While I often make roast chicken or whole chicken in the slow cooker, cooking it in the Instant Pot is easy and makes for a delicious gravy!
How to Make Instant Pot Whole Chicken
Read the instruction manual that comes with your instant pot and familiarize yourself with how it works. Different sizes can require different amounts of liquid (I use a 6qt Instant Pot for this recipe). No Instant Pot? No problem, this recipe can be made in the slow cooker or roast a chicken in the oven!
To Crisp Chicken Skin
Instant Pot Chicken is delicious, tender, flavorful and easy… but I’m not going to lie, the skin on it is not all that pretty. Once it’s done cooking I like to crisp the skin. It’s easy and takes a few minutes while prepping your gravy (right in the Instant Pot). Simply place the chicken in a shallow pan and broil on high until the skin crisps up.
How Long to Cook a Whole Chicken in the Instant Pot
A whole (defrosted) chicken will need about 6 minutes per pound to cook.
Cook a 4 lb chicken for 24 minutes Cook a 4.5lb chicken for 27 minutes Cook a 5lb chicken for 30 minutes
Keep in mind you’ll need to allow about 15 minutes for the IP to reach pressure and 20 minutes for it to naturally release. You can expect the total cook time to be about an hour and 15 minutes once you make the gravy etc.
Can You Cook Frozen Chicken?
Yes, frozen chicken in the instant pot is totally doable! Any meat can be cooked from a frozen state in a pressure cooker. Each model will have different instructions but I cook a frozen whole chicken for about 13 minutes per pound in a 6qt Instant Pot.
My Favorite Sides for Chicken
Instant Pot whole chicken goes great with anything that an oven roasted chicken would. Vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and peas complement chicken and of course creamy mashed potatoes. A crisp salad and some dinner rolls really round out this family dinner. Don’t forget that instant pot chicken can also be made into shredded chicken for tacos or as chicken salad sandwiches or even served on a bed of lettuce.
How to Store Leftovers
Remove the chicken and onions from the instant pot and make sure they are fully cooled before placing them in zippered bags or freezer safe containers. Label them and place them in the freezer for up to three months.
Easy Instant Pot Recipes
Instant Pot Chicken and Rice – ultimate comfort food! Instant Pot Mac and Cheese – ready in under 30 mins Instant Pot Salisbury Steak – quick & delicious dinner! Instant Pot Chicken Tacos – just 4 simple ingredients Instant Pot Beef Stew – unbelievably mouthwatering!
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