How to Make Chicken in the Instant Pot

Making chicken in an Instant Pot is not only quick and easy but also results in delicious, tender meat every time. Whether you’re pressed for time or just looking for a hassle-free dinner solution, this method is sure to become your go-to. Let’s dive into how you can achieve perfectly cooked chicken using your Instant Pot, without the need for complicated steps or ingredients.

What You’ll Need

Before we get started, let’s gather our ingredients and tools.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)
• 1 cup of chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Your favorite herbs and spices

Tools:

• An Instant Pot
• A trivet or steamer basket
• A meat thermometer

Step-by-Step Guide

Now that we have everything we need, let’s get cooking!

Step 1: Prep Your Chicken

Remove any giblets from your chicken and pat it dry with paper towels. Season it generously with salt, pepper, and your chosen herbs and spices.

Step 2: Prep Your Instant Pot

Place the trivet or steamer basket in the bottom of your Instant Pot. Pour in the chicken broth.

Step 3: Cook Your Chicken

Place your chicken, breast side up, on the trivet or steamer basket. Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and make sure the vent is set to sealing.

Step 4: Set Your Instant Pot

Set your Instant Pot to Manual or Pressure Cook on high pressure. The general rule of thumb is to cook your chicken for 6 minutes per pound, then add an extra 2 minutes. So for a 4-pound chicken, you’d cook it for 26 minutes.

Step 5: Natural Release

Once the cooking time is up, let your Instant Pot do a natural release for 15 minutes. This means you don’t touch it or try to release the pressure – just let it do its thing.

Step 6: Check the Temperature

After the 15 minutes of natural release, you can turn the vent to venting to release any remaining pressure. Then, carefully remove the lid. Use your meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should be at least 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.

Step 7: Let it Rest

Remove your chicken from the Instant Pot and let it rest for a few minutes before carving and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, making it even more flavorful and juicy.

Final Thoughts

Mastering chicken in the Instant Pot is simple and rewarding. With minimal preparation and cooking time, you can serve up a meal that’s sure to impress any diner. From juicy chicken breasts to flavorful thighs, the Instant Pot transforms dinner into a stress-free and delicious experience. So, next time you’re looking for a foolproof way to cook chicken, remember your Instant Pot is ready to make mealtime magic happen.