Perfect Pressure Cooked Chicken
Learn how to make juicy, flavorful chicken every time with this foolproof pressure cooked chicken recipe! This method locks in moisture and speeds up your cook time—perfect for busy weeknights. With simple seasonings and step-by-step instructions, you'll have tender, perfectly cooked chicken ready in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs chicken breast
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
- garlic powder to taste optional
Instructions
- Start by removing the chicken breasts from the package. Trim off any excess fat or unwanted parts.
- Generously season your chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Feel free to customize the seasoning to match your dish.
- Pour one cup of your chosen liquid into the bottom of the pressure cooker. Using chicken broth will enhance the flavor, but water works just fine, too.
- Place the rack inside the pressure cooker and lay the seasoned chicken breasts on top. This keeps them elevated and prevents them from sitting in liquid, helping to maintain their texture.
- Lock the lid securely on your pressure cooker and ensure the pressure weight is in place. Follow your pressure cooker’s manual for proper setup. Turn the heat to medium-low—this prevents overheating while ensuring even cooking.
- Once the pressure cooker reaches full pressure (indicated by the weight jiggling), set your timer: 8 minutes for standard chicken breasts, 9 minutes for thicker chicken (over 2 inches thick), and 10 minutes for frozen chicken.
- When the timer goes off, turn off the heat. Do not remove the lid immediately! Wait until the pressure buttons go down, then carefully remove the weight. Once there is no steam hissing, open the lid.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. This step is crucial for keeping the meat moist.
- Now your perfectly pressure-cooked chicken is ready to be served however you like—slice it up for salads, shred it for tacos, or enjoy it as a main dish with your favorite sides.