This Instant Pot Whole Chicken recipe is an easy way to make dinner fast!

With just 10 minutes of prep needed and a handful of simple ingredients like paprika, pepper, and salt, you’ll be chowing down in no time at all on this simple chicken dinner!

Cooking A Whole Chicken In The Instant Pot

This simple chicken recipe is one of the best and fastest ways to cook a whole chicken perfectly. With a quick cook time, you’ll love the crispy skin and flavor of this Instant Pot chicken. It’s one of my favorite Instant Pot recipes!

Using dried ingredients like oregano, thyme, and rosemary just add to the awesome flavor and taste.

And with just 30 minutes of cooking time in the Instant Pot, this whole chicken is ready to eat! Does it get any easier than that?

If you need an easy side to go with your chicken, try my Instant Pot Spaghetti! For another delicious Instant Pot dinner, try my Instant Pot Short Ribs.

Ingredients

See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

Whole roasting chicken
Kosher salt
Black pepper
Paprika
Onion powder
Dried oregano
Dried thyme
Dried rosemary
Garlic powder
Cayenne pepper
Vegetable oil
Chicken broth
Lemon
Onion

Variations

Whole Chicken

Buying a raw whole chicken from the store doesn’t have to be confusing anymore. This recipe for cooking a whole chicken in your instant pot takes away that stress.

Chicken Wings

Using your Instant Pot to cook up these Instant Pot Hot Wings is just another simple way to cook up chicken in a few short moments of time.

adding whole chicken to instant pot to cook

How To Make Instant Pot Whole Chicken

Instant Pot whole chicken on a cutting board

1. Clean the Chicken

Clean chicken, pat dry with a paper towel, set aside

2. Mix

In a small bowl, combine seasonings

3. Season

Sprinkle seasoning mixture over chicken and cavity

4. Stuff

Stuff the cavity with lemon and onion

5. Prepare Instant Pot

Set instant pot to high saute setting. Add oil to the pot

6. Add Chicken

Lay chicken breast side down and cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes

7. Cook Chicken

Turn chicken over and continue cooking for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown

Remove chicken and set aside

Place metal rack into the pot with the handles up, add chicken broth

Place chicken on top of rack

Select manual setting to high and set time for 6 minutes per pound

When the timer goes off, carefully naturally release pressure for 20 minutes

8. Rest Chicken

Let chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting

9. Serve

Serve immediately

How to store and reheat leftover chicken

Store the cooked chicken in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. The easiest way to reheat the chicken is to reheat it in the microwave. You can also reheat low and slow in the oven.

Tips for Success

Be certain to add enough liquid to your Instant Pot so it cooks the chicken properly.
Make certain to let the chicken rest fully before serving.
Use a carving knife for ease of cutting.
Store any leftovers in the fridge to enjoy later.

FAQ

What internal temperature should chicken be cooked to be safe to eat?

For chicken to be safe to eat, it needs to have an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees.

What is the best way to use leftover chicken?

There are so many chicken recipes that the whole family will love. You can use it for chicken salad, chop up the juicy chicken and add it to white chicken chili. There are so many delicious recipes that you can make with white meat or dark meat!

How can you use a whole frozen chicken for meal prep?

Using frozen or fresh chicken is a great way to prep. For best results, cook the chicken and then make a list of recipes that you can prep for the week. One of the first things that I do when I can buy a chicken cheaply on sale is make a list of recipes that I can make! This makes the dollar stretch so much further. Once I have a main course for the day, I think of side dishes that I can add. This is perfect for busy weeknights and is a great way to have delicious meals for the entire week.