Cooking chicken in the Instant Pot is a quick and easy way to make delicious meals, but sometimes the chicken can turn out chewy and rubbery. The good news is that there are a few simple tips and tricks you can use to ensure your Instant Pot chicken turns out perfectly tender every time.
Why Does Chicken Get Chewy in the Instant Pot?
There are two main reasons chicken can end up chewy in the Instant Pot:
- Overcooking – The high pressure environment of the Instant Pot can quickly overcook chicken if not careful, causing it to become dry and chewy.
- Not Enough Liquid – Chicken needs sufficient moisture to break down and become tender. Without enough liquid, the chicken can steam instead of braising, resulting in a chewy texture.
Thankfully, both issues can be easily avoided with the right techniques.
Tips to Keep Chicken Tender in the Instant Pot
Here are 5 simple tips to help prevent chewy Instant Pot chicken:
1. Don’t Overcook
It’s important not to overcook chicken in the Instant Pot. Whole chicken breasts and boneless thighs should cook for around 8-10 minutes at high pressure. If cooking larger chicken pieces like bone-in thighs or whole chickens, only cook for 15-20 minutes max. The carryover cooking from the residual heat will continue to cook the chicken after pressure cooking stops. So be careful not to go overboard on cook times.
2. Use the Right Amount of Liquid
Having the proper ratio of liquid to chicken is key. For every 1 pound of chicken, you’ll want to add at least 1 cup of broth or water. The liquid ensures there is enough moisture for the chicken to braise and become perfectly fall-apart tender. Too little liquid can lead to steaming instead of braising. For bone-in chicken pieces, use even more liquid, around 1 1⁄2 cups per pound.
3. Brown the Chicken First
Browning the chicken before pressure cooking helps develop flavor and also firms up the exterior. This prevents the chicken from overcooking as quickly in the Instant Pot. Quickly brown boneless chicken pieces for 1-2 minutes per side in a skillet with oil before transferring to the Instant Pot.
4. Use Natural Release
Allowing the pressure to natural release prevents overcooking compared to quick releasing. Once cooking is complete, simply wait for the float valve to drop on its own, about 15-20 minutes. The chicken will continue to gently cook without building extra pressure. Natural release helps keep the chicken extra moist and tender.
5. Check for Doneness
The best way to ensure your chicken is perfect is to check that it is fully cooked and tender. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part. The chicken should also shred easily with a fork when fully cooked.
What Cuts of Chicken Work Best?
For the most tender and moist Instant Pot chicken, choose cuts that work well with moist braising methods. Here are some of the best options:
- Chicken Breasts – Boneless, skinless breasts stay very moist when pressure cooked. Whole breasts are better than halved.
- Chicken Thighs – Bone-in or boneless thighs do excellent with pressure cooking. The fat and connective tissue keeps them tender.
- Drumsticks – These small chicken legs cook up tender thanks to the skin, bones, and joints.
- Chicken Wings – Whole wings or wing sections become fall-off-the-bone tender in the Instant Pot.
The key is to stick to cuts with bones, skin, or significant fat/connective tissue since this keeps the meat moist during pressure cooking.
Best Instant Pot Chicken Recipes
Now that you know how to keep chicken tender and juicy in the Instant Pot, it’s time to put these tips to the test! Here are 5 deliciously easy chicken recipes guaranteed to be a hit:
Instant Pot Chicken Breasts
This simple recipe results in the most tender, juicy chicken breasts ever with only a few ingredients. They make amazing chicken for meal prep or sandwiches.
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Instant Pot Chicken Adobo
This Filipino-inspired chicken adobo gains tons of flavor from the savory soy sauce and vinegar marinade. It tastes even better the next day!
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Instant Pot Buffalo Wings
These saucy, spicy wings cook up super quick in the Instant Pot. Just toss in your favorite hot sauce after cooking.
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Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken tikka masala is a breeze to make in the Instant Pot thanks to the tender chicken and quick cooking time.
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Instant Pot Whole Chicken
Make an entire tender, juicy chicken for dinner in less than an hour with the Instant Pot!
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Common Instant Pot Chicken Problems and Solutions
Even if you follow the tips for tender chicken, you may occasionally run into one of these issues:
Problem: Chicken is Undercooked
Solution: If your chicken is still pink or doesn’t reach 165°F, it needs more cooking time. Put it back in the Instant Pot with 1 cup broth on High Pressure for 5 more minutes. Check temperature and doneness again before serving.
Problem: Chicken is Overcooked and Dry
Solution: Unfortunately overcooked chicken can’t be reversed. But you can soak it in broth or sauce to add moisture back. Opt for shorter cook times next attempt.
Problem: Chicken is Tough and Chewy
Solution: Use natural release, add more liquid, avoid halved breasts, and don’t exceed 15 minutes pressure time. These tricks will keep your next batch tender.
Problem: Chicken Skin is Soft and Rubbery
Solution: The steamy environment of the Instant Pot often prevents crispy chicken skin. For crispiness, broil or air fry the chicken for a few minutes after pressure cooking.
Conclusion
Cooking juicy, tender chicken in the Instant Pot just takes a little know-how. Now that you’re armed with these simple tips for preventing chewy chicken, you can start making amazingly delicious Instant Pot chicken recipes. Just be careful not to overcook, provide enough liquid, and use natural release. In no time, you’ll become an expert at cooking fall-off-the-bone tender chicken in your Instant Pot every time.