Cooking a whole chicken in the Instant Pot is a game-changer for busy cooks seeking a delicious and time-saving meal. With the Instant Pot's time saving pressure-cooking magic, you can achieve a juicy and tender whole chicken in a fraction of the time it takes to roast in the oven. Today, we'll share an easy Instant Pot whole chicken recipe along with some tips to ensure your chicken turns out perfectly every time.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole pasture raised chicken from Acabonac
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
- 1/2 of a lemon
Instructions:
- Prep the Chicken: Make sure the chicken is completely defrosted then pat the whole chicken dry with paper towels. Season the chicken inside and out with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Allow the chicken to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Set Up the Instant Pot: Turn on the Instant Pot and select the "Sauté" function. Once it's hot, add olive oil to the pot. Place the seasoned chicken breast-side down in the Instant Pot and let it sear for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Flip the chicken and sear the bottom as well. This step enhances the chicken's flavor.
- Pressure Cook: Add chicken broth or water to the Instant Pot. Place the half lemon in the cavity of the chicken. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" mode on high pressure for 6 minutes per pound.
- Natural Release: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for at least 15 minutes. Then, carefully perform a quick release to let out any remaining pressure.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check if the thickest part of the chicken, such as the thigh, reads 165°F (74°C). If it hasn't reached the safe internal temperature, return the chicken to the Instant Pot and pressure cook for a few more minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy: Carefully remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and let it rest for a few minutes before carving. Serve the succulent chicken with your favorite side dishes and enjoy the flavorful goodness.
Pro Tips:
To enhance the chicken's taste, marinate it overnight in your favorite herbs and spices before cooking.
For a crispy skin, you can place the chicken under the broiler for a few minutes after cooking in the Instant Pot.
Save the chicken broth from the Instant Pot to use as a delicious base for soups or sauces.
With these easy steps and tips, you can confidently cook a moist and flavorful whole chicken in your Instant Pot, impressing your family and friends with this delightful meal. Enjoy the convenience and deliciousness of Instant Pot cooking!