Succulent Instant Pot Rotisserie Chicken

As the holiday season approaches, many families are seeking simpler yet equally delicious meal options. If you’re planning a smaller gathering this year and a grand turkey isn’t quite what you need, this Instant Pot Rotisserie Chicken is a fantastic alternative. It delivers all the comforting flavors of a traditional roasted chicken without the lengthy oven time or extensive cleanup. Whether it’s for a festive holiday meal or a busy weeknight, the Instant Pot makes cooking a whole chicken remarkably straightforward and stress-free.

For those who love versatile chicken recipes, I’ve also shared my Slow Cooker Mediterranean Whole Chicken and Whole Roasted Chicken with Potatoes. These recipes are excellent choices when you need a substantial amount of chicken, ensuring you have plenty of delicious leftovers to enjoy in various creative ways.

If you’re particularly fond of the Instant Pot, you’ll definitely want to explore other favorites like these Instant Pot Creamy Rosemary Chicken Thighs, Easy Instant Pot Shredded Chicken, or this hearty Instant Pot White Chicken Chili. The Instant Pot truly shines when it comes to delivering tender, flavorful chicken in a fraction of the time.

The beauty of making a whole chicken, especially in the Instant Pot, is the abundance of flavorful meat you get. These leftovers can be transformed into countless meals throughout the week. Imagine whipping up Easy Chicken Sliders for lunch or a refreshing Simple Curry Chicken Salad. The possibilities are endless, making meal prep a breeze!

Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Instant Pot Rotisserie Chicken

Creating a perfectly cooked whole chicken in your Instant Pot is simpler than you might imagine. Follow these steps for a juicy, flavorful result every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken for Seasoning

Begin by carefully removing any giblets or the neck from the chicken’s cavity. Inspect the chicken for any excess fat or pin feathers and trim them away. The most crucial step before seasoning is to thoroughly pat the chicken dry, both inside and out, with paper towels. This ensures that the spice rub adheres properly and helps achieve a more desirable skin texture if you choose to broil later.

In a small mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, oregano, Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until a cohesive spice paste forms.

Generously spread this aromatic spice paste all over the exterior of the chicken, making sure to massage it into every crevice. Don’t forget to season inside the cavity as well. Once seasoned, tuck the lemon slices, whole garlic cloves, and onion chunks into the chicken’s cavity. These aromatics will infuse the chicken with incredible flavor from the inside as it cooks.

Step 2: Prepare the Instant Pot for Cooking

Place a trivet (or steamer rack) at the bottom of your Instant Pot insert. Pour 1 cup of water or chicken broth into the pot, along with the juice squeezed from half a lemon. This liquid is essential for the Instant Pot to come to pressure and creates a moist cooking environment.

Carefully place the prepared chicken on the trivet, breast side up. Add two sprigs of fresh rosemary to the Instant Pot alongside the chicken. These herbs will contribute a wonderful fragrance and subtle flavor to the chicken.

Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, ensuring it is properly locked. Rotate the steam release valve to the “Sealing” position, preparing the pot for pressure cooking.

Step 3: Pressure Cook and Finish

Set your Instant Pot to pressure cook on high pressure for 25 minutes (adjust based on chicken weight; see cook times section below). The Instant Pot will take some time to build pressure before the cooking cycle begins.

Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes. This natural release period is crucial as it helps the juices redistribute throughout the chicken, ensuring maximum tenderness and moisture. After 15 minutes, carefully move the steam release valve to the “Venting” position to quickly release any remaining pressure. Once the float valve drops, you can safely open the lid.

If you desire a gloriously crispy skin, carefully transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet and broil it for about 5 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Alternatively, if you have an Instant Pot air fryer lid, you can use it to crisp the skin directly in the pot. Serve your warm, flavorful rotisserie chicken immediately, garnished with fresh rosemary, parsley, and additional lemon slices for a beautiful presentation.

Pro Tips for Instant Pot Rotisserie Chicken Perfection

• Know Your Chicken’s Weight: The most critical factor for cooking a whole chicken in a pressure cooker is its weight. The general guideline is 6 minutes of high-pressure cooking time per pound of chicken. Always weigh your chicken before starting to ensure accurate cooking and avoid over or undercooking.
• The Importance of Natural Release: Allowing the Instant Pot to natural pressure release for at least 15 minutes after cooking is vital. This gentle process allows the chicken’s internal temperature to stabilize and its juices to redistribute, resulting in a significantly more tender and moist bird. Rushing this step with a quick release can lead to drier chicken.
• Achieving Crispy Skin: While the Instant Pot excels at tenderness, it doesn’t typically yield crispy skin. For that coveted rotisserie-style crispness, a quick finish is necessary. You can either transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and broil it in the oven for 2-3 minutes, watching it closely to prevent burning, or use an Instant Pot air fryer lid attachment to crisp it directly in the pot.
• Use a Quality Trivet: A sturdy trivet is essential to elevate the chicken above the cooking liquid, ensuring it steams rather than boils. This allows for even cooking and prevents the bottom of the chicken from becoming soggy. A reliable stainless steel trivet like this one here is a great investment.
• Don’t Forget to Pat Dry: As mentioned in the recipe, thoroughly patting the chicken dry before seasoning helps the rub adhere better and contributes to a crispier skin texture if you finish it under the broiler.
• Brining for Extra Juiciness: For an exceptionally moist and flavorful chicken, consider brining it overnight before cooking. A simple saltwater brine can make a remarkable difference, especially if you tend to struggle with dry chicken.

Mastering Instant Pot Whole Chicken Cook Times

Accurate cooking times are crucial for a perfectly cooked whole chicken in the Instant Pot. A general rule of thumb to remember is to pressure cook for approximately 6 minutes per pound of chicken. This ensures the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature while remaining incredibly tender.

Here are some commonly used cook times based on chicken weight, which should be followed by a 15-minute natural pressure release:

• 3-pound chicken: 18 minutes on high pressure
• 4-pound chicken: 24 minutes on high pressure
• 5-pound chicken: 30 minutes on high pressure
• 6-pound chicken: 36 minutes on high pressure

After the pressure has been fully released, always use a reliable digital meat thermometer to verify that your chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) in the thickest part of the thigh, without touching the bone. This is the safe temperature for poultry.

If your chicken is not yet at 165 degrees F, don’t fret! Simply replace the lid, set the valve to the sealing position, and cook on high pressure for an additional 2 minutes for every 5 degrees below 165 degrees. For instance, if your chicken registers at 155 degrees, you would cook it for another 4 minutes. This method allows you to bring the chicken up to temperature without drying it out.