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    Instant Pot Whole Chicken

    Instant Pot Chicken Recipes Dairy-Free Recipes Easy Chicken Recipes Gluten Free Instant Pot April 23, 2023 | By Kristen Chidsey | 448 Comments | *This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

    Jump to Recipe
    Learn to make a whole chicken right in the Instant Pot with this easy recipe! Made with a homemade rotisserie seasoning, this recipe for Instant Pot Whole Chicken results in a tender, juicy, perfectly cooked chicken in under 60 minutes.

    Learn to make a whole chicken right in the Instant Pot with this easy recipe! Made with homemade rotisserie seasoning, this recipe for Instant Pot Whole Chicken results in a tender, juicy, perfectly cooked chicken in under 60 minutes.

    This Instant Pot "Rotisserie-Style" Chicken is a favorite Instant Pot Chicken Recipe. It is perfect to enjoy for a family dinner or to use in leftover rotisserie chicken recipes.

    Rotissiere Chicken made in Instant Pot sitting on cutting board with pressure cooker in background.


    I held off making a whole chicken in the Instant Pot for a long time. I love my recipe for Homemade Rotisserie Chicken made in the oven, so why mess with a good thing?

    I am so glad I decided to start experimenting because Instant Pot Whole Chicken is about the best thing since sliced bread. Just like my recipe for Instant Pot Chicken Breast and Instant Pot Chicken Thighs making a whole chicken in the Instant Pot results in the most flavorful, tender, juicy chicken you will ever have. The meat literally falls off the bone and each bite of chicken is oozing with juiciness.

    I predict this Instant Pot Rotisserie-Style Chicken is going to quickly become a new favorite recipe at your house. It is a simple, economical recipe that is worthy of a Sunday family dinner, or it can be used for any recipe calling for leftover rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken.

    What you Need

    Raw chicken sitting on cutting board.
    • Whole Chicken: This recipe is designed for a fresh or thawed whole chicken. The one important note to consider is to make sure your chicken fits inside the instant pot. I have found that for a  6-quart model, you can prepare up to a 5-½ pound whole chicken, and for an 8-quart model, you can typically fit a 6-½ pound whole chicken. If you find that your chicken does not fit inside your inner pot, use my oven-roasted chicken recipe.
    • Onion & Lemon: I add lemon and onion to the cavity of the chicken to help add flavor to the meat. However, you can omit one or both if you don't have an onion or lemon on hand. 
    • Homemade Rotisserie Blend: This spice blend is made with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, and cayenne pepper. Feel free to omit the cayenne pepper if you are sensitive to heat, but the blend itself is not spicy, as very little is used. You can replace the seasoning blend with your favorite spice blends, such as Seasoned Salt or a Cajun seasoning.
    • Water: As you know, you need liquid to reach and maintain pressure. I recommend using water when cooking a whole chicken in the Instant Pot, as there are minimal differences in flavor when using a liquid such as broth or beer.
    • Trivet: It is best to cook a whole chicken on the metal rack or trivet that came with your electric pressure cooker. This will keep the skin from becoming soggy AND prevent a potential burn notice.  

    How to Cook a Whole Chicken in the Instant Pot

    This chicken recipe is one of the easiest Instant Pot Recipes you can make. However, if you are new to using an Instant Pot, you may first want to check out How to Use an Instant Pot to familiarize yourself with some of the terms and steps.

    • Place the trivet or rack inside the pressure cooker. 
    • Pour in 1 cup water of cold water for a 6-quart model and 1-½ cups for an 8-quart model. Be sure to use cold tap water, not warm water. Using warm water will cause the instant pot to come to pressure faster, which ultimately changes the cooking time needed. 
    • In a small bowl combine the seasonings for the spice rub.
    Spices for rotisserie chicken blend in small bowl.
    • Remove any plastic or metal pieces from the chicken and the giblets from inside the cavity of the chicken. Pat dry with a paper towel. 
    • Generously sprinkle the spice rub over the chicken, using your hands to rub the spice blend into the skin of the chicken. Be sure to season both sides of the chicken. 
    Seasoned whole chicken on cutting board.
    • Place the chicken, breast side up on the rack inside the prepared Instant Pot. 
    Seasoned whole chicken on trivet inside inner pot.
    • Wash your hands well, and then place the lid on the Instant Pot, being sure to set the vent knob to the sealed position.
    • Set to cook on High Pressure for 6 minutes per pound, by using the manual or pressure cook button, and then hitting the +/- buttons to adjust the cooking time.  
    • After the cooking time has elapsed, allow the pressure to naturally release for at least 15-20 minutes. This will ensure the meat stays tender and juicy.
    • After 10 minutes of natural release. you can do a quick release of remaining pressure by using a long utensil to hit the vent knob valve from sealing to venting. Just be sure to stand away from the valve to prevent being burned by steam.
    • Use a digital thermometer, inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, to check to ensure the temperature of the chicken has reached 165 degrees F. If the temperature is below 165 degrees F, place the lid back on the pressure cooker and cook for an additional 2 minutes for every 5 degrees below 165 degrees.
    Thermometer inserted into a whole chicken reading 165.2 degrees F.

    Note: It is NORMAL for the meat to pull away from the bones after pressure cooking. It will still be incredibly juicy and delicious.

    • If desired, you can crisp up the skin by placing the chicken onto a sheet pan, brushing the skin with oil, and broiling for 2-4 minutes, watching closely so as to not burn the chicken. 
    Whole Chicken on baking sheet after being broiled.
    • Remove the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute.
    • Slice the chicken into pieces and serve as desired. And don't forget to save the bones to make Instant Pot Chicken Stock.
    Chicken on a plate next to salad.

    Instant Pot Whole Chicken Video

    If you learn better through a step-by-step video, watch me prepare this whole chicken in my kitchen.

    Serving Suggestions

    Instant Pot Whole Chicken is perfect for serving as the star of dinner along with a side of Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Carrots or a side salad. This Instant Pot Chicken is perfect for any recipe that calls for cooked chicken. Some of my favorite recipes are shared below.

    • Creamy Chicken and Rice
    • Creamy Parmesan Chicken Casserole
    • Chicken Waldorf Salad
    • Homemade Chicken Pot Pie
    • Easy Chicken Enchiladas

    Determining Cooking Time

    The length of cooking time for a whole chicken in the Instant Pot will vary based on the size of your chicken. A safe rule of thumb is to cook your chicken on HIGH pressure for 6 minutes per pound with a natural pressure release of at least 15-20 minutes for perfectly cooked chicken.

    • 3-pound chicken: 18 minutes on high pressure
    • 4-pound chicken: 24 minutes on high pressure
    • 5-pound chicken: 30 minutes on high pressure

    To account for an additional ½ pound, add an additional d 3 minutes to the total cooking time. For example, if you were cooking a 3-½ pound chicken cook for 21 minutes (6 minutes per pound + 3 minutes per half a pound).

    Please Note: If your chicken seems like it is really thick (the chicken breasts are on the larger side) you may want to increase the time to 7 minutes per pound.

    Air Fryer Option

    If you happen to have an air fryer lid that fits on your Instant Pot, you can use your air fryer lid to crisp up the skin right inside the Instant Pot. After pressure cooking, use an air fryer lid on your pressure cooker to crisp up the skin. Set to 400 degrees F and air fry for 3-4 minutes or until the skin is crispy.

    Instant Pot Frozen Whole Chicken

    You CAN cook a whole frozen chicken in the Instant Pot if your frozen chicken already has the innards/gizzards removed and has no plastic ties around the feet. You will not be able to remove a plastic insert or bag of gizzards from a frozen chicken. Therefore, you can not put a frozen chicken with either of those items into your pressure cooker.

    If you have a chicken that comes without the gizzards or plastic clamp around the legs, you would need to increase the time by 5 minutes per pound, for a total of 11 minutes per pound, with a natural pressure release of 20 minutes.

    More Instant Pot Chicken Recipes

    Looking for more Instant Pot Chicken Recipes? These are a few fan favorites!

    • Instant Pot Chicken Breasts
    • Instant Pot Chicken Thighs
    • Instant Pot Chicken Wings
    • Instant Pot Chicken Tacos
    • Instant Pot White Chicken Chili

    If you make and enjoy this Instant Pot Whole Chicken, I would love for you to leave a comment and your five-star rating below – it will make my day!

    Whole seasoned chicken on trivet inside inner pot.

    Instant Pot Whole Chicken

    Make a perfectly juicy, rotisserie-style chicken in under 60 minutes with this recipe for Instant Pot Whole Chicken.
    4.71 from 237 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 50 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 299kcal
    Author: Kristen Chidsey

    Ingredients

    • 1 whole chicken innards removed
    • 1 lemon cut in half
    • 1 onion peeled and cut in half
    • 1 recipe Rotisserie seasoning recipe below

    Rotisserie Seasoning

    • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
    • 2 teaspoons pepper
    • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
    • 1 tablespoon onion powder
    • 1 tablespoon paprika
    • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
    • dash of cayenne pepper
    Prevents your screen from going dark while preparing the recipe.

    Instructions

    Homemade Rotisserie Seasoning

    • In a small bowl, combine the dried spices with salt and pepper until well combined.

    For Pressure Cooker Whole Roasted Chicken

    • Place a trivet inside the inner pot of the instant pot and pour in 1 cup of COLD tap water into the instant pot for a 6-quart instant pot and 1.5 cups of water if you have an 8 quart instant pot. 
    • Be sure to remove any plastic or metal from your chicken. And remove any innards and giblets from inside the chicken. Pat dry with a paper towel. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the chicken on both sides, using your hands to pat the seasoning mixture on the chicken.
    • Place the lemon and onion inside the cavity of the chicken and place the seasoned chicken on the trivet inside the instant pot. 
    • Wash your hands well, and then place the lid on the pressure cooker and be sure the vent valve is sealed.
    • Set to cook on high pressure for 6 minutes per pound. If your chicken seems like it is really thick (the chicken breasts are large) you may want to increase the cooking time to 7 minutes per pound.
    • Once the cooking time has elapsed, allow pressure to release naturally for at least 15-20 minutes. Once the pressure has been released, remove the lid, and insert a digital thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken thigh. Be sure it has reached 165 degrees F.
    • Remove the chicken from Instant Pot and place it onto a cutting board and let the chicken rest for an additional 10 minutes for the juices to redistribute. Discard the onion/lemon/etc from the cavity of the chicken and slice and enjoy.

    Optional Browning Step

    • Broiling Option: Cook the chicken as directed in your pressure cooker. After removing the chicken from your instant pot, transfer it to a baking sheet. Brush with oil and place under broiler for 2-4 minutes, watching closely so as to not burn the chicken. Allow the chicken to rest for 10 minutes before enjoying the chicken.
    • Air Fryer Lid Option: After pressure cooking, use an air fryer lid on your pressure cooker to crisp up the skin. Set to 400 degrees F and air fry for 3-4 minutes or until the skin is crispy. Allow the chicken to rest for 10 minutes before enjoying the chicken.

    Equipment Needed

    • Electric Pressure Cooker (6 or 8 quart)

    Notes

    Cooking Times
    • 3-pound chicken: 18 minutes on high pressure
    • 4-pound chicken: 24 minutes on high pressure
    • 5-pound chicken: 30 minutes on high pressure
    • For every additional pound add 6 minutes, for every half a pound add 3 minutes to the total cooking time for a whole chicken.
    Frozen Whole Chicken: If cooking a frozen whole chicken, be sure innards are removed and plastic or metal clamp is removed BEFORE freezing and cook for 11 minutes per pound. 
    Seasoning Blend: The recipe for rub will easily cover a 6-8 pound chicken. If using a smaller sized chicken, you will only need half the rub. You can make the entire batch and then save half the rub for another time. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 299kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 1255mg | Potassium: 354mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 752IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 2mg
    Liked this Recipe? Tag me Today!Snap a picture and tag #amindfullmom on Instagram - I would love to see!

    This recipe was originally shared in 2019 and updated in 2023.

    « Instant Pot Lentil Soup
    Easy Vegan Dinner Recipes »

    About Kristen Chidsey

    Hi, I am Kristen, creator of A Mind "Full" Mom. I believe that making a wholesome family meal does not need to be hard or expensive! I love nothing more than to share with you delicious solutions for your hungry family.

    Reader Interactions

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    1. Kathy

      September 26, 2023 at 8:43 pm

      5 stars
      Kristen, I have to tell you that you just converted my chef husband into an instant pot fan. He's a sceptic of "gadgets" and in his mind this is one. I just made your recipe and he is sold. He said its better than from the store! I have permission to make it any time. And I will!!!! Cheers! Kathy

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        September 27, 2023 at 7:01 am

        That is awesome, Kathy! Thank you for sharing 🙂

        Reply
    2. Jane

      September 13, 2023 at 1:53 pm

      5 stars
      Best instant pot whole chicken recipe I’ve tried. Perfect cooking time. I omitted the onion and lemon and it was still good.

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        September 13, 2023 at 4:14 pm

        Thank you so much, Jane!

        Reply
    3. patricia adams

      May 17, 2023 at 8:02 pm

      You did not mention any liquid??? Do you not use any water?

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        May 18, 2023 at 6:51 am

        Hi Patricia! Yes, water is added in step one: Place a trivet inside the inner pot of the instant pot and pour in 1 cup of COLD tap water into the instant pot for a 6-quart instant pot and 1.5 cups of water if you have an 8 quart instant pot.

        Reply
    4. Jerie B

      February 18, 2023 at 8:50 pm

      5 stars
      Excellent taste, texture and appearance. Whole family loved it. Instructions were very clear, particularly in preparation and variations of the recipe for seasonings.

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        February 19, 2023 at 7:10 am

        Thanks for sharing, Jerie! I am thrilled to hear your family enjoyed!

        Reply
    5. Patti K

      August 22, 2022 at 10:36 pm

      4 stars
      Pressure cooking my 5 pound chicken first and then 4 minutes of air frying is genius. It worked well in my 6.5 quart IP Duo Crisp with Ultimate Lid. The skin crisped up well. Next time, I might marinate the whole bird for a bit first. The flavor was a little subtle for my family’s tastes. The juice was incredibly seasoned—treasure it.
      Right after dinner I threw the remaining carcass, bones, celery, onions and a carrot into the pot with few chicken feet and some water to make stock.

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        August 23, 2022 at 7:00 am

        Hi Patti! Thank you so much for sharing your review! I love hearing you enjoyed the Chicken 🙂 To add a bit more flavor, you could brush the chicken with melted butter combined with some additional rub or seasoned salt before air frying.

        Reply
    6. Howard Wikoff

      October 17, 2021 at 5:37 pm

      Can the resulting
      liquid be used as a chicken broth/stock?

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        October 18, 2021 at 6:38 am

        Yes! I do this all the time!

        Reply
      • Margaret michini

        April 08, 2022 at 11:32 am

        To air fry for crispy skin, is it necessary to remove cookinng liquid or can i just change lids

        Reply
        • Kristen Chidsey

          April 08, 2022 at 4:01 pm

          Hi Margaret, when using the air fryer lid, it is best to use the tray that came with the lid. Remove the chicken from the pan, drain the lid, place the chicken on the tray and use the lid.

          Reply
    7. Nancy

      September 22, 2021 at 9:23 am

      Can you clarify cooking times please it says for a 3 pound chicken 18 minutes but in the notes it says to add another six minutes per pound if it’s a whole chicken but the recipe title IS For a whole chicken. If taking into consideration the additional six minutes per pound, that doubles the cooking time . I’m a bit confused

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        September 22, 2021 at 11:03 am

        Hi Nancy. I am sorry for the confusion. The recipe states to cook for 6 minutes per pound then gives examples of cooking times up to 5 pounds and then states for any additional pound add 6 minutes. I would just focus on cooking for 6 minutes per pound and it will turn out great.

        Reply
    « Older Comments

    Primary Sidebar

    Learn to make a whole chicken right in the Instant Pot with this easy recipe! Made with a homemade rotisserie seasoning, this recipe for Instant Pot Whole Chicken results in a tender, juicy, perfectly cooked chicken in under 60 minutes.

    Meet a Mind "Full" Mom

    A Picture of A Mind"Full"Mom

    Hi! I'm Kristen. I want to welcome you into my kitchen and my REAL, imperfect life. Let me share with you tips and tricks to help you make healthy eating a reality for your family in the chaos of life and on the constraints of a budget. Read more

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    Learn to make a whole chicken right in the Instant Pot with this easy recipe! Made with a homemade rotisserie seasoning, this recipe for Instant Pot Whole Chicken results in a tender, juicy, perfectly cooked chicken in under 60 minutes.

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