Instant Pot Redemption Foolproof Pressure Cooker Chicken

Instant Pot Redemption: Mastering Foolproof Pressure Cooker Chicken

Ever stared blankly at your Instant Pot, wondering if you're about to create a culinary masterpiece or a rubbery chicken disaster? Honestly, we've all been there.

This recipe will guide you through 5 Mistakes to Avoid When making Pressure Cooker Chicken Recipes , promising juicy, tender results every single time.

Think proper Sunday roast vibes, but faster!

This recipe hails from the modern kitchen, inspired by the classic comfort of home cooked meals made simpler. It's a medium difficulty undertaking, taking about an hour from start to finish.

This should yield 4 satisfying servings.

The Secret Weapon? Flavour and Time Saving!

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flavour and speed. Not only is it quicker than traditional roasting, but the pressure cooking method infuses the chicken with incredible moisture and flavour.

It's also packed with protein. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. What sets this apart is its commitment to avoiding common mistakes that lead to dry or bland chicken.

The All-Star Cast: Ingredients for Success

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 600g / 1.3 lbs)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped (approx. 150g)
• 2 carrots, chopped (approx. 100g)
• 2 celery stalks, chopped (approx. 100g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (approx. 6g)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (5 ml)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary (2.5 ml)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (1.25 ml)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (2.5 ml)
• 1 cup chicken broth (240 ml) low sodium preferred
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (12g)
• 2 tablespoons cold water (30 ml) - for slurry
• Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

5 Instant Pot Mistakes and How to Dodge Them

Let's be honest, the Instant Pot can seem intimidating, but it doesn't need to be. Here are some easy Instant Pot Tips to remember when trying this recipe.

Mistake #1: Forgetting to Sear

Trust me, don't skip searing. It's tempting to skip steps, but searing the chicken creates a beautiful crust. Sear those thighs skin side down until golden brown (about 4- 5 minutes).

Flip and sear the other side for 2 minutes, this adds depth and complexity to the dish.

Mistake #2: Ignoring the Sealing Ring

The Instant Pot Sealing Ring Problems are real. A dodgy ring is a recipe for disaster. Always check your sealing ring.

Is it damaged? Is it properly installed? Inspect it before each use. I once had a dinner party ruined because I forgot this step.

Never again.

Mistake #3: Not Enough Liquid

The How to Use an Instant Pot starts with the proper liquid. Make sure to add at least 1 cup of chicken broth, so that there is steam and maintaining pressure.

Always follow the recipe's liquid recommendations. I've learned my lesson the hard way with the dreaded Instant Pot Burn Message .

Mistake #4: Overfilling the Pot

Never fill the pot more than 2/3 full. This is important, especially with ingredients that expand during cooking. This avoids splattering and ensures proper pressure.

I once tried to cram too much in, and it was a mess.

Mistake #5: Skipping Natural Pressure Release

Instant Pot Natural Pressure Release is key for juicy chicken. NPR results in more tender and moist results, especially for meat.

Be patient and let the pressure release naturally for about 15 minutes.

Following these simple tips will guide you in making Easy Instant Pot Recipes and prevent you from making common Pressure Cooker errors.

Right, let's dive into what you'll need to conquer this pressure cooker chicken recipe . Honestly, it’s easier than you think, even if your Instant Pot is currently just gathering dust.

A bit of forward prep will save your bacon later. Trust me, I've had my fair share of Instant Pot sealing ring problems , leading to dinner disasters!

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients

Alright, here’s the lowdown for my perfect Instant Pot chicken.

• Chicken Thighs: You'll need 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 600g / 1.3 lbs ). Quality matters! Go for thighs that look plump and juicy, not pale and dry.
• Olive Oil: A tablespoon ( 15 ml ) of your favorite olive oil. Extra virgin is best, but whatever you have is fine.
• Veggies: One large chopped yellow onion ( approx. 150g ), two chopped carrots ( approx. 100g ), and two chopped celery stalks ( approx. 100g ). Don't be too precious about the chopping; rustic is good.
• Garlic: Two minced cloves ( approx. 6g ). Fresh is always better, you know?
• Herbs & Spices: 1 teaspoon dried thyme ( 5 ml ), 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary ( 2.5 ml ), 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ( 1.25 ml ), and 1/2 teaspoon salt ( 2.5 ml ). Feel free to tweak these to your taste!
• Chicken Broth: 1 cup ( 240 ml ) of low-sodium chicken broth. Low sodium lets you control the saltiness.
• Slurry: 1 tablespoon cornstarch ( 12g ) mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water ( 30 ml ). This is your secret weapon for thickening the sauce.
• Garnish (Optional): Fresh parsley, chopped. Because everyone loves a bit of green.

Seasoning Notes

Essential spice combinations are the bedrock of this dish. The thyme and rosemary are a classic pairing! They give it that Sunday roast vibe.

Don't be afraid to add a bay leaf. It adds a subtle depth of flavour. Flavour enhancers? A dash of Worcestershire sauce works wonders!

If you're out of thyme, use Italian seasoning. A straight swap works pretty well. Honestly, don’t stress too much; cooking is all about experimenting.

Equipment Needed

Okay, keep it simple with these essential tools.

• Instant Pot: Obviously! Any electric pressure cooker will do.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: For accuracy.
• Cutting Board & Knife: You'll need these for the chopping.
• Small Bowl: For mixing the cornstarch slurry.

Don't have a fancy knife? No worries! A regular kitchen knife will do the trick. Lost your measuring spoons? Eyeballing it works sometimes, but I wouldn’t recommend it for this recipe.

You are risking some Instant Pot Mistakes .

Now that you're armed with your gear, get ready to avoid 5 mistakes to avoid when making killer pressure cooker chicken recipes in your Instant Pot ! We’re gonna demystify how to use an Instant Pot and get you cooking with confidence.

Don't worry too much about the Instant Pot cooking times , we are trying to make it easy. Also, we need to take into account the Instant Pot natural pressure release .

Instant Pot Redemption: Mastering Foolproof Pressure Cooker Chicken

Ever stared at your Instant Pot , wondering if it's plotting against your dinner? Honestly, I get it. Mine used to terrify me! But this recipe? This demystifies pressure cooker chicken , guiding you around common traps for consistently tender, flavourful results.

We're saying ta-ra to rubbery chicken and embracing succulent perfection, proper Sunday roast style.

Prep Like a Pro: The Essential Mise en Place

First things first, let's get organized, yeah? Chop 1 large yellow onion , 2 carrots , and 2 celery stalks .

Mince 2 cloves of garlic . Get your 1 teaspoon dried thyme and 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary ready. Measure out 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and 1/2 teaspoon salt .

And that's it! Quick and easy, right? Don't skip this step, a little work upfront makes the cooking easy later.

step-by-step to Chicken Nirvana

1. Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the Instant Pot using "Sauté". Season 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Sear skin side down until golden brown (about 4- 5 minutes ). Flip and sear the other side for 2 minutes . Remove and set aside. Searing adds heaps of flavour!
2. Sauté Aromatics: Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened (about 5- 7 minutes ). Add garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant. Smells amazing, doesn't it?
3. Deglaze Like a Boss: Pour in 1 cup chicken broth , scraping up any browned bits. This is key to avoiding that dreaded Instant Pot Burn Message ! .
4. Pressure Cook Time: Place chicken back in the pot. Secure the lid, making sure the Instant Pot Sealing Ring is properly in place. Set to "Pressure Cook" (or "Manual") on high for 15 minutes .
5. Natural Pressure Release (NPR) is Your Mate: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes . Then, carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
6. Thicken It Up (Optional): Remove chicken and veg. Set the pot to "Sauté". Whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water into a slurry. Slowly pour it in while stirring, until thickened (about 1- 2 minutes ).
7. Serve and Enjoy: Return chicken to the pot or serve it over the vegetables. Garnish with fresh parsley, if you're feeling fancy.

Pro Instant Pot Tips & Tricks

• Don't Overfill: Never fill the Instant Pot more than 2/3 full. Seriously, don't. It stops it from reaching pressure properly.
• 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Using Your Sealing Ring: Always check that Instant Pot Sealing Ring ! A dodgy sealing ring is the main culprit for Pressure Cooker Recipe fails. Give it a once over before each use.
• Natural Pressure Release.

Making Magic in Minutes with Easy Instant Pot Recipes

I remember one time I rushed the pressure release, and chicken exploded everywhere! Don't be like me. The Instant Pot Natural Pressure Release is worth the wait.

The extra time will help maintain that tender chicken we are looking for in the final product. And trust me, that makes all the difference.

So, embrace the Instant Pot Cooking Times ; it's all about patience.

Recipe Notes for Instant Pot Perfection

Right then, let's talk about this Pressure Cooker Chicken Recipe . Honestly, cooking in an Instant Pot can feel like a bit of a gamble sometimes, yeah? But trust me, once you get the hang of it, it’s a total game changer! We've all been there, staring at the Instant Pot Burn Message , wondering what went wrong.

So, I'm gonna share some handy tips and tricks to make sure your chicken comes out banging every single time.

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Presentation, innit? First impressions and all that jazz. How you serve this is proper important. Think about plating up the chicken on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes the perfect comfort food pairing.

Roasted root veggies like carrots and parsnips work a treat too. A bit of green some steamed green beans or asparagus balances out the richness nicely.

And honestly, a simple green salad with a vinaigrette cuts through it all brilliantly. Maybe crack open a bottle of chilled white wine? You know, if you're feeling fancy.

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Right, so leftovers? Not a problem. Once it’s cooled down, bung the chicken in an airtight container and it’ll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days .

You can also freeze it. Make sure it's properly cooled first. Pop it in a freezer bag or container and it’ll be good for up to 3 months .

When you fancy some, just defrost it in the fridge overnight and reheat it gently in the microwave or oven.

Ensure it's piping hot all the way through before serving!

Variations: Switching Things Up

Fancy a bit of a twist? You could swap the thyme and rosemary for Italian seasoning for a totally different vibe.

For a lower fat version, use skinless chicken breasts. Make sure to reduce the cooking time though, or they'll dry out! Veggie? No worries! Chuck in some chickpeas and swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth.

Bangin' chickpea stew, sorted.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Pot

Alright, so each serving clocks in at roughly 420 calories. You're looking at a hefty 35g of protein, about 25g of fat, and 10g of carbs.

There's a bit of fibre in there too around 2g, and a little sugar about 3g. Sodium sits around 500mg, but that depends on the broth you use, innit? Remember these are estimates, OK?

I can remember when I first got my Instant Pot . I tried to cook a whole chicken and ended up with a rubbery mess! So I understand the need to avoid 5 Mistakes to Avoid When using your pressure cooker.

I’ve learned that one of the most important Instant Pot Tips is to make sure you get your Instant Pot Sealing Ring Problems sorted before you even think about cooking.

And be mindful of your Instant Pot Cooking Times and how the Instant Pot Natural Pressure Release affects the outcome.

I really hope this helps you make some Easy Instant Pot Recipes !

So, there you have it! A little guide to making your Pressure Cooker Recipe a total success. Don’t be scared of the Instant Pot it’s your mate, honest! Give it a go, and let me know how it turns out, yeah? You got this!