This Instant Pot Whole Chicken recipe uses a “Zero-Minute” cooking method that results in a perfectly tender and juicy chicken. The cooking process uses the pressure building and release phases of the Instant Pot to cook the chicken gently, making both the dark and white meat equally moist and flavorful. It’s easy, quick, and yields a delicious roasted chicken with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Juicy and Tender: This method ensures the chicken stays incredibly moist and tender.
- Simple Ingredients: A few pantry staples create a wonderfully flavorful dish.
- Time-Saving: Using the Instant Pot dramatically cuts down on cooking time.
- Versatile: Perfect as a main dish for dinner or as part of a meal prep.
Ingredients
- 8 cups cold water
- 5 teaspoons fine sea salt
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (optional)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Instant Pot: Add the water, salt, bay leaves, oregano, rosemary, and thyme to the Instant Pot. Stir to dissolve the salt.
- Submerge the Chicken: Carefully place the whole chicken into the Instant Pot, breast side up. Ensure the chicken is at least 90% submerged in the liquid.
- Cook the Chicken: Close the lid, set the venting knob to the sealing position, and set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 0 minutes.
- Natural Release: Let the pressure naturally release for 20-22 minutes. During this time, the chicken will cook gently.
- Check for Doneness: After the release, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches at least 161°F (72°C).
- Optional Step: For a crispy skin, brush the chicken with butter and soy sauce, then broil for a few minutes in the oven until golden brown.
- Serve: Let the chicken rest before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30-32 minutes (including pressure time)
- Natural Release Time: 20-22 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Variations
- Flavor Boost: Add a few garlic cloves or lemon wedges inside the chicken for more flavor.
- Herb Swap: Experiment with different herbs such as sage or thyme for a fresh taste.
- Crispy Skin: Broil the chicken after cooking for a crispy, golden skin.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in the oven. If using the oven, cover the chicken with foil to prevent drying out.
FAQs
1. Can I use a smaller or larger chicken?
Yes, the cooking time will remain the same for smaller chickens. For larger ones, check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 161°F (72°C).
2. Can I cook a frozen chicken using this method?
No, this method requires a thawed chicken for the best results. Make sure the chicken is fully thawed before cooking.
3. What if I don’t have bay leaves?
You can omit bay leaves or replace them with a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary.
4. Can I use this method for chicken pieces instead of a whole chicken?
Yes, you can cook chicken pieces, but you may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the size and cut.
5. What’s the best way to serve this chicken?
Serve it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or in a salad.
6. Can I make broth with the cooking liquid?
Yes! The cooking liquid makes a great base for chicken broth. Just strain it and season as needed.
7. Can I skip the soy sauce and butter step?
Yes, that’s optional. The chicken will still be moist and flavorful without it.
8. How can I tell when the chicken is done cooking?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 161°F (72°C) at the thickest part.
9. Can I use this method for other meats?
This method works best for chicken but can also be adapted for other poultry.
10. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is gluten-free, but make sure your soy sauce is gluten-free if you choose to use it.
Conclusion
The Instant Pot Whole Chicken with the “Zero-Minute” method delivers juicy, tender chicken with minimal effort. With this foolproof technique, you can enjoy a roast-like chicken in no time. Whether you want to make a hearty meal or have chicken for meal prep, this recipe will save you time while delivering exceptional flavor.
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Instant Pot Whole Chicken
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Instant Pot Whole Chicken recipe uses the “Zero-Minute” cooking method, resulting in perfectly tender and juicy chicken with minimal effort. The cooking process leverages the pressure building and release phases of the Instant Pot to cook the chicken gently, making both the dark and white meat equally moist and flavorful. It’s quick, easy, and yields a delicious roast-style chicken every time!
Ingredients
- 8 cups cold water
- 5 teaspoons fine sea salt
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 whole chicken (about 4–5 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (optional)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Instant Pot:
Add the water, salt, bay leaves, oregano, rosemary, and thyme to the Instant Pot. Stir to dissolve the salt.
2. Submerge the Chicken:
Carefully place the whole chicken into the Instant Pot, breast side up. Ensure the chicken is at least 90% submerged in the liquid.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Close the lid, set the venting knob to the sealing position, and set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 0 minutes.
4. Natural Release:
Let the pressure naturally release for 20-22 minutes. During this time, the chicken will cook gently.
5. Check for Doneness:
After the release, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches at least 161°F (72°C).
6. Optional Step for Crispy Skin:
For a crispy skin, brush the chicken with butter and soy sauce, then broil for a few minutes in the oven until golden brown.
7. Serve:
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Flavor Boost: Add a few garlic cloves or lemon wedges inside the chicken for extra flavor.
- Herb Swap: Experiment with different herbs such as sage or thyme for a fresh taste.
- Crispy Skin: Broil the chicken after cooking for a crispy, golden skin.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-32 minutes (including pressure time)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot, Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
