Hearty Instant Pot whole chicken

Chicken cooked conveniently and full of flavor.

Elevate your culinary game with this Instant Pot whole chicken, a triumph of convenience and flavor. The aromatic blend of paprika, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf and garlic infuses the meat with a succulent symphony of herbs. Searing before pressure cooking ensures a crispy golden skin, locking in juices that permeate every fiber. The Instant Pot’s efficiency transforms this dish into a time-saving marvel, producing a moist, tender chicken in record time. The method’s magic lies in its ability to marry speed with exceptional taste, making it a go-to for busy days without compromising on a restaurant-worthy dining experience. This Instant Pot whole chicken is the epitome of culinary prowess — swift, succulent, and sensational.

Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds), giblets removed
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 – 1 1/2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Optional: Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or parsley) for garnish

Directions

  1. Prepare the chicken
    • Pat the whole chicken dry with paper towels. This helps to achieve a crispier skin.
  2. Season the chicken
    • In a small bowl, mix together paprika, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Rub the spice mixture evenly over the chicken, including inside the cavity.
  3. Preheat Instant Pot
    • Set the Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add olive oil.
  4. Sear the chicken
    • Once the oil is hot, place the whole chicken in the Instant Pot, breast side down. Sear for 3-4 minutes until the skin is golden brown. Use kitchen tongs to flip the chicken and sear the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes. (don’t do this if it is skinless)
  5. Add liquid
    • Pour chicken broth or water into the Instant Pot. This will help create steam and prevent the “Burn” notice.
  6. Pressure Cook
    • Close the Instant Pot lid and set it to “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” mode. Cook on high pressure for about 6-8 minutes per pound of chicken. (Look at your Chicken settings as an option also and set to the pounds cooking accordingly.)
  7. Natural release
    • Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for at least 10-15 minutes before using quick release.
  8. Check temperature
    • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the meat.
  9. Serve
    • Carefully remove the chicken from the Instant Pot. Let it rest for a few minutes before carving.
  10. Garnish and enjoy
    • Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve the juicy and flavorful whole chicken with your favorite sides.

This Instant Pot whole chicken is not only convenient but yields a moist and perfectly cooked bird with a delightful blend of herbs and spices.

©2023 S. Mottet bloomhearty.com writing, creation, and design