When it comes to quick weeknight meals, Pressure Cooker Chicken and Gravy stands out as a comforting favorite. Imagine juicy chicken breasts infused with the rich flavors of sautéed onions and garlic, all enveloped in a savory gravy. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also pairs beautifully with your choice of sides. Curious about how to make this delectable meal and the best ways to customize it? Let's explore the details.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Pressure Cooker Chicken and Gravy is a quick, comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights, taking only 10 minutes of cooking time.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sautéed onions, and garlic, combined with chicken broth and gravy mix for rich flavor.
- Cook the mixture on high pressure for 10 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release to ensure tender chicken.
- Serve the dish with fluffy mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for longer storage.
How To Make It – Recipe
Pressure Cooker Chicken and Gravy is a comforting dish that's perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy family gathering. The pressure cooker greatly reduces cooking time while ensuring that the chicken remains juicy and tender. The rich, savory gravy that accompanies it is made from the flavorful drippings of the chicken, making this meal both simple and satisfying. Savory Pressure Cooker Chicken is an excellent way to create quick and delicious meals using this cooking method.
In just a little over an hour, you can have a hearty meal on the table that pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or even a crusty loaf of bread. This recipe is versatile; feel free to customize it with your favorite herbs and spices or add vegetables like carrots and potatoes for a complete one-pot meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 packet of gravy mix (your choice of flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh herbs (such as thyme or rosemary) for garnish
Cooking Instructions:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In your pressure cooker, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent.
Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the pot, followed by the chicken broth and gravy mix, stirring to combine everything well. Close the lid securely and set the pressure cooker to cook on high for 10 minutes.
Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes before performing a quick release for any remaining pressure. Remove the chicken and slice it, then serve with the gravy poured over the top.
Extra Tips:
For an added depth of flavor, consider browning the chicken for a few minutes on each side before adding the broth and gravy mix. This will give the dish a richer taste.
Additionally, if you prefer a thicker gravy, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry, and stir it into the gravy after cooking to thicken it to your liking.
Enjoy experimenting with different seasonings and side dishes to make this meal your own!
Substitution Suggestions
While you can stick to the original recipe, feel free to get creative with your ingredient choices to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
For herb alternatives, try fresh basil or thyme instead of rosemary, or even a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
If you want to adjust the gravy's consistency, consider using cornstarch or arrowroot as thickening agents instead of flour.
These options work well, allowing you to achieve a velvety texture. Using a pressure cooker can also help in infusing flavors more quickly.
Experimenting with these substitutions can lead to delightful variations, making your pressure cooker chicken and gravy uniquely yours!
Serving Suggestions
After you've made your delicious pressure cooker chicken and gravy, it's time to think about how to serve it for maximum enjoyment.
Pair it with fluffy mashed potatoes or buttery rice to soak up that rich gravy. Roasted vegetables or steamed green beans add a delightful crunch and color to your plate, while a fresh salad can provide a revitalizing contrast.
For flavor enhancements, consider a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dash of lemon juice to brighten the dish. Additionally, serving it alongside pressure cooker chicken rice can create a hearty meal that complements the flavors beautifully.
Finally, don't forget warm, crusty bread to mop up every last bit of gravy—it's the perfect finishing touch!
Make-Ahead and Storage
If you want to enjoy the comforting flavors of chicken and gravy without the last-minute fuss, making it ahead of time is a smart choice.
To streamline your meal prep, consider these make-ahead tips: cook your chicken and gravy and let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight storage containers. You can also make Hearty Chicken Stew in your pressure cooker for a delicious alternative.
Label the containers with the date for easy reference. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for longer storage.
When you're ready to serve, just reheat and savor the deliciousness you prepared in advance, saving you time and effort during busy weeknights.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Leftovers from your pressure cooker chicken and gravy can be a delightful treat, but proper storage and reheating are essential to maintain their flavor and texture.
For leftover storage, cool your dish to room temperature, then transfer it to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to three days or freeze for longer enjoyment.
When it's time to enjoy your meal again, select reheating methods like using the microwave or stovetop. For the best results, add a splash of broth before heating to keep the gravy rich and creamy. Additionally, easy pressure cooker chicken recipes often yield flavorful leftovers that can enhance your next meal.
Enjoy your delicious leftovers without sacrificing quality!
Nutrition Facts(per serving)
Each serving typically contains around 350 calories, balancing flavor and nourishment. The caloric content primarily comes from the chicken and gravy, with protein being a standout nutrient. You'll find approximately 30 grams of protein per serving, supporting muscle health. Additionally, the dish provides essential vitamins and minerals, like iron and B vitamins, contributing to your overall well-being. Incorporating healthy cooking methods can further enhance the nutritional profile of your meal. Understanding this nutrient breakdown allows you to savor your meal while staying mindful of your dietary goals. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Final Thoughts
Enjoying a comforting dish like pressure cooker chicken and gravy is more than just satisfying a hunger; it's about creating moments of warmth and connection around the table.
As you savor the rich flavors, consider the joy of savoring leftovers the next day, where the flavors meld even further. This dish pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables, enhancing the experience. Cooking a whole chicken in a pressure cooker not only saves time but also results in deliciously tender meat, making the meal even more enjoyable.
Whether it's a family gathering or a quiet night in, your pressure cooker creation will leave lasting memories.
Recipe FAQs
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in the Pressure Cooker?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken in pressure cooking! It cooks quickly and evenly, saving you time. Just add extra cooking time, and make sure it reaches a safe internal temperature for delicious, tender results.
How Long Does It Take to Cook Chicken in a Pressure Cooker?
Cooking times for chicken in a pressure cooker vary, but generally, it takes about 8-12 minutes to achieve perfect chicken tenderness. Make sure you adjust for size and whether it's fresh or frozen for best results.
What Type of Pressure Cooker Is Best for This Recipe?
When you envision a kitchen marvel, the Instant Pot shines bright. Its electric pressure capabilities guarantee even cooking, locking in flavors perfectly. For this recipe, it's your best choice, transforming chicken into a tender delight effortlessly.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Pressure Cooker With the Chicken?
Yes, you can add vegetables to the pressure cooker with the chicken! Just consider cooking times for different vegetable combinations. Softer veggies like zucchini cook faster, while root vegetables need a bit more time. Enjoy your meal!
Is It Safe to Open the Pressure Cooker While Cooking?
Did you realize that over 50% of pressure cooker incidents occur from incorrect usage? When it pertains to pressure cooker safety, never open the pressure cooker while it's cooking; it can lead to hazardous steam emissions.
