There’s something beautifully nostalgic about a perfectly cooked rotisserie chicken. It evokes memories of family dinners, comforting aromas wafting through the house, and those delightful moments when everyone gathers around the table. Today, I’m excited to share my tried-and-true technique for creating a juicy Instant Pot Rotisserie Chicken that’s as simple as it is satisfying. Trust me, once you learn this method, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought!
Why you’ll love this recipe
This Instant Pot Rotisserie Chicken isn’t just any ordinary chicken; it’s a culinary experience that kisses your taste buds with rich flavors and succulent juiciness. The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. You rub the chicken with an aromatic blend of spices that dances on your palate and infuses the meat with depth. Every bite is tender and flavorful, reminiscent of the best rotisserie chickens you’ve had—and here’s the kicker: it’s ready in under an hour!
Plus, cooking with an Instant Pot means that your chicken not only cooks faster, but it also locks in flavors and moisture, producing a result that’s hard to beat. When you pull that gorgeous bird from the pot, let’s be real, you’ll earn serious bragging rights. And the best part? It’s the ideal meal for busy weeknights or impressing your dinner guests without all the fuss.
Gather these ingredients
Let’s get into the magic of what makes this chicken so unforgettable.
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds): Aim for a fresh, organic one if you can—it’s worth it! A good quality bird makes all the difference.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This not only adds healthy fat but helps your spices stick to the chicken, ensuring those flavors penetrate.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder and 2 teaspoons onion powder: These give that beloved umami kick. Feel free to use fresh garlic and onion if that’s your jam!
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Ah, the secret weapon! It adds a warm depth and smokiness you didn’t know you were missing.
- 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every flavor.
- 1 cup chicken broth: This creates a flavorful steam bath, keeping the chicken moist and tender while cooking.
Preparing Instant Pot Rotisserie Chicken
Time to create something spectacular! Follow along as I walk you through the process.
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Prep the chicken: Start by rubbing the entire chicken with olive oil, massaging it into every nook and cranny—this is where flavor goes to reside. Then, sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper all over. Trust me on this: get in there and really coat that chicken!
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Add chicken broth: Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the Instant Pot. This is crucial; it’s what keeps everything nice and juicy during cooking.
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Trivet time: Place the seasoned chicken on the trivet inside the pot. This allows the steam to circulate around the bird, ensuring even cooking.
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Seal it up: Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. This is when the magic happens!
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Cook: Set your Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 25 minutes. It may seem quick, but trust me; this is the sweet spot for tenderness.
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Release naturally: Once it’s finished cooking, allow for a natural release. This means letting the pressure drop on its own (about 15-20 minutes). It’s worth the wait!
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Carve and serve: Carefully remove the chicken from the pot (a pair of tongs works wonders), let it rest for a few minutes, then carve it up. Enjoy every juicy, flavorful bite!
Best way to enjoy it
The beauty of this rotisserie chicken is its versatility. Serve it simply, with a side of roasted veggies or fluffy mashed potatoes, and watch it disappear. Or, shred the chicken and toss it into tacos with fresh salsa. You could even slab it atop a salad with a zesty dressing for a light yet fulfilling meal. The options are endless—go wild!
Storage and reheating tips
Leftovers? Yes, please! Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. When it comes to reheating, you can do so in the microwave or in a covered skillet on the stove with a splash of broth to keep it moist. Planning to freeze? Shred the leftovers and store in freezer-safe bags. It should hold up beautifully for up to three months.
Pro chef tips
- Seasoning variations: Don’t hesitate to play with the spices; add some cayenne for heat or even some dried herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fresh twist.
- Searing option: If you’ve got the time, consider searing the chicken in the Instant Pot beforehand for an added layer of flavor. Just remember to deglaze the pot afterward!
- Garnish to impress: Serve with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Try marinating your chicken overnight with your favorite spices for an added flavor punch. You can also make it a Mediterranean delight by using lemon zest, oregano, and a sprinkle of feta to serve. The possibilities are truly endless—there’s no wrong way to enjoy this!
Your questions answered
- How long does it take to prep? About 10-15 minutes. Quick and easy!
- Can I use frozen chicken? You sure can, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time to about 40 minutes.
- What should I serve with it? Think fresh salads, roasted potatoes, or even cornbread for a homestyle vibe.
- Is this recipe healthy? Absolutely! It’s packed with protein and full of flavor, plus you can control the sodium levels with your seasoning choices.
- Can I make it gluten-free? Yes! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Cooking doesn’t have to be an intimidating task; it’s an adventure that brings us together, nourishes us, and sparks creativity. So why not try this delightful recipe, add your spin to it, and share your experiences? Remember, each meal is an opportunity to connect with loved ones and create memories that linger long after the last bite. Happy cooking!
Instant Pot Rotisserie Chicken
Description
A tender and flavorful rotisserie chicken made in the Instant Pot, perfect for family dinners or impressing guests.Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Cooking Steps
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Prep the Chicken
Rub the entire chicken with olive oil and coat with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. -
Add Chicken Broth
Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the Instant Pot. -
Place Chicken on Trivet
Put the seasoned chicken on the trivet inside the pot to allow steam circulation. -
Seal and Cook
Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 25 minutes. -
Natural Release
Allow for a natural release of pressure for about 15-20 minutes. -
Carve and Serve
Remove the chicken from the pot and let it rest for a few minutes before carving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 400kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 13g20%
- Saturated Fat 2g10%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 120mg40%
- Sodium 500mg21%
- Potassium 700mg20%
- Total Carbohydrate 0g
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugars 0g
- Protein 65g130%
- Vitamin A 0 IU
- Vitamin C 0 mg
- Calcium 1 mg
- Iron 5 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 0 IU
- Vitamin K 0 mcg
- Thiamin 0 mg
- Riboflavin 0 mg
- Niacin 0 mg
- Vitamin B6 0 mg
- Folate 0 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0 mg
- Phosphorus 0 mg
- Iodine 0 mcg
- Magnesium 0 mg
- Zinc 0 mg
- Selenium 0 mcg
- Copper 0 mg
- Manganese 0 mg
- Chromium 0 mcg
- Molybdenum 0 mcg
- Chloride 0 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
