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Instant Pot whole chicken on a farmhouse table

Instant Pot Whole Chicken (Juicy, Tender, and Ready in Under an Hour)

This Instant Pot Whole Chicken comes out juicy, tender, and full of flavor — all in under an hour! Seasoned with butter, garlic, paprika, and herbs, it’s the perfect easy dinner or meal prep recipe. Use the leftovers for soups, salads, or sandwiches!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Natural Release 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8

Equipment

  • 1 Instant Pot or Electric Slow Cooker
  • 1 metal trivet (for the bottom of the Instant Pot)

Ingredients
  

  • 1 whole chicken
  • 2 tbs softened butter or olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup water (for the bottom of the Instant Pot)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the chicken inside and out, remove giblets, and pat dry with paper towels.
  • Season the Chicken: Rub the entire chicken with softened butter or olive oil (try to get it in all the nooks and crannies beneath the skin). In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and parsley, then rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken (and under the skin!).
  • Set Up the Instant Pot: Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the Instant Pot. Place the metal trivet inside and set the seasoned chicken breast-side up on top of the trivet.
  • Pressure Cook: Secure the lid and set the valve to Sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 6 minutes per pound (about 35 minutes for a 4½ lb chicken).
  • Natural Release: When the cook time is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 15 minutes, then manually vent any remaining pressure.
  • Optional — Crisp the Skin: For golden, crispy skin, transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and broil for 5–8 minutes, watching closely.
  • Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving. Strain the liquid in the pot and use it as a flavorful broth or base for gravy (see note 1).

Notes

  1. Check out our recipe for How to Make Bone Broth and get the most out of your chicken!
  2. Cooking Time Rule: 6 minutes per pound of chicken, followed by 15 minutes natural release.
  3. Check Temperature: Chicken should reach 165°F in the breast and 170–175°F in the thigh.
  4. Broth Tip: Save the cooking liquid — it’s rich, seasoned, and perfect for soups or rice.
  5. Storage: Store leftovers up to 4 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.
Keyword Instant pot whole chicken