If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug and comes together with remarkable ease, then this Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. Juicy, tender, and packed with aromatic herbs, this dish transforms a simple whole chicken into a flavorful masterpiece in just about an hour. Whether you’re feeding a family or want leftovers that keep on giving, this recipe balances great taste with effortless cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the foundation of this Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe. The beauty here lies in the simplicity and purity of each component, working in harmony to elevate the chicken’s natural flavor and create an inviting aroma.
- 8 cups cold water: The cooking liquid that steeps the chicken in gentle heat for moist, tender meat.
- 5 teaspoons fine sea salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the savory flavors throughout the chicken.
- 2 bay leaves: Adds a subtle, fragrant complexity to the broth.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings an earthy, slightly minty note that complements poultry beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Offers a piney, aromatic depth that pairs perfectly with chicken.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a herbal brightness that rounds out the seasoning profile.
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds): The star of the dish, providing hearty portions of moist and flavorful meat.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (optional): Used for brushing to enhance the skin’s crispiness and add richness.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional): Adds a touch of umami and helps achieve a beautiful golden finish under the broiler.
How to Make Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Instant Pot
Start by adding cold water, sea salt, bay leaves, oregano, rosemary, and thyme directly into your Instant Pot. Give everything a good stir to dissolve the salt completely. This herb-infused liquid is what will slowly coax the chicken into succulent doneness, so don’t rush this part.
Step 2: Submerge the Chicken
Gently place your whole chicken breast side up into the Instant Pot. The key here is to make sure your chicken is almost completely covered by the liquid—about 90% submerged is perfect. This ensures even cooking while keeping the meat tender and juicy.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Close the Instant Pot lid tightly and turn the venting knob to the sealing position. Set your Instant Pot to cook on high pressure, but here’s the trick: set it to zero minutes. It sounds odd, but the magic happens during the time it takes for the pot to come to pressure. This indirect cooking yields incredibly tender meat without drying it out.
Step 4: Natural Release
Once the cooking cycle is finished, let the pressure naturally release for about 20 to 22 minutes. This gentle cooldown phase allows the chicken to finish cooking slowly and soak up those wonderful herb flavors.
Step 5: Check for Doneness
Before you get too excited, check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the chicken using a meat thermometer. You want to see at least 161°F (72°C). This ensures the chicken is safely cooked and at its juiciest under the skin.
Step 6: Optional Step for Crispy Skin
If you love that golden, crispy skin, here is a game changer: brush the chicken all over with softened butter and a spoonful of soy sauce. Then, pop it under a preheated broiler in your oven for a few minutes, watching carefully until you achieve a beautifully browned, slightly crisp skin. This step turns your Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe into a flavor and texture showstopper.
Step 7: Serve
Let your bird rest for a few minutes before carving. This resting time helps the juices redistribute, making every slice tender and moist—perfect for plating up and sharing.
How to Serve Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary over your carved chicken adds vibrant color and a burst of fresh flavor. A lemon wedge on the side also brightens each bite wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. Rice or quinoa also soak up the flavorful juices well, making your meal complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic family-style vibe, serve the whole chicken on a wooden board surrounded by seasonal roasted veggies. Alternatively, slice the meat and layer it in warm pita bread with tzatziki, cucumber, and tomatoes for a quick, delicious wrap perfect for casual lunches or picnics.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The beautifully cooked meat retains its tenderness and flavor, making it a great ingredient for sandwiches or salads later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to stretch your meal further, you can freeze leftover chicken meat. Remove the bones and skin, then pack the meat tightly in freezer-safe bags or containers. It will keep well for up to 3 months without losing its juicy texture.
Reheating
Reheat your refrigerated or thawed chicken gently in the microwave or oven with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Cover it loosely to trap steam and prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe?
Yes! One of the Instant Pot’s great features is its ability to cook frozen poultry. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes of cooking time and ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature before serving.
Do I need to add seasoning inside the chicken cavity?
While this recipe doesn’t call for cavity seasoning, you can add aromatics like lemon halves, garlic, or herbs inside for additional fragrance and flavor if you like.
Why is the cooking time set to zero minutes?
The zero-minute setting uses the time it takes for the pot to reach pressure as the actual cooking period. This technique prevents overcooking and keeps the chicken tender, which might seem counterintuitive but works beautifully.
Can I skip the broiling step for crispy skin?
Absolutely! The chicken will still be moist and flavorful without broiling. The broil step is optional for those craving that irresistible crispy finish.
Is it safe to consume chicken at 161°F?
Yes, the USDA recommends cooking chicken to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F, but because the chicken continues to cook during natural pressure release and resting, 161°F during the check is safe and results in juicier meat.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe turns an everyday ingredient into something truly special with minimal effort and maximum flavor. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a hassle-free, delicious dinner that feels homemade and comforting. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
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Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Instant Pot Whole Chicken recipe offers a quick and easy way to prepare tender, juicy chicken infused with aromatic herbs. Perfect for a simple weeknight dinner or meal prep, it uses the pressure cooking power of the Instant Pot to cook a whole chicken in under an hour, while an optional broil step provides a crispy, flavorful skin.
Ingredients
Brine and Seasoning
- 8 cups cold water
- 5 teaspoons fine sea salt
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Main
- 1 whole chicken (about 4–5 pounds)
Optional for Crispy Skin
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Instant Pot: Add the cold water, fine sea salt, bay leaves, dried oregano, rosemary, and thyme into the Instant Pot. Stir the mixture well to dissolve the salt completely, creating a flavorful cooking liquid for the chicken.
- Submerge the Chicken: Carefully place the whole chicken into the Instant Pot breast side up, making sure the chicken is at least 90% submerged in the herb-infused liquid for even cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Close the Instant Pot lid securely, set the venting knob to the sealing position, and select the high-pressure cooking setting. Set the timer for 0 minutes as the initial heat and pressure buildup will start the cooking process.
- Natural Release: Once cooking is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 20-22 minutes. This gentle decompression continues to cook the chicken fully and helps keep it moist and tender.
- Check for Doneness: Open the lid carefully after the pressure is fully released. Use a meat thermometer to verify that the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken has reached at least 161°F (72°C) to ensure safe consumption.
- Optional Step for Crispy Skin: For those who prefer crispy skin, brush the cooked chicken with unsalted butter mixed with soy sauce. Then, transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and place it under the oven broiler for a few minutes, watching closely until the skin turns golden brown and crisp.
- Serve: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after removing from heat. Slice and serve warm with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is fully thawed before cooking for even results.
- The 0-minute cook time refers to pressure cooking duration after reaching full pressure; additional time for pressure build-up and natural release is included.
- Use a reliable meat thermometer for food safety.
- The broiling step is optional but enhances flavor and texture.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This recipe works best with a fresh or properly thawed whole chicken weighing 4-5 pounds.
