Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe

When I think of comfort food, Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe instantly comes to mind. There’s something incredibly heartwarming about a perfectly cooked whole chicken, especially when it’s infused with flavors that make your taste buds dance. I remember the first time I tried this recipe; I was amazed at how easy it was to create such a delicious meal in my Instant Pot. The aroma wafting through my kitchen was like an invitation to gather around the dinner table. It’s become a staple in our household, perfect for cozy family dinners or entertaining friends. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that’s not only tender and juicy but also bursting with flavor. Let me take you through this delightful journey of cooking a whole chicken that’s sure to impress everyone!

Ingredient List for Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to mastering this recipe. The key players in the Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe include a whole chicken, fresh garlic, and aromatic herbs. Each ingredient plays a vital role, working together to create a dish that is as flavorful as it is satisfying.

• 13 to 4 pound whole chicken: The star of the dish, a whole chicken is not only flavorful but also economical, serving multiple people with ease.
• 4 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and moisture, ensuring the chicken stays juicy throughout the cooking process.
• 1 medium size head garlic: When roasted, garlic becomes sweet and mellow, enhancing the overall flavor of the chicken.
• 1 lemon: Infusing the chicken with bright acidity, lemon balances the richness of the dish and adds a lovely aroma.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning, these staples elevate the flavors and make the chicken truly delicious.
• 1 teaspoon dried basil: This herb adds a fragrant and earthy element, complementing the other ingredients beautifully.
• 1 cup water: Necessary for the pressure cooking process, water helps create steam that cooks the chicken evenly.
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional): A sprinkle of paprika adds color and a subtle smoky flavor, enhancing the dish’s presentation.
• 1 cup sauce for additional flavor (optional): Whether it’s a savory gravy or a tangy sauce, this can take your chicken to the next level!

Making Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe

Cooking with an Instant Pot is a game changer, and making the Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe is a fantastic introduction to its capabilities. Let’s walk through the steps together to ensure your chicken turns out perfectly every time.

1. Start by removing the giblets from the cavity of the chicken. This step is crucial as it ensures that the meat cooks evenly. Pat the whole chicken dry with paper towels, which helps the skin crisp up nicely during cooking.
2. Next, you’ll want to create a pocket between the breast of the chicken and its skin. Gently slide your fingers underneath the skin, being careful not to tear it. This pocket is where you will place the sliced butter, allowing it to melt and baste the meat as it cooks.
3. Now it’s time to stuff the chicken with the halved garlic. This will infuse the meat with a wonderful roasted flavor. Squeeze half of the lemon into the cavity of the chicken as well, then place both halves inside.
4. Season the outside of the chicken liberally with salt, black pepper, and basil. Don’t skimp on this step; the seasoning is what gives the skin flavor!
5. Pour 1 cup of water into the pressure cooker. This is essential for creating the steam needed to cook the chicken properly.
6. Carefully lower the prepared chicken into the pressure cooker using a trivet. This prevents the chicken from sitting directly in the water, which can lead to a soggy texture.
7. Cover the pressure cooker with the lid and set the valve to “sealing.” Program the electric pressure to cook on “manual” or “pressure cook” for 30 minutes. This timing is perfect, providing approximately 8 minutes per pound.
8. Once the cooking cycle is complete, let the pressure naturally release for about 15 minutes. This step is crucial for keeping the chicken moist, as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
9. Check the internal temperature of the chicken, ensuring it reaches 165°F in the dark meat without touching the bone. This is the safe cooking temperature to guarantee your chicken is fully cooked.
10. Carefully remove the lid and transfer the chicken to a baking sheet. If desired, sprinkle with paprika for a bit of color, and broil for 5 to 10 minutes. This step crisps up the skin and adds a lovely golden hue. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!

Making Adjustments

Cooking is an art, and with it comes the need for adjustments. Here are some tips to help you customize your Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe to suit your preferences.

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. Make sure to separate the meat from the bones for better preservation.
• Freezing: You can freeze leftover chicken for up to 3 months. Just ensure it’s well-wrapped to avoid freezer burn, and thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad, making it a complete meal.
• Variations: Feel free to experiment with different spices or marinades before cooking to change up the flavor profile of your chicken.
• Reheating: When reheating leftovers, consider using the oven to keep the skin crispy.
• Flavor Boost: For extra flavor, try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the water in the pressure cooker.

Pairing Suggestions for Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe

When serving the Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe, consider pairing it with these delicious side dishes to complete your meal:

• Roasted Vegetables: A colorful medley of roasted seasonal vegetables complements the flavors of the chicken beautifully.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing that everyone loves. They soak up the juices from the chicken for added flavor!
• Fresh Salad: A light, crunchy salad topped with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the roasted chicken.
• Rice Pilaf: Herbed rice pilaf is an excellent side that adds a touch of elegance to the meal.
• Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine can enhance the meal, but for those who prefer non-alcoholic options, a sparkling water with lemon is refreshing.
• Occasions: This dish is perfect for family dinners, celebrations, or even meal prep for the week ahead.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe is truly a game changer for easy and flavorful dinners. Its tender, juicy meat and aromatic seasoning make it a family favorite. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s simple yet impressive and perfect for any occasion. Your taste buds will thank you as you serve up this delightful dish, bringing everyone together around the table.

Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe

Craving a succulent, flavorful meal? Try this Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe. Tender, juicy chicken infused with garlic and lemon makes for an easy weeknight dinner. Gather your loved ones and enjoy a delicious homemade feast tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

• Chef's Knife
• Instant Pot

Ingredients

  

• 1 whole whole chicken 13 to 4 pounds
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 head garlic medium size, cut in half through the width
• 1 whole lemon cut in half through the width
• to taste salt
• to taste black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika optional
• 1 cup sauce for additional flavor optional

Instructions

 

• Remove giblets from the cavity of the chicken. Pat dry the whole chicken with paper towels.
• Gently form a pocket between the breast of the chicken and the skin. Place sliced butter in the pocket.
• Stuff the chicken with the garlic. Squeeze half of the lemon in the cavity of the chicken and place both halves inside the chicken.
• Season the outside of the chicken with salt, black pepper, and basil.
• Pour 1 cup of water into the pressure cooker. Lower the chicken into the pressure cooker using a trivet.
• Cover the pressure cooker with the lid and set the valve to “sealing.” Program the electric pressure to cook on “manual” or “pressure cook” for 30 minutes (8 minutes per pound).
• When the cooking cycle is complete, let the pressure naturally release. This will take approximately 15 minutes. Check the internal temperature of the chicken to verify it is 165°F degrees in the dark meat without touching the bone.
• Carefully remove the lid of the electric pressure cooker and transfer the chicken to a baking sheet. Sprinkle with paprika (optional) and broil the chicken for 5 to 10 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

Notes

• Tip 1: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. Make sure to separate the meat from the bones for better preservation.
• Tip 2: You can freeze leftover chicken for up to 3 months. Just ensure it’s well-wrapped to avoid freezer burn, and thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Tip 3: This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad, making it a complete meal.
• Tip 4: Feel free to experiment with different spices or marinades before cooking to change up the flavor profile of your chicken.
• Tip 5: When reheating leftovers, consider using the oven to keep the skin crispy.

Keyword easy chicken dinner, Instant Pot Chicken, Pressure Cooker Chicken, whole chicken recipe

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Meet Olivia Bennett

For me, cooking is about connection. Whether I’m making a quick breakfast or a three course dinner, I focus on the feeling the food gives you. I love the entire process of food blogging, from chopping the first onion to adjusting the lighting for the final photo. I’m the one who reminds the team to slow down and really taste the food as we go, ensuring every recipe has that “home-cooked” warmth.