Transform your weeknight dinners with this incredible Instant Pot Roasted Whole Chicken recipe! Experience the joy of serving a perfectly juicy, tender, and incredibly flavorful whole chicken, cooked effortlessly in your pressure cooker. Whether you’re planning a hearty main course or need versatile rotisserie-style chicken for other dishes, this recipe delivers consistent, delicious results every single time. Say goodbye to dry, bland chicken and hello to a new family favorite!
I love pairing this succulent chicken with comforting Sweet Corn Casserole and a refreshing Classic Waldorf Salad. This combination creates a delicious yet simple meal, perfect for any busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend gathering. The beauty of the Instant Pot means less time fussing in the kitchen and more time enjoying with your loved ones.
Discover the Magic of Instant Pot Whole Chicken
After perfecting my Instant Pot Turkey Breast, I was eager to apply the same magic to a whole chicken. The results have been nothing short of spectacular! This method ensures a chicken that’s unbelievably juicy and delicious, all while being remarkably hands-off. Unlike traditional roasting, there’s no need for constant basting or tedious tending. The Instant Pot truly does all the heavy lifting, freeing you up to focus on other aspects of your meal or simply relax.
The Instant Pot consistently produces a whole chicken that is juicy and tender. This appliance continues to be a game-changer in my kitchen, especially when it comes to poultry. One of the most significant advantages? You can have a perfectly cooked whole chicken in a fraction of the time it would take to roast it in a conventional oven – often in less than a third of the time! This makes it an ideal choice for busy households seeking nutritious, homemade meals without the long wait.
Why Your Instant Pot is Perfect for Roasting a Whole Chicken
Cooking a whole chicken in an Instant Pot might seem unconventional at first, but it offers a plethora of benefits that traditional oven roasting simply can’t match. The high-pressure environment of the Instant Pot locks in moisture, resulting in chicken that is incredibly succulent and never dry. This is especially beneficial for leaner cuts or when cooking larger birds.
Furthermore, the Instant Pot significantly cuts down on cooking time. What typically takes hours in the oven can be achieved in under an hour, including the time it takes for the pot to come to pressure. This efficiency makes it possible to enjoy a delicious, homemade roasted chicken even on the busiest weeknights. The enclosed cooking also allows flavors from your seasonings and any liquid to deeply infuse into the meat, creating a more profoundly delicious result. It’s truly a set-it-and-forget-it method for a show-stopping meal.
Selecting the Perfect Chicken for Your Instant Pot
Choosing the right chicken is the first step to a successful Instant Pot roast. Look for a whole chicken, typically between 3 to 5 pounds, as this size fits comfortably in most standard 6-quart Instant Pots. Ensure the chicken is fresh and has been properly thawed if frozen. Always check the packaging for any signs of damage or unusual odors. A smaller chicken will cook faster, while a larger one might require slightly more time and potentially a larger Instant Pot model. For this recipe, a 4.4lb chicken was ideal, providing ample servings for a family meal.
Essential Ingredients for an Irresistible Instant Pot Roast
Crafting a delicious whole chicken starts with quality ingredients. For this recipe, you’ll need one whole chicken (approximately 4.4 lbs), 1.5 cups of water or chicken broth to create the necessary pressure and flavor base, and a simple yet aromatic seasoning blend. The seasoning is where you can truly customize the flavor profile of your chicken.
Crafting Your Signature Seasoning Blend
While a store-bought poultry seasoning mix can work in a pinch, creating your own blend allows for superior flavor. My go-to lemon garlic seasoning brings brightness and depth. For this, you’ll need 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil, ¼ teaspoon of paprika for a hint of color and mild sweetness, ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning for classic herbaceous notes, ½ teaspoon of celery flakes for a subtle savory crunch, 1 teaspoon of minced garlic (fresh is always best!), ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Don’t forget half a lemon, quartered, and 3 extra garlic cloves to stuff into the chicken cavity for an internal burst of flavor.
When preparing your seasoning, ensure all ingredients are well combined with the olive oil to form a paste. This helps the seasoning adhere beautifully to the chicken, creating a flavorful crust. Before applying the seasoning, remember to thoroughly pat your chicken dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps the seasoning stick better and contributes to a more appealing finish, especially if you plan to broil for crispy skin later.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Cook Whole Chicken in Your Instant Pot
Preparing a whole chicken in your Instant Pot is straightforward, yielding impressive results with minimal effort. Follow these steps for a perfectly cooked, juicy bird:
Preparation is Key
- Verify Your Setup: Always begin by ensuring your stainless steel insert is correctly placed inside your Instant Pot. This seems obvious, but it’s a common oversight! For a more comprehensive guide on getting started, refer to my Instant Pot Guide for Beginners.
- Clean and Prep Chicken: Carefully remove the giblets and neck from the chicken cavity. Pat the entire chicken, inside and out, thoroughly dry with paper towels. This step is vital for the seasoning to adhere properly and to achieve better skin texture.
- Season Liberally: In a small bowl, combine your chosen seasonings with olive oil to form a thick paste. Rub this seasoning mixture generously all over the chicken. For deeper flavor, gently lift the skin around the breast and thigh areas and rub some seasoning directly onto the meat underneath. Place the lemon wedges and whole garlic cloves inside the chicken cavity.
Pressure Cooking Perfection
- Add Liquid and Trivet: Pour 1.5 cups of water or chicken broth into the Instant Pot insert. Place the trivet (the metal rack that usually comes with your Instant Pot) inside the pot. The trivet keeps the chicken elevated out of the liquid, allowing it to steam and pressure cook evenly without scorching the bottom.
- Position the Chicken: Carefully place the seasoned whole chicken on top of the trivet.
- Seal and Cook: Securely close the Instant Pot lid, making sure the sealing ring is properly in place. Rotate the steam release valve to the “sealing” position. Set your Instant Pot to cook at HIGH pressure for 27 minutes (this is for a 4.4lb chicken, following the 6 minutes per pound rule). The Instant Pot will take approximately 10 minutes to come to pressure before the cooking timer begins.
- Natural Pressure Release (NPR): Once the cooking cycle is complete and the timer beeps, press “Cancel/Off.” It is absolutely crucial to allow the pressure to release naturally (NPR) for at least 10-15 minutes, or until the pressure pin drops on its own. DO NOT switch the valve to venting. Natural pressure release prevents the chicken from drying out by allowing the juices to redistribute back into the meat, ensuring a supremely juicy result. If you quick-release the pressure, the sudden change in temperature can force the juices out, leading to dry chicken.
Achieving Crispy Skin (Optional but Recommended)
While pressure cooking excels at making chicken juicy, it doesn’t typically crisp the skin. If you prefer a golden, crispy skin, transfer the cooked chicken from the Instant Pot onto a baking sheet. Place it under a preheated broiler for 5-7 minutes, or until the skin reaches your desired level of crispness and color. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
The All-Important Resting Period
Once removed from the Instant Pot (or after broiling), transfer the chicken to a cutting board or serving platter. Loosely tent it with foil and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before carving. This resting period is critical as it allows the internal juices to redistribute throughout the meat, guaranteeing maximum moisture and tenderness. Skipping this step can result in juices flowing out when you slice, leaving you with less flavorful chicken.
Crafting a Flavorful Gravy from Pan Drippings
Don’t let those flavorful drippings in the Instant Pot go to waste! You can easily make a rich gravy. Skim off any excess fat from the liquid remaining in the Instant Pot. In a small bowl, whisk together two tablespoons of cornstarch with three tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Turn the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Once the liquid simmers, gradually whisk in the cornstarch slurry, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Mastering Instant Pot Whole Chicken Cooking Times
The general rule of thumb for cooking a whole chicken in the Instant Pot is to allow 6 minutes of high pressure cooking time per pound of chicken. For instance, my 4.4lb chicken cooked perfectly in 27 minutes. This guideline helps ensure the chicken is cooked through without becoming overdone. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature has reached a safe 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh, without touching the bone. Precision with cooking time and internal temperature is crucial for food safety and optimal texture.
As mentioned, always opt for a natural pressure release (NPR) when cooking whole chicken. This slower release of pressure is key to retaining moisture, making your chicken incredibly juicy. If you use a quick release (QR), the rapid drop in pressure can cause the muscle fibers to constrict, expelling the precious juices and potentially leading to a drier chicken. Patience here is truly rewarded with superior results.
Versatile Serving Suggestions: From Main Dish to Meal Prep Marvel
This Instant Pot whole roasted chicken is incredibly versatile, serving beautifully as a standalone main dish or as a foundational ingredient for numerous other recipes.
Delicious Side Dishes for a Complete Meal
If you’re serving the whole chicken as your main course, the possibilities for side dishes are endless. Consider these delightful pairings:
- Instant Pot Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: A savory and slightly crispy complement.
- Honey Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts: For a touch of sweetness and tang.
- Mashed Potatoes with Caramelized Onions: Creamy, rich, and perfect for soaking up gravy.
- The Best Sautéed Spinach: A light and healthy green option.
- And, of course, the rich gravy you can make directly from the flavorful liquid remaining in your Instant Pot after cooking the chicken.
- Roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or sweet potatoes.
- A fresh garden salad for a lighter touch.
- Crusty bread to mop up all the delicious juices.
Transforming Leftovers into New Creations
One of the best things about cooking a whole chicken is the abundance of leftovers, perfect for meal prepping. If you plan to use the chicken for other dishes, you can skip the broiling step, remove the skin, and then slice or shred the meat. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days to quickly assemble:
- Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup: A classic comfort food.
- Creamy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta: A quick and flavorful weeknight meal.
- Delicious chicken salads: Mix with mayo, celery, and grapes for a classic version, or go Mediterranean with olives and feta.
- Quick chicken tacos or quesadillas.
- Stir-fries or fried rice.
- Chicken pot pies or casseroles.
- Sandwiches, wraps, or lettuce cups.
More Instant Pot Recipes to Explore
The Instant Pot is a versatile kitchen workhorse. If you loved this whole chicken recipe, you’ll definitely want to try these other fantastic Instant Pot creations:
- Instant Pot Turkey Breast (fresh or frozen)
- Instant Pot Baked Potatoes
- Instant Pot Chicken Thighs
- Instant Pot Smothered Pork Chops
- Instant Pot Shredded Chicken
- Instant Pot Chicken Breast
And for even more options, check out our collection of Instant Pot Chicken Recipes.
Instant Pot Tips and Troubleshooting
To truly master your Instant Pot and avoid common pitfalls, I highly recommend checking out my comprehensive Instant Pot Guide for Beginners. It covers everything from basic setup to understanding different functions. If you’ve ever encountered the dreaded “burn” message, my Instant Pot Burn Message post offers invaluable tips on how to diagnose, fix, and prevent this issue from happening in the first place, ensuring a smooth cooking experience every time.
Instant Pot Roasted Whole Chicken Recipe
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (mine was 4.4 lbs)
- 1.5 cups water or chicken broth
- 1.5 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon celery flakes
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ lemon (quartered)
- 3 garlic cloves
Instructions
- Check if your stainless steel insert is in your Instant Pot. To know why I always mention this step, read my Instant Pot Guide for Beginners.
- Remove the giblets from the chicken cavity. Pat chicken dry with paper towel.
- In a small bowl, mix the seasonings with olive oil. Rub seasoning all over the chicken, you can insert some of it under the skin, close to the cavity. Place lemon wedges and garlic cloves in the chicken cavity.
- Add 1.5 cups of water to the Instant Pot insert. Set the trivet inside. Place seasoned chicken on a trivet. Close the lid, make sure the IP is set to cook at HIGH pressure. Switch valve to “sealing” position. Set timer to 27 minutes (6 minutes per pound!). It will take about 10 minutes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure. Once the timer beeps and the cooking is done, press “cancel/off” and DO NOT switch the valve to venting. Let the pressure release naturally to ensure juicy chicken.
- When the pressure pin dropped, carefully open the lid away from your face. Remove the chicken onto a baking sheet if you want to broil the skin or on a serving plate. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Nutrition
If you like this recipe and make it, snap a photo and share it on INSTAGRAM! Tag me @crunchycreamysweet so I can check it out and leave a comment!