Whole Chicken in the Instant Pot
There’s something incredibly comforting about a perfectly cooked Whole Chicken in the Instant Pot. I remember the first time I made it; the aroma filled my kitchen, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment. It was a chilly evening, and I wanted to create a warm, hearty meal for my family. As I prepped the ingredients, I thought about how versatile and satisfying this dish can be. Roasting a whole chicken seemed daunting at first, but with the Instant Pot, everything became so much more manageable. The moist, tender meat practically falls off the bone, making it a favorite at our dinner table. Plus, the leftover chicken can be used in various dishes throughout the week—talk about a win-win!
Recipe Snapshot
39 mins
15 mins
24 mins
Medium
350 kcal
40 g
Keto, Paleo, Whole30
20 g
Mixing Bowl, Instant Pot
The Best Thing About This Whole Chicken in the Instant Pot
Quick and Convenient
One of the standout features of making a Whole Chicken in the Instant Pot is how quick and convenient it is. Traditional methods can take hours, but with pressure cooking, you’ll have a juicy chicken ready in under an hour. This is a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you want a wholesome meal but don’t have much time to cook.
Flavorful Spices
The blend of spices used in this recipe elevates the Whole Chicken in the Instant Pot to a whole new level. A mixture of sea salt, garlic powder, paprika, and dried thyme creates a mouthwatering crust that locks in moisture while enhancing the flavor of the chicken. These spices not only make the dish tasty but also create an aromatic experience that fills your home.
Healthy Meal Option
In today’s health-conscious world, many of us seek healthier meal options, and this recipe fits the bill perfectly. Using the Instant Pot allows you to cook the chicken with less oil compared to traditional frying methods, resulting in a dish that’s lower in fat yet rich in flavor. Additionally, serving it with steamed vegetables boosts the nutritional value, making it a complete meal.
Versatile Leftovers
Another reason to love this recipe is the versatility it offers. Once you’ve enjoyed the juicy pieces of chicken, the leftovers can be transformed into a variety of dishes. Use them for salads, sandwiches, or soups throughout the week. This makes meal planning a breeze and helps reduce food waste.
Family-Friendly
Finally, a Whole Chicken in the Instant Pot is a dish that the whole family can enjoy. Whether you have picky eaters or food enthusiasts, the tender meat and flavorful spices appeal to everyone. It’s an excellent way to gather around the table, share stories, and create lasting memories.
What You’ll Need for Whole Chicken in the Instant Pot
Gathering the right ingredients is essential for creating a delicious Whole Chicken in the Instant Pot. Each item plays a crucial role in the final flavor and texture of the dish. The star of this recipe is, of course, the whole chicken, which becomes incredibly tender and flavorful when cooked under pressure. Alongside it, you’ll find spices that complement its natural taste, creating a symphony of flavors that is simply irresistible.
- 1-4 pound whole chicken: The centerpiece of your meal, providing juicy meat that pairs well with various sides.
- 2 teaspoons fine sea salt: Enhances the chicken’s natural flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory depth to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: Offers a subtle kick.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Gives the chicken a beautiful color and a hint of smokiness.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Infuses an herby aroma.
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil (divided): Helps achieve a golden brown crust during the sautéing process.
- ½ onion: Adds moisture and flavor when placed inside the chicken cavity.
- 1 cup chicken stock: Creates steam for cooking and adds flavor.
Recipe Directions for Whole Chicken in the Instant Pot
Cooking a Whole Chicken in the Instant Pot is as easy as following a few simple steps. The process is designed to ensure that you achieve perfectly cooked chicken every time. Let’s dive into the instructions!
Using a paper towel, dry off the chicken. This step is important as it helps to achieve a nice sear later on. Make sure to get rid of any excess moisture, as this can prevent browning in the pot.
In a small bowl, mix together all of the spices: salt, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, and thyme. Place half of the spices in another small bowl and add 1 tablespoon of avocado oil to create a paste. This paste will be used to rub under the skin of the chicken, infusing flavor directly into the meat.
Carefully rub the paste underneath the skin on the chicken breasts. Take care not to break the skin, as you want to keep the chicken moist during cooking.
In a 6 or 8-quart Instant Pot, press the sauté function. Once hot, add the remaining avocado oil and sear the whole chicken, breast side down for about 3 to 4 minutes. This step locks in flavor and produces a lovely brown crust.
After searing, flip the chicken and sear on the other side. Press cancel on the sauté function to stop cooking.
Remove the chicken from the pot and season the inside of the cavity with salt and pepper. Place the ½ onion inside the cavity. This not only adds flavor but also keeps the chicken moist.
Rub the remainder of the dry spices all over the chicken breasts and thighs, making sure every inch is covered with flavor.
Place the trivet inside the Instant Pot and pour in the chicken stock. The stock will create steam and keep the chicken moist during the pressure cooking process.
Place the chicken back inside on the trivet and close the lid with the vent set to sealing. This is a crucial step to ensure that the pressure builds properly.
Cook on manual high pressure for 24 minutes, which is approximately 6 minutes per pound. This timing will yield a perfectly cooked chicken.
Once the cooking time is complete, allow a natural release for 15 minutes. After that, you can use the manual release function to release any remaining pressure carefully.
With an instant-read thermometer, check the temperature of the chicken in the thickest part of the breast. Make sure it registers at least 160ºF. The chicken will continue to cook as it rests, so it’s okay if it’s slightly under at this stage.
Let the chicken sit until it has cooled down slightly, about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
Butcher the legs, wings, and finally the breasts, and serve alongside your favorite sides. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Things Worth Knowing
- Cooking Time Adjustment: If your chicken is a different size than 4 lbs., adjust the cooking time to be 6 minutes per pound.
- Preventing Burn Notices: If you experience a “burn” notification on your Instant Pot, it might be due to too much evaporation of the broth. Simply add an additional ½ cup of broth to the pot and restart.
- Temperature Troubleshooting: If your chicken registers below 160ºF at the end of cooking, cook for an additional 1 minute on high pressure for every 5 degrees under.
- Resting Period: Allowing the chicken to rest before carving is essential. It ensures juiciness and flavor retention.
Recipe Notes about Whole Chicken in the Instant Pot
Here are some handy tips to keep in mind when making a Whole Chicken in the Instant Pot:
- Storage: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the leftover chicken for up to 4 months. Make sure to shred the meat and store it in portions for easy use later.
- Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment with different spices or marinades to create your unique flavor profile.
- Meal Prep: Use the cooked chicken throughout the week in salads, wraps, or soups to save time on meal prep.
Side Dish Ideas for Whole Chicken in the Instant Pot
Serving a Whole Chicken in the Instant Pot opens up a world of delicious side dish possibilities. Here are some ideas to complement your meal:
- Roasted Vegetables: A colorful medley of seasonal vegetables, roasted until caramelized, provides a nutritious and vibrant side.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic create a comforting dish that pairs well with chicken.
- Steamed Asparagus: Bright and tender, steamed asparagus adds a fresh, bright note to your plate.
- Caesar Salad: Toss together crisp romaine, crunchy croutons, and a creamy dressing for a refreshing contrast.
- Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad with fresh herbs and vegetables makes for a nutritious and filling option.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet and smoky, grilled corn can add a delightful seasonal touch to your meal.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf with herbs complements the chicken perfectly, soaking up flavors.
- Baked Sweet Potatoes: Roasted sweet potatoes offer a naturally sweet and nutritious side.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy cabbage slaw with a tangy dressing adds a refreshing crunch to balance the meal.
- Garlic Bread: Crisp garlic bread is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for soaking up any savory juices from the chicken.
FAQ
Conclusion
This Whole Chicken in the Instant Pot recipe is special because it combines convenience with incredible flavor, making it a go-to for any home cook. I encourage you to try this dish for your next family gathering or weeknight dinner. You’ll love the simplicity and the delicious results. Happy cooking!
Whole Chicken in the Instant Pot
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Using a paper towel, dry off the chicken. This step is important as it helps to achieve a nice sear later on. Make sure to get rid of any excess moisture, as this can prevent browning in the pot.
- In a small bowl, mix together all of the spices: salt, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, and thyme. Place half of the spices in another small bowl and add 1 tablespoon of avocado oil to create a paste. This paste will be used to rub under the skin of the chicken, infusing flavor directly into the meat.
- Carefully rub the paste underneath the skin on the chicken breasts. Take care not to break the skin, as you want to keep the chicken moist during cooking.
- In a 6 or 8-quart Instant Pot, press the sauté function. Once hot, add the remaining avocado oil and sear the whole chicken, breast side down for about 3 to 4 minutes. This step locks in flavor and produces a lovely brown crust.
- After searing, flip the chicken and sear on the other side. Press cancel on the sauté function to stop cooking.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and season the inside of the cavity with salt and pepper. Place the ½ onion inside the cavity. This not only adds flavor but also keeps the chicken moist.
- Rub the remainder of the dry spices all over the chicken breasts and thighs, making sure every inch is covered with flavor.
- Place the trivet inside the Instant Pot and pour in the chicken stock. The stock will create steam and keep the chicken moist during the pressure cooking process.
- Place the chicken back inside on the trivet and close the lid with the vent set to sealing. This is a crucial step to ensure that the pressure builds properly.
- Cook on manual high pressure for 24 minutes, which is approximately 6 minutes per pound. This timing will yield a perfectly cooked chicken.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow a natural release for 15 minutes. After that, you can use the manual release function to release any remaining pressure carefully.
- With an instant-read thermometer, check the temperature of the chicken in the thickest part of the breast. Make sure it registers at least 160ºF. The chicken will continue to cook as it rests, so it’s okay if it’s slightly under at this stage.
- Let the chicken sit until it has cooled down slightly, about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- Butcher the legs, wings, and finally the breasts, and serve alongside your favorite sides. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!
