Skip to content
Home » News » How Long to Pressure Cook Chicken

How Long to Pressure Cook Chicken

Cooking chicken in a pressure cooker is a fantastic way to prepare a delicious, tender meal without the long wait. Depending on the type of chicken—whole, bone-in, or boneless—the cooking time will vary. Here, we provide a complete guide to pressure cooking different cuts of chicken to perfection.

Cooking Times for Different Chicken Cuts

  • Boneless Chicken Breasts: Boneless chicken breasts are one of the quickest cuts to cook in a pressure cooker. Set the cooker to high pressure for 8-10 minutes if fresh, or 12-15 minutes if frozen. Once done, let the pressure release naturally for 5-10 minutes for maximum juiciness.
  • Bone-in Chicken Thighs: Bone-in chicken thighs need a bit more time to cook through. Pressure cook at high pressure for 12-15 minutes if fresh, and 15-18 minutes if frozen. Letting the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes helps retain moisture and tenderness.
  • Whole Chicken: A whole chicken is perfect for creating a flavorful, fall-off-the-bone dinner. Pressure cook a whole fresh chicken for 25-30 minutes, and 30-35 minutes if frozen. Allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 15 minutes to ensure the meat stays juicy.
  • Chicken Drumsticks: Chicken drumsticks are another quick and easy option. Pressure cook drumsticks on high pressure for 10-12 minutes if fresh, or 13-15 minutes if frozen. You can do a quick pressure release after cooking, but for extra tenderness, allow a natural release for a few minutes.

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Chicken

  • Season Generously: Season your chicken before cooking to ensure it is flavorful throughout. Spices like paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper work well with all types of chicken.
  • Use Enough Liquid: Always add at least 1 cup of liquid, such as chicken broth or water, to create steam and allow the pressure cooker to function properly.
  • Check Internal Temperature: Chicken should always be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature after cooking.

Why Pressure Cook Chicken?

The biggest advantage of pressure cooking chicken is the ability to produce a tender, juicy dish in a fraction of the time compared to other cooking methods. The high-pressure environment locks in moisture and flavors, meaning your chicken will taste like it’s been slow-cooked for hours, but only took minutes. Additionally, pressure cooking means you can prepare a complete meal—like Chicken and Rice—all in one pot, saving you time on cleanup. For those who want to tailor recipes to their dietary needs, consider using our recipe calorie calculator.

Using a pressure cooker also means less cleanup. Since you’re cooking everything in one pot, you avoid the mountain of dishes that often comes with traditional cooking methods. Plus, pressure cooking helps infuse whatever flavors you add—broth, spices, herbs—right into the meat, giving you a rich, well-seasoned dish. For those who want to tailor recipes to their dietary needs, consider using our recipe calorie calculator.

Common Mistakes When Pressure Cooking Chicken

  • Not Adding Enough Liquid: Always add at least 1 cup of liquid (like broth or water) to ensure the pressure cooker works correctly.
  • Overcooking: Chicken cooks quickly under pressure, so be careful not to overdo it. Use the suggested cooking times to avoid dry, rubbery chicken.
  • Quick Release for Bone-In Cuts: Letting the pressure release naturally helps the meat stay tender and prevents it from drying out. This is especially important for bone-in cuts.

Easy Pressure Cooker Chicken Recipes to Try

  1. Lemon Garlic Chicken Breasts: Season boneless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, lemon zest, and minced garlic. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes with a cup of chicken broth. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then serve with a squeeze of lemon juice and fresh herbs.
  2. BBQ Chicken Drumsticks: Place drumsticks in the pressure cooker with a cup of BBQ sauce and half a cup of water. Cook on high pressure for 12 minutes, then do a quick release. Finish by broiling in the oven for 5 minutes for that perfect sticky glaze.
  3. Chicken and Rice: Brown seasoned chicken thighs on sauté mode, then add rice, chicken broth, and some veggies. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then allow natural release for 10 minutes. A complete one-pot meal!

A Good Recipe for Chicken Thighs in Pressure Cooker

Chicken thighs are a popular choice for pressure cooking due to their rich flavor and ability to stay juicy. Here’s a simple yet delicious recipe for pressure-cooked chicken thighs that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

  • 6 bone-in chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
  2. Sauté the Chicken: Set your pressure cooker to the sauté mode and add olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and brown for 3-4 minutes per side. This helps develop flavor. Remove the thighs and set aside.
  3. Cook the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pressure cooker. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
  4. Add the Liquid: Pour in the chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pot—these add flavor.
  5. Pressure Cook: Return the chicken thighs to the pressure cooker. Close the lid and set the cooker to high pressure for 12 minutes.
  6. Natural Release: Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes before opening the lid.
  7. Serve: Remove the chicken thighs and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. You can spoon some of the broth over the top for added flavor.

Tips

  • Brown the Chicken: Browning the chicken before pressure cooking adds extra depth of flavor to the dish.
  • Let It Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps keep it juicy.
  • Pair It Up: Serve these chicken thighs with mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or rice to make it a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Cooking chicken in a pressure cooker is about convenience without sacrificing flavor or texture. Whether you’re new to pressure cooking or a seasoned pro, experimenting with different cuts and flavors can be incredibly rewarding. Just remember to adjust the cooking times based on the cut of chicken and whether it’s fresh or frozen. Before long, you’ll be whipping up chicken dinners that taste like they took all day—when in reality, they took just a fraction of that time.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *