Instant Pot Roasted Whole Chicken
Welcome to a world of convenience and deliciousness with the Instant Pot! If youโre looking to make a succulent, juicy roasted whole chicken without the hassle and time-consuming process of traditional oven roasting, then youโve come to the right place. In this article, weโll explore the wonders of cooking a roasted whole chicken in the Instant Pot, sharing tips, tricks, and some mouthwatering insights along the way.
Why Choose the Instant Pot for Roasted Whole Chicken?
Imagine a cooking device that can produce a perfectly cooked roasted chicken in a fraction of the time it takes in the oven. Thatโs the magic of the Instant Pot! With its pressure cooking function, the Instant Pot uses steam and pressure to lock in flavors and moisture, resulting in a tender and flavorful chicken that falls off the bone.
Not only does the Instant Pot save you time, but it also saves energy as it uses less electricity compared to a conventional oven. Plus, it can be used for a wide range of dishes, making it a versatile tool in your kitchen arsenal.
The Steps to Instant Pot Roasted Whole Chicken Perfection
Now that youโre convinced of the Instant Potโs wonders, letโs dive into the steps to achieve a perfectly roasted whole chicken:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Before cooking, give your whole chicken a rinse and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps remove any excess moisture and ensures a crispy skin. Season the chicken with your favorite herbs and spices, such as rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Get creative and experiment with different flavor combinations!
Step 2: Sautรฉ and Add Liquid
Set your Instant Pot to its sautรฉ function and heat some oil. Sear the chicken on all sides until golden brown. This step adds a beautiful caramelized color and enhances the flavor. Once the chicken is browned, add a liquid of your choice, such as chicken broth or white wine, to the Instant Pot. This liquid will create steam and infuse the chicken with moisture.
Step 3: Pressure Cook
Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the pressure cooking function. Cook the chicken for a specified amount of time, typically around 6-8 minutes per pound. The Instant Pot will automatically build up pressure and cook the chicken to perfection.
Step 4: Natural Release
Once the pressure cooking time is up, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release the pressure for about 15-20 minutes. This step ensures that the chicken remains tender and juicy.
Step 5: Crispy Skin
If you desire a crispy skin, transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and broil it in the oven for a few minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. This step adds an irresistible crunch to your roasted whole chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use frozen chicken in the Instant Pot for roasted whole chicken?
A1: Yes, you can use frozen chicken in the Instant Pot. However, keep in mind that the cooking time will be longer to ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
Q2: How do I ensure the chicken is fully cooked?
A2: Itโs important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The chicken should reach at least 165ยฐF (74ยฐC) to ensure it is safe to eat.
Q3: Can I add vegetables to the Instant Pot with the chicken?
A3: Absolutely! Adding vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions to the Instant Pot with the chicken not only enhances the flavor but also creates a complete meal.
Q4: How long can I store the leftovers?
A4: Leftover roasted chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
Q5: Can I use this method for other poultry, such as turkey?
A5: While the Instant Pot is great for cooking a whole chicken, it may not be suitable for larger poultry like turkey. The size of the turkey may exceed the capacity of the Instant Pot.
Q6: Can I use the Instant Potโs slow cooker function for roasted whole chicken?
A6: Yes, you can use the slow cooker function of the Instant Pot to make a roasted whole chicken. However, the cooking time will be longer compared to the pressure cooking method.
Q7: Can I use the Instant Pot for other cooking methods?
A7: Absolutely! The Instant Pot can be used for various cooking methods, including sautรฉing, steaming, and even making yogurt.
Q8: Is the Instant Pot safe to use?
A8: The Instant Pot is designed with safety features to ensure a secure cooking experience. However, itโs important to follow the manufacturerโs instructions and guidelines for safe usage.
In conclusion, the Instant Pot is a game-changer when it comes to making roasted whole chicken. Its speed, convenience, and ability to produce tender and flavorful results make it a must-have kitchen gadget. So, go ahead and give it a try โ you wonโt be disappointed!
Instant Pot Roasted Whole Chicken
Ingredientsย ย
- Ingredients:
- 1 (5-pound) whole chicken , washed and giblets removed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- A pinch of dried rosemary , or to taste
- A pinch of dried parsley , or to taste
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional)
Instructionsย
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, rosemary, and parsley.
- Preheat a multi-functional pressure cooker (like Instant Pot) by selecting the Sautรฉ function and adding olive oil.
- Once the pot is hot, place the chicken in the pot, breast-side down, and cook until the skin is browned (approximately 5 minutes).
- Flip the chicken using tongs and brown the other side for an additional 5 minutes.
- Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
- Pour chicken stock into the pot to deglaze it, ensuring that you scrape off all the browned bits. Turn off the Sautรฉ function.
- Insert the rack into the pot and place the chicken on top, breast-side up.
- Close and lock the lid of the pressure cooker.
- Select the Poultry setting and set the timer for 28 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.
- After the cooking time is complete, release the pressure using the natural-release method as per the manufacturer's instructions (this may take anywhere from 10 to 40 minutes).
- Unlock and remove the lid of the pressure cooker.
- Carefully transfer the chicken to a carving board and let it rest.
- Turn on the Sautรฉ function again and whisk cornstarch into the stock and drippings in the pot to create a gravy.