Keto Pressure Cooker Brined Chicken Breasts

Prep: 30 minCook: 35 minmediumAmerican
Pressure Cooker Brined Chicken Breasts with Crispy Skin

This pressure cooker chicken combines the tenderness of brining with the convenience of electric pressure cooking and a final broil for crispy skin. The Rodelle brine creates incredibly juicy, flavorful meat while the herb butter mixture adds richness under the skin. Perfect for weeknight dinners when you want restaurant-quality results without the long cooking time. The two-step cooking method ensures the chicken stays moist while achieving that coveted golden, crispy exterior.

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds bone-in split chicken breasts
  • 7 ½ tablespoon Rodelle Gourmet Brine or Rodelle Turkey Brine
    kosher salt1:3 ratiogluten-free

    use 2.5 tbsp salt instead

  • 3 cups boiling water
  • 3 cups ice cold water
  • 1 cup chicken stock
    water1:1neutral

    slightly less flavor

    Full guide →
  • 4 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
    olive oil1:1dairy-freedairy-free

    different texture under skin

    Full guide →
  • ½ teaspoon thyme
  • ½ teaspoon rosemary
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. 1

    Dissolve the brine in boiling water in a heat-safe bowl and allow to cool completely

  2. 2

    Place chicken in a large sealable bag with ice cold water and cooled brine solution, ensuring chicken is completely submerged

  3. 3

    Refrigerate for 4-6 hours

  4. 4

    Mix softened butter with thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika

  5. 5

    Carefully separate skin from breast meat and spread butter mixture evenly under the skin

  6. 6

    Add trivet and chicken stock to pressure cooker and place chicken breast-side up

  7. 7

    Pressure cook on high for 15 minutes, then allow natural release for 10 minutes

  8. 8

    Place chicken on cooling rack set over rimmed baking sheet

  9. 9

    Preheat broiler with oven rack on middle shelf

  10. 10

    Drizzle chicken with olive oil and broil for 8-11 minutes until skin is crispy

  11. 11

    Rest for 5 minutes before serving

Tips

Tip 1

Place the brine bowl in the fridge to speed cooling before adding chicken.

Tip 2

Use a larger container under the brining bag to catch any leaks.

Tip 3

Check skin crispness frequently during broiling to prevent burning.

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate cooked chicken up to 3 days in airtight container.

Make Ahead

Brine chicken up to 6 hours ahead. Cook day of serving for best skin texture.

Serve With

Serve immediately after resting for optimal crispy skin.

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't skip the natural release to avoid tough, dry meat.

Watch

Don't broil too long to avoid burning the skin.

Watch

Don't brine longer than 6 hours to avoid overly salty, mushy texture.

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

butter
olive oil1:1dairy-freedairy-free

different texture under skin

Full guide →

Gluten-Free Swaps

Rodelle Gourmet Brine
kosher salt1:3 ratiogluten-free

use 2.5 tbsp salt instead

Full guide →

General Alternatives

chicken stock
water1:1neutral

slightly less flavor

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use other chicken parts?

Yes, adjust cooking time based on size. Thighs may need 18-20 minutes, drumsticks 15-17 minutes.

What if I don't have Rodelle brine?

Use 2.5 tablespoons kosher salt dissolved in the same amount of water for basic brine.

How long will leftovers keep?

Refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain moisture, skin won't be crispy.