Instant Pot Whole Chicken

Cooking an Instant Pot Whole Chicken is one of those magical experiences where everything seems to align. I remember the first time I decided to prepare a whole chicken in my Instant Pot. It was a rainy Sunday afternoon, and the thought of a juicy, savory chicken melting in my mouth filled me with excitement. As the aromas filled my kitchen, I couldn’t help but think about how easy and comforting it was to create a delicious meal without spending all day in the kitchen. The Instant Pot Whole Chicken is not just a dish; it’s an experience that brings family together, warms the heart, and satisfies the soul. Just imagine the tender, flavorful chicken paired with your favorite sides, all prepared with minimal effort. It’s perfect for meal prep or a cozy dinner.

Main Ingredients for Instant Pot Whole Chicken

The ingredients for this Instant Pot Whole Chicken come together beautifully to create a comforting meal. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the rich flavors of the spices to the moisture provided by the chicken broth. Together, they ensure the chicken cooks evenly and remains juicy. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special!

• 5 pound whole chicken: The star of the show, this chicken provides a tender and flavorful base for our recipe.
• 1/4 cup olive oil: Adds richness and helps the spices adhere to the chicken.
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder: This ingredient gives depth to the flavor profile; fresh garlic can be substituted for a more robust taste.
• 1 tablespoon paprika: Adds a lovely color and a hint of smokiness.
• 1 tablespoon salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing the overall flavor.
• 1 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a subtle kick to balance the other flavors.
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth: This adds moisture and flavor, ensuring the chicken doesn’t dry out in the cooking process.

The Process for Making Instant Pot Whole Chicken

Cooking an Instant Pot Whole Chicken is a straightforward process that anyone can master. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious meal that will impress your family and friends. Let’s get started!

1. Begin by checking the inside of your chicken for any leftover giblets or packaging. Make sure to pat the chicken dry to ensure a crisp skin.
2. Place the chicken on a trivet in the Instant Pot. This allows hot air to circulate around the bird, cooking it evenly.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will serve as a flavorful rub for the chicken.
4. Generously brush the spice mixture over the top of the raw chicken, ensuring to cover every nook and cranny. This is where the flavor will come from!
5. Next, pour the chicken broth around the edges of the chicken into the bottom of the pot. This helps to keep the chicken moist during cooking.
6. Close the lid on the Instant Pot and turn the pressure valve to seal. This is crucial for building the necessary pressure.
7. Set the Instant Pot to manual mode on high for a cook time of 30 minutes. This timing is ideal for a 5-pound chicken.
8. Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 10 to 15 minutes. This step helps the chicken retain its juices.
9. After the natural release, carefully open the pot and release any remaining pressure. Avoid doing a quick release, as this can result in a dry chicken.
10. Remove the chicken, let it rest for a few minutes, then serve and enjoy your perfectly cooked Instant Pot Whole Chicken.

Make It Your Own

Customizing your Instant Pot Whole Chicken can lead to exciting new flavors and variations. Here are some tips to inspire your culinary creativity!

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop to enjoy again.
• Freezing: You can freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Just make sure to slice it before freezing for easier portions later.
• Pairing: Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.
• Spice it Up: Experiment with different seasoning blends, like lemon pepper or herb de Provence, for a unique twist.
• Make a Gravy: Use the drippings left in the pot to create a delicious gravy for your chicken.

Perfect Matches for Instant Pot Whole Chicken

Discovering the right accompaniments for your Instant Pot Whole Chicken can elevate your meal. Here are some perfect matches to consider:

• Roasted Vegetables: Serve with a medley of seasonal roasted vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts for a healthy side.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food that pairs wonderfully with the savory flavors of the chicken.
• Fresh Salad: A light, refreshing salad with a citrus dressing can balance the richness of the chicken.
• Perfect for Gatherings: This dish is great for family dinners, gatherings, or even special occasions like birthdays or holidays.
• Leftover Ideas: Use leftovers in sandwiches, wraps, or salads for quick meals throughout the week.
• Seasonal Pairings: Consider seasonal sides like pumpkin or squash in the fall, or fresh green beans in the summer.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Instant Pot Whole Chicken is a delightful dish that combines ease and flavor, making it a must-try for any home cook. It’s perfect for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or just a cozy meal at home. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the joy of serving a perfectly cooked chicken that’s sure to impress everyone at the table.

Instant Pot Whole Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, this Instant Pot Whole Chicken is juicy and flavorful, thanks to a delicious spice blend. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish will leave your family craving more!

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 5 pound whole chicken
• 1/4 cup 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon garlic powder Or 2-3 cloves fresh garlic. Minced garlic can also be substituted.
• 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1.5 cups 1 1/2 cups chicken broth Water also works, but has less flavor

Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Trivet
• Long Tongs
• Silicone brush
• Meat thermometer

Method

 

1. Check the inside of your chicken for anything inside. Pat the chicken dry then place on a trivet into the Instant Pot and lower into the metal pot.
2. In a small bowl mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper. Generously brush the mixture over the top of the raw chicken.
3. Pour the chicken broth around the edges of the chicken into the bottom of the pot.
4. Close lid on Instant Pot and turn pressure valve to seal. Set on manual mode on high for a cook time of 30 minutes.
5. Allow for a natural pressure release of 10-15 minutes at the end of the cooking time before releasing any remaining pressure by opening the pot.
6. DO NOT do a quick release (press the button before the pot has released the pressure) or your chicken will be dry. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

• Tip 1: A 2.5 lb chicken takes about 15 minutes to cook.
• Tip 2: A 3 lb chicken takes about 18 minutes to cook.
• Tip 3: A 4 lb chicken takes about 24 minutes to cook.
• Tip 4: A 5 lb chicken takes about 30 minutes to cook.

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Meet Hailey Anderson

My passion is creating food that nourishes your body without sacrificing flavor. I’m our main recipe developer for vibrant salads, smoothies, and feel-good breakfasts. When I’m not blending or chopping, I’m right alongside Brooke and Jenna, helping to cook and test our new dinner and dessert recipes. I’m a firm believer in balance!