Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Instant Pot Whole Chicken is a juicy and tender recipe, which is made with a whole chicken and apple cider. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Pioneer Woman Instant Pot Whole Chicken Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken 3.5 to 4.5 lbs
- 1 Tbsp avocado oil
- 1 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 tsp Paprika
- 1 1/2 tsp Dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups apple cider juice or chicken broth*
- 2 large apples chopped, optional
How To Make Pioneer Woman Instant Pot Whole Chicken
- Prep and season the chicken: Remove the chicken from its packaging, remove any organs from the cavity, and pat the skin completely dry with a paper towel. Drizzle the chicken with avocado oil and use your hands to rub it all over the skin. In a small bowl, combine the sea salt, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and dried parsley. Sprinkle this seasoning mix evenly over the entire chicken.
- Set up the Instant Pot: Pour the apple cider or chicken broth into the bottom of the Instant Pot. Add the chopped apples, if using, and insert the trivet. Place the seasoned chicken on top of the trivet.
- Pressure cook the chicken: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the pressure valve to the sealed position. Cook on high pressure for 30 minutes (or calculate 6 minutes per pound of chicken).
- Naturally release and crisp the skin: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 20 minutes before performing a quick release. For extra crispy skin, transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet and place it under your oven’s broiler for 5-8 minutes, until the skin is golden and crisp.
Recipe Tips
- How to get the crispiest skin? The Instant Pot cooks with steam, so the skin will be soft. The final broiling step is essential for achieving a crispy, golden-brown skin, just like a traditionally roasted chicken.
- Can I use chicken broth instead of apple cider? Yes, the recipe notes that chicken broth is a perfect substitute for apple cider. The cider just adds a subtle sweetness that pairs well with the apples and chicken.
- Why is the natural release important? Allowing the pressure to release naturally for at least 20 minutes is key to a tender, juicy chicken. A quick release can cause the meat to become tough.
- Can I cook a chicken from frozen? Yes, one of the benefits of an Instant Pot is that you can cook a chicken from frozen. You will need to increase the cooking time to 10-12 minutes per pound.
What To Serve With Instant Pot Whole Chicken
This tender chicken is perfect with classic roast dinner sides.
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Gravy made from the pan drippings
- Roasted asparagus or green beans
- A simple garden salad
How To Store Instant Pot Whole Chicken
- Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: The cooked chicken meat can be removed from the bones and frozen in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. It’s perfect for adding to soups, salads, and casseroles.
Instant Pot Whole Chicken Nutrition Facts
- Serving: 1 of 8
- Calories: 480kcal
- Protein: 42g
- Fat: 34g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Why do I need to use the trivet?
The trivet keeps the chicken elevated out of the liquid at the bottom of the pot. This allows it to steam-roast evenly instead of boiling, which is crucial for the right texture.
What do I do with the liquid left in the pot?
The liquid left in the pot after cooking is an incredibly flavorful broth. You can strain it and use it as a base for a delicious gravy, or save it for making soups.
Can I add vegetables like potatoes and carrots to the pot?
Yes, you can add hearty vegetables like quartered onions, carrots, and small potatoes to the bottom of the pot, under the trivet. They will cook in the flavorful broth as the chicken cooks.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Roasted Chicken Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Chicken Breast Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
Pioneer Woman Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe
Description
A foolproof method for cooking a whole chicken in the Instant Pot that results in incredibly tender, juicy meat every time, with an optional final step for crispy skin.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry, rub with avocado oil, and cover with all seasonings.
- Pour apple cider/broth and optional apples into the Instant Pot. Place chicken on the trivet inside the pot.
- Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 30 minutes (or 6 mins per pound).
- Allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 20 minutes.
- For crispy skin, transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and broil for 5-8 minutes until golden.
- Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before carving.
Notes
- u003cliu003ePatting the chicken skin completely dry before seasoning helps the final broiling step to be more effective for crispy skin.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThe long natural release is not optional; it is the key to tender, fall-off-the-bone meat.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eDon’t confuse apple cider with apple cider vinegar; the recipe calls for the sweet juice.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThe leftover liquid in the pot is a delicious, nutrient-rich bone broth. Don’t discard it!u003c/liu003e
