Background and History
Instant Pot Chicken and Gravy is a comforting, hearty dish that brings the flavors of a classic home-cooked meal to your table with the convenience of modern cooking technology. The Instant Pot, a multi-functional pressure cooker, has revolutionized how we cook, allowing us to prepare traditionally slow-cooked dishes quickly. Chicken and gravy, a beloved comfort food in many cultures, benefits from this innovation by becoming a quick, easy, and flavorful meal suitable for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Serves
4 people
Time
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time
30 minutes (plus 10 minutes for pressure release)
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
Sauté the Ingredients
- Set the Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ function and add olive oil.
- Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and sear until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.
Cook the Chicken
- Pour the chicken broth into the pot and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Add the thyme and parsley, then return the chicken breasts to the pot.
- Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to ‘Pressure Cook’ on high for 10 minutes.
Prepare the Gravy
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
- Remove the chicken breasts and set them aside.
- Set the Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ function again.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and flour until smooth.
- Stir the cream mixture into the pot and cook until the gravy thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- For a thicker gravy, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir it into the gravy, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Serve
- Slice the chicken breasts and serve with the gravy poured over the top.
- Garnish with additional parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
Notes
- For added flavor, you can use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- Serve this dish with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Leftover chicken and gravy can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Allergy Warning
- Contains dairy (heavy cream and butter) and gluten (flour).
- Ensure all ingredients are free from cross-contamination if cooking for someone with severe allergies.
Why does my Instant Pot chicken come out rubbery?
Instant Pot chicken can come out rubbery if it’s overcooked or if not enough liquid is used. Cooking times and liquid amounts should be adjusted according to the specific recipe and cut of chicken to ensure tender results.
Does cooking chicken longer in Instant Pot make it more tender?
Cooking chicken longer in the Instant Pot can make it more tender, but overcooking can lead to a mushy texture. It’s important to follow recommended cooking times for the best results.
Do you need to add water when cooking chicken in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you need to add some liquid, such as water or broth, when cooking chicken in an Instant Pot to create the necessary steam for pressure cooking.
Can you overcook chicken in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can overcook chicken in an Instant Pot, which can result in dry and tough meat. It’s crucial to follow the suggested cooking times to avoid this.
Is it better to pressure cook or slow cook chicken?
Both methods can yield delicious results, but pressure cooking is faster and can be more convenient for quick meals, while slow cooking can enhance flavor and tenderness over a longer period.
Is pressure cooked chicken healthy?
Yes, pressure cooked chicken can be healthy as it retains more nutrients due to the shorter cooking time and can be made with minimal added fats.
Does pressure cooking chicken remove fat?
Pressure cooking does not remove fat from the chicken. However, it can render some fat out of the meat, which can then be skimmed off the top of the cooking liquid if desired.
Does chicken cook faster in a pressure cooker?
Yes, chicken cooks significantly faster in a pressure cooker compared to conventional cooking methods, making it a time-efficient option.
Can you pressure cook chicken without water?
No, you cannot pressure cook chicken without water or another liquid. The liquid is necessary to generate steam and create the pressure needed for cooking.
How many whistles for chicken in cooker?
In a traditional stovetop pressure cooker, it usually takes about 2-3 whistles on medium heat to cook chicken, but this can vary based on the specific recipe and cooker.
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