Ah, the Instant Pot—a trusty kitchen sidekick that never ceases to amaze. Imagine whipping up an entire chicken that’s juicy and tender, with flavors so captivating they might just spark a family debate over the last piece. I tried this for a Sunday dinner, and let’s just say, leftovers were a mythical concept that night.
Steps
- Begin by taking the chicken out of its packaging and patting it dry with a paper towel. Remove any giblets from inside the chicken.
- Coat the chicken with 1 to 2 tablespoons of avocado or olive oil, spreading it evenly over the entire surface.
- Season the chicken all over with sea salt, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and dried parsley.
- Pour apple cider or chicken broth into the bottom of the pressure cooker and place the trivet inside. Optionally, add chopped apples or onions.
- Place the chicken on top of the trivet, secure the lid, and set the pressure cooker to Manual Pressure or Pressure Cook. Adjust the cooking time to 6 minutes per pound of chicken.
- Allow the pressure cooker to come to pressure, which may take 5 to 10 minutes. Once cooking is complete, let the pressure release naturally for at least 20 minutes.
- Carefully remove the chicken from the pressure cooker. Use a spatula and tongs for support to avoid the chicken falling apart due to its tenderness.
- For crispy skin, transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and broil in the oven on high for 5 to 8 minutes until the skin becomes golden brown and crispy.
- Serve the chicken with any cooked apples or onions, along with your preferred side dishes. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, 3.5 to 4.5 pounds
- 1 to 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups apple cider or chicken broth
- 2 large apples, chopped (optional)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2880 kcal | Protein: 252 g | Fat: 204 g | Saturated Fat: 54 g | Carbohydrates: N/A | Sugar: N/A | Fiber: N/A | Sodium: N/A
FAQ
- How long should I cook a whole chicken in the Instant Pot?
- You should cook the chicken for 6 minutes per pound on high pressure. For example, a 4-pound chicken would require 24 minutes of cooking time. Afterward, allow it to naturally release pressure for at least 20 minutes for the best tenderness.
- Can I make the chicken skin crispy in the Instant Pot?
- While the pressure cooker makes the chicken tender, it doesn’t crisp the skin. To achieve crispy skin, transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet and broil it in the oven for 5 to 8 minutes until golden brown.
- What type of liquid should I use in the Instant Pot for cooking chicken?
- You can use apple cider, chicken broth, beef broth, or even water as the cooking liquid. Ensure you have at least 2 cups of liquid to help the pressure cooker function properly.
- Are there any optional ingredients I can add for extra flavor?
- Yes, you can add chopped apples or onions into the pot with the chicken for additional flavor. These ingredients become tender and enhance the taste of the chicken.
- How do I safely remove the chicken from the Instant Pot?
- Since the chicken will be very tender, it may fall apart when lifted. Use a spatula underneath for support and stabilize with a second hand or enlist help to lift the chicken using tongs and the trivet for easier handling.
Tips
- Ensure Thorough Thawing: Before placing the chicken into the Instant Pot, make sure it is completely thawed. This guarantees even cooking and prevents any undercooked sections.
- Natural Pressure Release for Tenderness: After cooking, allow the pressure cooker to naturally release for at least 20 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving the juiciest, most tender chicken.
- Broil for Crispy Skin: If you love crispy skin, transfer the cooked chicken to an oven and broil it on high for 5 to 8 minutes. This will give the skin a delightful crispness that complements the tender meat.
- Utilize the Juices: The juices left at the bottom of the Instant Pot are rich in flavor. Use them as a sauce for the chicken or turn them into a delicious gravy to enhance your meal.
Equipment
- Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker
- Trivet for the Instant Pot
- Meat thermometer
- Large baking sheet or cookie sheet (for broiling the chicken in the oven)
