Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken

Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken is a delicious and spicy dish that can be made quickly and easily in an Instant Pot. This dish is perfect for those who love buffalo chicken wings but want a healthier alternative. 

Buffalo chicken is a popular dish originating in Buffalo, New York, and typically consists of chicken wings coated in a spicy, tangy sauce. The Instant Pot has become a staple in many kitchens due to its convenience and ability to cook meals quickly.

Instant Pot lets you have tasty buffalo chicken on your plate quickly. I will provide a simple and easy-to-follow recipe for making Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken.

Why is my chicken tough in Instant Pot?

Your chicken may be challenging in the Instant Pot for several reasons. 

• Firstly, overcooking can cause the chicken to become dry and tough.
• Insufficient liquid in the Instant Pot can result in undercooked and tough chicken. 
• Thirdly, frozen chicken must be thoroughly thawed before cooking, or it will take longer, resulting in toughness. 
• Finally, bone-in chicken can take longer, resulting in uneven cooking and toughness. 

To avoid tough chicken in the Instant Pot, ensure it's cooked to the correct internal temperature, use enough liquid, ensure frozen chicken is fully thawed, and consider using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. If you follow these guidelines, you'll be able to enjoy succulent and flavorful chicken cooked in the Instant Pot!

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Why is my chicken breast rubbery in Instant Pot?

If your chicken breast is coming out rubbery in the Instant Pot, there are a few things you can do to fix it. Firstly, overcooking can cause the chicken to become rubbery. Therefore, cooking the chicken for the recommended time and releasing the pressure immediately is essential. Secondly, using too much liquid can also result in rubbery chicken breasts since it can create a boiled texture. 

To avoid this, ensure that you use a sufficient amount of liquid in your Instant Pot. Checking that the chicken is fully thawed before cooking is essential, as partially frozen chicken can also result in a rubbery texture.

Therefore, use the recommended amount of liquid in the recipe or slightly less if necessary. Thirdly, using the manual pressure setting instead of the high-pressure setting can lead to overcooking and rubbery chicken. Make sure to let the pressure release naturally for 5–10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure. Also, try using different marinades or seasoning blends to make your chicken more flavorful. Lastly, always ensure that the chicken is fully cooked before serving it by cutting it into the thickest pieces.

This step can help prevent overcooking and ensure your chicken breast turns tender and juicy. These tips can help you easily avoid rubbery chicken breasts and enjoy a delicious meal.

Does Instant Pot dry out chicken?

Instant Pot doesn't necessarily dry out chicken, but it can if not used properly. When using an Instant Pot, you must ensure enough liquid to create steam and pressure to cook the chicken correctly. If you don't, the chicken can end up overcooked and dry. 

To prevent this from happening, make sure to use enough liquid when cooking your chicken in an Instant Pot. 

Adding herbs and spices to the marinade or broth can also help enhance the flavor of the dish. Also, always manually release any remaining pressure before opening the Instant Pot lid.

However, if there's too much liquid or you're cooking the chicken for too long, it can result in overcooking, which leads to dry chicken. It's essential to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure that it's cooked to 165°F but not overcooked. Doing so will ensure that the chicken is cooked through and juicy. Don't forget to let your chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to settle and redistribute throughout the meat.

Additionally, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, which cook more quickly and evenly, can help prevent dryness. Letting the pressure release naturally for a few minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure can help retain moisture and prevent dryness.  

When cooking with an Instant Pot, it's important to select the correct program and setting for the type of recipe you're making. It's essential to adjust the cooking time based on the kind of recipe you're making, as some meals require more or less time than others. 

Suppose you need more time to cook something. In that case, it can be helpful to reference a cookbook or online guide that provides recommended cooking times.

For example, if you're cooking chicken, choose the poultry setting, which will cook the chicken at a lower pressure than other settings. It's also important to note that adding too many ingredients to the Pot can reduce the pressure, so it's best to stick with shorter cooking times when you have a large amount of food. 

After pressure cooking is complete, allowing the pressure to release naturally is recommended to ensure the food is cooked thoroughly.

Natural release requires about 10-15 minutes, but it can also depend on the type of recipe and its ingredients. Additionally, you should avoid opening the lid while the Pot is under high pressure, as this could cause liquid or steam to escape and potentially burn you.

Ensure you're using enough liquid in the Pot, which will help create the necessary steam to cook the food properly. It's essential to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure that it's cooked to 165°F but not overcooked. 

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper use and care of your Instant Pot. Lastly, covering the Instant Pot while it's cooking will help trap steam and keep food moist – remember not to leave the lid on for too long, as this will cause the food to become overcooked. 

How long does chicken need to be in the Instant Pot?

The time it takes to cook chicken in an Instant Pot depends on the type of chicken and the recipe. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts typically take 8–10 minutes at high pressure, while bone-in chicken pieces can take 20–30 minutes. Chicken thighs usually take slightly less time than chicken breasts, at around 6–8 minutes on high pressure. However, these times may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken and the recipe's specific instructions.

It's essential to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure that it has reached 165°F, which is the recommended safe cooking temperature for chicken. 

Once the chicken has cooked and is at the correct temperature, it must release the pressure immediately and rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and ensure it stays moist and tender.

Type of Chicken	Time on High Pressure
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts	8-10 minutes
Bone-In Chicken Pieces	15-20 minutes
Chicken Thighs	6-8 minutes

What ingredients are needed?

• Large boneless chicken breasts
• Olive oil
• Sea salt
• Yellow onion – chopped
• Garlic – minced
• Chicken broth
• Hot sauce

How to make Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken?

Since all the ingredients have been gathered, it's time to assemble them.

1. Start by turning on sauté the function on your Instant Pot.
2. Then, add and heat the olive oil. After that, add the onion, salt, and garlic. Stirring often and cook for 2-3 minutes or until translucent. 
3. Next, add your chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes or until brown on both sides. Then, pour in the chicken broth and hot sauce. Make sure to stir everything together. Now, lock the lid on your Instant Pot, set it to high pressure, and cook for 15 minutes. Finally, release the pressure naturally for 10 minutes and release the remaining pressure. 
4. Finally, shred the chicken with a fork. You can drain the sauce and set it aside for dipping sauce.