Roasted Whole Chicken: Easy Recipe & Tips

Using an Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time for roasted chicken compared to traditional methods. Traditional oven roasting can take up to 1.5 hours for a whole chicken, while an Instant Pot can achieve similar results in under an hour. Pressure cooking accelerates the cooking process by raising the temperature inside the pot beyond that of boiling water. This ensures faster cooking without compromising on tenderness and flavor, saving you valuable time.

Nutrient Retention

Instant Pot cooking helps retain more nutrients compared to other cooking methods. High-pressure environments in the Instant Pot require less water and lower cooking times, minimizing nutrient loss that usually occurs through prolonged heat exposure. Vitamins such as vitamin C and B vitamins are particularly sensitive to heat and water exposure, and an Instant Pot helps preserve these nutrients. As a result, your roasted chicken not only tastes delicious but also remains nutritionally rich.

Preparing Your Instant Pot Roasted Whole Chicken

Gathering Ingredients

Begin by gathering all necessary ingredients. You’ll need:

• A whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1 cup of chicken broth
• 2-3 cloves of garlic (minced)
• 1 lemon (quartered)
• Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme (optional)

Having these ingredients prepared will streamline the cooking process. Ensure the chicken is thawed and dry, as this helps achieve a crispy skin.

Setting Up the Instant Pot

Set up your Instant Pot with the trivet insert, which prevents the chicken from sitting in the broth. Pour the chicken broth into the pot. Combine the olive oil and spices to form a paste, then rub it all over the chicken, ensuring even coverage. Stuff the cavity with minced garlic, lemon quarters, and optional fresh herbs for added flavor.

Place the seasoned chicken on the trivet breast-side up. Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting and adjust the timer to 25 minutes for a 4-5 pound chicken. Seal the lid and ensure the valve is set to “Sealing”. Once the cooking cycle completes, allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes before opening the lid.

This method ensures your chicken is juicy, flavorful, and perfectly roasted.

Key Steps in Cooking

Seasoning the Chicken

Start by rubbing olive oil all over the chicken to ensure even seasoning. Use a combination of your favorite spices: salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika work well. Add fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley for extra flavor. Ensure you season the cavity of the chicken as well, placing a few cloves of crushed garlic and sprigs of herbs inside to enhance the taste.

Cooking Times and Temperatures

Set the Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ function and sear the chicken, breast side down, for about 5 minutes or until the skin is golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for another 5 minutes. This step helps achieve crispy skin.

Add 1 cup of chicken broth to the Instant Pot and place the trivet inside. Lay the chicken on the trivet, ensuring it doesn’t touch the liquid. Seal the Instant Pot and select the ‘Pressure Cook’ or ‘Manual’ setting, cooking on high pressure for about 6 minutes per pound. For an average 4-pound chicken, cook for around 24 minutes.

Once cooking completes, allow natural pressure release for at least 10 minutes before performing a quick release. Check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer; it should read at least 165°F (75°C). If the chicken is not yet cooked, reseal the pot and pressure cook for an additional 5 minutes.

By following these key steps—seasoning thoroughly and carefully managing cooking times and temperatures—you’ll achieve a perfectly roasted whole chicken with your Instant Pot.

Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Roasted Chicken

Achieving Crispy Skin

To get crispy skin on your roasted chicken, sear it first in the Instant Pot. Heat a bit of olive oil using the “Sauté” function, then place the chicken breast-side down and sear for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for another 5-7 minutes. After cooking, transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and broil it in the oven for 3-5 minutes. The broiler helps crisp up the skin further. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Ensuring Even Cooking

Position the chicken on the trivet inside the Instant Pot for even cooking. Make sure to place it breast-side up. Pour a cup of chicken broth into the pot to create steam. This helps uniformly distribute the heat. Opt for a natural pressure release after cooking to allow the chicken to rest and redistribute its juices. To check doneness, insert a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh; it should read 165°F. Rotate the chicken midway through broiling for balanced crisping.

Potential Variations

Adding Vegetables

You can enhance the flavor and nutrition of your Instant Pot roasted whole chicken by adding vegetables. Carrots, potatoes, and onions make excellent choices. Cut them into equal-sized pieces for even cooking. Place these vegetables around the chicken in the pot. Not only will they absorb the savory juices from the chicken, but they’ll also cook to tender perfection. This method creates a balanced one-pot meal.

Experimenting With Different Herbs and Spices

Experimenting with different herbs and spices can transform the flavor profile of your roasted chicken. Popular choices like rosemary, thyme, and garlic provide a classic taste. For a more exotic flavor, try paprika, cumin, or coriander. Mix these seasonings with olive oil or butter and rub them under the skin and inside the cavity. This ensures the flavors penetrate deep into the meat, resulting in a chicken that’s aromatic and delicious.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of cooking a whole roasted chicken in an Instant Pot opens up a world of culinary possibilities. With the right techniques and seasonings, you can create a meal that’s both flavorful and satisfying. Don’t forget to experiment with different herbs and spices to find your perfect blend. By following these tips, you’ll consistently achieve a juicy, tender chicken with crispy skin. Enjoy the convenience and deliciousness that the Instant Pot brings to your kitchen.