5 Mouthwatering Chicken Pressure Cooker Recipes

In the quest for quick, delicious, and healthy meals, the pressure cooker stands out as a time-saving kitchen gadget. Not only does it significantly reduce cooking time, but it also enhances flavors by trapping in moisture and preventing flavors from escaping. Today, we're diving into some mouthwatering chicken pressure cooker recipes that will tantalize your taste buds and make your dinner times memorable. Here are five delectable recipes you can try:

Eastern Delight: Chicken Biryani

Chicken Biryani is a timeless dish that brings an explosion of flavors with every bite. Here's how you can make this rich, flavorful meal using your pressure cooker:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 kg chicken, cut into pieces
  • 2 cups basmati rice, soaked
  • 3 large onions, sliced
  • 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • Whole spices: 4 cardamoms, 4 cloves, 1 cinnamon stick, 2 bay leaves, 1 star anise
  • 1 tsp each of cumin, coriander, and turmeric powders
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cup mint leaves, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup cilantro, roughly chopped
  • 2 cups yogurt
  • 2-3 green chilies, slit
  • Ghee or oil for frying
  • Salt to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Heat ghee or oil in the pressure cooker. Add onions and fry until golden brown. Remove half of the onions for garnish.
  2. Add the whole spices, followed by ginger-garlic paste, and sauté until the raw smell disappears.
  3. Stir in the chicken, followed by the spices, tomatoes, mint, cilantro, chilies, yogurt, and salt. Mix well.
  4. Add the drained rice, pour in enough water to cover the mixture by about an inch, and stir gently.
  5. Cover and cook under pressure for one whistle, then reduce to a simmer for 10-12 minutes.
  6. Let the pressure release naturally, then open the cooker, fluff up the biryani with a fork, and garnish with the reserved fried onions.

🍲 Note: For an aromatic finish, add a few drops of rose water or kewra water when fluffing the rice.

Mediterranean Twist: Lemon Garlic Chicken

The combination of lemon and garlic elevates the humble chicken to gourmet levels. Here's how to make this simple yet elegant dish:

• Ingredients:
  • 4 chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 head of garlic, cloves separated and peeled
  • 1 lemon, sliced, plus juice from half a lemon
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh thyme or rosemary
• Instructions:
  1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the oil in the pressure cooker and brown the chicken on both sides. Remove the chicken.
  3. In the same pot, add the garlic cloves and sauté until slightly golden. Add lemon slices, juice, and broth, scraping the bottom to deglaze.
  4. Return the chicken to the cooker, tuck in the herbs.
  5. Pressure cook for 10 minutes. Release the pressure naturally.

🍋 Note: Serve with a side of couscous or roasted potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.

Southern Comfort: Chicken and Dumplings

For those chilly evenings, what could be more comforting than a bowl of hearty chicken and dumplings?

• Ingredients:
  • 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
  • 6 cups chicken stock
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • Salt, pepper, and thyme to taste
  • 3 tbsp butter
• Instructions:
  1. In the pressure cooker, melt butter, then add the vegetables. Cook until the onions are translucent.
  2. Add the chicken pieces and brown slightly.
  3. Pour in the stock, add seasoning, and cook under pressure for 25 minutes.
  4. While the chicken cooks, make the dumpling dough by mixing flour, baking powder, and milk.
  5. Once the pressure is released, shred the chicken, return it to the pot, and spoon in the dumpling dough. Cook on low heat without pressure until dumplings are cooked through.

Asian Flair: Chicken Teriyaki

Embrace the flavors of the East with this Chicken Teriyaki recipe that's quick to prepare in your pressure cooker:

• Ingredients:
  • 6 boneless chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup mirin
  • 1/4 cup sake or dry sherry
  • 3 tbsp sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
  • Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. In the pressure cooker, combine all ingredients except the garnish.
  2. Cook under pressure for 8 minutes. Allow for a natural release.
  3. Remove the lid, turn up the heat, and reduce the sauce until it thickens.
  4. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

🌏 Note: This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried vegetables.

Hearty and Healthy: Chicken Stew

Nothing beats a good, hearty chicken stew for dinner, especially when you can make it faster in a pressure cooker:

• Ingredients:
  • 1.5 kg chicken, cut into pieces
  • 2 potatoes, cubed
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 can of tomatoes
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup green peas
  • 1/2 cup barley or rice
  • Herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Brown the chicken pieces in the pressure cooker. Remove and set aside.
  2. Add onions, sauté until translucent, then add potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, and broth. Return the chicken to the pot.
  3. Add barley or rice, peas, and herbs. Season well.
  4. Cook under pressure for 15-20 minutes.
  5. Naturally release the pressure, stir the stew, adjust seasoning if necessary, and serve hot.

🌟 Note: This stew can be bulked up with lentils or beans for added nutrition.

Using a pressure cooker for these chicken recipes not only shaves off significant cooking time but also infuses the dishes with deep, rich flavors. Whether you're in the mood for an exotic curry, a comforting stew, or something with a global twist, your pressure cooker has got you covered. Embrace the convenience and richness of these meals, making your cooking experience both efficient and delightful.

Can I use frozen chicken in these pressure cooker recipes?

+

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, though you might need to increase cooking time by about 50%.

How do I prevent overcooking my chicken?

+

Use a quick pressure release to stop the cooking process. Also, follow the specified times closely, as pressure cookers cook much faster than traditional methods.

Can I make these dishes vegetarian?

+

Indeed! Substitute chicken with chickpeas, tofu, or tempeh for most of these recipes. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

How can I thicken the sauce in these recipes?

+

After pressure cooking, remove the lid, turn up the heat to reduce the sauce, or use a cornstarch slurry to thicken it quickly.