Instant Pot Lemon Whole Chicken Recipe

4.59 from 24 votes

It's so quick and easy to cook a whole chicken in the Instant Pot for any occasion! Juicy meat, simple steps, and ready in 30 minutes.

Prep Time5

Cook Time25

Total Time30

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings: people

Calories: 174kcal

Combine the spices and rub all over the chicken.
2 teaspoons kosher salt, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon ground paprika, 1 (5-pound) whole chicken
Tuck a few lemon slices into the cavity.
1 lemon
Add the olive oil to the Instant Pot, press the sauté button, and brown the chicken on both sides. Use two large forks or heavy duty tongs to flip.
3 tablespoons olive oil
Once browned, remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and place on a plate or cutting board. Squeeze the juice from the remaining lemon slices over the chicken and drop the rinds into the bottom of the Instant Pot.
Place the chicken back in the Instant Pot. Pour the broth around the chicken in the pot. Set to HIGH pressure for 25 (30 for frozen) minutes.
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
When it’s done, release the pressure valve and wait for pressure to release, then let the chicken rest another 5 minutes.
Serve whole or cut into pieces. You can also shred like you would a rotisserie chicken. Enjoy!

*This recipe was created and tested using a 5-pound bird. Check cook times below if using a different size bird.

**Stock, or another broth or liquid (including water), can be used instead.

Tips:

If cooking your chicken from frozen, add an additional 5 minutes to the cooking time.
Tough chicken can be the result of both over- and under-cooking in the Instant Pot, so it is important to follow my cooking guidelines to get that perfect texture.
Let the chicken rest before carving it to allow the juices to redistribute.
Browning the chicken is optional, but it produces the crispiest skin and helps to lock in the flavor.
Remember not to throw the carcass out either so you can make your own chicken stock!

Storage: Store Instant Pot whole chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.