Instant Pot Whole Chicken (Juicy, Easy, & Flavorful Recipe
This Instant Pot Whole Chicken is tender, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Cook a whole chicken in under an hour while creating rich, homemade broth at the same time. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, and from-scratch cooking.
Prep Time5 minutesmins
Cook Time40 minutesmins
Total Time45 minutesmins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: How to Cook a Whole Chicken in the Instant Pot, Instant Pot Chicken, Instant Pot Whole Chicken
Place fresh herbs inside cavity of chicken, sprinkle outside liberally with salt, pepper, and dried spices/herbs of choice. Place 2 cups water in bottom of Instant pot and place chicken inside (I don’t use the trivet because this large of a bird won't fit and it's one less thing to wash, score!)
Secure lid and choose meat setting on high pressure for 40 minutes if frozen, and 30 minutes if thawed, and allow to cook. You can do either a manual or natural release depending on how fast you need to eat. (You’ll get close to 4 cups worth of broth when bird is done cooking)
When the pressure cooking time is up, make sure pressure is reduced fully if going the natural release route, and remove lid. Using tongs, lift the chicken onto a serving dish or tray. It's usually fall off the bone so I take mine out in big pieces. Let it cool slightly and serve!
Reserve all of that luscious broth (it will have gel like you won't believe) for soup or make a quick gravy if you so desire.
Notes
Recipe Tips:
For crispy skin, place the cooked chicken under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes.
Choose a chicken that fits comfortably in your Instant Pot.
Patting the chicken dry helps the seasoning stick better.
Do not skip the natural pressure release, as it keeps the meat tender.
Save the cooking liquid for soups or to cook rice.
Serving Suggestions:This Instant Pot Whole Chicken pairs beautifully with simple, nourishing sides:
It also works wonderfully for shredding into tacos, for this chicken Alfredo pizza recipe, for a healthychicken and broccoli casserole, or for homemade cream of chicken soup throughout the week.Storage Instructions:Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep well for up to 4 days. If you want to save it longer, shredded chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months for easy future meals. Don’t forget the cooking liquid; strain it and refrigerate for up to 5 days, or freeze it so you have homemade broth ready whenever you need it.