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With perfected cooking times and an irresistible rotisserie seasoning, this easy Instant Pot Whole Chicken recipe delivers a rotisserie-style chicken that is juicy, tender and ready in under 60 minutes.
Rotisserie-Style Instant Pot Whole Chicken
I'll be honest, I put off making a whole chicken in the Instant Pot for far too long. I love my oven-roasted rotisserie chicken and didn't think pressure cooking could compare. But once I tried it--game changer! This Instant Pot Whole Chicken turns out just as juicy, flavorful, and fall-off-the-bone tender as my oven recipe in a fraction of the time!
Why you will l love making a whole chicken in the Instant Pot as much as I do:
- Quick & Easy. No basting, no watching, just season and let the Instant Pot do it's thing. In under an hour, you will be enjoying tender, juicy chicken.
- Perfectly Cooked. With my perfected cooking times, this recipe always yields moist white meat and tender dark meat.
- Versatile. Instant Pot Whole Chicken is perfect to enjoy for a family dinner or to use in leftover rotisserie chicken recipes.
- Economical. Whole chickens are one of the most budget-friendly proteins.
Whether served for Sunday supper or enjoyed in recipes calling for leftover cooked chicken, I predict this Instant Pot rotisserie-style chicken is going to quickly become a repeat recipe at your house, just as it is at mine.
Happy Cooking! xo Kristen
5⭐Reader Review
Kristen, I have to tell you that you just converted my chef husband into an instant pot fan. He's a skeptic of "gadgets" and in his mind this is one. I just made your recipe and he is sold. He said it's better than from the store! I have permission to make it any time. And I will!!!! Cheers! Kathy
Notes on Ingredients & Equipment
- Whole Chicken: This recipe is for a fresh or thawed whole chicken-just be sure it fits your Instant Pot (up to 5½ lbs in a 6-quart, 6½ lbs in an 8-quart). If it's too large, try my oven-roasted rotisserie chicken recipe.
- Rotisserie Seasoning: A blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme leaves, and a touch of cayenne will give this chicken a rotisserie-style flavor.
- Onion & Lemon: Add to the cavity for extra flavor, or omit if you don't have them.
- Cooking Liquid: Save your money and simply use water when making a whole chicken in the Instant Pot. Broth or stock won't add much flavor in this recipe.
- Trivet: Keeps the chicken from sitting in liquid, prevents soggy skin, and avoids a burn notice.
How to Cook a Whole Chicken in the Instant Pot
Making a whole chicken in the Instant Pot is one of the easiest Instant Pot Recipes. However, if new to pressure cooking, check out my Instant Pot guide to familiarize yourself with your machine first.
- Prepare Instant Pot. Pour water into the inner pot (1 cup for a 3 or 6-quart; 1½ cups for an 8-quart) and place the trivet inside the lace the trivet or rack inside the pressure cooker.
- Prepare Rotisserie Seasoning. In a small bowl combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme leave, and cayenne pepper.
- Prepare Chicken. Remove the giblets from inside the cavity of the chicken, along with any metal or plastic ties. Pat dry with a paper towel, then rub the prepared seasoning evenly over the entire chicken, coating both sides. If using, add a cut lemon and onion to the cavity of the chicken.
- Place Chicken in Instant Pot. Place the seasoned chicken, breast-side up on the rack inside the Instant Pot.
Kristen's Tip
Wash your hands well before placing the lid on the Instant Pot to prevent cross-contamination.
- Pressure Cook. Place the lid on the Instant Pot, seal the venting knob, and set to cook on HIGH pressure for 6 minutes per pound.
- Let Pressure Release Naturally. 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.
- Check Temperature. Insert a digital thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken thigh to ensure the chicken has reached 165℉. Note that I have never had an issue with undercooked chicken using my tested timing, but when working with chicken it is better safe than sorry.
Note on Results
It is NORMAL for the meat to pull away from the bones after pressure cooking. The chicken will be irresistibly tender AND incredibly juicy.
- Broil (optional): 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.
- Serve. Let the chicken rest, then slice into pieces and serve (or store) as desired. And don't forget to save the bones to make Instant Pot Chicken Stock.
Instant Pot Whole Chicken Video
Learn better through video walkthrough? Watch me make this rotisserie-style chicken in the Instant Pot below.
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. For perfectly cooked chicken, I recommend cooking on HIGH pressure for 6 minutes per pound with a natural pressure release of at least 15-20 minutes.
- 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 3 minutes to the total cooking time. For example, if you were cooking a 3½ 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.
Frozen Chicken?
Instant Pot Frozen Whole Chicken
You can cook a whole frozen chicken in the Instant Pot as long as the gizzards and any plastic ties are removed before freezing. For a frozen chicken without gizzards or ties, cook for 11 minutes per pound and allow for 20 minutes of natural pressure release.
A Few Final Notes & Tips
- Save the meat and bones! Remove the chicken from the bones and place each into separate airtight or freezer-safe containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Use the bones to make chicken stock and the meat to in any recipe calling for cooked chicken.
- Change up the seasonings. Replace the rotisserie seasoning with a dry rub or another spice blend like poultry seasoning, seasoned salt, adobo seasoning, or Cajun seasoning.
- Have an air fryer lid? After pressure cooking, use the air fryer function to crisp up the skin by air-frying for 3-4 minutes at 400℉.
- Chicken not fully cooked? If the chicken has not reached 165℉ after pressure cooking, place the lid back on the pressure cooker and cook for an additional 2 minutes for every 5 degrees below 165℉.
Ways to Serve Instant Pot Whole Chicken
- As a Flavorful Entree: Think roast chicken, Instant Pot style. Pair with crockpot mashed potatoes or roasted Italian vegetables and dinner is done.
- For Meal Prep: Instant Pot Rotisserie Chicken is obviously delicious used in any recipe calling for rotisserie chicken. I love using the cooked chicken for soups, salad, and casseroles like old-fashioned chicken pot pie and cheesy chicken and rice.
More Instant Pot Chicken Recipes
Looking for more Instant Pot Chicken Recipes? Below are a few fan favorites!
Did you make this recipe?
If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave a comment with a 5-star review at the bottom of the post. Thank you!
Instant Pot Whole Chicken
Video
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, innards removed
- 1 small lemon, cut in half
- 1 small 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 leaves, NOT ground thyme
- dash of cayenne pepper
Instructions
Homemade Rotisserie Seasoning
- In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon kosher salt, 2 teaspoons pepper, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves, and dash of cayenne pepper.
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 1½ cups of water if you have an 8 quart instant pot.
- Remove and discard any metal or plastic rings 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.
- If desired, place a halved lemon and quartered onion inside the cavity of the chicken. 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. Note: 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℉ (74℃).
- 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℉ 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
- Electric Pressure Cooker (6 or 8 quart) (the least expensive, most reliable model)
Notes
- 3-pound chicken: 18 minutes on high pressure
- 4-pound chicken: 24 minutes on high pressure
- 5-pound chicken: 30 minutes on high pressure
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This recipe was originally shared in 2019 and updated in 2025.
Hello there,
I am just wondering if it is ok to use 2 cups of water since I have an 8qt pot and it says to never use less then 2 cups with it and you also said that you used a 6qt.
Thank you 🙂
Hi Juliane! I would use at least 1.5 cups for an 8 quart but 2 cups works great too 🙂 Enjoy!
Can I stuff a chicken and put gravy instead of water.?
Hi Jeaninne! The stuffing inside the chicken will probably get fairly soggy as the chicken is cooked with moist heat, it also will take longer to cook the chicken, which may dry out the meat. Ad for gravy, no, you need water or chicken stock--and then can make gravy after cook time with drippings. The gravy would cause a burn notice to occur on your instant pot. Sorry it can't work out the way you were hoping.
Thanks I will try it.
I’m typing this with a very happy mouth full of chicken. Thank you thank you thank you for this delicious recipe!
YAY!!! So glad you are enjoying!
I am a new Instant Pot user and this is the very first recipe I am trying. My question is that the safety notes for my 8-qt Duo say that the minimum amount of liquid for any recipe is 18 oz, but you are recommending 8 oz. What am I missing? (no rating because it is cooking as I write this)
Hi Norma! I am sorry for any confusion. Because of the liquid that the chicken will render when cooking, 1 cup in the bottom of your pressure cooker will be plenty. In the future if you are concerned, add an extra 1/2 cup. I hope you enjoyed the chicken 🙂
Do you use the entire spice blend for one chicken? I am trying this right now (kitchen is smelling good!) and put the entire spice blend on the chicken, but it seemed like a lot of spice blend. Hoping I didn't just over-season and ruin a whole chicken! Thanks!
Hi Robin! I make the spice blend and then use just what is needed to liberally season the entire chicken. Even if you used too much, just discard the skin, the meat will be fine.
I also put all of the spice seasoning on the chicken. I thought it seemed like a lot, but I read back through the recipe and figured that must be what I was supposed to do. The chicken is moist and flavorful. I take the skin off anyway so it was not an issue at all.
I have only had my Instant Pot for a couple weeks and I’m determined to make good use of it. I was heading to the store to buy a rotisserie chicken today and decided to first see if I could cook a whole chicken in the Instant Pot. Obviously I can. Thanks for showing me how to do it.
Hi Cindy! I will be sure directions are clear--just use the amount of seasoning needed to cover entire chicken, but be very generous. I am so glad you found this recipe though and enjoyed 🙂
Picked up my first Instant Pot today. I had a chicken ready to oven roast for dinner. Googled recipes for the Instant Pot and here we are! Your rottiserie seasoning is perfect. The cooking times and instructions are perfect. I cooked a 7 pound chicken in my 8 quart Lux to perfection.
Way to go Tracy! Most people buy the instant pot and let it sit for a long time because they are too scared to use it! I am so happy you found my recipe and it was a success. Here is to many more Instant Pot recipes!!
Hubby and I just finished our whole chicken in the instant pot. The lemon and onions gave it an amazing flavor. It was moist juicy and absolutely perfect. I am saving the broth for another day I just couldn't throw it out it was so perfect tasty. I followed your directions exactly except I made it a little spicier. I had a little chicken left on the serving dish my son stop by and slowly picked away at it until there was none left he loved it. Good job thank you so much.
Thank you so much for taking the time Betty for sharing this with me. I love hearing about families enjoying my recipes together. I hope you find more recipes you like here.😊