Discover How long to pressure cook boneless chicken thighs
Using a pressure cooker to cook food is really convenient, but many people struggle with the timing. Today, I’ll share with you how long to cook boneless chicken thighs in a pressure cooker.
How long to pressure cook boneless chicken thighs?
The cooking time for boneless chicken thighs in a pressure cooker is usually around 8 to 15 minutes, depending on the size of the thighs.
Normally, if the boneless chicken thighs are about 3-4 cm (1.2-1.6 inches) in diameter, they should be cooked for about 8-10 minutes in the pressure cooker, as smaller thighs cook more quickly.
For larger boneless chicken thighs, around 5-6 cm (2-2.4 inches) in diameter, or even bigger, you should cook them for 12-15 minutes after the pressure cooker comes to pressure.
Of course, this time is not absolute; you can adjust it according to your pressure cooker’s power and the size of the chicken thighs. If you prefer your chicken thighs more tender, you can extend the cooking time by 2-3 minutes.
How long to pressure cook frozen boneless chicken thighs?
Cooking frozen boneless chicken thighs in a pressure cooker takes about 15-20 minutes. The exact time can be adjusted based on the size and thickness of the thighs.
For smaller frozen chicken thighs, 15 minutes is usually enough. If the chicken thighs are larger or you prefer them more tender, you can extend the cooking time to 20 minutes.
To ensure the frozen chicken thighs absorb more flavor, you can marinate them with seasonings like scallions, ginger, and garlic before cooking. This not only helps to remove any gamey taste but also makes the chicken thighs more tender.
Is it better to pressure cook or slow cook chicken thighs?
Both methods have their advantages, and you can choose based on your needs.
If you want to cook chicken thighs quickly, the pressure cooker is the better choice in terms of time efficiency. It’s very easy: just clean the chicken thighs, place them in the pressure cooker, and cook for 10-15 minutes once pressure is reached. This method is perfect for busy people.
Another advantage of using a pressure cooker is that the high pressure and temperature help the chicken thighs firm up, resulting in a chewier texture.
Slow simmering also has its benefits. It allows the chicken thighs to cook slowly as the temperature increases, which helps them absorb the flavors of the broth. The result is a more tender, flavorful chicken thigh, ideal for those who prefer a softer texture.
Moreover, slow cooking retains more of the nutrients in the broth, so you can enjoy a tasty, nutritious meal.
In summary, whether you use a pressure cooker or simmer the chicken thighs slowly depends on what you’re looking for. If you're pressed for time, the pressure cooker is the way to go. If you want to preserve more nutrients and enjoy a tender texture, slow simmering is a better option.
How long to pressure cook boneless chicken thighs in instant pot?
For regular-sized boneless chicken thighs, a fast cooker should cook them under pressure for 6-8 minutes. After cooking, let the pressure naturally release for 3-5 minutes before opening the lid. This ensures the chicken is fully cooked while maintaining a tender texture.
For smaller boneless chicken thighs, 5-6 minutes under pressure should suffice, with 3 minutes for natural pressure release.
If the chicken thighs are larger, you can extend the cooking time to 8-15 minutes, and let the pressure release naturally for about 5 minutes to ensure the thighs are thoroughly cooked.
Can you overcook chicken thighs in slow cooker?
Yes, it’s possible, but it’s not recommended.
The nature of slow cooking is to cook food at low temperatures for extended periods, which results in tender, flavorful dishes. As the chicken thighs cook, they gradually become tender and absorb the seasoning, which makes them soft and juicy.
However, if you cook them for too long, they can become overly soft, and the meat may even fall apart to the point where it’s hard to pick it up with your fork. This can affect both the texture and appearance of the chicken thighs.
Do chicken thighs get more tender the longer you cook them?
Many people mistakenly believe that the longer you cook food, the more tender it becomes. But this isn’t always the case.
The tenderness of chicken thighs depends on the cooking time and method. After a certain point, the meat will become tender, but if it’s cooked too long, it can lose its firmness and become overly soft, making it less appealing.
If you’re cooking whole chicken thighs in a regular pot over medium-low heat, it takes about 30-45 minutes to reach a tender state. If you cut the thighs into smaller pieces, the cooking time drops to around 20-30 minutes. Using a pressure cooker or slow cooker can shorten or extend the time, but as long as you stick to reasonable cooking times, you should achieve the desired tenderness.
The key is to control the cooking time and avoid overcooking. If you’re unsure, you can poke the meat with chopsticks. If they easily go in without any blood running out, it’s fully cooked.
