Cooking chicken in a pressure cooker is one of the fastest ways to achieve tender, juicy, and flavourful results. Whether you're making chicken for curries, soups, salads, or meal prepping, the pressure cooker helps lock in moisture and reduce cooking time dramatically. Understanding the right cooking times ensures your chicken cooks evenly without drying out.
How Long Does Chicken Take in a Pressure Cooker?
The cooking time depends on whether the chicken is bone-in, boneless, whole, or frozen. Here’s a helpful guide:
| Chicken Type | Size / Cut | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless chicken breast | Whole pieces | 8–10 minutes |
| Boneless chicken thighs | Whole pieces | 10–12 minutes |
| Bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks | Standard size | 15–18 minutes |
| Chicken wings | Whole or separated | 10–12 minutes |
| Whole chicken | 1.2–1.6 kg | 25–30 minutes |
| Frozen chicken | Any cut | Add 3–5 extra minutes |
Tip: Always allow 5–7 minutes of natural pressure release for juicier chicken.
How to Cook Chicken in a Pressure Cooker (Step-by-Step)
1. Prepare the chicken
Rinse and pat dry. Season with salt, pepper, herbs, or any marinade you prefer. For more flavour, marinate for 15–30 minutes before cooking.
2. Brown the chicken (optional)
Browning on sauté mode adds extra flavour and colour. It’s especially useful for curries and stews.
3. Add aromatics and liquids
Onions, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, or herbs all work well. Add 1–1.5 cups of water or stock to create steam.
4. Pressure cook
Seal the lid and cook according to the time chart above. Start timing only once full pressure is reached.
5. Release pressure
Natural release helps retain moisture, especially for chicken breast and whole chicken.
6. Check doneness
Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 74°C and be tender when cut.
Delicious Dishes to Make with Pressure-Cooked Chicken
- Chicken curry
- Chicken stew with vegetables
- Shredded chicken for tacos or wraps
- Chicken soup or broth
- Chicken pasta dishes
Tips for Perfect Pressure-Cooked Chicken
- Use natural release for softer, juicier results.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot; chicken needs space for even cooking.
- Use stock instead of water for deeper flavour.
- Frozen chicken works well—no defrosting needed.
- Sear chicken first if you want richer colour.
Shop Quality Pressure Cookers
At The Living Styles, we offer pressure cookers built to deliver fast, efficient, and consistent cooking results. Whether you’re preparing chicken, soups, curries, or slow-cooked meals, our range includes high-quality options from WMF, Scanpan, Pyrolux, and Wiltshire. These brands are trusted for durability, safety features, and even heat distribution.
