If you’ve tried cooking chicken in your Instant Pot pressure cooker but ended up with tough, rubbery meat, you’re not alone. It’s a common problem many Instant Pot users face when first starting out. The good news is there are some easy tips and tricks you can follow to ensure your Instant Pot chicken comes out perfectly juicy and tender every time.
Common Causes of Tough Chicken in the Instant Pot
There are a few main reasons why your Instant Pot chicken may be turning out tough:
- Not enough liquid – Chicken needs moisture to break down the collagen and connective tissues. Without sufficient liquid, the meat can seize up and toughen.
- Overcrowding – Too many pieces of chicken in the pot prevents steam from circulating properly and cooking the meat evenly.
- Incorrect cooking time – Both over and undercooking can cause tough textures. Chicken needs sufficient time under pressure to become tender.
- Incorrect release method – A quick pressure release can shock the meat and cause it to tense up.
- Older chicken – More mature birds naturally have more connective tissue and require longer cook times.
- Improper preparation – Not browning or seasoning the meat well can impact texture.
Tips for Tender Juicy Chicken in the Instant Pot
Follow these simple tips for foolproof tender chicken every time you use your Instant Pot:
1. Use the Right Amount of Liquid
Chicken needs ample moisture to break down and become tender. As a general rule, use at least 1 cup of broth or water for every 2 pounds of chicken parts. For whole chickens or bone-in pieces, use 1.5 cups per pound.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pot
Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer, without stacking or overfilling. Overcrowding prevents steam from circulating properly, leading to uneven cooking.
3. Set Proper Cooking Time
| Chicken Type | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | 5-8 minutes |
| Chicken thighs | 15 minutes |
| Chicken drumsticks | 20-25 minutes |
| Whole chicken | 25-30 minutes |
Refer to the chart above for recommended cook times based on the cut of chicken. The size of the pieces and amount in the pot will also impact timing.
4. Use Natural Release Method
Allow the pressure to come down naturally after the cook time is complete, about 10-15 minutes. Avoid quick releasing the pressure, as this can cause meat to seize up.
5. Brown the Chicken First
Browning the chicken before pressure cooking seals in moisture and flavor. Pat chicken dry, season with salt and pepper, then sauté the pieces in a skillet with oil until nicely browned.
6. Use Younger Birds
Older, larger chickens naturally have more connective tissue and require longer cook times. For best results, choose smaller chickens labeled “fryer” or “roaster” rather than a mature hen.
Tender Juicy Chicken Every Time
When it comes to cooking chicken in the Instant Pot, follow these tips for foolproof results:
- Use at least 1 cup broth/water per 2 lbs chicken
- Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer
- Set cook time based on cut of chicken
- Allow natural pressure release
- Sauté chicken first before pressure cooking
- Select smaller, younger chickens
With the right amount of liquid, cook times, preparation, and release method, you’ll enjoy perfectly tender and juicy chicken from your Instant Pot every time! For more Instant Pot tips and recipe ideas, check out my blog at www.myinstantpotrecipes.com.
Some Additional Tips and Considerations
Here are some other helpful tips to keep in mind for cooking chicken in the Instant Pot:
Use Natural Release if Possible
Letting the pressure come down naturally rather than quick releasing allows time for the collagen to break down more thoroughly. This produces more tender meat.
Trim Excess Fat
Too much fat on the chicken skin can interfere with browning and cause the meat to boil rather than sear. Trim off excess fat before cooking.
Adjust Liquid for Thicker Sauces
If you want your finished dish to have a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of liquid slightly. You can also thicken the sauce after cooking with a slurry of cornstarch and water.
Elevate Chicken Above Liquid
You can place chicken on a trivet or steamer basket over the liquid rather than directly in it to promote browning.
Use a Meat Thermometer
Take the guesswork out of doneness by using a meat thermometer. Chicken is safe to eat at 165°F.
Allow Chicken to Rest
Let chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat.
Clean Instant Pot Properly
Be sure to deglaze the insert and wash thoroughly after cooking chicken to avoid any risk of bacterial contamination.
Common Chicken Dishes to Make in the Instant Pot
The Instant Pot is ideal for cooking a variety of classic chicken dishes. Here are some of the most popular tried-and-true recipes:
Whole Chicken
Get perfect tender meat for dishes like chicken noodle soup or fajitas. Cook a 3-4 lb chicken for 30 minutes with 1 cup liquid.
Chicken Breasts
Cook juicy, flavorful chicken breasts in just 8-10 minutes for entrees like chicken parmesan, fajitas, salad, etc.
Shredded Chicken
Cook bone-in thighs or drumsticks then shred the meat for tacos, burritos, casseroles and more.
Chicken Soup
Make homemade chicken noodle soup with tender chicken and vegetables in under an hour.
Chicken Chili
Whip up a hearty chicken chili with beans and veggies in the Instant Pot in about 40 minutes.
Buffalo Wings
For spicy and delicious buffalo wings, cook wings for 15 minutes then coat in your favorite sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I add liquid when pressure cooking chicken?
Yes, you need to add at least 1 cup of liquid such as broth, water, or sauce to create steam and prevent burning. The moisture also helps break down connective tissues.
Does the type of chicken matter?
Yes, older, larger chickens will require longer cook times. For best results, choose smaller birds labeled fryer or roaster.
Can I cook a whole frozen chicken?
It’s not recommended to cook frozen chicken in the pressure cooker as it affects the time needed to come to pressure. Always thaw chicken first before cooking.
Is raw or cooked chicken better for shredding?
Raw chicken often shreds better than cooked. Place raw chicken along with flavorful liquids like broth, salsa, or BBQ sauce to shred after cooking.
What temperature should chicken reach?
Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F as measured by a meat thermometer for food safety.
Conclusion
Cooking juicy, tender chicken in the Instant Pot is easy when you follow a few simple guidelines. Be sure to use enough liquid, properly prep and brown the chicken, set the right cook times based on thickness, and allow natural release. With the tricks above and some practice, you’ll be able to make everything from whole chickens to breasts, wings, and thighs with perfect results every time. For even more Instant Pot chicken success, check my site for top-rated recipes made specifically for the pressure cooker.