This Instant Pot Whole Chicken recipe uses a “Zero-Minute” cooking method to create a perfectly tender and juicy chicken with minimal effort. The pressure building and release phases of the Instant Pot gently cook the chicken, ensuring both dark and white meat are moist and flavorful. It’s a quick, easy, and delicious alternative to traditional roasted chicken.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Juicy & Tender – The Instant Pot ensures the chicken stays moist and tender.
Simple Ingredients – A few pantry staples come together for a flavorful dish.
Time-Saving – The Instant Pot drastically reduces cooking time.
Versatile – Great as a main dish or for 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

1. Prepare the Instant Pot

Add 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 it’s 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. The chicken will cook gently during this time.

5. Check for Doneness

After the release, check the chicken’s internal temperature using a meat thermometer. It should reach 161°F (72°C).

6. Optional Step for Crispy Skin

For crispy skin, brush the chicken with butter and soy sauce, then broil in the oven until golden brown.

7. Serve

Let the chicken rest before slicing and 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 garlic cloves or lemon wedges inside the chicken for extra flavor.
Herb Swap – Experiment with herbs like sage or parsley.
Crispy Skin – Broil the chicken for a crispy, golden skin.

Storage & Reheating

Storage – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating – Reheat in the microwave or oven. If using the oven, cover the chicken with foil to prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

1. Can I use a smaller or larger chicken?

Yes, but the cooking time will stay the same for smaller chickens. For larger chickens, ensure it reaches 161°F (72°C) internally.

2. Can I cook a frozen chicken?

No, this method works best with thawed chicken.

3. Can I skip the soy sauce and butter step?

Yes, that’s optional for adding extra flavor and crispy skin.

4. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check if it has reached 161°F (72°C).

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Whole Chicken is an easy, delicious way to enjoy perfectly cooked chicken in less time. Whether for a family meal or meal prep, this juicy and tender chicken is a great addition to any dinner table.