If you crave a hearty, flavorful meal that feels like a warm hug at the dinner table, then the Instant Pot Whole Chicken with Herbs and Optional Crispy Skin Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish combines the comforting juiciness of a perfectly cooked whole chicken with a fragrant herbal infusion that will make every bite sing with freshness. Whether you’re in a weekday rush or hosting family, this recipe is a game changer, offering succulent meat that’s tender, juicy, and bursting with herbal goodness, with the bonus of a golden, crispy skin if you choose to indulge.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient is straightforward but plays an essential role in building layers of flavor and ensuring that comforting, silky texture chicken lovers crave. These herbs and seasonings marry beautifully with the bird, creating an aromatic experience that is as delightful to smell as it is to eat.
- 8 cups cold water: This forms the flavorful cooking liquid that keeps the chicken moist and tender during pressure cooking.
- 5 teaspoons fine sea salt: Essential for seasoning and brining the chicken gently, drawing out juiciness while enhancing natural flavors.
- 2 bay leaves: Adds subtle earthy notes that deepen the aromatic profile of the dish.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A Mediterranean herb that gives a slightly sweet, warm touch to every bite.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Infuses the chicken with its distinctive piney flavor and aroma.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers brightness and a delicate herbal hint that balances the richer notes.
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds): The star ingredient that provides tender meat and potential crispy skin magic.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (optional): Adds richness and helps create that irresistible golden crust if broiled.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional): A savory glaze booster for the skin’s crisping step, enhancing umami and color.
How to Make Instant Pot Whole Chicken with Herbs and Optional Crispy Skin Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Instant Pot
Begin by pouring the cold water into the Instant Pot. Sprinkle in the fine sea salt, bay leaves, oregano, rosemary, and thyme. Give everything a good stir to dissolve the salt completely, creating an aromatic brine that will infuse the chicken as it cooks. This simple liquid base is what sets the stage for juicy, herbaceous meat.
Step 2: Submerge the Chicken
Carefully place your whole chicken into the Instant Pot, breast side up. It’s important that the chicken is at least 90 percent submerged in the flavorful liquid to ensure even cooking and maximum absorption of the herbal notes. If it needs a little help, gently nudge the bird down or add a bit more water to cover it.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Secure the lid of the Instant Pot, making sure the venting knob is set to the sealing position. Set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 0 minutes — yes, zero cooking time because the pressure and natural release will do the magic. This step is a little unique, relying on the natural heat to finish the cooking after the pressure reaches its peak.
Step 4: Natural Release
Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 20 to 22 minutes. This gentle cooling down lets the chicken finish cooking slowly, resulting in tender meat that practically falls off the bone. This patient part of the process is crucial for a juicy outcome.
Step 5: Check for Doneness
Once the pressure is fully released, open the lid and check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The thickest part of the chicken should reach at least 161°F (72°C) to ensure it’s safely cooked through but still moist and tender.
Step 6: Optional Step for Crispy Skin
If crispy skin is your craving, this step is the showstopper. Brush the chicken with unsalted butter and a bit of soy sauce, which together create a shiny, flavorful glaze. Transfer the bird to a baking sheet and broil it in the oven for a few minutes until the skin turns golden brown and irresistibly crisp. This contrast of textures makes the dish extra special.
Step 7: Serve
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute. Then carve and serve your beautiful Instant Pot Whole Chicken with Herbs and Optional Crispy Skin Recipe to eager guests or simply enjoy a cozy solo feast.
How to Serve Instant Pot Whole Chicken with Herbs and Optional Crispy Skin Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary make lovely garnishes that complement the herbal flavor. A squeeze of lemon or a few citrus wedges add brightness and freshness that balance the richness of the chicken perfectly.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp garden salad. For a heartier meal, think buttery rice or garlic-infused quinoa to soak up the delicious juices.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling fancy? Serve the carved chicken over a bed of sautéed greens with a drizzle of the pan juices. Or turn leftovers into a vibrant chicken salad with herbs and lemon vinaigrette. Presentation is your playground to make this comforting dish shine in countless ways.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your feast, store leftover chicken in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. Keep any broth separately to use later in soups or gravies—it’s packed with flavor!
Freezing
If you want to save the goodness for longer, freeze cooked chicken pieces wrapped tightly or in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Thaw gently in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture, or gently warm in a low oven. If you froze the chicken, let it thaw fully for best results and reheat slowly to avoid drying out the meat.
FAQs
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh herbs can provide a brighter, more pronounced flavor. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried, and add half at the beginning of cooking and half at the end for maximum aroma.
What if my Instant Pot doesn’t have a ‘0 minutes’ setting?
If your model requires a minimum setting, simply set it to 1 minute and rely on the natural pressure release time to cook the chicken fully. This method works just as well for tender, juicy results.
Is it necessary to broil the chicken for crispy skin?
Not at all. The chicken is perfectly cooked from the Instant Pot, tender and juicy. The broiling step is optional and only for those who enjoy a crisp, golden skin finish.
Can I add vegetables to cook alongside the chicken?
You can add sturdy vegetables like carrots or potatoes after the chicken has cooked, then use the sauté function for a few minutes to warm and slightly soften them, but avoid placing them under the chicken during pressure cooking to ensure even cooking.
How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
A meat thermometer is your best friend! Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh without touching bone; it should read at least 161°F (72°C) for safe and juicy chicken.
Final Thoughts
Nothing compares to the satisfaction of serving a whole, herb-infused chicken that’s cooked effortlessly in your Instant Pot—a true crowd-pleaser with options for crispy skin to impress anyone at the table. Dive into the Instant Pot Whole Chicken with Herbs and Optional Crispy Skin Recipe to enjoy a comforting meal that feels both special and easy, perfect for any day of the week. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your cooking repertoire!
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Instant Pot Whole Chicken with Herbs and Optional Crispy Skin Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Instant Pot Whole Chicken recipe offers a tender, juicy, and flavorful chicken cooked quickly under pressure. Infused with aromatic herbs like oregano, rosemary, and thyme, and seasoned well with sea salt and bay leaves, this hands-off method simplifies whole chicken preparation. Optionally, the chicken skin can be crisped beautifully under the broiler with a butter and soy sauce glaze, perfect for a satisfying meal served in about an hour.
Ingredients
Brine and Seasoning
- 8 cups cold water
- 5 teaspoons fine sea salt
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Main Ingredient
- 1 whole chicken (about 4–5 pounds)
Optional for Crispy Skin
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Instant Pot: Add the water, sea salt, bay leaves, oregano, rosemary, and thyme into the Instant Pot. Stir gently until the salt dissolves completely to make an aromatic brine.
- Submerge the Chicken: Carefully place the whole chicken into the Instant Pot breast side up, ensuring it is at least 90% submerged in the brine liquid for even cooking and flavor infusion.
- Cook the Chicken: Close the Instant Pot lid and set the venting knob to the sealing position. Cook the chicken on high pressure for 0 minutes; this unusual zero-minute setting indicates pressure buildup time combined with natural release will cook the chicken thoroughly.
- Natural Release: Allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally over 20 to 22 minutes. During this gentle pressure release, the chicken continues to cook, resulting in tender meat.
- Check for Doneness: After the pressure is fully released, open the lid and check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken (usually the thigh) with a meat thermometer. It should read at least 161°F (72°C) for safe consumption.
- Optional Step for Crispy Skin: If desired, remove the chicken and brush the skin evenly with melted butter mixed with soy sauce. Place the chicken under a preheated broiler for a few minutes until the skin turns golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Let the chicken rest for several minutes to retain juices, then carve and serve hot for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is mostly submerged in the brine liquid for even cooking and flavor absorption.
- The zero-minute cook time in the Instant Pot relies on natural pressure build-up and release to cook the chicken gently.
- Using a meat thermometer is crucial to guarantee the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- The broiling step is optional but gives a desirable crispy skin texture.
- Butter and soy sauce add a rich savory glaze during broiling but can be omitted for a lighter option.
- Resting the chicken after cooking helps keep it moist and juicy.
