How Long to Cook Chicken in a Pressure Cooker for Perfectly Tender Meat

One of the fastest and safest ways to get juicy, tender meat in a fraction of the time it takes to cook it the old-fashioned way is to use a pressure cooker. But getting the timing right can mean the difference between chicken that is juicy and falls off the bone and chicken that is dry and rubbery.

So how long should you pressure cook chicken to perfection? Here, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know.

Understanding Pressure Cooking

Pressure cookers work by trapping steam inside a tightly sealed pot, allowing the pressure to rise higher than normal. This increases the temperature of the steam above the typical 212°F boiling point of water.

The hot steam cooks the chicken very quickly, while the high pressure forces water and liquid into the chicken. This makes chicken that is fully cooked but still very tender and juicy.

There is evidence that pressure cookers can cook chicken up to 70% faster than regular cooking methods. You should know how different things, like the cut size and bone-in vs. boneless, affect the best cooking times, though, if you want the best results.

Cooking Times for Chicken in a Pressure Cooker

Here are the approximate pressure cooking times for different cuts and types of chicken

• Boneless chicken breasts – 8 to 10 minutes
• Bone-in chicken breasts – 10 to 12 minutes
• Boneless chicken thighs – 6 to 8 minutes
• Bone-in chicken thighs and legs – 10 to 15 minutes
• Chicken wings – 4 to 6 minutes
• Cornish hens – 8 to 10 minutes
• Whole chickens – 20 to 30 minutes (6 – 8 minutes per pound)

These times are based on a high pressure setting If your cooker has lower pressure options, you may need to increase the time slightly

Always check for doneness by cutting into the thickest part of the chicken and ensuring the juices run clear with no pinkness. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Chicken

Follow these simple tips for flawlessly cooked chicken every time:

• Don’t pack too much into the pot; cook the chicken in a single layer with space between each piece. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.

• Use at least 1 cup liquid – The liquid creates steam which builds pressure. Use water, broth, wine, or other flavorful liquids.

• Allow natural pressure release – Let the pressure dissipate naturally for 10-15 minutes before opening the lid. This prevents overcooking.

• Marinate chicken for extra flavor – Marinades infuse chicken with flavors and help tenderize meat.

• Use a meat thermometer – Check temperature to ensure chicken reaches safe 165°F internally.

• Let chicken rest before serving – Resting for 5-10 minutes allows juices to redistribute for moist, tender meat.

Common Chicken Pressure Cooking Questions

If you’re new to pressure cooking chicken, you probably have some questions. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked:

Can you pressure cook frozen chicken?

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken in a pressure cooker. Add 5-8 minutes for boneless and 10-15 minutes for bone-in chicken over the regular cooking time to compensate. Make sure chicken is fully thawed before checking doneness.

Should you pressure cook chicken on high or low?

Always use the high pressure setting when pressure cooking chicken. Low pressure won’t get hot enough to properly cook and tenderize the chicken. Higher pressure = faster cooking.

How much liquid do you need to pressure cook chicken?

Use at least 1 cup of liquid like broth, wine, or water to generate enough steam and pressure. Less liquid can lead to scorching or insufficient pressure.

Can you cook a whole chicken in a pressure cooker?

Absolutely! Whole chickens take about 20-30 minutes in a pressure cooker depending on size. Add aromatics and liquids for extra flavor. Cook 6-8 minutes per pound.

Why is my pressure cooked chicken tough and chewy?

This happens if chicken is undercooked or overcooked. Make sure to use cooking times recommended for your cut of chicken. Quick pressure release can also cause toughening.

How do you know when pressure cooked chicken is done?

Check for doneness by cutting into thickest parts and ensuring meat is opaque with clear juices. Chicken should reach 165°F internally. If undercooked, put lid back on for a few more minutes.

Tips for Flavorful Pressure Cooked Chicken

While pressure cooking efficiently cooks chicken, extra steps help ensure maximum flavor:

• Marinate chicken – Soaking chicken in marinades or dry rubs before cooking infuses it with seasoning.

• Brown or sear chicken first – Browning adds depth, color, and caramelized flavor.

• Use flavorful cooking liquids – Chicken broth, wine, or other liquids add flavor to meat.

• Add aromatics – Onions, garlic, herbs, chili peppers, etc impart big flavor.

• Use seasoning packets – Chicken bouillon or taco seasoning mixes add easy flavor.

• Toss chicken with sauce afterward – Toss cooked chicken with barbecue, teriyaki, jerk or other sauces.

Satisfying Pressure Cooker Chicken Recipes

Here are two delicious chicken recipes to make in your pressure cooker:

Jerk Chicken

Ingredients: Chicken thighs, Jamaican jerk seasoning, chicken broth, habanero pepper, onion, garlic

Directions: Combine jerk seasoning and chicken in a bag to marinate. Add chicken, broth, peppers and onion to pressure cooker. Cook 12 minutes. Toss with juices.

Chicken Parmesan

Ingredients: Chicken breasts, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese

Directions: Layer sauce, chicken breasts, more sauce, then cheese in pressure cooker. Cook 8 minutes. Serve over pasta.

Get the Most Out of Your Pressure Cooker

Mastering cooking times is the key to creating phenomenally tender, juicy, and delicious pressure cooked chicken. In no time, you’ll be whipping up incredible chicken meals easily on any night of the week.

Remember, pressure cooking is very fast, so err on the side of slightly undercooking. You can always put the lid back on for a few more minutes if needed. But overdoing it risks drying out the chicken.

Follow these tips and suggested cooking times, and you’ll be a pressure cooking pro in no time!