Top Instant Pot Chinese Chicken Recipes for Quick and Easy Cooking

If you're in the mood for Chinese takeout but prefer a healthier homemade version, using an Instant Pot can help you achieve that. With an Instant Pot, you can easily whip up a variety of Chinese chicken recipes that are both nutritious and delicious. This blog post will showcase some of the best Instant Pot Chinese chicken recipes for you to try at home.

Choosing the Right Ingredients When it comes to making Chinese recipes in an Instant Pot, choosing the right ingredients is key. You want to make sure that you have high-quality ingredients that are fresh and flavorful. Some of the essential ingredients that you will need for most Instant Pot Chinese recipes chicken includes chicken broth, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. Proposing the use of seafood in the recipe as a suggestion where applicable, you can use shrimp, prawns, or scallops to add a seafood twist to your Instant Pot Chinese recipes.

Preparation Techniques To get the most out of your Instant Pot Chinese recipes chicken, it's essential to use the right preparation techniques. You'll want to start by preparing your ingredients, such as chopping your vegetables and marinating your chicken. Once you have all of your ingredients ready, you can then start cooking your recipe in your Instant Pot. Instant Pot Chinese recipes chicken are usually cooked using the pressure cook function, which helps to lock in the flavors and nutrients of the ingredients.

Key Takeaways

• An Instant Pot is an excellent tool for creating easy, healthy, and homemade Chinese recipes.
• Choosing the right ingredients and using the right preparation techniques is key to making delicious Instant Pot Chinese recipes chicken.
• You can add a seafood twist to your Instant Pot Chinese recipes by using shrimp, prawns, or scallops.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

When it comes to preparing Instant Pot Chinese Chicken recipes, selecting the right ingredients is crucial for a delicious and authentic taste. Here are some tips to help you choose the right ingredients for your recipe.

Selecting Chicken

Chicken is the primary source of protein in most Instant Pot Chinese Chicken recipes, and it's essential to choose the right type of chicken to get the best flavour. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are the most commonly used cuts of chicken in these recipes. However, you can use other cuts of chicken, such as drumsticks, wings, or even a whole chicken.

When selecting chicken, it's essential to ensure that it's fresh and of high quality. If you're using frozen chicken, make sure it's fully thawed before cooking. You can also use seafood, such as shrimp or scallops, as a substitute for chicken in some recipes.

Fresh vs. Frozen Vegetables

Fresh vegetables are always the best choice when preparing Instant Pot Chinese Chicken recipes. However, if fresh vegetables are not available, you can use frozen vegetables. Just make sure to thaw them before adding them to the recipe.

Ginger, garlic, onions, and green onions are commonly used in Instant Pot Chinese Chicken recipes to add flavour and aroma. Fresh ginger and garlic are the best options, but you can use powdered ginger and garlic if fresh ones are not available.

Broccoli is a popular vegetable used in Chinese cuisine, and it's a great addition to Instant Pot Chinese Chicken recipes. You can also use other vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, and mushrooms, to add more flavour and texture to your dish.

By selecting the right ingredients, you can make a delicious and authentic Instant Pot Chinese Chicken recipe that your family and friends will love.

Preparation Techniques

Marinating for Flavour

Marinating your chicken in a blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, sugar, and cornstarch is a great way to add flavour to your Instant Pot Chinese chicken recipe. You can also add in some peanut oil to give it a nutty taste. The longer you marinate your chicken, the more flavourful it will be. You can marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.

If you want to add seafood to your recipe, you can use shrimp or scallops. Simply add them to the marinade and let them marinate for the same amount of time as the chicken.

Managing Chicken Moisture

To prevent your chicken from becoming dry, you can use a technique called "quick release". This involves manually releasing the pressure from your Instant Pot once the cooking time is up. This will prevent your chicken from overcooking and becoming dry.

Another way to manage chicken moisture is to use a trivet. This will keep your chicken elevated above the liquid in the Instant Pot, which will prevent it from becoming soggy.

By following these preparation techniques, you can ensure that your Instant Pot Chinese chicken recipe turns out flavourful and moist.

Instant Pot Cooking Methods

Pressure Cooking Basics

The Instant Pot is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used to make a variety of dishes, including Chinese chicken recipes. One of the most popular cooking methods for the Instant Pot is pressure cooking. Pressure cooking involves cooking food under high pressure and temperature to cook food quickly.

When cooking with the Instant Pot, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for pressure cooking. You should also make sure that the pressure release valve is set to "sealing" to prevent steam from escaping during cooking.

For Chinese chicken recipes, you can use the high-pressure setting on the Instant Pot to cook the chicken quickly and evenly. You can also use the quick release method to release the pressure after cooking is complete. This method involves turning the pressure release valve from "sealing" to "venting" to release the steam quickly.

Sauteing in the Instant Pot

Another cooking method that can be used with the Instant Pot is sauteing. This method involves cooking food over high heat in the Instant Pot before pressure cooking.

To saute in the Instant Pot, you should use the saute function on the appliance to heat up the pot. You can then add oil and ingredients, such as garlic and ginger, to the pot and cook them until they are fragrant.

For Chinese chicken recipes, you can saute the chicken in the Instant Pot before pressure cooking to give it a crispy texture. You can also add vegetables, such as onions and bell peppers, to the pot to give the dish more flavour.

If you are looking to add seafood to your Chinese chicken recipe, you can use shrimp or prawns as an excellent addition. You can saute the shrimp or prawns in the Instant Pot before adding the chicken to the pot for pressure cooking. This will give the dish a unique flavour and texture.

Recipe Variations

When it comes to Instant Pot Chinese chicken recipes, there are a variety of ways to add your own twist to the dish. Here are some recipe variations to consider:

Sweet and Savoury Options

If you prefer your chicken with a sweet and savoury flavour profile, consider adding brown sugar or honey to your marinade. These ingredients will help to tenderize the chicken and add a touch of sweetness to the dish. You can also add sesame seeds to the marinade, which will give the chicken a nutty flavour and a crunchy texture.

For a seafood twist, you can replace the chicken with prawns or scallops. These seafood options will pair well with the sweet and savoury marinade and will add a unique flavour to the dish.

Spicy Alternatives

If you prefer your chicken with a bit of a kick, consider adding Sriracha sauce to your marinade. This will give the dish a spicy flavour that will pair well with the savoury chicken. You can also add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade, which will give the dish a bit of heat.

For a seafood twist, you can replace the chicken with squid or octopus. These seafood options will pair well with the spicy marinade and will add a unique flavour to the dish.

Overall, there are many ways to customize your Instant Pot Chinese chicken recipe to suit your preferences. Whether you prefer sweet and savoury or spicy flavours, there are plenty of options to choose from. Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and seafood options to create a unique and delicious dish.

Serving and Storage

After you have cooked your delicious Instant Pot Chinese Chicken, it's time to serve it up! This dish pairs perfectly with jasmine rice or noodles, both of which can be cooked in your Instant Pot for a quick and easy meal.

Dishing Up Perfectly Cooked Rice

To cook jasmine rice in your Instant Pot, simply rinse the rice until the water runs clear, then add it to your Instant Pot with the appropriate amount of water (usually a 1:1.25 ratio of rice to water). Set your Instant Pot to cook for 3 minutes on high pressure, then let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before releasing any remaining pressure manually. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve!

Freezing and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers or want to meal prep for the week, you can easily freeze your Instant Pot Chinese Chicken. Simply let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To reheat your frozen Instant Pot Chinese Chicken, you can either let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat it in the microwave or on the stove, or you can reheat it straight from frozen by adding it to your Instant Pot with a splash of water and cooking on high pressure for 5 minutes.

If you want to add some seafood to your Instant Pot Chinese Chicken, you can try adding some shrimp or scallops during the cooking process. Simply add the seafood to the Instant Pot along with the chicken and other ingredients, and cook as directed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I ensure my chicken thighs turn out tender in the Instant Pot?

To ensure that your chicken thighs turn out tender in the Instant Pot, it's important to use the correct cooking time and pressure settings. Typically, chicken thighs require about 10-12 minutes of cooking time on high pressure. You should also make sure to use enough liquid in the pot to prevent the chicken from drying out. Additionally, consider marinating your chicken thighs before cooking to help tenderize the meat.

What's the secret to juicy chicken breasts when using an Instant Pot?

The secret to juicy chicken breasts when using an Instant Pot is to avoid overcooking them. Chicken breasts can become dry and tough if cooked for too long. To prevent this, use a quick release method once the cooking time is complete. You can also try adding some liquid to the pot, such as chicken broth or water, to help keep the chicken moist.

Can you recommend some simple Instant Pot recipes for Chinese-style chicken?

If you're looking for simple Instant Pot recipes for Chinese-style chicken, consider trying out recipes for General Tso's chicken, sesame chicken, or Hainanese chicken rice. These dishes are all easy to make in the Instant Pot and are sure to be a hit with your family or guests.

What are the best techniques for cooking chicken wings in an Instant Pot?

When cooking chicken wings in an Instant Pot, it's important to use a rack or steamer basket to keep them from sticking to the bottom of the pot. You should also consider using a quick release method once the cooking time is complete to prevent the wings from becoming overcooked. For added flavour, try marinating your wings before cooking or adding some hot sauce or BBQ sauce to the pot.

How do I avoid overcooking chicken in the Instant Pot?

To avoid overcooking chicken in the Instant Pot, it's important to use the correct cooking time and pressure settings. You should also use a quick release method once the cooking time is complete to prevent the chicken from continuing to cook. Additionally, make sure to use enough liquid in the pot to prevent the chicken from drying out.

What's a foolproof recipe for chicken and rice in the Instant Pot?

A foolproof recipe for chicken and rice in the Instant Pot is to combine 1 cup of rice with 1 1/4 cups of water or chicken broth in the pot. Add in 2-3 chicken breasts or thighs, along with your desired seasonings. Cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes, then use a quick release method once the cooking time is complete. For added flavour, consider using soy sauce, garlic, or ginger in your recipe. You can also add in some vegetables or seafood, such as shrimp or scallops, for a more complex dish.