Instant Pot Whole Chicken

Experience the ultimate comfort of homemade meals with this Instant Pot Whole Chicken recipe, where tender meat meets herb-infused flavors for a delightful dining experience.

This recipe not only delivers a tender and succulent main dish but also maximizes the flavor with aromatic herbs and a savory butter rub. Let’s dive into the details and you’ll soon be able to impress your family with the easiest weekday dinner.

Preparing Your Chicken

Selecting and Prepping the Chicken

Start with one whole chicken. If your chicken comes with a bag of giblets inside, be sure to remove it. Next, pat the chicken dry all over with a paper towel to prepare it for the seasoning and butter rub.

Loosening the Skin

Place the chicken breast-side up and, starting from the drumstick side, use the back of a spoon to gently loosen the skin from the chicken breast. Be cautious not to tear the skin as it will be filled with a flavorful butter mixture later on.

Creating Flavorful Butter Rub

The Seasoning Mix

For our butter rub, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of paprika

Fresh Herbs

Next, remove the leaves from one sprig of fresh rosemary and one sprig of fresh thyme. The easiest way to do this is to grab the end of the sprig and pull the leaves off in the opposite direction from which they grow. Mince these fresh herbs together and add them to your seasoning mix.

Combining the Ingredients

Pour in 8 tablespoons of melted, unsalted butter and add 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Mix all these ingredients together to form a well-combined butter rub that will enhance the flavor of your chicken and gravy.

Cooking the Chicken

The Instant Pot Setup

Place a rack into the inner pot of your 6-quart Instant Pot. Add one cup of low-sodium chicken broth to the pot. If you want to make the process even more convenient, consider keeping a stash of handy kitchen gloves.

Stuffing the Chicken

Place the prepared chicken onto the Instant Pot rack with the breast side up. Stuff the cavity of the chicken with half a lemon (you can use the half that you’ve squeezed for juice already) and four garlic cloves.

Applying the Butter Rub

Give the butter mixture a quick stir and pour half of it under the chicken skin, massaging gently to ensure even distribution. Pour the remaining half of the butter evenly all over the chicken.

Pressure Cooking

Cover the pot with the lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Cook the chicken on high pressure for 24 minutes, followed by a 15-minute natural pressure release.

Achieving the Perfect Crispy Skin

Final Touches Before Broiling

After the 15-minute natural pressure release, turn the valve to the venting position to release any remaining pressure. Carefully remove the chicken using the trivet and let any excess juices drip back into the pot.

Transfer the whole chicken to a foil-lined, rimmed baking sheet and season the top lightly with salt, pepper, and a little more paprika for color.

Broiling the Chicken

Place the chicken on the center rack of your oven and broil at 500 degrees Fahrenheit for about three to five minutes or until you achieve your desired golden-brown color. For another crisping option, you can use an air fryer for approximately five minutes.

Making the Perfect Chicken Gravy

Straining the Drippings

To make an easy chicken gravy, pour all the pan drippings from the Instant Pot into a measuring cup through a sieve. For a smooth gravy, ensure you remove any solid pieces left in the sieve. Use a ladle or a large spoon to skim off any excess oil floating on the top.

Preparing the Gravy

Using the same Instant Pot (without washing it), set it to sauté on medium heat. Add three tablespoons of unsalted butter and let it melt. Once melted, add three tablespoons of all-purpose flour and whisk them together for about a minute until the mixture turns golden. Next, add the strained drippings, which should be roughly two cups, and whisk the mixture until it simmers and thickens. Remove from the heat and transfer the gravy to a serving dish.

Serving Your Delicious Chicken

Finishing Touches

Once the chicken has reached a gorgeous golden-brown color, take it out of the oven. Transfer it to a serving platter for a stunning presentation. Garnish with some fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs to give it an added visual appeal and to continue the flavor profile used in the recipe.

Slicing and Serving

Carve into the chicken breast to reveal the juicy, tender meat inside. This chicken pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, especially when generously topped with the creamy gravy. You can also serve it over rice or any side of your choice.

Conclusion

Cooking a whole chicken using the Instant Pot not only saves time but ensures that the meat stays incredibly juicy and flavorful. From the herb-infused butter rub to the savory gravy made from the pan drippings, this recipe is perfect for a family dinner that tastes better than Thanksgiving turkey!

So next time you’re in the mood for a scrumptious, home-cooked meal, follow these steps to create a mouthwatering whole chicken that everyone will love.