Description
A quick and easy 30-minute dinner featuring a juicy, tender whole chicken cooked in an Instant Pot with herb butter. Perfect for busy weeknights with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3.5 to 4.5 lb whole chicken (thawed)
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, oregano)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 medium lemon (halved)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for broiling)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and remove giblets. Trim excess fat or loose skin.
- In a small bowl, mix softened butter, dried herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to form a paste.
- Loosen the skin over the breast and thighs. Rub half of the herb butter under the skin onto the meat. Rub the remaining butter all over the outside of the chicken.
- Stuff the cavity with lemon halves and any leftover herb scraps.
- Pour chicken broth into the bottom of the Instant Pot liner. Place the trivet inside.
- Set the chicken on the trivet, breast-side up.
- Secure the lid, set valve to ‘Sealing’, and select ‘Pressure Cook’ for 20 minutes (add 5 minutes if chicken is 4.5 lbs).
- Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully vent remaining pressure.
- Check internal temperature (should be 165°F/74°C). If needed, cook on ‘Saute’ or pressure cook for 2 more minutes.
- Remove chicken and let rest for 5-10 minutes before carving.
- Optional: Brush with olive oil and broil for 3-5 minutes for crispy skin.
Notes
Ensure the chicken is fully thawed before cooking. Do not skip patting the chicken dry for better browning. Natural release is crucial for tender meat. If using salted butter, reduce added salt. Pan juices can be thickened with cornstarch slurry for gravy.
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1
- Calories: 350
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 1
- Protein: 35
Keywords: instant pot chicken, whole chicken recipe, pressure cooker dinner, herb butter chicken, easy weeknight dinner, juicy chicken