• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • All Recipes
  • About Me
  • Contact

Whole Food Bellies logo

menu icon
go to homepage
  • All Recipes
  • About Me
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • All Recipes
    • About Me
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » All Recipes

    Author: Donna | Published: Jan 24, 2017 | Modified: Jun 23, 2020

    Super Moist Pressure Cooker Whole Chicken (Instant Pot)

    1.3K shares
    • Share
    • Tweet
    • Yummly
    • Email
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Pressure Cooker Whole Chicken

    You just have to add this Pressure Cooker Whole Chicken recipe to your weekly repertoire. Seriously! If you have ever wondered just how to cook a whole chicken in an electric pressure cooker then you have come to the right place. We use an Instant Pot to pressure cook the whole chicken here, but any commercial electric pressure cooker will work. Leaving you with the most intense flavored chicken which can be added to any number of meals during the week. Meal prepping just got a lot quicker!

    cooked whole chicken with a crispy skin and some fresh thyme on top
    Pop the chicken under the broiler/grill for a minute or two to crisp up the skin on the outside before serving.

    If you are looking for something to pair the chicken with something then try a salad, some roasted vegetables, or some mashed potatoes (why not try this Creamy Garlic Roasted Parsnip Puree Recipe instead of potatoes!).

    Jump to:
    • Pressure Cooker Chicken
    • What are the benefits of a Pressure Cooker Whole Chicken?
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Recipe

    Pressure Cooker Chicken

    Whip it up on a Sunday night and you can make any number of meals during the week - think chicken soup, chicken pasta, enchiladas, burritos....whatever your little heart desires.

    Plus if you hang onto the bones you can make up a batch of homemade chicken broth to last all week as well (use it in your soup).

    How awesome is that?

    And don't worry, you still get that nice crispy skin on the outside and super moist white and dark meat on the inside.

    NOTE: I keep this recipe simple so that the chicken can be used in a variety of other dishes without having an overwhelming flavor. If you are serving as the main dish you might want to try doubling the herbs and spices used.

    whole pressure cooker chicken served on a white serving platter with some fresh thyme and lemon wedges
    Serve with fresh thyme and lemon wedges on a large serving platter.

    What are the benefits of a Pressure Cooker Whole Chicken?

    Although there is definitely something to be said for a traditionally cooked oven-roasted chicken, sometimes you just need something hands-off that requires little babysitting.

    Pressure cooking a whole chicken means:

    • you have a whole chicken ready in time for dinner without the need for much hands-on time at all (ummm yes please), which is just fantastic for a quick weeknight meal;
    • the whole chicken is cooked perfectly, it is really very moist, and infused with the most beautiful delicate flavors;
    • if you keep the bones you can eaily use them to make about 8 cups of homemade chicken broth with very little effort. This can i turn be used for sipping, or for making soups;
    • the shredded chicken can be used in any number of other meals during the week;
    • if you are not able to use all of the chicken within a couple of days it can simply be shredded and frozen in smaller amounts and pulled out of the freezer when needed.

    Sounds good right!

    A knife and fork cutting into a whole cooked chicken served on a white platter
    The inside of the chicken should be juicy.

    Serving Suggestions

    I hope you love this easy and nourishing whole chicken cooked in the pressure cooker as much as my family and I do.

    Why not try pairing with one of these delicious sides:

    • Zesty Heirloom Tomato and Nectarine Salad
    • Garlicky Orange Spinach Salad
    • Garlic Hasselback Potatoes and Root Vegetables with Yoghurt Dill Drizzle
    • Garlic Pepper Skillet Green Beans
    • Lemon and Garlic Air Fryer Broccoli

    If you don't have a pressure cooker yet then check out the Instant Pot.

    I have had mine for about a year now and seriously use it every single day.

    Up close shot of chicken in Avocado Chicken Salad
    Why not slice the chicken and serve in a salad like this?

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How can I get the skin on the pressure cooker chicken crispy?

    If you prefer the skin to be a little crispier, you can always pop the cooked chicken under the broiler/grill for about 2-3 minutes to crisp up the skin on the outside before serving.

    Can a whole chicken be used for meal prepping?

    Yes.
    Cook the whole chicken, allow it to cool, and then separate the chicken from the bones. Shred and use in any number of dishes throughout the week including salads, pasta bakes, and soups.

    How long can the cooked chicken be stored?

    Cooked chicken can be stored in the fridge for around 3-4 days if stored correctly.
    It can also be frozen for about 2-3 months if stored correctly.

    What do I do with leftover cooked chicken?

    Leftover chicken can be used in pasta dishes like this Warm Pesto Chicken and Cheese Dip Recipe or this Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake or thrown into salad, wraps, soups, and sandwiches.

    Happy Eating.

    xx

    Recipe

    cooked whole chicken with a crispy skin and some fresh thyme on top

    Super Moist Pressure Cooker Whole Chicken in Under 30 Minutes

    If you have ever wondered just how to cook a whole chicken in an electric pressure cooker then you have come to the right place. We use an Instant Pot to pressure cook the whole chicken here, but any commercial electric pressure cooker will work. Leaving you with you most intense flavored chicken in under 30 minutes which can be added to any number of meals during the week. Meal prepping just got a lot quicker!
    4.28 from 55 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 32 mins
    Total Time 42 mins
    Course Main
    Cuisine Anytime
    Servings 6 serves
    Calories 74 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 whole chicken, about 4lb (approx 1.3kg) (opt for organic if possible)
    • 1 tablespoon cooking oil of choice
    • 2 tablespoons melted butter or ghee
    • 2 teaspoon sea salt
    • 1 teaspoon black pepper
    • 2 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • 2 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
    • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • 1 ½ cups chicken broth (opt for homemade or organic)
    • 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
    • 6 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Gently lift the skin on the outside of the chicken, and use your hand to massage and spread the butter or ghee underneath the skin
    • In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Rub the seasoning evenly all over the outside of the chicken
    • Using the sauté function of the Instant Pot, heat the cooking oil in the pressure cooker. Once hot, add in the chicken, breast side down, and sauté for about 6-7 minutes
    • Turn the sauté function off, flip the chicken over and then add in the broth, lemon juice and smashed garlic 
    • Pop the lid on, set the valve to seal, and set the pressure cooker to high for 25 minutes on manual 
    • Once finished, let the pressure cooker release naturally (natural pressure release)
    • Remove the chicken from the pressure cooker and let stand for 5 minutes before carving. See notes

    Notes

    NOTE:
    I keep this chicken recipe simple so that the chicken can be used in a variety of other dishes without it having too overwhelming of a flavor. 
    If you are serving as the main dish, then you might want to try doubling the herbs and spices used.
    Meal planning
    Carve the chicken and serve OR tear up the whole chicken and save for meals throughout the week. Be sure to save the liquid from cooking the chicken and the bones from the chicken to make your own chicken broth.
    Store the leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3 days.
    Shredded chicken can also be frozen for about 2-4 months.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 74kcalCarbohydrates: 2.3gProtein: 5gFat: 5.2gSaturated Fat: 0.5gFiber: 0.6gSugar: 0.4g
    Keyword pressure cooker chicken
    Tried this recipe?Leave a comment HERE and let us know how it was!
    « Brown Butter Apple Spice Muffins
    Sweet and Smoky Seasoning »
    1.3K shares
    • Share
    • Tweet
    • Yummly
    • Email

    Whole Food Bellies is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

    Check out my Amazon store here.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Chris David says

      July 29, 2022 at 5:24 pm

      Really nice recipe. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
    2. Rod says

      May 18, 2022 at 4:36 pm

      As a beginner, this delicious recipe is simple and clear. great work.

      Reply
    3. Allyssa says

      March 10, 2022 at 12:47 am

      Thank you so much for sharing this amazing recipe! Will surely have this again! It's really easy to make and it tasted so delicious! Highly recommended!

      Reply
    4. Sherry says

      February 16, 2022 at 4:03 am

      This chicken recipe is so moist and delicious. I make this Instant Pot whole chicken for our Sunday meal because it is so quick and easy to make. Any my family requests it again and again!!

      Reply
    5. Glenda says

      February 15, 2022 at 8:22 pm

      So delicious! The pressure cooker drives all that flavor right into the meat. I'll be using this recipe, again and again.

      Reply
    6. Shelby says

      February 15, 2022 at 6:31 am

      This came out as the perfect meal prep recipe! So juicy.

      Reply
    7. Sachi says

      February 15, 2022 at 2:10 am

      I got an Instant Pot for Christmas last year and I didn't even know you could cook a whole chicken in there! Thank you for this chicken recipe it's so easy to make!

      Reply
    8. Jennifer says

      February 15, 2022 at 1:24 am

      This is a great recipe. I love how it is practically set it and forget it cooking. So good, and I use the chicken in so many ways! I buy the chicken on sale, cook it and freeze it for meals later. Yum!

      Reply
    9. Sophia says

      January 17, 2021 at 6:09 pm

      Absolutely delicious recipe! Totally agree with other posters that total time from beginning to end is about 90 minutes. But as little of that time is hands on this is definitely something I could make during the week.

      Reply
      • Donna says

        January 17, 2021 at 8:36 pm

        Thanks for your feedback Sophia, so glad you enjoyed!

        Reply
    10. Element Eat says

      October 16, 2020 at 12:28 am

      Excellent reciepe......

      Reply
    11. David says

      October 12, 2020 at 2:56 am

      Excellent recipe. We have a BEEM pressure cooker which is very safe in construction and lid fitment. It came with two sizes of pot and a glass lid if desired for regular cooking. Thoroughly good investment and simple to use!

      Reply
    12. Jaya says

      August 29, 2020 at 6:46 am

      Nice recipe. Though I would also recommend avoiding cheap and nasty “plastic electric” pressure cookers such as the American InstaPot. Those use up extra bench space, meanwhile your perfectly good cooktop is sitting there doing nothing. They are unnecessarily bulky. A power cord runs across your bench creating a hazard. And they don’t cook as well or evenly as a real pressure cooker, stainless steel, like the Fagor that Bethany mentions. Did you know the small Insta pot is only 700 W ??! Terrible. That’s the power of a small toaster. While the 6 quart model is only 1000 W ! Also terrible. Just barely powerful enough to brown chicken skin. But try browning a beef roast in that, you get nowhere, it just stews and becomes rubbery. Meanwhile a stovetop can reach more than 3000 W. That’s how you properly brown something! So avoid getting yet another plastic appliance that really only has the power of a small toaster. Buy a real stovetop pressure cooker, you’ll be pleasantly surprised, especially if upgrading from a plug in plastic one. You’ll love the difference.

      Reply
    13. Pam Rawlings says

      February 24, 2020 at 3:19 pm

      Hi I wondered if you have a larger chicken than this say 2 and half kg, how much extra cooking time is needed?

      Reply
    14. Nola says

      September 27, 2018 at 5:17 pm

      I tried this today. This is quick and the chicken comes out tender but not full of flavor. Not sure how to fix it. Definitely needs more salt. Is there something else missing to give the chicken more flavor?

      Reply
      • Donna says

        September 27, 2018 at 8:30 pm

        Hmmm I don't know Nola. I have made this multiple times and always find it very flavorful. I don't use a lot of salt in my cooking, so if you are used to more then that's where I would start. Other than that I would consider what type of stock you are using? If you want something really punchy then maybe try doubling the herbs and spices? I like to make this chicken to use as a base in a lot of other recipes, so I don't like any one flavor to be very overpowering, but if you want it to be super flavorsome in itself that might help.

        Reply
        • Mike Cooper says

          March 26, 2019 at 10:11 am

          Can a chicken be cooked on low presure? if so, how long?

          Reply
          • Donna says

            March 29, 2019 at 1:11 pm

            Hi Mike, I haven't tried cooking a chicken on low pressure so I can't offer any guidance on that, sorry! There's a few good pressure cooker groups on FB where I am sure people could help you out? Good luck

            Reply
          • Sarah says

            February 16, 2020 at 1:07 pm

            Yes. 4-5 hours on low pressure.

            Reply
        • WW Crim says

          November 21, 2019 at 3:48 am

          Try putting the herb’s etc under the skin on the Brest Nd legs so it will melt down into the meat.

          Reply
      • richard fisher says

        February 18, 2019 at 7:20 pm

        Try adding a sprinkle of summer savory if it's available to you. And maybe a touch more salt and pepper.

        Reply
    15. Sabung Ayam Online says

      January 25, 2017 at 3:44 am

      I love food, traveling and thank you for sharing valuable things here

      Reply
    16. Pooja@poojascookery.com says

      January 24, 2017 at 11:58 am

      Oh my god! Looks so perfect and juicy.

      Reply
    17. Raia Todd says

      January 24, 2017 at 10:55 am

      I just recently got into pressure cooking and I LOVE the way meats turn out. So juicy and delicious. This recipe sounds wonderful, I'm going to have to give it a try. 🙂

      Reply
      • Donna1 says

        January 24, 2017 at 11:58 am

        I know right! I was a bit skeptical at first, but I am totally hooked on pressure cooking now 🙂

        Reply
    18. Veena Azmanov says

      January 24, 2017 at 10:48 am

      That sounds so delicious and so absolutely amazing that it gets done is 30 minutes!! I need to buy a pressure cooker my mom used hers all the time... This chicken looks so delish!! bet it was tasty.

      Reply
      • Donna1 says

        January 24, 2017 at 12:00 pm

        I know, they are super quick!! It was actually my father in law that got me into using one 🙂 Although he uses the old school scary type....I will stick to the electric version!

        Reply
        • Oscar says

          September 10, 2017 at 11:05 am

          Nothing scary about traditional pressure cookers. These days i can't seem to find receipts for the pressure cooker without having the Instapot mentioned or marketed in some way or another. It's unethical.

          Reply
          • Donna1 says

            September 17, 2017 at 9:07 pm

            I actually learned to use a pressure cooker in school with a traditional pressure cooker. It scared me then and it scares me now 🙂 Especially with 3 kids under 5 running around the house, which means I don't have the time or the means to keep an eye on it. I totally get what you are saying though, the Instant Pot is mentioned everywhere these days (much to the chagrin of my FIL), but there is a reason for it, and that is convenience!!

            I also have to say I completely disagree with you and don't think it is unethical to prefer one brand over another. I recommend brands based on what I have tried and tested, I (personally or as a blog) have no affiliation with the Instant Pot brand, I just think it is a great user-friendly product with great customer service should something go wrong. An open mind is a good thing to have!

            Reply
            • bethany matthews says

              February 26, 2019 at 2:54 pm

              I have the Fagor double set of pressure cookers, which work on the stove top. Perfectly safe, no explosions like the old-fashioned kind. PLUS I can get double duty out of each of the heavy-bottomed pans (think, no-burn popcorn!), which I can't do with the Instapot.
              My Fagor set cost about $100, and came with Everything needed, like a trivet, a glass lid and the pressure cooking lid of course.. Its gasket is STILL good, 6 years later.
              Can't say enough good things about it!! I absolutely love it, and can't do without it.

    19. Kara @ Byte Sized Nutrition says

      January 24, 2017 at 10:36 am

      A WHOLE chicken ready in 30 minutes?! My mind is blown. A pressure cooker might just be the next kitchen gadget I invest in...

      Reply
      • Donna1 says

        January 24, 2017 at 12:01 pm

        I know right!! It is pretty much the only way I am going to have a whole chicken ready on a weeknight 🙂 I bought mine about 9 months ago, and am totally hooked now!

        Reply
      • Pam says

        May 30, 2019 at 8:10 pm

        Well, not exactly! First the prep, say 10 minutes. Then heat the pot to saute- 5minutes. Then saute - 7 minutes. Then bring to pressure - 20minutes. Then cook- 25minutes. Natural release 15 minutes. Rest for 5minutes before carving. A total of 87minutes, which is 3 minutes short of an hour and a half. I am not making this up, just reading the recipe.

        Reply
        • Donna says

          June 05, 2019 at 1:30 pm

          I think I need to change the wording to half-hour for prep and cooking time. Unfortunately, recipe cards don't allow for that and it is so hard to account for different people's skills for prep time and different brands of pressure-cooker and the time it takes them to heat for sauté and to come to pressure etc. I usually have the pot heating for sauté while I prep the ingredients and just throw them in as I go along, but I know some people don't work that way.

          Reply
    20. Julie says

      January 24, 2017 at 9:33 am

      That is one beautiful chicken! I grew up with pressure cookers and the fear that my mother put in me about them blowing up if I ran through the kitchen LOL! I would love to have one now and your post has definitely inspired me to get one.

      Reply
      • Donna1 says

        January 24, 2017 at 12:02 pm

        Haha I remember learning how to use one of those scary ones in home economics class 🙂 I wouldn't go near one these days, but the electric version is so easy to use (and a lot less scary!)

        Reply

    Leave a Comment Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hello and welcome, I'm Donna!

    I am so glad you are here!

    Since I have a part-time job, 3 little kids, and a love of good food (as do you I assume), I have learned how to get the most out of the kitchen in the smallest amount of time.

    Forget about hunting down weird ingredients and making trips to specialty shops.

    We are going to make the most of what is available at the store and farmer's markets all whilst enjoying some delicious meals the whole family (hopefully...if you have fussy eaters I guarantee nothing) will enjoy.

    Pop on that apron and let's get creative in the kitchen!

    More about me →

    New Recipes

    • chia seeds sprinkled on top of the date smoothie
    • Chia seeds sitting in a wooden spoon
    • Air fryer salmon bite being picked up from a bowl with some chop sticks
    • Ranch dressing being drizzled over a spinach and salmon salad

    Summer Salads

    • Tomato and Nectarine Salad. A great little unique salad showcasing all of summers beautiful fresh flavors
    • Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe
    • Lightened Up Creamy Pasta Salad
    • Spinach Strawberry Pecan Salad

    Snacks

    • banana blueberry smoothie served in a tall glass with a blue and white straw
    • Layered smoothie served in 4 tall skinny glasses
    • Banana cinnamon roll smoothie
    • Pink grapefruit and pineapple smoothie

    Sweet Snacks

    • Banana bars cut into evenly cut squares and stacked one on top of the other
    • Green Tea Seasoned Candied Nuts 550px
    • Up close shot of a matcha energy ball being rolled in coconut
    • 4 ingredient strawberry sorbet

    Savory Snacks

    • broccoli fritters
    • Lemon Beet Hummus served with crisp breads
    • A bowl of orange hummus served in a white bowl surrounded by chopped veggies
    • overhead shot of air fryer chickpeas coated in zaatar served in a wooden bowl against a white background with some loose chickpeas and a jar of dried garbanzo beans in the background

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Media Kit

    Copyright © 2022 Whole Food Bellies