The Idea Sparks
My Favorite is Quick Pressure Cooker Chicken and one busy evening, I found myself staring at my kitchen, feeling overwhelmed. I had a long day, and the last thing I wanted was to spend hours cooking dinner. As I opened the fridge, I spotted a whole chicken. Suddenly, I remembered my trusty pressure cooker sitting on the counter, just waiting to be used. I thought to myself, “This could be the perfect solution!” I grabbed the chicken and started planning a quick and easy meal that my family would love.
Seasoning Magic
I decided to season the chicken with some simple spices. I mixed olive oil with garlic powder, onion powder, and a bit of chili powder. As I rubbed the seasoning under the skin, the chicken felt like a blank canvas. I added quartered onions and smashed garlic cloves inside the cavity, filling it with delicious aromas. I could already imagine how flavorful it would be. With everything prepped, I placed the chicken in the pressure cooker, feeling excited about the quick cooking time.
Cooking Time
While the pressure cooker worked its magic, I took a moment to relax. I loved the sound of the cooker hissing away, knowing it would soon produce a juicy, tender chicken. In just 27 minutes, the kitchen filled with mouthwatering smells. After the timer beeped, I carefully removed the chicken and placed it under the broiler for a few minutes to make the skin crispy. Watching it turn golden brown made me smile; I knew my family would be in for a treat.
A Family Favorite
When I served the chicken, my family gathered around the table, eyes wide with anticipation. The first bite was pure bliss. The chicken was moist and bursting with flavor, and everyone loved it. I felt proud, knowing I had created a delicious meal in under an hour. This Quick Pressure Cooker Chicken quickly became a family favorite, and it reminded me that sometimes, the simplest meals bring the most joy. I couldn’t wait to make it again!
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes-Quick Pressure Cooker Chicken
- Ensure the chicken is at room temperature before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly, leading to juicier meat.
- Feel free to experiment with different spice blends like lemon-pepper, Cajun seasoning, or even a dash of smoked paprika for a unique flavor profile.
- When broiling the chicken for crispy skin, keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. Every broiler can vary in intensity.
- For additional flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the cavity of the chicken along with the onion and garlic.
- Use leftover chicken in salads, sandwiches, or wraps. It can also be shredded and added to soups or tacos for quick meals.
Quick Pressure Cooker Chicken
4
servings10
minutes27
minutes443
kcal10
minutes52
minutesGet ready to revolutionize your weeknight dinners with this Quick Pressure Cooker Chicken! This recipe is a game-changer, offering a mouthwatering, juicy chicken in under an hour. With the ease of a pressure cooker, you can infuse your bird with bold flavors and achieve that perfect golden skin. Whether you’re a busy parent or just looking for a hassle-free meal, this dish is your ticket to culinary success. Channel your inner chef and impress your family with this delightful, savory chicken that’s sure to become a household favorite!
Ingredients
- For the Chicken
1 whole chicken about 4.5 pounds
2 tablespoons olive oil or ghee
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1 medium onion quartered
5 cloves garlic peeled and smashed
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 cup chicken broth or water
- For the Gravy
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch or arrowroot for Paleo
Directions
- **Preparing the Pressure Cooker** – Stuff the cavity of the chicken with onion quarters and smashed garlic cloves. Secure the legs with butcher’s twine if desired. Place the trivet in the pressure cooker and pour in the chicken broth or water. Position the chicken on top of the trivet. Ensure the lid is set to “Sealing.” (Approx. 5 minutes)
- **Cooking the Chicken** – Set the pressure cooker to high pressure for 27 minutes for a 4.5-pound chicken. Once done, allow natural pressure release for 15 minutes before opening the lid. Carefully remove the chicken and place it on a baking sheet lined with foil. Broil for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. (Approx. 32 minutes)
- **Making the Gravy** – Press “Cancel” on the pressure cooker and strain the cooking liquid into a measuring cup to make up to 2 cups of stock if needed. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of hot stock with flour or cornstarch until smooth. Return remaining stock to the pressure cooker and press “Saute.” Stir in the flour mixture and cook until thickened. Serve alongside the chicken. (Approx. 10 minutes)
- Finish and Serve.
Equipment
- instant pot
Notes
- For best results, ensure your chicken is at room temperature before cooking to help it cook evenly. Serve this dish with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Feel free to experiment with different spice blends like lemon-pepper or Cajun seasoning for variety!
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 443kcal
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 124mg
- Sodium: 209mg
- Potassium: 390mg
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Vitamin A: 375IU
- Vitamin C: 3mg
- Calcium: 18mg
- Iron: 1.9mg
FAQ-Quick Pressure Cooker Chicken
Can I use a frozen chicken?
It’s best to use a thawed whole chicken for this recipe. Cooking from frozen will require adjustments to cooking time and may affect texture.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
You can use vegetable broth or water if you don’t have chicken broth. For added flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) when checked in the thickest part of the breast and thigh. A meat thermometer is a great tool for this.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can cook the chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven for the best texture.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This chicken is great for meal prep. Portion it out with your favorite sides and store in airtight containers for quick and easy meals throughout the week.
