If you have been searching for a foolproof way to enjoy a tender, juicy, and incredibly flavorful chicken without spending hours in the kitchen, then you are going to absolutely love this Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe. It brings together simple, wholesome ingredients and the magic of pressure cooking to give you a whole bird that is cooked perfectly every single time. The herbs infuse delightful aromas, and the optional finishing touch adds a gorgeous golden crisp that will have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, this recipe is a total game-changer for busy weeknights or whenever you crave comfort food that feels special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of straightforward ingredients come together to create a dish bursting with flavor and soul. Each component plays a key role—from the aromatic herbs that perfume the cooking liquid to the butter that makes the skin lusciously crisp.
- 8 cups cold water: Provides the perfect cooking base to gently poach the chicken inside the Instant Pot.
- 5 teaspoons fine sea salt: Essential for seasoning the bird evenly and enhancing the natural flavors.
- 2 bay leaves: Add depth and a subtle earthiness to the cooking liquid.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings a warm, slightly bitter herbal note for complexity.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Imparts a fragrant pine-like aroma that pairs beautifully with chicken.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers a gentle, minty undertone to round out the herb blend.
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds): The star of the show—make sure it’s fresh and well-cleaned.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (optional): Ideal for brushing over the bird if you want a crispy, golden skin finish.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional): Adds umami richness that complements the butter for browning.
How to Make Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Instant Pot
Start by pouring the cold water into your Instant Pot. Stir in the fine sea salt until it dissolves completely because salt is the secret to seasoning the chicken right through. Then add the bay leaves, oregano, rosemary, and thyme. These herbs will gently infuse their wonderful aromas into the cooking liquid, making your chicken fragrant and flavorful.
Step 2: Submerge the Chicken
Next, carefully place your whole chicken into the Instant Pot with the breast side facing up. It’s important to make sure that about 90 percent of the bird is submerged in the herb-infused liquid. This allows the chicken to cook evenly and absorb those delicious herbal notes.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Close the Instant Pot lid securely and turn the venting knob to the sealing position. Set your Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for zero minutes. Yes, zero minutes—this might sound confusing, but this method lets the chicken cook gently as the pressure builds and releases naturally, ensuring it stays juicy and tender.
Step 4: Natural Release
After the cooking cycle finishes, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally over 20 to 22 minutes. This slow release means the chicken continues cooking softly without drying out, resulting in perfectly cooked meat that’s moist and flavorful to the core.
Step 5: Check for Doneness
Once the pressure has fully released, carefully open the lid and check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. You want the thickest part of the chicken, usually near the thigh, to reach at least 161°F (72°C). This ensures your chicken is safe to eat but still juicy and tender.
Step 6: Optional Step for Crispy Skin
If you love crispy skin on your chicken, this step is a total winner. Brush the bird all over with the unsalted butter mixed with soy sauce. Then place it under a preheated broiler for a few minutes until the skin turns a gorgeous golden brown that’s irresistibly crispy and flavorful. It’s that perfect final touch!
Step 7: Serve
Finally, let your chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to let the juices settle. Then slice and serve it warm, soaking in all the wonderful flavors you’ve built up. This is when you’ll realize just how incredible your Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe truly is.
How to Serve Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few lemon wedges on the side brighten the dish instantly. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary sprigs also add a lovely visual appeal and aroma when you plate your chicken.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. For a comforting feast, consider serving with buttered rice or flavorful quinoa to soak up the juicy pan drippings.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this simple comfort food into a wow-worthy centerpiece by carving the chicken and arranging the slices on a wooden platter surrounded by colorful roasted veggies. Or shred leftovers for sandwiches or hearty chicken salads that keep the flavors alive for days.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay tender and delicious for up to 3 to 4 days—perfect for quick lunches or light dinners.
Freezing
If you want to save the chicken longer, freeze the meat in sealed freezer bags or containers. Label them and use within 2 to 3 months for best quality. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your chicken gently in the oven at low temperature or in a microwave with a splash of water to keep it moist. This ensures the meat stays juicy and tender without drying out.
FAQs
Can I cook a larger chicken using this Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be mindful of your Instant Pot size and adjust cooking times slightly if your chicken is significantly bigger than 5 pounds, but generally, this recipe works well for chickens up to 5 pounds.
Why does the recipe call for zero minutes of pressure cooking?
The zero-minute cook time might seem strange, but it works because the chicken cooks during the time it takes for the Instant Pot to reach pressure and during the natural pressure release, resulting in juicy and perfectly tender meat.
Can I skip the broiling step for crispy skin?
Yes! The chicken is fully cooked and delicious without broiling, but if you love crisp skin, that final quick broil step is well worth the effort.
Is it necessary to use all the dried herbs?
While all the herbs add lovely layers of flavor, you can customize the blend if needed. Thyme and rosemary are must-haves for that classic roasted chicken flavor, but feel free to adjust according to your taste.
Can I add vegetables in the Instant Pot with the chicken?
You can, but be aware that root vegetables like carrots or potatoes may overcook with the long natural release, so it’s better to cook them separately or add towards the end if you want them firm.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about a whole chicken cooked to juicy perfection, and the Instant Pot makes it so easy that you’ll wonder why you ever did it any other way. This Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe is a family-friendly winner that brings ease, flavor, and warmth to your table. Give it a try—you might just make this your go-to recipe for chicken night every week!
Print
Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Instant Pot Whole Chicken recipe offers a quick and easy method to cook a juicy and flavorful whole chicken using aromatic herbs and simple seasonings. The pressure cooking technique ensures tender meat in a fraction of the usual time, and an optional broiling step adds crispy, golden skin for a perfect finish.
Ingredients
Brine and Chicken
- 8 cups cold water
- 5 teaspoons fine sea salt
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 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 water, salt, bay leaves, oregano, rosemary, and thyme to the Instant Pot. Stir the mixture thoroughly to dissolve the salt completely, creating an herb-infused brine for the chicken.
- Submerge the Chicken: Carefully place the whole chicken into the Instant Pot breast side up. Make sure the chicken is at least 90% submerged in the liquid to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Close the Instant Pot lid and set the venting knob to the sealing position. Set the pressure cooker to high pressure and cook for 0 minutes as per the recipe’s guidelines for whole chicken using natural pressure build-up and release.
- Natural Release: Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release its pressure for 20 to 22 minutes, letting the chicken cook gently and retain moisture.
- Check for Doneness: After the pressure has fully released, open the lid and use a meat thermometer to verify that the thickest part of the chicken (usually the thigh) reaches at least 161°F (72°C) for safe consumption.
- Optional Step for Crispy Skin: For a crispy, golden-brown skin, remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and brush it evenly with unsalted butter and soy sauce. Place it under the broiler in the oven for a few minutes until the skin turns crispy and browned to your liking.
- Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after broiling or cooking. Slice and serve while warm, enjoying the juicy, tender meat with flavorful herb notes.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is fully thawed before cooking for even results.
- Cooking time on high pressure is listed as 0 minutes here; typically, whole chickens 4-5 pounds require around 25-30 minutes pressure cooking time in Instant Pot—adjust accordingly.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the USDA recommends at least 165°F, but 161°F is used here for slight carryover cooking.
- The broiling step is optional but recommended for better texture and flavor in the skin.
- Feel free to customize the herbs based on availability and preference.
- Discard the cooking liquid or use it as a savory broth base for soups or gravies.
