Easy and Juicy Instant Pot Whole Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Spice Rub

• In a small bowl, combine the following spices:
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
• Stir everything together until well mixed.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

• Take a 5-pound whole chicken and pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the skin become crispy.
• Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken, making sure to cover:
  • The outside skin.
  • Underneath the wings and thighs.
  • Inside the cavity of the chicken for full flavor.

Step 3: Stuff the Chicken with Lemon

• Slice 1 lemon into several wedges (about 4-6 slices).
• Tuck a few lemon slices inside the chicken’s cavity. This will infuse the chicken with a citrusy flavor as it cooks.
• Keep the remaining lemon slices aside for later use.

Step 4: Brown the Chicken in the Instant Pot

• Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté mode.
• Add 3 tablespoons of olive oil into the Instant Pot. Allow the oil to heat up for about 1-2 minutes.
• Carefully place the spiced-up chicken into the Instant Pot, skin side down. Let the chicken brown for about 4-5 minutes on this side. You should hear a sizzling sound as the skin crisps up.
• Use two large forks or tongs to carefully flip the chicken to brown the other side for another 4-5 minutes.
• Once browned on both sides, remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and place it on a plate or cutting board.

Step 5: Add Lemon Juice and Prepare for Pressure Cooking

• Take the remaining lemon slices and squeeze the juice over the browned chicken. Be sure to get as much juice as you can from each slice.
• After squeezing the juice, drop the squeezed lemon rinds into the bottom of the Instant Pot. These will add extra flavor to the cooking liquid.
• Now, place the browned chicken back into the Instant Pot, on top of the lemon rinds.

Step 6: Add the Broth

• Pour 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth around the chicken in the Instant Pot. This will help to create steam for pressure cooking and keep the chicken moist.
• Close the Instant Pot lid tightly. Make sure the pressure valve is set to the Sealing position.

Step 7: Set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook

• Set the Instant Pot to High Pressure for 20 minutes. If your chicken is frozen, increase the cooking time to 25 minutes.
• The Instant Pot will take a few minutes to come to pressure before the timer starts.

Step 8: Release Pressure and Let Rest

• Once the cooking time is up, release the pressure. You can do this by carefully turning the pressure valve to Venting. Be cautious of the hot steam that will be released.
• Wait for the pressure to fully release. This will take about 5 minutes.
• Once the pressure is fully released, carefully open the Instant Pot lid. You will see the chicken, golden brown and perfectly cooked!

Step 9: Let the Chicken Rest

• Remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and place it on a cutting board or serving platter.
• Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken even juicier.

Step 10: Serve

• You can now serve the chicken whole, or carve it into pieces.
• For an easy-to-serve option, shred the chicken just like rotisserie chicken. This is perfect for tacos, sandwiches, salads, or simply enjoying it as-is with your favorite side dishes.

Tips for Success:

• Browning the chicken helps to create a delicious crispy skin and enhances the overall flavor, but make sure you don’t skip this step.
• If you prefer a more intense lemon flavor, you can add extra lemon slices into the pot while pressure cooking.
• If you want to make a gravy, you can take the leftover juices from the Instant Pot, pour them into a pan, and simmer them until they reduce to a flavorful sauce.

Enjoy your tender, juicy Instant Pot Whole Chicken — easy, flavorful, and perfect for any meal!