How To Cook Barbecue Chicken In An Electric Pressure Cooker

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Introduction

Barbecue chicken is a beloved dish enjoyed by many, with its tender and smoky flavors. Traditionally, it is cooked slowly over an open flame or in a charcoal grill. However, using an electric pressure cooker is a convenient and time-saving alternative that still produces delicious results.

In this article, we will guide you through the process of cooking barbecue chicken in an electric pressure cooker. You’ll learn how to prep the ingredients, season the chicken, and cook it to perfection. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home cook, this method will make it easy for you to enjoy mouthwatering barbecue chicken with minimal effort.

Before we dive into the details, let’s take a moment to understand the benefits of using an electric pressure cooker for cooking barbecue chicken. First and foremost, an electric pressure cooker significantly reduces cooking time. With its sealed environment and high-pressure setting, it tenderizes the meat faster than traditional cooking methods, while still allowing the flavors to infuse deeply.

Secondly, using an electric pressure cooker requires less monitoring and allows for more hands-off cooking. Once you lock the lid, set the timer, and select the appropriate cooking mode, you can step away and attend to other tasks while the pressure cooker does all the work. This makes it a convenient option for busy individuals or those who prefer a fuss-free cooking experience.

Lastly, an electric pressure cooker retains the moisture in the chicken, ensuring that it comes out juicy and succulent every time. The pressure cooking process traps steam, preventing the meat from drying out. The result is tender, flavorful barbecue chicken that will leave your taste buds satisfied.

Now that we’ve covered the advantages of using an electric pressure cooker, let’s move on to the steps involved in cooking barbecue chicken. Remember to read the user manual of your specific pressure cooker model for any additional instructions or safety guidelines before getting started.

Step 1: Gather Ingredients

Before you begin cooking barbecue chicken in an electric pressure cooker, it’s essential to gather all the necessary ingredients. This ensures that you have everything on hand and makes the cooking process much smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Chicken: Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces like drumsticks, thighs, or a whole chicken cut into pieces. This will give you the juiciest and most flavorful results. Aim for about 2-3 pounds of chicken, depending on your preference and the number of servings.
2. Barbecue Sauce: Select your favorite variety of barbecue sauce or make your own from scratch. Look for a sauce that complements the flavors of the chicken and has a good balance of tanginess and sweetness. You’ll need about 1 to 1 1/2 cups of sauce, depending on your taste.
3. Seasonings: In addition to the barbecue sauce, you’ll need a combination of seasonings to enhance the flavor of the chicken. Some recommended options include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Adjust the quantities based on your personal preference.
4. Liquid: To create steam and build pressure in the electric pressure cooker, you’ll need to add a liquid. Use about 1 cup of liquid, such as water, chicken broth, or apple juice. This not only helps with the cooking process but also adds moisture and flavor to the chicken.
5. Optional Extras: If you like, you can also add some additional ingredients to the chicken for added flavor. Consider including minced garlic, diced onions, or your favorite herbs and spices. These extras will infuse the chicken with delicious aromas as it cooks.

Once you have gathered all the ingredients, make sure to inspect the chicken for any remaining feathers, bone fragments, or other unwanted parts. Rinse it under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. This step ensures cleanliness and removes any excess moisture, allowing the seasonings and barbecue sauce to adhere better to the chicken.

With the ingredients sorted, you are ready to move on to the next step: preparing the chicken for cooking in the electric pressure cooker.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Once you have gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to prepare the chicken before cooking it in the electric pressure cooker. Properly prepping the chicken ensures that it cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors of the seasonings and barbecue sauce. Follow these steps:

1. Trim Excess Fat: If your chicken pieces have large sections of visible fat, it’s a good idea to trim them. Use a sharp knife or a pair of kitchen shears to remove any excess fat. This helps prevent the chicken from becoming greasy and reduces the amount of fat in the final dish.
2. Pierce Chicken Skin: To allow the seasonings and barbecue sauce to penetrate the chicken, lightly pierce the skin with a fork or the tip of a sharp knife. Be careful not to go too deep and puncture the meat. This step helps the flavors to infuse more deeply into the chicken during the cooking process.
3. Marinating (Optional): If you have some extra time on your hands, marinating the chicken can further enhance its flavor. Place the chicken in a bowl or a resealable plastic bag and pour some of the barbecue sauce over it. Toss the chicken to coat it evenly and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight. The longer you marinate, the more flavorful the chicken will be.

By trimming the excess fat, piercing the chicken skin, and marinating if desired, you are prepping the chicken to be flavorful and juicy. The next step is to season the chicken with a delicious blend of spices before cooking it in the electric pressure cooker.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

Seasoning the chicken is a vital step in adding depth of flavor to your barbecue chicken. The combination of spices and herbs will infuse into the meat, creating a mouthwatering taste experience. Here’s how you can season the chicken:

1. Prepare the Seasoning Blend: In a small bowl, combine your desired spices and seasonings. Classic options include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or brown sugar for a touch of sweetness.
2. Apply the Seasoning: Sprinkle the seasoning blend generously over the chicken, making sure to coat all sides. Use your hands or a spoon to rub the seasoning into the chicken, ensuring it adheres to the meat. This step not only imparts flavor but also helps create an appealing crust on the chicken during the cooking process.

Seasoning the chicken allows you to customize the flavor profile according to your preferences. If you prefer a milder taste, go easy on the spices. If you enjoy bold and robust flavors, don’t be afraid to be generous with the seasoning. Remember, the seasoning will penetrate the chicken and complement the barbecue sauce, so find the right balance that suits your taste.

Once you have seasoned the chicken, you are ready to move on to the next step: preheating the electric pressure cooker.

For juicy barbecue chicken in an electric pressure cooker, use a combination of chicken broth and barbecue sauce as the cooking liquid to infuse flavor into the meat. Then finish the chicken on a grill or under the broiler for a crispy, caramelized exterior.

Step 4: Preheat the Electric Pressure Cooker

Preheating the electric pressure cooker is an important step to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and efficiently. By preheating, you allow the cooker to reach the optimal temperature before adding the chicken, which helps lock in flavors and speeds up the cooking process. Follow these steps to preheat the electric pressure cooker:

1. Plug in your electric pressure cooker and make sure the inner pot is securely in place. It’s crucial to use the pot specifically designed for your pressure cooker model.
2. Turn on the pressure cooker and select the “Saute” or “Brown” function. The default time setting for this function is usually 30 minutes, which is sufficient for preheating.
3. Wait for the pressure cooker to heat up. You’ll know it’s preheated when the display shows “Hot.” This usually takes about 5-10 minutes, depending on your pressure cooker model.

While the pressure cooker is preheating, take this time to gather any additional ingredients you may need, such as minced garlic, diced onions, or extra barbecue sauce. This step allows you to have everything ready when it’s time to cook the chicken.

Preheating the electric pressure cooker is a crucial step that helps ensure consistent and efficient cooking. Once the pressure cooker is preheated and displays “Hot,” you are ready to move on to the next step: cooking the chicken.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

Now that the electric pressure cooker is preheated, it’s time to cook the seasoned chicken to perfection. The high-pressure environment of the pressure cooker will tenderize the meat and infuse it with the flavors of the barbecue sauce and seasonings. Follow these steps to cook the chicken:

1. Add Liquid: Start by pouring about 1 cup of liquid into the preheated electric pressure cooker. This can be water, chicken broth, or apple juice. The liquid creates steam, which builds up pressure and aids in the cooking process.
2. Place Chicken in the Pot: Carefully arrange the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer in the electric pressure cooker’s inner pot. Avoid overcrowding the pot, as this can affect the cooking time and result in unevenly cooked chicken.
3. Add Barbecue Sauce: Spoon the barbecue sauce over the chicken, making sure to coat each piece evenly. You can reserve some sauce to brush on later, if desired. The barbecue sauce will caramelize and create a flavorful glaze during the cooking process.
4. Close the Lid: Securely close the electric pressure cooker’s lid, ensuring it is properly aligned and locked into place. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific pressure cooker model.
5. Select Cooking Mode: Set the electric pressure cooker to the appropriate cooking mode. Depending on your pressure cooker model, this may be labeled as “Pressure Cook,” “Manual,” or “Poultry.” Adjust the cooking time to approximately 8-10 minutes per pound of chicken. For example, if you have 2 pounds of chicken, set the timer for 16-20 minutes.
6. Start Cooking: Once you have set the cooking mode and time, press the start button to begin the cooking process. The electric pressure cooker will reach high pressure and start cooking the chicken.

It’s important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces, as well as the specific pressure cooker model you are using. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines for cooking poultry to ensure food safety. The pressure cooker will automatically build pressure and cook the chicken within the set time.

Now, all you have to do is wait for the electric pressure cooker to work its magic and cook the barbecue chicken to perfection.

Step 6: Release Pressure and Serve

After the cooking time has elapsed, it’s time to release the pressure from the electric pressure cooker and get ready to enjoy your delicious barbecue chicken. Follow these steps to safely release the pressure and serve:

1. Natural Pressure Release: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for about 10-15 minutes. This means leaving the pressure cooker untouched and letting the pressure come down on its own. The chicken will continue to cook slightly during this time.
2. Quick Pressure Release: If you’re short on time, you can opt for a quick pressure release. This involves carefully turning the pressure release valve to the “Venting” position to release the steam. Be cautious of the hot steam and use a long spoon or tongs to avoid burns. Keep your face and hands away from the steam vent.
3. Open the Lid: Once the pressure has completely released, the pressure cooker’s float valve will drop, indicating that it’s safe to open the lid. Carefully remove the lid, keeping it away from your face to avoid any residual steam.
4. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for fully cooked poultry. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken pieces to get an accurate reading.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the cooked barbecue chicken to a serving dish, making sure to spoon some of the flavorful cooking liquid over the chicken. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper, if desired. Serve the barbecue chicken with your favorite side dishes, such as coleslaw, cornbread, or potato salad.

With the chicken cooked to perfection and the pressure released, it’s time to gather around the table and enjoy the tender, flavorful barbecue chicken you’ve created. The electric pressure cooker has made the cooking process quick and effortless, without compromising on taste.

Remember to clean your electric pressure cooker according to the manufacturer’s instructions after each use, ensuring its longevity and optimal performance for future cooking adventures.

Now that you know how to cook barbecue chicken in an electric pressure cooker, get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious and convenient dish. Happy cooking!

Conclusion

Cooking barbecue chicken in an electric pressure cooker is a game-changer for home cooks who want a convenient and efficient way to enjoy this classic dish. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can achieve tender, juicy, and flavorful barbecue chicken in a fraction of the time compared to traditional cooking methods.

The electric pressure cooker’s high-pressure and sealed environment allow for faster cooking while retaining moisture and infusing the chicken with the rich flavors of the barbecue sauce and seasonings. It’s a time-saving alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Remember to gather all the necessary ingredients, prepare and season the chicken, and preheat the electric pressure cooker. Let the cooker work its magic as it cooks the chicken to perfection. Release the pressure safely and check for doneness before serving up a mouthwatering plate of barbecue chicken.

With the versatility of an electric pressure cooker, you can also experiment with different barbecue sauce flavors, seasonings, and optional ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Feel free to customize the recipe and make it your own.

So why wait? Grab your electric pressure cooker and try cooking barbecue chicken today. Impress your family and friends with this flavorful and tender dish that will have them coming back for seconds. Enjoy the convenience and taste of homemade barbecue chicken that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering or weeknight dinner.

Get ready to unleash your inner chef and create barbecue chicken that rivals your favorite restaurant’s, all from the comfort of your own kitchen.