Instant Pot Whole Chicken: Effortless Rotisserie-Style Meal Prep in Under an Hour
Discover the ultimate shortcut to delicious, home-cooked poultry with this Instant Pot Whole Chicken recipe. Achieve tender, juicy, rotisserie-style chicken in less than an hour, making it an absolute game-changer for quick dinners and efficient meal preparation. Say goodbye to lengthy roasting times and hello to convenience!
My Instant Pot Journey: From Apprehension to Culinary Confidence
For quite some time, my Instant Pot sat on the counter, primarily reserved for simple tasks like shredding chicken, if it was used at all. I admit, I was intimidated by it. The thought of pressure cooking a whole chicken seemed daunting, and for months, I let that fear hold me back from exploring its full potential. But late last year, I finally decided to embrace this incredible kitchen appliance, and honestly, I haven’t looked back since. The Instant Pot has completely transformed the way I approach cooking, especially when it comes to preparing foundational proteins for the week.
Before the Instant Pot became a staple in my kitchen, my go-to methods for a week’s worth of protein involved either spending three hours roasting a whole chicken in the oven or picking up a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. While I adore the aroma and flavor of a traditionally roasted bird, time isn’t always on my side. And although store-bought rotisserie chickens are convenient, buying a whole raw chicken and cooking it yourself is almost always the more economical and often healthier choice, as you control the ingredients. This is where the Instant Pot truly shines, offering the best of both worlds.
Why Instant Pot Whole Chicken is a Meal Prep Game Changer
Cooking an entire chicken in your Instant Pot is hands down the fastest and most efficient way to achieve a perfectly cooked bird. In under an hour, you can go from raw chicken to a ready-to-shred masterpiece. This speed and simplicity make it an indispensable tool for anyone serious about meal prepping. Imagine having tender, flavorful chicken ready for multiple meals throughout the week without sacrificing your precious weekend hours. It’s not just about speed; it’s about smart cooking.
Time-Saving for Busy Lives
One of the most significant advantages of pressure cooking a whole chicken is the remarkable reduction in cooking time. A typical oven roast can take anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the size of the chicken. With the Instant Pot, a 4-5lb chicken is usually cooked to perfection in about 35-40 minutes of pressure cooking time, plus a brief natural release. This means you can have a main protein ready on a busy weeknight, or quickly prepare a batch for lunches and dinners without feeling overwhelmed.
Economical and Healthier than Store-Bought Options
While grocery store rotisserie chickens are convenient, they often come with a higher price tag compared to buying a whole raw chicken. Furthermore, store-bought options can contain excessive sodium, preservatives, and sometimes undesirable oils. By cooking your own Instant Pot whole chicken, you gain complete control over the ingredients. You can choose organic, pasture-raised chicken and season it with your preferred blend of herbs and spices, ensuring a healthier and more personalized meal for your family.
Versatility for Endless Meal Possibilities
The beauty of cooking a whole chicken with a basic seasoning blend is its incredible versatility. Last week, I used the meat from one Instant Pot chicken to create three distinct meals for two people: a flavorful stir-fry, a zesty Buffalo Chicken Salad, and a simple yet delicious dish of shredded chicken tossed with zucchini, pesto, and fresh mozzarella. If you’re cooking for a family of 4-6, this method can easily provide one hearty main meal with enough leftovers for a second, or serve as the foundation for several different dishes throughout the week. The possibilities are truly endless!
Prepping Your Instant Pot Whole Chicken for Success
Preparing a whole chicken for the Instant Pot is surprisingly simple, yet a few key steps ensure maximum flavor and optimal cooking. The process involves minimal hands-on time, allowing you to get a head start on other tasks while your Instant Pot does the heavy lifting.
First, always remove any giblets or neck from the chicken cavity and give the bird a thorough rinse under cold water. Patting it dry with paper towels is crucial for achieving that desirable golden-brown skin during the sautéing step.
For this recipe, I opt for a very basic seasoning mix. This allows the chicken to be a neutral canvas, perfect for integrating into various dishes later in the week. However, if you already have a specific meal in mind, feel free to customize your bird with your favorite herbs and spices. Think Italian seasoning, smoky paprika, or even a spicy Cajun rub!
The Basic Seasoning Blend: Simple Yet Flavorful
My go-to seasoning for Instant Pot whole chicken consists of Kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, and onion powder, combined with a touch of olive or avocado oil. This blend offers a balanced flavor that complements virtually any cuisine. By rubbing it generously on the chicken, you ensure every bite is seasoned to perfection.
Don’t forget to stuff the chicken cavity with aromatics! Garlic cloves, quartered yellow onion, and half a lemon not only impart incredible flavor to the chicken from the inside out but also contribute to a wonderfully fragrant broth as it cooks.
Whole Chicken in the Instant Pot
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Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, approximately 4-5 lbs
- 3 tablespoons Kosher salt, divided
- 2 tablespoons black pepper, divided
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided – or avocado oil
- 3 cloves garlic, whole
- 1 large yellow onion, quartered
- 1/2 lemon, halved
- 1 cup chicken stock or broth – or water
Instructions
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Thoroughly remove all parts from the chicken cavity (these are usually found in a small bag). Rinse the chicken well under cold water, then pat it completely dry with paper towels to help achieve crispy skin.
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Generously season the chicken cavity with half of the Kosher salt and black pepper. Place the whole garlic cloves, quartered onion, and halved lemon inside the cavity. Use kitchen twine to tie the chicken legs together, which helps the chicken cook more evenly and maintain its shape.
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In a small bowl, mix together the remaining salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to create a flavorful rub. Rub half of this mixture evenly over the breast side of the chicken.
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Select the “Sauté” setting on your Instant Pot. Once it indicates “Hot,” add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Carefully place the chicken into the preheated Instant Pot, breast side down.
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While the first side is sautéing, carefully apply the remaining spice rub to the backside of the chicken.
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Allow the breast side to crisp up and develop a beautiful golden-brown color for 4-5 minutes. Then, using tongs, carefully flip the chicken over and sauté the other side for another 4-5 minutes until golden. Press “Cancel” to turn off the sauté function.
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If your Instant Pot came with a trivet (a metal rack), remove the chicken for a moment, place the trivet at the bottom of the pot, and then carefully place the whole chicken on top of the trivet, breast side up. This prevents the chicken from sitting directly in the liquid. Pour in 1 cup of chicken stock, broth, or water around the chicken.
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Securely place the lid on your Instant Pot and lock it into position. Ensure the sealing vent is set to “Sealing.” Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the cooking time to “High Pressure” for 25 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally depressurize for about 10-12 minutes. This is crucial for keeping the chicken tender and juicy. After 10-12 minutes, you can carefully do a quick release of any remaining pressure by turning the sealing vent to “Venting.”
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Once the pressure has fully released, carefully remove the chicken from the Instant Pot. Transfer the whole chicken to a large serving dish or a sturdy cutting board. It’s essential to let the chicken rest for at least 10 minutes before carving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
Nutrition Information
Maximizing Your Whole Chicken: From Meals to Broth
Once your Instant Pot whole chicken is cooked and rested, the possibilities are endless! Beyond simply serving it as a main course, the cooked chicken can be shredded or diced and incorporated into countless recipes throughout the week. This is where the true power of meal prep comes into play.
Creative Meal Ideas
- **Sandwiches & Wraps:** Mix shredded chicken with mayonnaise, celery, and herbs for a classic chicken salad.
- **Tacos & Burritos:** Season the shredded chicken with taco seasoning for a quick and easy taco night filling.
- **Soups & Stews:** Add chunks of chicken to your favorite vegetable soup or a hearty chicken noodle soup.
- **Salads:** Toss with greens, vegetables, and your preferred dressing for a light yet satisfying meal.
- **Casseroles:** Layer with rice, vegetables, and cheese for a comforting family dinner.
- **Pasta Dishes:** Combine with pasta, a creamy sauce, and steamed broccoli for a complete meal.
- **Stir-fries:** Add to your favorite vegetable stir-fry for an extra protein boost.
Don’t Waste the Bones: Homemade Bone Broth
One of the often-overlooked benefits of cooking a whole chicken is the opportunity to make nourishing bone broth from the carcass. After carving the meat, collect the bones, skin, and any remaining aromatics from the cavity. Simply place them back into your Instant Pot (or a slow cooker), cover with water, add a splash of apple cider vinegar, and any additional vegetables or herbs you like (carrots, celery, bay leaf). Pressure cook for 2-4 hours, or slow cook for 8-12 hours, for a rich, mineral-dense broth that’s fantastic for soups, sauces, or simply sipping on its own. I’ve previously made it in the slow cooker, but I’m eager to try the Instant Pot method next time for even faster results!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Whole Chicken
Cooking a whole chicken in the Instant Pot is straightforward, but you might have a few questions. Here are some common queries and their answers:
What size chicken works best in an Instant Pot?
For most 6-quart Instant Pots, a whole chicken weighing between 3 to 5 pounds is ideal. Larger chickens (up to 7 pounds) can fit in 8-quart models. Ensure the chicken fits comfortably without touching the lid, as this can affect pressure sealing.
Can I use a frozen whole chicken?
Yes, you can cook a whole frozen chicken in the Instant Pot! However, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time significantly. For a 3-5 pound frozen chicken, increase the high-pressure cooking time to approximately 60-75 minutes, followed by a full natural pressure release. Keep in mind that you won’t be able to sauté or stuff the cavity with aromatics if the chicken is completely frozen.
How do I get crispy skin on my Instant Pot chicken?
The Instant Pot excels at creating moist, tender chicken, but it doesn’t typically crisp the skin. To achieve crispy skin, after pressure cooking, carefully transfer the chicken to a baking sheet. Broil it in a preheated oven (around 400-450°F or 200-230°C) for 5-10 minutes, watching closely, until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, you can use an air fryer lid if your Instant Pot model supports one.
What if I don’t have an Instant Pot trivet?
A trivet is recommended to keep the chicken slightly elevated from the cooking liquid, promoting even cooking and preventing the bottom from becoming soggy. If you don’t have one, you can fashion a makeshift trivet using crumpled aluminum foil balls or a few onion halves to elevate the chicken. You can also cook the chicken directly in the liquid, though the bottom may be less firm.
How long does cooked Instant Pot chicken last in the fridge?
Properly stored cooked chicken can last for 3-4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For longer storage, you can shred or chop the chicken and freeze it in portions for up to 3-4 months. This makes it perfect for future meal prep!
Conclusion: Embrace the Ease of Instant Pot Cooking
Cooking a whole chicken in your Instant Pot is a simple yet powerful way to elevate your home cooking, saving you time, money, and effort. It delivers consistently tender and flavorful results, perfect for a stand-alone meal or as a versatile base for countless recipes. Don’t let apprehension hold you back; embrace the convenience and efficiency of pressure cooking and unlock a world of culinary possibilities. Your taste buds and your weekly meal plan will thank you!
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