1-858-333-1035 As an avid barbecue enthusiast, you might be wondering exactly how long to cook diced chicken in a pressure cooker to achieve that perfect, tender texture. Pressure cooking offers a quick and hassle-free way to prepare your diced chicken, ensuring it's juicy and flavorful without needing hours on the grill.
Why Use a Pressure Cooker for BBQ?
Whether youre prepping for a big barbecue bash or a cozy family dinner, a pressure cooker can be a game-changer. It uses high pressure to cook food faster than conventional methods. Heres why you should consider using one:
- Speed: Pressure cooking drastically reduces the cooking time.
- Flavor Retention: Helps in locking in juices, making the chicken incredibly tender and flavorful.
- Energy Efficient: Uses less energy compared to slow cooking or baking.
Gather Your Ingredients
For a flavorful barbecue experience, youll need just a few basic ingredients:
- Diced chicken breast or thighs
- Your favorite BBQ sauce
- Seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika
- Chicken broth or water
Steps to Cook Diced Chicken in a Pressure Cooker
Follow these straightforward steps to cook your diced chicken to perfection:
1. Seasoning the Chicken
First, season your diced chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This helps to infuse the meat with flavors before cooking.
2. Searing the Chicken
Set the pressure cooker to 'Saut' mode. Add a little oil and sear the chicken pieces until they are browned on all sides. This step can add a layer of flavor and ensure a nice, caramelized exterior.
3. Adding Liquid
Add about one cup of chicken broth or water. This liquid is crucial as it creates the steam needed for pressure cooking.
4. Pressure Cooking Time
How long to cook diced chicken in a pressure cooker? Set the pressure cooker to 'High' and cook for about 6-8 minutes. This may vary slightly depending on the size of your diced pieces.
5. Quick Release
Once cooking time is complete, use the quick release method to release the steam. Carefully open the lid once the pressure indicator drops.
Finishing Touches
After your diced chicken has been pressure cooked, its time to add those barbecue flavors!
Sauce It Up
Mix your favorite BBQ sauce with the chicken and set the pressure cooker to 'Saut' mode again. Stir occasionally until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken pieces perfectly.
Grill Marks (Optional)
If you crave that smoky, grilled finish, briefly grill the sauced chicken pieces on a hot grill for 2-3 minutes per side. This step is optional but highly recommended for authentic BBQ flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Your perfectly cooked diced chicken is now ready to serve. Here are some serving ideas:
- In BBQ chicken tacos with fresh toppings.
- Over a bed of steamed rice.
- On a platter as part of a mixed grilled feast.
- In a warm sandwich with coleslaw.
Conclusion
Pressure cooking diced chicken is a wonderful way to achieve a quick, delicious, and tender result perfect for any BBQ lover. With the right technique and a few simple steps, you can prepare mouthwatering chicken without spending hours by the grill.
Additional Resources
For more pressure cooking tips and recipes, check out these resources:
- Cooking Pigeon Peas in Pressure Cooker
- Cooking Cubed Sweet Potatoes in Pressure Cooker
- Cooking Liver in Pressure Cooker
FAQ
Can I use frozen diced chicken in the pressure cooker?
Yes, you can. Adjust the cooking time to about 10-12 minutes on high pressure for frozen diced chicken.
Do I need to brown the chicken before pressure cooking?
No, but browning adds extra flavor. If youre in a hurry, you can skip this step and directly cook the chicken.
What if my chicken turns out dry?
Ensure you have enough liquid to create steam and avoid overcooking. You can also add a bit more sauce after cooking to remedy slight dryness.
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