Cooking a whole chicken in an Instant Pot is a game-changer for busy weeknights or whenever you crave a delicious home-cooked meal with minimal effort. The Instant Pot not only speeds up the cooking process but also ensures the chicken is juicy, tender, and infused with flavors. This method delivers a perfectly cooked chicken with a crispy, flavorful skin, thanks to a quick broil in the oven after pressure cooking. Infused with herbs, garlic, and lemon, this Instant Pot Whole Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. Enjoy this succulent and flavorful chicken as a main course or shred the meat for use in sandwiches, salads, or soups.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (4 to 5 pounds), giblets removed
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 lemon, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
- Fresh herbs (such as thyme or rosemary), for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken:
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season the entire chicken generously with salt and black pepper.
- Prepare the spice rub:
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and rosemary. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken, making sure to coat it evenly.
- Stuff the chicken:
- Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the halved lemon and smashed garlic cloves.
- Sear the chicken:
- Set the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function and allow it to heat up. Add a bit of olive oil, then place the chicken breast-side down in the pot. Sear for 4-5 minutes until golden brown, then flip and sear the other side for another 4-5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Add broth and cook the chicken:
- Pour the chicken broth into the Instant Pot, using a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom. Place the trivet in the pot and set the chicken breast-side up on the trivet.
- Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to “Pressure Cook” on high for 25 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully do a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
- Broil the chicken (optional):
- Preheat your oven broiler. Transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and place it under the broiler for 3-5 minutes to crisp up the skin.
- Serve:
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before carving. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with your choice of sides.
Enjoy your Instant Pot Whole Chicken as a tender and flavorful meal that’s both easy to prepare and delicious, offering the perfect balance of juicy meat and crispy skin!
