How to Cook Instant Pot Whole Chicken Perfectly

If you’ve ever wanted a foolproof, juicy, and tender roast without heating up your whole kitchen or spending hours watching the oven, then this Instant Pot Whole Chicken recipe is your new best friend. Cooking a whole bird in the Instant Pot saves time and locks in incredible flavor, making each bite deliciously juicy and satisfying. Whether you’re a busy weeknight cook or a curious foodie, learning how to cook Instant Pot Whole Chicken perfectly will elevate your meal game with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Speedy Cooking: Cuts traditional roasting time by more than half, delivering a whole chicken in under an hour.
• Juicy and Tender Results: The pressure cooking seals in moisture, so your chicken stays succulent from first bite to last.
• Set It and Forget It: After prepping, the Instant Pot does all the work, freeing you up to focus on sides or relax.
• Minimal Cleanup: One pot means fewer dishes, making dinner and cleanup effortless.
• Versatile and Customizable: You can easily tweak spices and herbs to suit your flavor preferences or dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple and accessible ingredients come together beautifully to infuse your Instant Pot Whole Chicken with flavor, color, and perfect texture. Each one plays a key role in creating that classic roast chicken taste in a pressure cooker.

• Whole Chicken (3-4 lbs): The star of the dish, preferably fresh or fully thawed, for even cooking and tender meat.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps crisp the skin during the last broil step.
• Garlic Cloves: Infuses aromatic depth that pairs wonderfully with chicken.
• Fresh Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, or parsley provide fresh and fragrant notes.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning that enhances the natural flavor of the chicken.
• Chicken Broth or Water: Creates steam needed for pressure cooking and prevents drying out.
• Lemon (optional): Adds a bright citrus zing that complements the richness of the meat.

Variations for Instant Pot Whole Chicken

Feel free to make this recipe your own! Adjusting the herbs, spices, or even cooking liquids can give your Instant Pot Whole Chicken a new twist anytime you want, without complicating the process.

• Herb Mix Variation: Swap in sage or oregano instead of rosemary and thyme for a more earthy flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add smoked paprika and cayenne pepper for warmth and a bit of heat.
• Citrus Twist: Use orange or lime slices along with lemon for a tropical brightness.
• Low-Sodium Version: Use reduced-sodium broth and control salt for a heart-healthy option.
• Garlic Butter Infusion: Mix softened butter with minced garlic and herbs to spread under the skin before cooking.

How to Make Instant Pot Whole Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Remove any giblets from the cavity and pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season generously inside and out with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs. Rub olive oil all over the skin for better flavor and browning.

Step 2: Sauté for Color

Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and heat a bit of olive oil. Brown the chicken on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side, to develop a lovely golden skin. This step adds depth of flavor that pressure cooking alone can’t achieve.

Step 3: Add Liquid and Aromatics

Remove the chicken briefly, add chicken broth (or water) to the pot, then nestle the chicken back inside breast-side up. Toss in garlic cloves and lemon wedges around the chicken to infuse flavor during cooking.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Seal the Instant Pot and cook on “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” at high pressure for 25 minutes. After cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before quick-releasing any remaining pressure.

Step 5: Optional Crispy Skin Finish

To get crispy skin like a roast chicken, place the cooked chicken under a preheated broiler for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before carving. This ensures the juices redistribute, making every bite moist and tender.

Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot Whole Chicken

• Dry the Skin Thoroughly: Helps obtain crispy, golden skin during sauté and broil steps.
• Don’t Skip the Natural Pressure Release: Prevents the meat from drying out by slowly lowering internal pressure.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F for safe, perfectly cooked chicken.
• Add Vegetables Below the Rack: Place carrots or potatoes under the chicken using a trivet for a one-pot meal.
• Save the Broth: The cooking liquid is rich and flavorful — use it to make gravy or soup.

How to Serve Instant Pot Whole Chicken

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley, a sprinkle of chopped rosemary or thyme, and lemon wedges brighten the plate and add a professional touch.

Side Dishes

Classic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a light salad pair beautifully and balance the richness of the chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the chicken carved atop a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa, garnished with toasted nuts and herbs for an elevated yet approachable meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover chicken refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

Remove skin if desired, place chicken pieces or whole cooked bird in freezer-safe bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the microwave or oven with a splash of broth to keep meat moist and tender. Avoid overheating to prevent dryness.

FAQs

Can I cook a frozen whole chicken in the Instant Pot?

Yes, you can cook a frozen whole chicken, but it will require additional cooking time—typically about 10 extra minutes—and you should ensure it reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.

How do I prevent the chicken from being rubbery?

Be sure to use natural pressure release for at least 10 minutes after cooking, and avoid overcooking by closely following timing guidelines.

Is it necessary to brown the chicken before pressure cooking?

While not mandatory, browning improves flavor and helps develop more appealing skin texture after broiling.

Can I add vegetables in the Instant Pot while cooking the chicken?

Absolutely! Placing root vegetables under the chicken on a trivet allows them to steam and absorb delicious flavors.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

Dried herbs are a great substitute; just use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.

Final Thoughts

Mastering how to cook Instant Pot Whole Chicken perfectly means you’ll always have a comforting, juicy, and flavorful meal on the table quickly and with ease. This recipe is a total game-changer for busy days and special occasions alike, letting you enjoy all the pleasures of a roast chicken with way less fuss. Give it a try—you’re going to love every tender bite!

Related Posts

• Why Cumin Chicken & Chickpea Skillet Wins Dinner
• Easy Sausage and Veggie Skillet Dinner Ideas
• Easy Garlic Herb Chicken in One Pan Recipe

Print