Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to let you in on a little secret: weeknight dinners don’t have to be a drag! Seriously, forget take-out menus and complicated recipes. We’re diving headfirst into the delicious world of Instant Pot Whole Chicken and Gravy, and trust me, it’s a game-changer.
I know, I know – you’re probably thinking, “Whole chicken? In the Instant Pot? Sounds intimidating!” But that’s where you’re wrong! This recipe is seriously foolproof (even *I* can’t mess it up!), and the result? A juicy, flavorful chicken with the most amazing gravy you’ve ever tasted. And the best part? It’s ready in under an hour. That’s faster than ordering pizza!
I used to be so intimidated by cooking whole chickens. My grandma always made it look so easy, but my attempts usually ended in dry, flavorless disappointment. Then I discovered the magic of the Instant Pot. Now, I can whip up this Instant Pot Whole Chicken and Gravy any night of the week, and it’s always a hit with the family. The chicken is perfectly cooked, the gravy is rich and savory, and clean-up is a breeze. What more could you ask for?
Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Whole Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Okay, so why should you ditch the oven and embrace the Instant Pot for your chicken and gravy? Let me tell you!
- Speed Demon: Seriously, it’s SO much faster than roasting. Perfect for those crazy weeknights when you’re short on time.
- Easy Peasy: Dump, set, and forget! Minimal effort, maximum flavor.
- Flavor Explosion: The Instant Pot locks in all the juices, making for a super moist and delicious chicken. And that gravy? Don’t even get me started!
- One-Pot Wonder: Less mess! Everything cooks together, making clean-up a total breeze. Hallelujah!
- Meal Prep Hero: Make a big batch on Sunday and you’ve got lunches and dinners sorted for days. Winning!
Ingredients for Your Instant Pot Whole Chicken and Gravy
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Don’t worry, you probably have most of this stuff in your pantry already. My favorite part is how simple it all is!
- 1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds), giblets removed: Seriously, don’t forget to take out those giblets! Nobody wants a surprise liver in their gravy. I usually buy organic, but any chicken will do!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: This helps the spices stick and gives the chicken a little bit of a golden color. You can use any oil you like, but I prefer olive oil for the flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Gotta have salt! I use kosher salt, but regular table salt works too.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is always best, if you have it!
- 1 teaspoon paprika: This adds a nice smoky flavor and a beautiful color. Smoked paprika is great too, if you’re feeling fancy!
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Because everything’s better with garlic, right?
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Same goes for onion!
- 1 cup chicken broth: Low sodium is always a good idea so you can control the saltiness. You can even use water in a pinch, but the broth adds so much flavor!
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: This is what thickens our gravy to glorious perfection.
- 2 tablespoons cold water: To make the cornstarch slurry. Trust me, cold water is key!
How to Make Instant Pot Whole Chicken and Gravy: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, are you ready to make some magic? Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious Instant Pot Whole Chicken and Gravy on the table in no time. Remember, even if you mess up, it’ll still taste amazing! (I’ve been there!)
Preparing the Instant Pot Whole Chicken
First things first, let’s get that chicken ready for its spa day in the Instant Pot. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels (this helps the skin get a *little* crispy – we’ll talk crispiness later!). Next, in a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Now, rub the chicken *all over* with the olive oil, then sprinkle that spice mixture generously on every nook and cranny. Don’t be shy!
Pressure Cooking the Instant Pot Whole Chicken
Alright, time to get cooking! Pour the chicken broth into the Instant Pot. Place the spiced chicken in the Instant Pot. Now, this is important: cook on high pressure for 6 minutes per pound. So, for our 4-pound chicken, that’s 24 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release *naturally* for 15 minutes. This is key for a juicy chicken! After 15 minutes, quick release any remaining pressure carefully (watch out for that steam!).
Making the Gravy for Instant Pot Whole Chicken
Don’t you dare throw away that liquid gold in the Instant Pot! That’s the base for our gravy. Carefully remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and let it rest for about 10 minutes before carving (this helps keep it juicy, too!). While the chicken rests, strain the liquid from the Instant Pot into a saucepan. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth (this is our slurry!). Bring the liquid in the saucepan to a boil, then slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Cook, stirring constantly, until the gravy has thickened to your liking. Mmm, gravy!
Tips for the Best Instant Pot Whole Chicken and Gravy
Want to take your Instant Pot Whole Chicken and Gravy to the next level? Of course, you do! Here are a few of my favorite tips and tricks to guarantee chicken perfection every time.
- Crispy Skin Dreams: Okay, let’s be real, Instant Pot chicken skin isn’t *naturally* crispy. But! You can broil the chicken for a few minutes after cooking to get that golden-brown deliciousness. Just watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!
- Even Cooking is Key: Make sure your chicken isn’t too big for your Instant Pot. You want it to fit comfortably without being squished!
- Don’t Overcrowd: If you’re adding veggies (more on that later!), don’t pack the Instant Pot too full. This can affect cooking time and result in unevenly cooked chicken.
- Gravy SOS: If your gravy is too thin, whisk in a *tiny* bit more cornstarch slurry. If it’s too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. Easy peasy!
- Rest is Best: Letting the chicken rest before carving is *crucial* for keeping it juicy. Trust me on this one!
Instant Pot Whole Chicken and Gravy Variations
Okay, so you’ve mastered the basic recipe? Awesome! Now let’s get a little crazy and explore some fun variations. This Instant Pot Whole Chicken and Gravy is a blank canvas just waiting for your creative touch!
- Veggie Power: Toss in some carrots, celery, and potatoes with the chicken for a complete one-pot meal. Just chop them into even-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
- Herb Garden Delight: Experiment with different herbs and spices. Thyme, rosemary, sage – they all work beautifully with chicken. Just sprinkle them on with the other spices before cooking.
- Broth Swap: Try using beef broth or vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a different flavor profile. It’s a subtle change, but it can make a big difference!
- Lemon Love: Stuff the chicken cavity with a lemon, cut in half, for a bright and zesty flavor.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the spice rub for a little kick. Careful, though – a little goes a long way!
Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Whole Chicken and Gravy
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get about making Instant Pot Whole Chicken and Gravy. Don’t worry, there are no silly questions when it comes to delicious food!
- Can I use a frozen chicken? Technically, yes, you *can* cook a frozen chicken in the Instant Pot. BUT! You’ll need to increase the cooking time significantly (add about 50% more time), and honestly, the texture won’t be quite as good. I *highly* recommend thawing your chicken first for the best results. Plus, you won’t be able to rub it with spices as easily!
- How do I get crispy skin on my Instant Pot Chicken? Ah, the million-dollar question! The Instant Pot isn’t exactly known for crispy skin. But fear not! As I mentioned before, you can broil the chicken for a few minutes after cooking. Pat it dry really well first, and keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn. Some people also like to use an air fryer for extra crispiness!
- Can I add vegetables to the Instant Pot with the chicken? Absolutely! I love adding carrots, celery, potatoes, or even onions to the Instant Pot for a complete meal. Just chop them into even-sized pieces and toss them in with the chicken. Keep in mind that adding a lot of veggies might slightly increase the cooking time.
- Help! My gravy is too thin! What do I do? Don’t panic! This is an easy fix. Just whisk together a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water, then slowly whisk it into the simmering gravy. Cook for a minute or two until it thickens up. Repeat if needed!
Serving Suggestions for Your Instant Pot Whole Chicken and Gravy
Okay, you’ve got this amazing Instant Pot Whole Chicken and Gravy, but what do you serve with it? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! My go-to’s are mashed potatoes (duh!), roasted green beans, or a simple side salad. Seriously, anything goes with this classic combo!
Estimated Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional information for one serving of this Instant Pot Whole Chicken and Gravy. Keep in mind that these are just estimates, and the actual values may vary depending on the size of your chicken and the specific ingredients you use.
Per serving (estimated):
- Calories: About 350
- Fat: Around 20g
- Protein: A whopping 35g!
- Carbohydrates: Just about 5g
So, there you have it! A delicious and relatively healthy meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Not too shabby if you ask me!
Enjoy Your Instant Pot Whole Chicken and Gravy!
Alright, my friend, it’s your turn! Go forth and conquer that Instant Pot. I really hope you try this recipe—and if ya do, leave a comment and let me know how it went! Or, give it a star rating!
Instant Pot Whole Chicken and Gravy: 24 Min Bliss
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Make a juicy and flavorful whole chicken with gravy in your Instant Pot. This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds), giblets removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- Rub the chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Place the chicken in the Instant Pot.
- Pour chicken broth into the Instant Pot.
- Cook on high pressure for 6 minutes per pound (24 minutes for a 4-pound chicken).
- Let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
- Remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.
- Strain the liquid from the Instant Pot into a saucepan.
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water.
- Bring the liquid in the saucepan to a boil, then whisk in the cornstarch slurry.
- Cook until the gravy has thickened.
- Serve the chicken with the gravy.
Notes
- You can add vegetables like carrots, celery, and potatoes to the Instant Pot with the chicken.
- Adjust the cooking time depending on the size of your chicken.
- For a crispier skin, broil the chicken for a few minutes after cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 13
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 5
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 35
- Cholesterol: 150
