How Long Do You Cook 5 Pounds of Chicken in an Instant Pot? Ultimate Guide for Perfect Results

Are you staring at 5 pounds of chicken and wondering how to transform it into a delicious meal using your Instant Pot? You’re not alone! I’ve been there too – standing in my kitchen with a family-sized package of chicken and an Instant Pot that promises quick cooking but leaves me questioning the timing

Let me save you the headache and guesswork. After testing countless chicken recipes in my Instant Pot (and yes, a few failures along the way!), I’ve mastered the art of cooking 5 pounds of chicken to perfection This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about cooking times, techniques, and tips for juicy, tender chicken every single time.

The Basic Rule: How Long to Cook 5 Pounds of Chicken

The cooking time for 5 pounds of chicken in an Instant Pot depends on a few important factors:

• The cut of chicken (breasts, thighs, whole chicken, etc.)
• Whether it’s bone-in or boneless
• If it’s fresh or frozen
• How you plan to use it (serving whole or shredding)

Here’s the simple answer for 5 pounds of chicken:

For a 5-pound whole chicken: Cook for 30 minutes on high pressure (using the rule of 6 minutes per pound)

For 5 pounds of boneless chicken breasts: Cook for 8-10 minutes on high pressure

For 5 pounds of bone-in chicken pieces: Cook for 15-18 minutes on high pressure

For 5 pounds of boneless chicken thighs: Cook for 12 minutes on high pressure

But there’s more to know for guaranteed success! Let’s dive deeper into the specifics.

Detailed Cooking Time Chart for 5 Pounds of Chicken

Remember, these times are just for the pressure cooking phase. Your Instant Pot will take additional time to come to pressure (usually 10-15 minutes) and then you’ll need time for the pressure to release (at least 10-15 minutes of natural release for best results).

Step-by-Step: Cooking 5 Pounds of Chicken in the Instant Pot

Let’s walk through the process with a few different scenarios:

For 5 Pounds of Boneless Chicken Breasts

1. Place the trivet inside your Instant Pot
2. Add 1 cup of cold water or chicken broth (1.5 cups for 8-quart models)
3. Season your chicken generously with salt, pepper and your favorite herbs/spices
4. Arrange chicken in a single layer on the trivet (slight overlap is okay)
5. Seal the lid and set valve to “Sealing” position
6. Cook on high pressure for 8-10 minutes
7. Let pressure naturally release for at least 10 minutes before quick-releasing any remaining pressure
8. Check internal temperature has reached 165°F
9. Rest for 5 minutes before slicing or shredding

For a 5-Pound Whole Chicken

1. Remove giblets and pat chicken dry with paper towels
2. Place trivet inside Instant Pot
3. Add 1 cup cold water or broth (1.5 cups for 8-quart pot)
4. Season chicken generously inside and out
5. Place chicken breast-side up on the trivet
6. Seal lid and set valve to “Sealing”
7. Cook on high pressure for 30 minutes (6 minutes per pound)
8. Allow natural pressure release for 15-20 minutes
9. Check internal temperature at thickest part of thigh (should be 165°F)
10. Optional: For crispy skin, broil in oven for 3-4 minutes

Tips for Perfect 5-Pound Instant Pot Chicken

I’ve learned a few tricks along the way that make a huge difference in the final result:

• Don’t stack chicken pieces if possible – arrange in a single layer for even cooking
• Use cold water or broth – warm liquid will cause the Instant Pot to come to pressure faster, affecting cooking time
• Season generously – pressure cooking can sometimes mute flavors
• Natural release is your friend – at least 10-15 minutes of natural release helps keep meat juicy
• Let chicken rest after cooking for 5 minutes before cutting
• For shredding, add 3 extra minutes to the cooking time for super-tender, easy-to-pull chicken
• For frozen whole chicken, increase to 11 minutes per pound (55 minutes total for 5 pounds)

Common Problems and Solutions

Problem: Chicken isn’t fully cooked

Solution: Return to the Instant Pot and cook for additional 2-3 minutes on high pressure. For every 5 degrees below 165°F, add about 2 minutes of cooking time.

Problem: Chicken is too dry

Solution: Next time, reduce cooking time by 1-2 minutes and make sure you’re doing a natural pressure release. Also, toss the chicken back in the cooking liquid after shredding.

Problem: Uneven cooking with 5 pounds

Solution: Cut larger pieces to similar sizes as smaller ones, or separate different cuts (like breasts and thighs) and cook them separately with appropriate times.

Great Ways to Use Your 5 Pounds of Instant Pot Chicken

Once you’ve cooked your 5 pounds of chicken, here are some delicious ways to use it:

• Shred for tacos, enchiladas, or burritos
• Cube for salads and grain bowls
• Slice for sandwiches and wraps
• Use in soups and casseroles
• Portion and freeze for future meals

Meal Prep Magic: Cooking 5 Pounds for the Week

One of my favorite strategies is cooking 5 pounds of chicken at the beginning of the week, then using it in different meals. Here’s how I break it down:

• Sunday: Cook 5 pounds of chicken in the Instant Pot
• Monday: Chicken salad sandwiches
• Tuesday: Chicken tacos
• Wednesday: Buffalo chicken wraps
• Thursday: Chicken and veggie stir-fry
• Friday: Chicken soup or casserole

This approach saves me SO much time during busy weeknights!

Storage Guidelines for Your Cooked Chicken

After cooking 5 pounds of chicken, you’ll likely have leftovers. Here’s how to store them properly:

• Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for 3-4 days
• Freezer: Portion into meal-sized amounts and freeze for up to 3 months
• Pro tip: Freeze chicken in the cooking liquid to maintain moisture when reheating

Final Thoughts

Cooking 5 pounds of chicken in your Instant Pot doesn’t have to be intimidating! With these guidelines, you can achieve perfect results every time. The Instant Pot truly is a game-changer for busy families or meal preppers who want to cook larger quantities of protein without spending hours in the kitchen.

Remember, cooking times may vary slightly based on your specific Instant Pot model and the exact size and thickness of your chicken pieces. Always verify doneness with a meat thermometer (165°F) before serving.

Happy pressure cooking!

A 5 lb whole chicken requires about 30 minutes of high-pressure cooking in an Instant Pot, followed by a 10-15 minute natural pressure release (NPR).

To pressure cook a 5 lb chicken, set your Instant Pot to high pressure for 30 minutes (6 minutes per pound), followed by a 15-20 minute natural pressure release.

A 5 lb chicken will take approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 40 minutes to cook in a 350°F oven, or about 70 to 90 minutes at a higher temperature like 425°F.