If you’ve ever craved a savory, juicy, and perfectly seasoned main dish without spending hours in the kitchen, allow me to introduce you to my all-time favorite: Instant Pot Whole Chicken. This recipe transforms a humble whole chicken into a tender, flavor-packed showstopper with shockingly little effort—all thanks to the magic of pressure cooking. The result is a golden, aromatic bird that’s so moist it practically carves itself, brimming with subtle notes of citrus, herbs, and simple spices. Whether you’re hosting Sunday dinner, meal-prepping for the week, or just want a comforting dinner on the table fast, this is the recipe to keep close at hand!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s marvel for a second at how a short list of basic ingredients can work wonders for big, bold flavor! Each item serves an important role—providing moisture, color, aroma, or that crave-worthy flavor that keeps you reaching for seconds. Here’s what you’ll need to make the best Instant Pot Whole Chicken.
- Whole chicken (3.5–4 lbs): Choose a bird that fits comfortably inside your Instant Pot for even cooking and juicy results.
- Olive oil: Adds a gorgeous golden finish and helps the seasonings cling to the skin.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out every savory note and keeping the chicken succulent.
- Black pepper: A classic touch for gentle heat and depth in every bite.
- Paprika: Lends lovely color and a smoky undertone for that classic rotisserie taste.
- Garlic powder: For rich, mellow garlic flavor from the inside out.
- Onion powder: Sweet aroma and background flavor that rounds everything out.
- Dried thyme: Adds a whiff of earthiness and pairs beautifully with chicken.
- Chicken broth: Keeps the meat extra moist and leaves you with flavorful drippings perfect for gravy or soup.
- Onion (quartered): Releases sweet flavor and fragrance inside the chicken as it cooks.
- Garlic (smashed): Infuses the bird with even more irresistible aroma.
- Lemon (halved): Brightens the whole dish with a hint of citrus that elevates every bite.
How to Make Instant Pot Whole Chicken
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken dry with paper towels—this helps the skin get beautifully golden and lets the seasonings stick. In a small bowl, mix together your salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme. Rub olive oil all over the chicken, making sure every nook and cranny is glistening. Next, sprinkle your seasoning mix evenly over the chicken, getting both the outside and inside the cavity for maximum flavor. Don’t skip stuffing the cavity with the quartered onion, smashed garlic, and halved lemon—it’s the secret to deep, aromatic flavor right from the center!
Step 2: Sear for Extra Flavor
Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add a little extra oil if needed. Place the prepared chicken in the pot breast-side down and let it sear undisturbed for about 4–5 minutes, until the skin turns gorgeously golden and fragrant. Flip the chicken carefully (tongs help!) and let the other side sear for about 4 more minutes. This step isn’t mandatory, but it’s the shortcut to irresistible, savory flavor and an extra-appetizing look.
Step 3: Pressure Cook
Take the chicken out briefly and situate the Instant Pot trivet at the bottom of the pot. Pour in your chicken broth, which not only prevents burning but also creates flavorful juices you can use later. Place the chicken breast-side up on the trivet, lock the lid, and set your Instant Pot to pressure cook on high. Cook for around 24 minutes (that’s 6 minutes per pound), then let the pressure naturally release for 15 minutes before safely venting any remaining steam. Be sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the breast; this ensures your Instant Pot Whole Chicken is perfectly done!
Step 4: Rest and Carve
Transfer the cooked chicken to a platter or cutting board using tongs or kitchen gloves (it’ll be juicy and tender!). Let it rest uncovered for 10 minutes—this step keeps the juices locked in and makes the meat easier to carve. If you’re after some crispy skin, pop the chicken under your oven’s broiler for a few minutes while keeping a close eye. Carve and serve, then get ready for applause!
How to Serve Instant Pot Whole Chicken
Garnishes
Instant Pot Whole Chicken can be dressed up or down! A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, a few lemon wedges, and a drizzle of those glorious pan juices will make your platter restaurant-worthy. For extra flair, scatter thin slices of red onion or a few sprigs of fresh thyme over the top. Not only do the garnishes add pops of color, but they bring freshness that balances the richness of the chicken.
Side Dishes
This chicken sings alongside classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or fluffy rice pilaf. To soak up all that delicious broth, nothing beats crusty artisan bread. For something lighter, serve it with a big green salad dressed in a lemony vinaigrette. The versatility of Instant Pot Whole Chicken means it plays well with just about anything that makes you happy!
Creative Ways to Present
Carve the chicken at the table for extra “wow” factor, or shred it and pile the meat onto sliders, tacos, or atop grain bowls for a fun, family-style meal. Leftovers are fabulous in wraps, salads, or even chicken noodle soup. The golden, juicy meat is a blank canvas for countless creative lunches and dinners!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover Instant Pot Whole Chicken to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. Slice or shred the meat before storing to make grabbing quick sandwiches or salads even easier. Don’t toss those bones—save them for a homemade broth!
Freezing
Instant Pot Whole Chicken freezes beautifully. Divide the meat into meal-sized portions and tuck them into freezer-safe bags or containers (be sure to squeeze out as much air as possible). Store for up to three months. To avoid freezer burn and preserve juiciness, add a little of the cooking broth to each package.
Reheating
Reheat portions gently in the microwave with a small splash of broth to keep things moist, or warm covered in a 325°F oven. If reheating a lot of chicken, heat in a pan on the stovetop with some extra broth until steamy. And if you want the skin to crisp up, use a quick broil at the end.
FAQs
Can I use a frozen whole chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can cook a frozen Instant Pot Whole Chicken, but skip searing since the skin won’t sear well when frozen. Add 5–8 additional minutes per pound to the cooking time and be sure to check for doneness with a meat thermometer.
Do I need to truss the chicken?
Trussing (tying the legs together) isn’t strictly necessary for Instant Pot Whole Chicken since it holds its shape well during pressure cooking, but you can tie the legs together if you prefer a neater presentation.
What size Instant Pot works best?
A 6-quart Instant Pot fits most 3.5–4 pound chickens comfortably, but if you have an 8-quart model, you can go a little bigger. Always make sure the bird sits below the “max fill” line.
How do I make sure my chicken is cooked all the way through?
Always use a meat thermometer and check that the thickest part of the chicken breast reads at least 165°F (74°C). If it needs a couple more minutes, simply reseal the pot and cook for an additional 2–4 minutes.
Can I make gravy with the leftover broth?
Definitely! Strain the leftover broth from your Instant Pot Whole Chicken, simmer it with a little cornstarch slurry or flour, and season to taste for a quick and flavorful homemade gravy.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a foolproof, flavor-packed way to cook a whole chicken, Instant Pot Whole Chicken is truly unbeatable. Give it a try and let it become a star in your weekly dinner rotation—you’ll be amazed just how easy (and spectacularly delicious) it is!
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Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes (plus pressure release)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make a juicy and flavorful whole chicken in your Instant Pot with this easy recipe. The chicken is seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, then pressure cooked to perfection. Perfect for a hassle-free dinner any night of the week!
Ingredients
Whole Chicken:
- 1 whole chicken (3.5–4 lbs)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
For Cooking:
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 onion (quartered)
- 3 cloves garlic (smashed)
- 1 lemon (halved)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Mix seasonings and rub over chicken. Stuff with onion, garlic, and lemon.
- Sear the Chicken: Brown chicken in Instant Pot on sauté mode.
- Cook Under Pressure: Pressure cook with broth for 24 minutes.
- Rest and Serve: Let chicken rest before carving.
Notes
- For crispy skin, broil cooked chicken for 5 minutes.
- Use leftover broth for gravy or soup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (about 6 oz meat)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 440mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
