Olivia Carter
If you’re a fan of mouthwatering barbecue chicken, but don’t have the time to fire up the grill, then a pressure cooker is your best friend. With a pressure cooker, you can achieve the same tender, flavorful results in a fraction of the time. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or simply craving some juicy chicken, this recipe will guide you through the process of making perfect barbecue chicken using your pressure cooker.
First and foremost, you’ll need some high-quality ingredients: chicken pieces of your choice (such as drumsticks, thighs, or breast), your favorite barbecue sauce, chicken broth or water, and a medley of aromatic herbs and spices. To add an extra punch of flavor, you can also opt for marinading the chicken in your barbecue sauce overnight.
Next, it’s time to prep your pressure cooker for the cooking process. Make sure it’s clean and in proper working condition. Once you’re ready, place the chicken pieces inside the pressure cooker, along with the marinade (if using), chicken broth or water, and a generous amount of your chosen herbs and spices. This will infuse the chicken with a delightful range of flavors.
Once everything is in the pressure cooker, lock the lid securely and set the cooking time according to the type and quantity of chicken you’re using. Typically, chicken takes around 8-10 minutes to cook in a pressure cooker, but always refer to your pressure cooker’s manual for precise cooking times.
After the cooking time is up, carefully release the pressure from the cooker and open the lid. Your senses will be greeted with an irresistible aroma. Now, it’s time to brush the chicken with a generous amount of barbecue sauce and transfer it to a hot grill or under the broiler to caramelize and create those sticky, smoky flavors that everyone loves. Keep an eye on the chicken to prevent it from burning.
Once the chicken is nicely charred and sizzling with barbecue goodness, remove it from the heat, allow it to rest for a few minutes, and then serve it with your favorite sides. Whether it’s a pile of creamy coleslaw, grilled corn on the cob, or fluffy mashed potatoes, the choice is yours. Take a bite of the juicy, tender chicken, and savor the delectable flavors that have been achieved effortlessly with the help of your trusty pressure cooker.
So, the next time you’re craving barbecue chicken but don’t have the luxury of time, reach for your pressure cooker and follow this recipe. Your taste buds will thank you, and you’ll have a plate of succulent barbecue chicken that’s sure to impress.
Gather the Ingredients
To make barbecue chicken in a pressure cooker, you will need the following ingredients:
- Chicken: Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces for the best flavor and tenderness. You can use a whole chicken cut into pieces, or specific cuts like drumsticks, thighs, or breasts.
- Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought barbecue sauce or make your own. Look for a sauce that complements the flavors of chicken, such as a smoky or tangy sauce.
- Seasonings: Enhance the flavor of the chicken with seasonings like salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Onion: Chop an onion to add flavor and aroma to the chicken. You can use a yellow, white, or red onion.
- Garlic: Crush or mince some garlic cloves to infuse the chicken with a delicious garlic flavor.
- Chicken Broth: Use chicken broth or stock to create steam and provide moisture to the chicken during the pressure cooking process.
- Oil: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola oil to brown the chicken before pressure cooking.
- Optional Extras: If desired, you can add other ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, honey, or vinegar to customize the flavor of the barbecue sauce.
Make sure you have all the ingredients ready before starting the cooking process. This will help you stay organized and ensure that everything is readily available.
Prepare the Chicken
Before cooking the barbecue chicken in a pressure cooker, it’s important to prepare the chicken properly.
First, wash the chicken under cold water to remove any dirt or debris on the skin. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
Next, season the chicken with your favorite barbecue rub or a mixture of salt, pepper, and other spices. Be generous with the seasoning to ensure the chicken has a flavorful taste.
For best results, let the seasoned chicken sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
If desired, you can also marinate the chicken in a barbecue sauce overnight to give it an extra kick of flavor.
Once the chicken is seasoned and ready, it’s time to get the pressure cooker ready and start cooking!
Season the Chicken
Before cooking the chicken, it’s important to season it well to enhance its flavor. Start by patting the chicken pieces dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, combine your favorite barbecue seasoning rub with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other spices such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
Sprinkle the seasoning mixture all over the chicken, making sure to coat both sides evenly. Use your hands to rub the seasoning into the chicken, ensuring that every piece is well seasoned.
Once the chicken is seasoned, set it aside and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and make it even more delicious.
Cook in the Pressure Cooker
Using a pressure cooker to make barbecue chicken is a quick and efficient method. It helps to lock in the flavor and tenderize the meat in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional cooking methods. Here are the steps to cook barbecue chicken in a pressure cooker:
- First, prepare the chicken by seasoning it with your favorite barbecue rub or marinade. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Next, preheat the pressure cooker by selecting the sauté function. Add a little oil to the cooker and wait for it to heat up.
- Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces to the pot and brown them on both sides. This will give the chicken a nice caramelized exterior and add depth of flavor to the dish.
- After browning the chicken, remove it from the pressure cooker and set it aside.
- Now, it’s time to add the barbecue sauce to the pot. You can use store-bought barbecue sauce or make your own. Pour the sauce into the cooker and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to prevent burning.
- Return the chicken to the pressure cooker, making sure to coat it evenly with the sauce.
- Close the lid of the pressure cooker and set the cooking time according to the recipe or the recommended cooking time for chicken. Typically, it takes about 8-10 minutes under pressure to cook barbecue chicken.
- Once the cooking time is up, carefully release the pressure using the quick-release method to avoid overcooking the chicken.
- Open the lid of the pressure cooker and check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer. It should read at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Remove the cooked barbecue chicken from the pressure cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make the chicken even more juicy and flavorful.
Now you know how to make delicious barbecue chicken in a pressure cooker. Enjoy your tender and flavorful chicken with your favorite side dishes or use it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. Happy cooking!
Serve and Enjoy
Once the barbecue chicken is cooked and the pressure has been released from the cooker, it’s time to serve and enjoy this delicious meal.
Using tongs, carefully remove the chicken pieces from the pressure cooker and transfer them to a serving platter. The chicken should be tender and moist, with a rich barbecue flavor.
Garnish the chicken with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and additional freshness. This will also add a hint of herbaceous aroma to complement the smoky barbecue flavors.
For a complete meal, serve the barbecue chicken alongside your favorite side dishes. Some classic choices include coleslaw, baked beans, cornbread, or potato salad. These sides will add variety and balance to the meal.
If you have any leftover barbecue chicken, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep or leftovers for another day.
When serving the chicken, be sure to provide extra barbecue sauce on the side for those who enjoy an extra punch of flavor. This allows everyone to customize their meal according to their taste preferences.
So gather your family and friends, and enjoy this mouthwatering barbecue chicken made in a pressure cooker. The tender and flavorful meat combined with the tangy barbecue sauce is guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering or weeknight dinner.
FAQ
What ingredients do I need to make barbecue chicken in a pressure cooker?
To make barbecue chicken in a pressure cooker, you will need the following ingredients: chicken pieces, barbecue sauce, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
How long does it take to cook barbecue chicken in a pressure cooker?
The cooking time for barbecue chicken in a pressure cooker will vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces. However, on average, it takes about 15-20 minutes to cook the chicken under high pressure and then an additional 10 minutes for natural pressure release.
