In a busy modern life, finding quick and easy cooking solutions is what many people aim for. The Instant Pot pressure cooker has become a popular kitchen tool because of its convenience and efficiency. One of the most popular dishes you can make in the Instant Pot is chicken breasts. This article will introduce you to simple recipes, detailed nutritional values, ingredients, cooking methods, frequently asked questions and useful tips so you can take full advantage of the benefits of the pot. Instant Pot.
Nutritional value:
- Chicken breast is a source of high-quality protein, low in fat and packed with essential vitamins and minerals. A serving of chicken breast (about 100g) provides about 31g of protein, contains only about 3.6g of fat and no carbohydrates. In addition, chicken breast also contains B vitamins such as B6, B12, niacin and minerals such as selenium, phosphorus and zinc. These nutrients play an important role in maintaining overall health, strengthening the immune system, and supporting metabolism.
Ingredient:
- 500g chicken breast (about 4 pieces)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or plain water
- Optional herbs (like basil, oregano, or coriander)
- 1 small onion, sliced (optional)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Making:
Step 1: Prepare Chicken Breast:
\+ Rinse chicken breasts under cold water and dry with kitchen paper. Place chicken breasts on a tray and marinate with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Leave to marinate for about 15-20 minutes to let the spices penetrate the meat.
Step 2: Prepare Onions and Garlic:
\+ If using, sauté chopped onion and garlic in the Instant Pot using the “Sauté” setting with a little olive oil until the onion is soft and translucent.
Step 3: Cook in Instant Pot:
\+ Place the chicken breasts in the Instant Pot, add chicken broth or regular water to the pot. Close the lid and ensure that the pressure release valve is set to the closed position. Select “Pressure Cook” mode and set the time for 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken breast.
Step 4: Pressure Release:
\+ When the cooking process is complete, let the pot release pressure naturally for 5 minutes. Then, release the pressure quickly to open the pot.
Step 5: Check doneness:
\+ Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken breast. The temperature should reach at least 74°C (165°F) to ensure food safety. If it’s not done yet, you can cook for a few more minutes.
Step 6: Complete:
\+ Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and let cool for a few minutes before slicing or serving. You can sprinkle in fresh herbs like basil, oregano or cilantro to enhance the flavor.
Frequently asked Questions:
1. How to keep chicken breasts from drying out?
- Make sure the chicken breast is well seasoned and not cooked too long. Use chicken broth instead of regular water to add moisture to the chicken.
2. Can I add vegetables to the Instant Pot along with the chicken breasts?
- Maybe. Vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and zucchini are great choices. You should cut vegetables into bite-sized pieces and put them in the pot with chicken breasts.
3. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
- It is possible, but the cooking time will need to be increased by about 2-3 minutes to ensure the chicken breasts are fully cooked.
4. How to know if chicken breast is cooked?
- You should use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken breast. The safe temperature is 74°C (165°F).
Tips:
- Chicken Broth: Use chicken broth instead of regular water to add flavor and sweetness to the dish.
- Fry Onion and Garlic: If you want the chicken breast to have an attractive aroma, saute the onion and garlic before cooking.
- Attractive Golden Color: If you like your chicken breasts a nice golden color, brown them in a pan with a little olive oil before adding them to the Instant Pot.
- Lemon Juice: Add a little lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to the chicken broth to make the chicken breasts more tender and refreshing.
With the Instant Pot pressure cooker, meal preparation is faster and easier than ever. Chicken breast is not only a delicious dish but also a valuable source of nutrients for health. The simple recipes and tips in this article will hopefully help you create great, quick and nutritious meals. Try it now and feel the difference Instant Pot makes in your daily cooking. Surely you will not be disappointed with the benefits this device brings.