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Instant Pot Whole Chicken

Instant Pot Whole Chicken
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This Instant Pot Whole Chicken recipe delivers a juicy, tender, and flavorful meal in under an hour. Using pressure cooking locks in moisture and cuts down cooking time dramatically, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners or cozy weekend feasts. With simple ingredients and minimal steps, this recipe is easy to customize with your preferred herbs and spices, ensuring a healthy, homemade dish that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasoning

  • Whole Chicken (3 to 4 pounds), fresh or thawed
  • Salt and Pepper, to taste
  • Olive Oil or Butter, 2 tablespoons
  • Garlic, 3-4 cloves minced (plus additional whole cloves for stuffing, optional)
  • Fresh Herbs (rosemary, thyme, or parsley), 2-3 sprigs

Liquid and Optional Flavorings

  • Chicken Broth or Water, 1 cup
  • Lemon, 1 (optional, halved or for squeezing over before serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the whole chicken dry with paper towels. Season it evenly all over with salt and pepper. Optionally, stuff the cavity with a few garlic cloves and lemon halves for added aroma.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Turn the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and heat olive oil or butter until shimmering. Place the chicken breast-side down and brown for 4-5 minutes until golden. Flip and brown the other side briefly, then remove the chicken to a plate.
  3. Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the chicken broth or water, scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to loosen browned bits. This prevents burn warnings and adds flavor.
  4. Pressure Cook the Chicken: Place the trivet inside the pot and set the chicken on top. Lock the lid and select ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ on high for 25 minutes (adjust time for weight if needed). After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
  5. Rest and Serve: Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and let it rest for 10-15 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Carve and serve with desired garnishes and sides.

Notes

  • Use a trivet to keep the chicken elevated for even cooking and to avoid stewing in juices.
  • Patting the skin dry before searing helps achieve a golden crust and better flavor.
  • Natural pressure release is recommended to maintain moisture and finish cooking gently.
  • Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F for safe consumption.
  • Resting the chicken before carving helps the juices settle, ensuring tenderness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Instant Pot whole chicken, pressure cooker chicken, quick chicken dinner, juicy whole chicken, easy chicken recipe, healthy chicken meal

Find it online: https://eazyummy.com/instant-pot-whole-chicken/