Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a foolproof way to get incredibly juicy, tender chicken with minimal effort, this Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe is your new kitchen best friend. With its mouthwatering flavor, crispy skin (hello, broiler!), and impossibly easy cleanup, you’ll wonder why you ever bought rotisserie chickens again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe revolves around a handful of everyday staples that come together to create something truly special. Each ingredient contributes a unique flavor or texture to make the chicken irresistible, so don’t skip out on these essentials!

• Whole chicken (3.5 to 4.5 lbs): The star of the show! Pick a plump, high-quality bird for the juiciest results.
• Avocado oil: Adds subtle richness and helps achieve golden, crispy skin when broiled.
• Sea salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken inside and out, drawing out all those natural flavors.
• Garlic powder: Infuses the meat and skin with deep, savory notes you’ll absolutely crave.
• Paprika: Gives a pop of color and sweet, smoky flavor—your nose will tingle as it cooks!
• Dried parsley: Bright and herbaceous, it adds a lovely speckled finish.
• Black pepper: For a hint of heat that balances out all the savory and sweet elements.
• Apple cider juice or chicken broth: Choose apple cider for a sweet, autumnal twist (not vinegar!) or classic broth for savory depth.
• Optional apples (chopped): If you want to go bold, add apples to the pot for a subtly fruity undertone that’s pure comfort food.

Variations

This Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe is all about flexibility—feel free to play with flavors, swap out herbs, or tailor it to your table. Here are a few tasty ways to make it your own, whether you need to accommodate dietary restrictions or simply crave a new twist!

• Lemon-Herb Chicken: Add sliced lemon and fresh rosemary sprigs to the pot for sunny Mediterranean flavors and bright aromatics.
• Garlic Butter Chicken: Rub the bird with a mix of melted butter and minced garlic instead of oil for ultimate richness and golden, flavorful skin.
• Spicy Cajun Chicken: Swap the paprika and parsley for Cajun seasoning to add a welcome kick—perfect for spice lovers.
• All-Veggie Base: Instead of apples, nestle onions, carrots, and celery under the chicken for a meal that’s veggie-packed and hearty.

How to Make Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Take your chicken out of its packaging and pat it completely dry—this helps the oil and seasonings stick, and will get you closer to crispy skin. Don’t forget to check the cavity for any tied-up organs or giblets and remove them for now.

Step 2: Season Generously

Drizzle the chicken with avocado oil and use your hands to coat every nook and cranny. Then, shower the bird with sea salt, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and dried parsley, making sure to cover both sides and the edges.

Step 3: Get the Pot Ready

Pour your apple cider or broth into the Instant Pot base. If you like, toss in chopped apples or any veggies you have—these will flavor the juices and can be served on the side. Insert the trivet and carefully set the seasoned chicken on top.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Secure the lid, seal the valve, and set your Instant Pot to “Manual Pressure” or “Pressure Cook.” Set the time for 30 minutes, or go with about 6 minutes per pound if your chicken is extra large or small. The appliance will take a few minutes to come to pressure—grab a cup of tea while you wait.

Step 5: Natural Release

Once the timer beeps, hands off! Let the pot naturally release for at least 20 minutes. This wait is worth every minute—the steam gently finishes cooking the meat, keeping it fall-apart tender and juicy.

Step 6: Broil for Crispy Skin

If you adore crispy skin (and who doesn’t?), transfer the chicken onto a baking sheet. Pop it in your oven under the High broil setting for 5–8 minutes. Watch closely and remove it when the skin reaches your idea of perfection—golden and irresistibly crisp!

Step 7: Rest, Carve, and Serve

Let your masterpiece rest for a few minutes before carving. This lets the juices settle in the meat. The aroma will tempt everyone to the table—slice and serve with your favorite sides. That’s Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe magic!

How to Serve Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle your chicken with fresh parsley or thyme for a burst of color and herby brightness, or scatter thinly sliced green onions for a gentle oniony crunch. Don’t forget a little pinch of flaky sea salt for the finishing touch that makes the flavors really pop.

Side Dishes

The Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a simple buttered rice. I also love it with a crisp green salad or fluffy dinner rolls to soak up all those succulent juices.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting, carve the chicken tableside for a bit of dramatic flair. Or, shred the meat and arrange it on a platter with roasted apples and herbs around the edges—so pretty for family-style serving. Leftovers become the star in wraps, sandwiches, or hearty soups for a fresh mealtime twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your chicken cool to room temperature, then transfer leftovers into an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, they’ll keep perfectly for up to 4 days. Store some of those delicious juices too—they add so much flavor to reheats!

Freezing

If you want to make a batch ahead, shred or cut the chicken off the bones, transfer it to freezer bags or containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. It’s a lifesaver for quick soup, casseroles, or salads on busy nights.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave portions with a splash of reserved juices to lock in moisture, or reheat gently on the stove over low heat. If you want to recapture the crisp skin, a quick blast under the broiler will bring some crunch back!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried this Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe yet, now is definitely the time! It’s a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal that will win over your weeknight dinner table in no time. Can’t wait to hear how you serve yours—happy cooking!

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