Instant Pot Whole Chicken
Imagine a perfectly cooked chicken, fall-off-the-bone tender and brimming with subtle flavors, ready in under an hour! This Instant Pot method transforms a humble whole chicken into a juicy, succulent centerpiece, infused with the aromatic essence of vegetables. It's a blank canvas ready to be seasoned, sauced, and served however your culinary heart desires.
Nutrition
-
Carbohydrate
4 g
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Cholesterol
182 mg
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Fiber
1 g
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Protein
46 g
-
Saturated Fat
6 g
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Sodium
640 mg
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Sugar
2 g
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Fat
23 g
-
Unsaturated Fat
0 g
Follow The Directions
01
Step
Create a flavorful base: In the bottom of your multi-functional pressure cooker (such as an Instant Pot), arrange the celery, carrots, and onion chunks. These vegetables will act as a natural rack and infuse the chicken with moisture and flavor. (Prep time: 5 minutes)
02
Step
Season and position the chicken: Pat the whole chicken dry with paper towels. Place it on top of the bed of vegetables in the Instant Pot. In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika. Sprinkle this seasoning blend evenly over the entire chicken. (Prep time: 5 minutes)
03
Step
Pressure cook to perfection: Close and lock the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the pressure release valve is in the sealing position. Select the high-pressure setting and set the timer for 25 minutes. Allow 10-15 minutes for the pressure to build inside the pot. (Cook time: 35-40 minutes)
04
Step
Release and rest: Once the cooking time is complete, carefully release the pressure using the quick-release method, following the manufacturer's instructions (approximately 5 minutes). Once the pressure is fully released, unlock and remove the lid. Carefully remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and let it rest for 5 minutes before carving or shredding. (Rest time: 5 minutes)
05
Step
Optional sauce: If desired, strain the solids from the cooking liquid left in the Instant Pot. Select the 'Saute' function and reduce the liquid by half to create a flavorful pan sauce to drizzle over the chicken or use as a base for gravy. (Sauce reduction: 10-15 minutes)
For extra flavor, try adding a sprig of rosemary or thyme to the bottom of the pot with the vegetables.
If you prefer a crispy skin, you can broil the chicken for a few minutes after it's cooked.
Don't skip the resting time! It allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
The cooking liquid makes an excellent base for soup or stock.
RECIPE REVIEWS
Avarage Rating:
3.8/ 5 ( 5 Ratings)
Total Reviews: (4)
Orval Ferry
Jun 12, 2025The vegetables add such a nice flavor to the chicken. I've even started adding some garlic cloves and lemon slices for extra zing.
Isabelle Wehner
May 30, 2025This recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights! I love how easy it is and the chicken is always so juicy.
Vernon Hickle
May 15, 2025My family raved about this chicken! The pan sauce was the perfect finishing touch.
Jaren Trantow
May 10, 2025I was skeptical about cooking a whole chicken in the Instant Pot, but this recipe completely changed my mind. It's so much faster and easier than roasting!