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Instant Pot Whole Chicken

Instant Pot Whole Chicken
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This Instant Pot Whole Chicken recipe delivers a juicy, tender, and flavorful roast chicken in under an hour, saving time and effort without heating up your kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this method locks in moisture and flavor while requiring minimal cleanup. With customizable herbs and spices, it’s an easy, versatile meal that satisfies with every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • Whole Chicken (3-4 lbs), fresh or fully thawed
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 4–6 Garlic Cloves
  • 1–2 sprigs Fresh Rosemary, Thyme, or Parsley
  • 1 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth or Water
  • 1 Lemon, cut into wedges (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Remove any giblets from the cavity and pat the chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels. Season generously inside and out with salt, pepper, and your choice of fresh herbs. Rub olive oil all over the skin to enhance flavor and browning.
  2. Sauté for Color: Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and heat a little olive oil. Brown the chicken on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side, until a golden skin forms. This adds depth of flavor that pressure cooking alone cannot achieve.
  3. Add Liquid and Aromatics: Remove the chicken briefly. Pour chicken broth or water into the Instant Pot, then place the chicken back inside breast-side up. Add garlic cloves and lemon wedges around the chicken to infuse flavor as it cooks.
  4. Pressure Cook: Seal the Instant Pot lid and set to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” at high pressure for 25 minutes. After cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before performing a quick release for any remaining pressure.
  5. Optional Crispy Skin Finish: For crispy skin, transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet and place under a preheated broiler for 3-5 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
  6. Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and tender.

Notes

  • Dry the skin thoroughly before cooking to enhance browning and crispiness.
  • Use natural pressure release for at least 10 minutes to prevent the chicken from drying out.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of at least 165°F for safe eating.
  • Place root vegetables like carrots or potatoes under the chicken on a trivet for a full one-pot meal.
  • Save the cooking broth to make gravy or soup as it is rich in flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Instant Pot, Whole Chicken, Pressure Cooker, Easy Dinner, Juicy Chicken, One Pot Meal, Quick Roast Chicken, Gluten Free

Find it online: https://mydishez.com/instant-pot-whole-chicken/