How long to cook chicken in pressure cooker is a popular question, especially among barbecue enthusiasts looking to save time without sacrificing flavor. The pressure cooker has revolutionized cooking, making it easier and faster to prepare delicious BBQ chicken.

Why Use a Pressure Cooker for Chicken?

If you're serious about your BBQ, you know that time and temperature are crucial for achieving that perfect tender and juicy chicken. While traditional methods may take hours, a pressure cooker can deliver similar results much faster.

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Factors That Affect Cooking Time

Several variables affect the cooking time for chicken in a pressure cooker:

• Chicken Size and Cut: Whole chickens take longer than pieces like breasts, thighs, or wings.
• Bone-in vs. Boneless: Bone-in chicken generally requires more time.
• Starting Temperature: Whether your chicken is fresh or frozen will also affect cooking time.

How Long to Cook Chicken in a Pressure Cooker

Lets break it down by different cuts:

Whole Chicken

A whole chicken typically requires 25-30 minutes at high pressure. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165F for safety.

Chicken Breasts

Boneless breasts need about 810 minutes at high pressure. Bone-in breasts require 1012 minutes. Heres a quick reference:

• Boneless: 8-10 minutes
• Bone-in: 10-12 minutes

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Chicken Thighs

Boneless thighs take around 10 minutes, while bone-in thighs need 1215 minutes.

Other Cuts

Wings and drumsticks usually cook in about 1012 minutes.

Frozen Chicken

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken in a pressure cooker, but youll need to add about 5 additional minutes to the cooking time.

Steps for Cooking Chicken in a Pressure Cooker

Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season your chicken as desired.
2. Add Liquid: Always add at least 1 cup of water, broth, or any liquid to create steam.
3. Set the Cooker: Lock the lid and choose the appropriate cooking time based on the cut and whether its fresh or frozen.
4. Natural Release: Allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes before opening the lid.

Tips for Perfect BBQ Chicken

If youre aiming for BBQ perfection, consider these tips:

• Sear the Chicken First: For a caramelized exterior, sear the chicken in the pressure cooker before locking the lid.
• Use BBQ Sauce: Add a BBQ sauce after cooking and place the chicken under a broiler for a few minutes to caramelize the sauce.
• Check Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165F.

Related Recipes

• How to Cook Hamburger
• Cooking Quinoa
• Pork Chops in Pressure Cooker

FAQs

Can I cook frozen chicken in a pressure cooker?

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken. Just add about 5 minutes to the standard cooking time.

Should I sear the chicken before pressure cooking?

Searing adds flavor, but it's optional. If you prefer a caramelized exterior, sear the chicken first.

What liquid should I use in my pressure cooker?

Water, broth, or any cooking liquid that complements your BBQ recipe will work. Always add at least 1 cup to create steam.

For additional resources, check out Cooking with a Pressure Cooker.

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