[Full Guide] How Long To Steam Chicken In Instant Pot?

Steaming chicken in an Instant Pot is a convenient and efficient way to cook flavorful, tender, and juicy chicken. Using an Instant Pot takes the guesswork out of steaming chicken, as it ensures consistent results every time. This article will guide you through the selection process, preparation, cooking times, methods, and troubleshooting common issues when steaming chicken in an Instant Pot.

Quick Answer: How Long To Steam Chicken In Instant Pot

The quick answer is that the cooking time for steaming chicken in an Instant Pot varies based on the cut, size, and whether the chicken is fresh or frozen. Typically, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs take about 8-10 minutes to steam in an Instant Pot, while a whole chicken may take 20-25 minutes. However, the exact cooking times may differ based on your preferences and the specific recipe you are following.

Selection

Choosing the right cut of chicken is crucial for successful steaming. When selecting chicken for steaming, consider whether you want to steam boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thighs, or a whole chicken. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are a popular choice for steaming, as they cook quickly and absorb flavors well. On the other hand, steaming a whole chicken can result in a more flavorful and moist outcome, making it a great option for a family meal. Ensure that the chicken is fresh and of high quality to achieve the best results.

Preparation

Before steaming the chicken, it is important to properly prepare it. If using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, you may want to season or marinate the chicken to enhance its flavor. This could include using a marinade, dry rub, or a combination of herbs and spices. Additionally, ensure that the chicken is trimmed of excess fat and skin if desired.

For steaming a whole chicken, consider stuffing the cavity with aromatics such as herbs, garlic, onions, and lemon slices to infuse the chicken with additional flavors during the steaming process. Trussing the chicken with butcher’s twine can help it maintain its shape and cook evenly.

Instant Pot Cooking Times For Chicken

The cooking times for steaming chicken in an Instant Pot can vary based on the specific cut and whether the chicken is fresh or frozen. Here are some general guidelines for cooking times:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: 8-10 minutes
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: 8-10 minutes
• Whole Chicken (Fresh): 20-25 minutes
• Whole Chicken (Frozen): 25-30 minutes

These times are based on high pressure cooking settings. It is important to note that the actual cooking time may vary based on factors such as the thickness of the chicken, the starting temperature of the chicken, and your desired level of doneness. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

How To Steam Chicken In Instant Pot

Step 1: Prepare The Instant Pot

Before adding the chicken to the Instant Pot, ensure the sealing ring is properly in place and the inner pot is clean. If you wish to add flavor to the steam, consider adding aromatics such as garlic, herbs, or spices to the liquid in the pot.

Step 2: Add Liquid

Add a suitable amount of liquid to the Instant Pot, typically around 1 cup. This could be water, broth, or a marinade. The liquid is crucial for creating steam, which will cook the chicken.

Step 3: Add The Trivet

Place the trivet (the metal rack that comes with the Instant Pot) into the pot. The trivet will raise the chicken above the liquid, allowing it to steam rather than boil.

Step 4: Add The Chicken

Place the seasoned or marinated chicken onto the trivet inside the Instant Pot. If you are cooking a whole chicken, ensure that it is placed breast side up for even cooking.

Step 5: Set The Cooking Time

Secure the lid of the Instant Pot and ensure the vent is set to the sealing position. Select the appropriate cooking setting (usually "Manual" or "Pressure Cook") and set the cooking time based on the guidelines provided earlier.

Step 6: Natural Release Or Quick Release

Once the cooking cycle is completed, you can perform a natural release, allowing the pressure to release on its own, or a quick release by manually opening the vent to release the pressure.

Step 7: Check Internal Temperature

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should register at least 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Step 8: Rest The Chicken

After steaming, remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier final product.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Chicken Is Undercooked

If the chicken is undercooked after the recommended cooking time, put the lid back on the Instant Pot and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. It is crucial to measure the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).

Chicken Is Overcooked

If the chicken is overcooked and becomes dry, reduce the cooking time in future attempts. The cooking times provided are a guideline, and personal preference plays a big role in achieving the desired level of doneness.

Insufficient Flavor

If you find the flavor lacking, consider tweaking your seasoning or marinade. Additionally, increasing the amount of aromatics in the cavity when steaming a whole chicken can enhance its overall flavor.

Burn Error

If you receive a burn error on your Instant Pot display, this indicates that the contents of the pot are burning at the bottom. To troubleshoot this, ensure that there is enough liquid in the pot and that the bottom of the inner pot is not scorched. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid used to prevent burn errors.

Steaming chicken in an Instant Pot is a convenient method that yields delicious and succulent results. By selecting the right cut of chicken, properly preparing it, following the recommended cooking times, and troubleshooting common issues, you can confidently steam chicken to perfection. Experiment with different seasonings, marinades, and aromatics to create a variety of flavorful steamed chicken dishes in your Instant Pot. With practice, you will master the art of steaming chicken, resulting in moist, tender, and flavorful meals for you and your loved ones.

Instant Pot Cook Times For Frozen Chicken

The Instant Pot has revolutionized the way we cook meals in our kitchens. It’s a versatile and efficient appliance that can help you prepare a wide range of dishes, including the ever-popular steam chicken. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to cook flavorful and tender chicken, the Instant Pot is your best friend.

One of the greatest attributes of the Instant Pot is its ability to cook frozen chicken without needing to defrost it first. This means you can take a package of frozen chicken straight from the freezer and have a delicious meal ready in no time. However, it’s important to understand the appropriate cook times for different cuts of chicken.

For boneless, skinless chicken breasts, it typically takes about 10-12 minutes of cooking time on high pressure when frozen. For bone-in chicken breasts, increase the cook time to 15-18 minutes. When cooking frozen chicken thighs, the cook time should be around 12-15 minutes. Finally, for a whole frozen chicken, you’ll need to adjust the cook time to approximately 6-8 minutes per pound.

Keep in mind that these are just general guidelines, and you should always refer to the specific guidelines provided by your Instant Pot model and instruction manual. Additionally, factors such as altitude and the thickness of the chicken pieces can also affect cook times, so it’s essential to keep an eye on the progress of cooking by using the pot’s timer.

Achieving Perfect Texture

When it comes to cooking chicken in the Instant Pot, achieving a perfect texture is crucial. Nobody wants to bite into a dry and rubbery piece of chicken. To ensure your chicken comes out tender and juicy, here are a few essential things to keep in mind:

1. Use the appropriate amount of liquid: The Instant Pot relies on steam to cook the food, so it’s important to have enough liquid to create steam. For chicken, you can use water, chicken broth, or even flavorful marinades as the cooking liquid. A general rule of thumb is to use about 1 cup of liquid for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, and 1.5 cups for bone-in cuts. This will ensure sufficient steam and moisture during cooking.

2. Consider the thickness of the chicken: Thicker chicken pieces may require longer cooking times to ensure they cook through. If you have large bone-in chicken breasts or thick chicken thighs, you may need to increase the cook times mentioned earlier by a few minutes. Be mindful of the thickness of the chicken pieces you are cooking to avoid undercooking.

3. Natural release vs. quick release: When the cook time is complete, you have the option to either naturally release the pressure, which allows the chicken to continue cooking in the residual heat, or you can opt for a quick release by manually releasing the pressure valve. For more delicate cuts of chicken, like boneless, skinless breasts, a natural release is recommended to prevent overcooking and keep the meat tender. For tougher cuts, like bone-in pieces, a quick release can help prevent overcooking and maintain a desirable texture.

By considering these factors and making the necessary adjustments to your cooking method, you can ensure that your chicken comes out perfectly tender and juicy.

Flavor Infusion

The Instant Pot is not only great for cooking chicken quickly but also for infusing it with flavor. Here are a few methods to enhance the taste of your steamed chicken:

1. Seasoning: Before placing the chicken in the Instant Pot, season it generously with your favorite herbs, spices, and seasonings. This will impart flavor to the meat as it cooks. You can use a simple blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, or get creative with more complex spice mixes like Cajun, Italian, or Asian seasonings.

2. Marinades: Marinating the chicken in a flavorful liquid before cooking can take the taste to the next level. You can create your own marinades using a combination of ingredients like soy sauce, honey, citrus juices, herbs, and spices. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight for a more intense flavor.

3. Aromatics: Adding aromatic ingredients such as onions, garlic, ginger, or lemongrass to the cooking liquid can infuse the chicken with delicious fragrances. These aromatics will penetrate the meat during cooking, resulting in a more flavorful and aromatic chicken dish.

4. Finishing touches: After the chicken is cooked, you can give it a finishing touch by browning or broiling it in the oven or on a stovetop grill for a few minutes. This extra step will add a delightful crispy texture and enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Remember, the Instant Pot is a fantastic tool for flavor infusion, so don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different combinations of herbs, spices, and marinades to suit your taste preferences.

Other Instant Pot Cooking Methods For Chicken

While steaming chicken in the Instant Pot is a popular and convenient method, there are several other cooking techniques you can explore to diversify your chicken recipes:

1. Sautéing: The Instant Pot’s sauté function allows you to quickly brown the chicken before pressure cooking. This adds an extra depth of flavor and provides a beautiful golden color to the chicken. Simply heat a small amount of oil or butter in the Instant Pot, brown the chicken on both sides until nicely seared, then proceed with the pressure cooking process according to your recipe.

2. Pressure cooking with sauces: Instead of cooking the chicken in plain liquid, you can create delicious sauces and simmer the chicken in them. For example, you can make a creamy mushroom sauce, tomato-based marinara sauce, or a tangy barbecue sauce to infuse the chicken with flavor. Fill the pot with the sauce and place the seasoned chicken on top before sealing and pressure cooking.

3. Shredding: The Instant Pot is excellent for preparing tender and flavorful shredded chicken. This versatile ingredient can be used in a variety of dishes, such as tacos, sandwiches, salads, and soups. To make shredded chicken, add the chicken breasts or thighs to the Instant Pot along with some broth or water, seasonings, and aromatics. Cook on high pressure for the appropriate time and then use two forks or a stand mixer to shred the cooked chicken.

By exploring these different cooking methods, you can create a wide range of chicken dishes in your Instant Pot, each with its own unique flavor and texture profile.

Instant Pot Tips For Chicken

To ensure success when cooking chicken in an Instant Pot, here are some useful tips:

1. Preheat the Instant Pot: Just like preheating an oven, preheating the Instant Pot can make a difference in cooking time and evenness. Simply select the "Sauté" function, allow the pot to heat up for a few minutes, and then add your chicken. This step will help brown the chicken, seal in the juices, and decrease the overall cooking time.

2. Use a meat thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked to the right internal temperature and avoid any potential food safety risks, a meat thermometer is invaluable. The USDA recommends that chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken to check for doneness.

3. Let it rest: After the cooking time is complete, allow the chicken to rest in the Instant Pot for a few minutes before releasing the pressure or serving. This will help the juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.

4. Quick-release safety precautions: When opting for a quick release, it’s essential to take safety precautions due to the hot steam. Use oven mitts or tongs to operate the pressure release valve to avoid steam burns. Position the valve away from yourself and others. Additionally, make sure your face and hands are not directly above the valve, as steam can escape forcefully.

5. Opt for natural release for large cuts: For larger cuts of chicken, such as a whole chicken or bone-in breasts, it’s often recommended to choose the natural release method. This allows for additional cooking time in the residual heat without the risk of overcooking the meat.

By following these tips, you can achieve excellent results and make your chicken dishes in the Instant Pot a breeze.

Creative Instant Pot Chicken Recipes And Variations

Now that you have a solid understanding of the basics, let’s explore a few creative Instant Pot chicken recipes and variations to get your culinary creativity flowing:

1. Lemon Herb Chicken: Season boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken and add lemon slices to the pot. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes and then naturally release the pressure. Serve with steamed vegetables and couscous for a fresh and zesty meal.

2. Teriyaki Chicken: In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil to make a teriyaki marinade. Marinate chicken thighs for at least 30 minutes. Cook the chicken on high pressure for 12 minutes, followed by a quick release. Remove the chicken from the pot and thicken the sauce using the sauté function. Serve with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a delicious Asian-inspired dish.

3. Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps: Place boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the Instant Pot and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Pour buffalo sauce over the chicken, ensuring they are well-coated. Cook on high pressure for 12 minutes, followed by a quick release. Shred the chicken and serve in crisp lettuce leaves with toppings like blue cheese crumbles, diced tomatoes, and ranch dressing.

4. Chicken Tortilla Soup: Sauté onions, garlic, bell peppers, and corn in the Instant Pot using the sauté function. Add boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, and chicken broth. Cook on high pressure for 12 minutes, followed by a natural release. Shred the chicken and add it back to the pot along with black beans and lime juice. Serve topped with tortilla strips, avocado, and cilantro.

These recipe variations are just the tip of the iceberg. The Instant Pot opens up a world of possibilities where you can experiment with different flavors, cuisines, and ingredients to create unique and exciting chicken dishes.

Conclusion

The Instant Pot provides a convenient and efficient way to cook chicken to perfection. Whether you choose to steam, sauté, or pressure cook it, the possibilities are endless. By following the cook times, ensuring the right texture, infusing flavors, and experimenting with different cooking methods, you’ll be able to create delicious and tender chicken dishes in no time. So grab your Instant Pot, gather your favorite ingredients, and get ready to impress your family and friends with your culinary prowess. Happy cooking!

FAQS

How Do I Make Steam Chicken In An Instant Pot?

To make steam chicken in an instant pot, you will need to place the chicken in the inner pot with some liquid, such as water or chicken broth. Close the lid and set the valve to the "sealing" position. Press the "pressure cook" button and set the time for 12-15 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow for a natural release for 5 minutes before manually releasing the remaining pressure.

What Type Of Chicken Should I Use For This Recipe?

Any type of chicken can be used for steam chicken in an instant pot, such as bone-in chicken, boneless chicken breasts, or even a whole chicken. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the type and size of the chicken.

Can I Add Seasonings And Spices To The Chicken Before Cooking?

Yes, you can add your desired seasonings and spices to the chicken before cooking. This will add extra flavor to the chicken. You can also add aromatics such as herbs, garlic, or ginger to the cooking liquid for more flavor.

How Long Does It Take To Cook Steam Chicken In An Instant Pot?

The cooking time for steam chicken in an instant pot will vary depending on the size and type of chicken. Typically, bone-in chicken takes around 12-15 minutes to cook while boneless chicken breasts take around 8-10 minutes. It is important to always check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is fully cooked.

Can I Use Frozen Chicken For This Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken for steam chicken in an instant pot. However, the cooking time will need to be increased by 3-5 minutes to account for the chicken being frozen. It is important to remember to never put frozen chicken directly into the instant pot, as this can lead to uneven cooking and food safety concerns. Allow the chicken to thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.