Pioneer Woman Instant Pot Whole Chicken

This easy, flavorful Pioneer Woman Instant Pot Whole Chicken recipe brings a cozy, homemade dinner to your table with simple, common ingredients. With zesty lemon and fresh rosemary, it’s perfectly roasted to a juicy, tender finish with crispy skin. Ideal for any night, this versatile dish is quick to prep and sure to impress!

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 stick butter (1/2 cup), softened
• 2 whole lemons, zested
• 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 whole roaster chicken (about 4-5 pounds), rinsed and patted dry

How To Cook Instant Pot Whole Chicken:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. Make the Butter Mixture: In a bowl, combine the softened butter with the lemon zest. Strip the leaves from one sprig of rosemary, finely chop them, and add to the bowl along with salt and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
3. Prepare the Chicken: Lay the rinsed and dried chicken on the foil-lined baking tray, breast-side up. Use your fingers to smear the butter mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get it under the skin and inside the cavity.
4. Add Lemon and Rosemary: Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the chicken. Place the four lemon halves (if they fit) inside the cavity along with the three remaining whole sprigs of rosemary.
5. Roast the Chicken: Put the chicken in the oven and roast for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the skin is deep golden brown and the juices are sizzling.

Recipe Tips

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh rosemary and ripe lemons make a big difference in flavor. Always choose high-quality ingredients for the best taste.
• Pat the Chicken Dry: Before applying the butter mixture, make sure to pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get crispy during roasting.
• Rub Under the Skin: When spreading the butter mixture, focus on getting it under the skin as well as on top. This infuses more flavor into the meat.
• Let the Chicken Rest: After roasting, let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to settle, keeping the meat moist and tender.
• Save the Drippings: Don’t throw away the drippings from the baking tray! Use them to make a flavorful gravy or sauce to serve with the chicken.

How To Store & Reheat Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Put leftover whole chicken in an airtight container or wrap it tightly. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: You can freeze the leftover whole chicken for up to 4 months. After it cools, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or put it in a freezer bag. To thaw, place it in the fridge for 24 hours before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat leftover whole chicken in an oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or in a microwave in 1-minute intervals until warm. Cover to keep moisture.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 whole chicken (3 lbs)

• Calories: 1160
• Total Fat: 55g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Cholesterol: 610mg
• Sodium: 730mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 0g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 165g

Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:

• Pioneer Woman Chicken Fajita Seasoning Recipe
• Pioneer Woman Chicken Quesadillas
• Pioneer Woman Chicken And Dressing Casserole
• Pioneer Woman Spatchcock Chicken
• Pioneer Woman Buffalo Chicken Dip