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!
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.