Using an Instant Pot to cook chicken is a quick and convenient way to prepare delicious meals. With the ability to cook chicken under pressure, Instant Pots can significantly reduce cooking times. However, when it comes to tenderness, many people wonder – does cooking chicken longer in an Instant Pot make it more tender?
How Instant Pots Cook Chicken
Instant Pots are electric pressure cookers that cook food quickly by trapping steam inside a sealed pot to build up pressure. The increased pressure allows liquid inside the pot to rise to a higher temperature before boiling. For example, at sea level pressure (14.7 psi), water boils at 212°F (100°C). But under high pressure like in an Instant Pot, water can reach temperatures of 250°F (121°C) and above.
This higher heat cooks food faster. Tough cuts of meat that normally take hours to braise or roast become fall-off-the-bone tender in a fraction of the time. The moist heat environment also helps break down collagen and connective tissues.
Chicken contains less connective tissue compared to beef or pork. But the high heat and pressure still reduces cooking time and gives great results. Whole chickens or bone-in parts like drumsticks usually take 15-30 minutes to cook. Boneless breasts and thighs cook even faster in 10-15 minutes.
Minimum Instant Pot Chicken Cook Times
Instant Pot recipes include a minimum cook time for chicken, based on getting it safe to eat. According to USDA guidelines, chicken needs to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to eliminate harmful bacteria. Cooking chicken under pressure allows the inside to reach this safe temperature very quickly.
Here are some minimum Instant Pot cook times for chicken:
| Chicken Type | Minimum Cook Time |
|---|---|
| Whole chicken | 15 minutes |
| Chicken breasts | 5 minutes |
| Chicken thighs | 8 minutes |
| Chicken drumsticks | 10 minutes |
Cooking chicken only for these minimum times ensures it reaches a safe internal temperature. But the texture may be less tender. Going beyond the minimum cook time can make the chicken more tender.
Does Cooking Chicken Longer Make It More Tender?
Yes, cooking chicken for longer than the minimum time can make it more tender. Here’s why:
Collagen Breakdown
Chicken contains collagen, a connective tissue protein found in muscles, bones, and skin. Collagen makes meat tough. But when cooked in moist heat for long periods, collagen starts to break down into gelatin. This process is called collagen hydrolysis.
The extra gelatin lubricates the chicken meat, giving it a juicier texture. Cooking chicken under pressure speeds up collagen hydrolysis. More time in the Instant Pot allows more collagen to convert to gelatin.
Muscle Fiber Breakdown
Cooking also causes the long muscle fibers in meat to break down. This muscle fiber breakdown is another factor that makes meat more tender. The high temperature and pressure in an Instant Pot accelerates the process. More cooking time allows more muscle fibers to break down.
Connective Tissue Dissolving
Chicken connective tissues like membranes and ligaments also soften and partially dissolve during extended cooking. This contributes to a more tender texture. Again, the moist heat environment in the Instant Pot speeds up the dissolving.
In summary, the main ways longer Instant Pot cook times produce more tender chicken are:
- More collagen converts into gelatin
- More muscle fibers break down
- More connective tissues dissolve
How Long to Cook Chicken for Maximum Tenderness
Cooking chicken longer than the minimum time in an Instant Pot can maximize tenderness. But how long should you actually cook chicken to make it as tender as possible?
Here are some guidelines on Instant Pot cook times for tender chicken:
Whole Chicken
Cook a whole 3-5 lb chicken for 35-45 minutes after pressure cooking starts. This allows time for the collagen to fully break down even in the largest thighs and breasts.
Chicken Breasts
For bone-in chicken breasts, cook for 18-22 minutes after pressure cooking begins. For boneless breasts, cook for 10-15 minutes. Thinner boneless breasts may only need 8 minutes.
Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs with bone need 20-25 minutes of cook time for maximum tenderness. Boneless thighs only need 12-15 minutes.
Chicken Drumsticks
Cook chicken drumsticks for 22-28 minutes after pressure is achieved for fall-off-the-bone texture.
Keep in mind these times are after the pot reaches full pressure. Allow 15-20 minutes for the pot to pressurize before the cook time begins.
To summarize, for the most tender chicken in an Instant Pot, allow at least:
- 35-45 minutes for a whole chicken
- 18-22 minutes for bone-in chicken breasts
- 10-15 minutes for boneless breasts
- 20-25 minutes for bone-in thighs
- 12-15 minutes for boneless thighs
- 22-28 minutes for drumsticks
Tenderness Tips
Here are some extra tips for maximizing tenderness when cooking chicken in an Instant Pot:
Natural Release
Let the pressure release naturally rather than quick-releasing. This allows more time for collagen breakdown as the temperature slowly lowers.
Add Liquid
Make sure to add at least 1 cup of broth or other liquid. Having enough moisture prevents drying and produces tender chicken.
Brown First
Browning the chicken before pressure cooking enhances flavor and tenderness. Saute chicken pieces in the pot first to brown them.
Use a Trivet
Place chicken on a trivet or steamer basket above water rather than directly in liquid. This allows steam to surround all surfaces.
Flip Halfway
For bone-in chicken, carefully flip the pieces halfway through cooking. This ensures even exposure to moisture and heat.
Let Rest
After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before carving. This allows juices to redistribute through the meat.
Common Problems
Here are some common reasons why chicken might turn out under-tender in the Instant Pot:
Not Enough Time
If the chicken is still tough, it likely didn’t cook long enough. Refer to the guidelines above to determine the right cook time.
Not Enough Liquid
Cooking chicken without at least 1 cup of broth, water, or sauce can cause dryness. Add more liquid next time.
Old Chicken
Chicken that is older will be less tender no matter how long you cook it. Use fresh chicken within a few days of purchasing.
Overcrowding
Putting too much chicken in the pot prevents proper steam circulation. Don’t overload the Instant Pot.
Quick-Release
Venting the pot immediately stops the cooking process. Always allow natural release for at least 10-15 minutes.
Wrong Size
Cut chicken pieces to the right size before cooking. Overly large pieces may undercook in the center.
Conclusion
Cooking chicken for longer than the minimum recommended time can produce more tender results in the Instant Pot. Allowing enough minutes under pressure for collagen to fully convert to gelatin and muscle fibers to break down is key.
For whole chickens and bone-in parts like breasts, thighs, and drumsticks, aim for at least 20-30 minutes under pressure. Flip larger pieces halfway through. Quick-release cooking stops the tenderizing process, so natural release is best. Adding liquid, browning first, and not overpacking the pot will also ensure tender chicken.
With the proper method, Instant Pots can turn out incredibly juicy, fall-off-the-bone chicken in a fraction of the traditional cooking time. Just make sure to adjust the cook time based on the specific cut of chicken for maximum tenderness.