What's the cooking time for a whole chicken in a pressure cooker?

Question

Find out how long it takes to pressure cook a whole chicken based on size and texture goals.

Answer 1

A whole chicken typically takes 6-8 minutes per pound to cook in a pressure cooker, plus about 10-15 minutes for pressure to build and release. This results in a tender and juicy chicken.

Detailed Explanation:

Cooking a whole chicken in a pressure cooker is a fast and efficient way to get a delicious meal. Here's a breakdown of the process:

1. Preparation: Rinse the chicken inside and out and pat it dry with paper towels. You can season it with your favorite herbs, spices, and salt and pepper. Consider adding vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions to the bottom of the pressure cooker for added flavor.
2. Adding Liquid: Pour about 1 cup of chicken broth or water into the pressure cooker. This is essential for creating steam and pressure.
3. Cooking Time: The general rule is 6-8 minutes per pound of chicken. For example, a 4-pound chicken would cook for 24-32 minutes.
4. Pressure Release: Once the cooking time is up, you can either let the pressure release naturally (which takes about 15-20 minutes) or do a quick release (carefully release the pressure valve). Natural release often results in a more tender chicken.
5. Checking for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. If it's not done, return it to the pressure cooker for a few more minutes.
6. Serving: Carefully remove the chicken from the pressure cooker. Let it rest for a few minutes before carving and serving.

Pro Tip:

To prevent the chicken from sticking to the bottom of the pressure cooker, use a trivet or place the chicken on top of the vegetables. This also helps with even cooking.