully arrange the seasoned chicken breasts on the trivet in a single layer. It’s important not to overcrowd them, as this will help them cook evenly.
- Now, secure the lid on your Instant Pot and turn the steam release valve to the Sealing position. Select the Manual or Pressure Cook setting depending on your device. Set it to cook at high pressure for about 8 minutes. Remember, if your chicken breasts are thinner, you might need less time, while thicker ones could need up to 10 minutes.
- When the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 5 minutes. After that, carefully turn the steam release valve to Venting to release any remaining pressure. You’ll know it’s safe to remove the lid when the floating valve drops.
- To ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should register at least 160ºF, but will likely reach 165ºF as it rests. If it’s below, simply secure the lid and cook for another minute or two before checking again.
- Once the chicken is cooked, use tongs to transfer it to a cutting board. Let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken succulent.
- You can now use your perfectly cooked Pressure Cook Chicken right away, or store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. It’s wonderful in salads, wraps, or on its own with your favorite side!
Notes
- Tip 1: Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure it's cooled before sealing it.
- Tip 2: You can freeze leftovers. Just ensure they are well-sealed in a freezer bag, and they can last for up to 3 months.
- Tip 3: Try serving this chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- Tip 4: Experiment with different spice blends like Italian herbs or even a touch of lemon zest for a refreshing twist.
- Tip 5: If you're in a hurry, you can cook frozen chicken by adding an extra few minutes to the cooking time. It requires about 12 minutes at high pressure.