Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with this Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe! It’s the easiest way to serve up a juicy, flavorful whole chicken in a fraction of the time—no oven fuss, no dry meat. With bold spices, hints of apple, and perfectly tender results, it’s the one-pot dinner you’ll want on repeat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Ultra-Juicy Chicken: Cooking the whole bird under pressure ensures the meat is succulent and flavorful, never dry.
  • Hands-Off Cooking: Just season, set, and forget—let your Instant Pot do all the work while you relax or prep your favorite sides.
  • Incredible Flavor: The mix of spices and a splash of apple cider bathes the chicken in sweet-savory goodness from the inside out.
  • Family-Friendly & Versatile: This Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe is perfect for meal prep, feeding a crowd, or enjoying leftovers all week long.
Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts of this Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe is how simple yet essential each ingredient is. Every item brings something special to the table—from tenderness to vibrant color to that unforgettable aroma wafting from your kitchen.

  • Whole chicken (3.5–4.5 lbs): Start with a fresh or thawed bird—this is your centerpiece, so pick a plump, high-quality chicken if you can.
  • Avocado oil: Rubbed all around, it helps the spices stick and gives just a hint of golden richness after broiling.
  • Sea salt: Essential for drawing out every bit of flavor from the chicken meat.
  • Garlic powder: Brings a savory depth and that irresistible, homey aroma.
  • Paprika: Adds bold color and a sweet-smoky note that makes the skin beautiful and the flavor “pop.”
  • Dried parsley: A little green fleck for both a fresh finish and visual appeal.
  • Black pepper: Sharp, aromatic, and absolutely necessary for balancing all the other spice.
  • Apple cider juice or chicken broth: This bath keeps things extra juicy and infuses the meat with subtle sweet or savory undertones (don’t use apple cider vinegar!).
  • Large apples (optional): Tossed in for a sweet, autumnal twist that pairs beautifully with chicken.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

No two family dinners are ever quite the same, and that’s the magic of a recipe like this! The Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe is endlessly adaptable—switch up seasonings, swap the cooking liquid, and truly make it your own.

  • Herb-Lovers’ Delight: Swap dried parsley for a mix of rosemary and thyme for a classic, earthy twist.
  • Lemon-Garlic Kick: Add a few lemon slices and extra garlic to the cavity for bright, Mediterranean vibes.
  • Spicy Fiesta: Toss in cayenne or chipotle powder and use orange juice in place of apple cider for peppery, citrusy heat.
  • Root Veggie Bed: Throw in chunky carrots, onions, and potatoes alongside the apples for a built-in side dish that absorbs all the delicious juices.

How to Make Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Remove your chicken from the packaging and pat it totally dry with a paper towel. Reach inside the cavity to discard any giblets or organs—don’t miss these! Drizzle avocado oil generously over the skin and massage it in so every inch gets coated (messy, but totally worth it!).

Step 2: Season Generously

Sprinkle the sea salt, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and dried parsley all over the chicken—don’t be shy! Be sure to season both sides and all around the edges for maximum golden flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Assemble in the Instant Pot

Pour apple cider or chicken broth into the base of your Instant Pot. If using, add apple chunks (and any other favorite veggies) to the pot. Insert the trivet, then carefully set your seasoned chicken breast-side up on top. This keeps it juicy and easy to lift out later.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Use the Manual Pressure (or Pressure Cook) setting for 30 minutes (about 6 minutes per pound) and let the magic happen. The pot will take 5–10 minutes to come up to pressure before the timer starts.

Step 5: Natural Release

When time is up, let the pressure naturally release for at least 20 minutes—this makes a huge difference for super-tender, fall-apart chicken. The longer you leave it (up to 40–50 minutes), the more buttery and moist your results.

Step 6: (Optional) Broil for Crispy Skin

Carefully transfer the chicken to a baking sheet, then broil on the oven’s second-highest rack for 5–8 minutes until the skin gets golden, bubbly, and irresistible. Keep an eye out—crispy skin can go from perfect to smoky pretty fast!

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy

Slice and savor your Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe with your favorite sides. Ladle a little of the cooking liquid over the meat for extra juiciness, and don’t forget to scoop up those tender apples or veggies from the pot!

Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe

  • Moisture Matters: Always add the full 2 cups of liquid—apple cider or broth—to ensure juicy, tender chicken and to prevent a burn notice in your Instant Pot.
  • Spice Massage: Don’t be afraid to really work the seasonings into every nook and cranny of the chicken, including under the skin if you can—this amps up the flavor in every bite.
  • Natural Release Is Gold: Resist the temptation to quick release the pressure; that additional resting time makes the chicken unbelievably tender and easier to carve.
  • Broil With Caution: For next-level crispy skin, broil briefly—but stay close! The skin goes from golden brown to burnt in the blink of an eye.

How to Serve Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe

Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley, a few extra black pepper grinds, or a scattering of finely chopped chives really makes this Instant Pot Whole Chicken feel extra special. For a touch of acidity and color, add fresh lemon wedges alongside.

Side Dishes

This juicy chicken begs for simple sides: fluffy rice pilaf, buttery mashed potatoes, or rustic roasted veggies just soak up all those delicious juices. Try it with a crunchy slaw or a green salad for a lighter touch.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the chicken and fan it across a platter, drizzle with a little cooking liquid, and artfully arrange roasted apples and veggies all around. Or try shredding the meat for tacos, grain bowls, or cozy chicken soup—this Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe goes beyond your basic roast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the leftover chicken cool, then carve or shred the meat and store it (with a little broth to keep it moist) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Don’t toss that cooking liquid—it makes for amazing soups or reheating later!

Freezing

For longer storage, portion cooled chicken into freezer bags (splash in a bit of broth to prevent freezer burn) and store for up to three months. It’s perfect for meal-prep, homemade casseroles, and quick salads any time of year.

Reheating

For juicy reheated leftovers, warm the chicken gently in a covered skillet with a spoonful or two of cooking liquid. Alternatively, microwave it briefly, covered, with some broth to keep it moist and flavorful. Broil for a minute or two if you want a touch of crispy edge!

FAQs

  1. Can I use a frozen whole chicken in this Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe?

    Yes! You can use a frozen whole chicken—skip the oil and spice rub until after cooking, and add a few extra minutes per pound (closer to 8–9 minutes per pound). Just double-check that the giblets have been removed before freezing. Season once cooked for best results.

  2. What’s the best way to tell if my chicken is fully cooked?

    Use a reliable meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part (usually the thigh and breast)—it should read at least 165°F. If not, return the chicken to the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for an additional 2–5 minutes, then recheck.

  3. Can I cook veggies with the Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe?

    Absolutely! Add big chunks of carrot, celery, onion, or potatoes beneath the trivet or nestle them alongside the apples. They’ll soak up the savory juices and become irresistibly tender by the time the chicken is done.

  4. Should I use apple cider juice or chicken broth?

    Both are delicious! Apple cider juice adds a gentle sweetness and hint of fruit, while chicken broth brings a savory, classic flavor. Choose based on your mood or what you have on hand—just don’t use apple cider vinegar, which is far too sharp for this dish.

Final Thoughts

If you crave an effortless, cozy family meal, this Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe is your new go-to. It brings everyone around the table—no stress, just pure roasted chicken bliss. Give it a try and see how easy (and mouth-watering) weeknight chicken dinners can be!

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Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe

Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 51 reviews
  • Author: Alvarez
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 Servings 1x
  • Category: Instant Pot
  • Method: Pressure Cooking

Description

This Instant Pot Whole Chicken recipe is a simple and flavorful way to cook a whole chicken in your pressure cooker. The result is juicy, tender chicken with perfectly seasoned skin. Finish it off in the oven for crispy skin, and serve with your favorite sides for a satisfying meal.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole chicken (3.5 to 4.5 lbs)
  • 1 Tbsp avocado oil
  • 1 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1 1/2 tsp dried parsley
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 cups apple cider juice or chicken broth
  • 2 large apples, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Remove the chicken from its packaging, pat it dry, and drizzle with avocado oil. Season the chicken with salt, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and dried parsley.
  2. Cook in Pressure Cooker: Pour apple cider or chicken broth into the pot, add apples and veggies, place the trivet, and then the chicken on top. Cook under pressure for 30 minutes.
  3. Natural Release: Allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 20 minutes for tender chicken.
  4. Crisp the Skin: For crispy skin, broil the chicken in the oven for 5-8 minutes.
  5. Serve: Accompany with side dishes and enjoy!

Notes

  • *Please note that apple cider is not the same as apple cider vinegar. Use apple cider, not vinegar.
  • Click here to add your own private notes.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 of 8
  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Fat: 34g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Protein: 42g

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