Easy

Instant Pot Chicken

Name: Instant Pot Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 2 kg whole chicken; 250 ml chicken broth; 2 tbsp butter (melted); 1 tbsp Italian seasoning; 2 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp paprika; 6 cloves garlic (peeled and smashed); 2 whole bay leaves

6 hr 15 min6541 cal

By Chef Marco Deluca·Red Seal Certified Chef|January 15, 2024

This Instant Pot Chicken recipe is a Canadian favourite that brings incredible flavour to your dinner table with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend cooking, this dish features tender, juicy chicken paired with carefully balanced seasonings that the whole family will love. Whether you are meal prepping for the week or cooking for guests, this recipe delivers consistent, restaurant-quality results every time. Every step has been tested in Canadian kitchens using ingredients available at your local grocery store. With a prep time of just 15 minutes, you can have this delicious meal ready without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of simple techniques and bold flavours makes this one of the most requested chicken recipes on our site. Bookmark this page and add it to your regular rotation — you will not be disappointed.

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Ingredients

Servings:

Instructions

👨‍🍳Chef's Notes

Butter‑Basted Skin Finish

“After the 30‑minute pressure cook, pull the whole bird out, brush the skin with the melted butter‑broth mixture, and pop it under a hot broiler for 4‑5 minutes. The high heat crisps the skin while keeping the meat juicy, and the brief broil prevents the meat from overcooking.”

About This Recipe

This Instant Pot Chicken recipe has become a cherished staple in Canadian homes, celebrated for its ability to transform simple ingredients into a comforting, hearty meal. With the bustling lifestyle many of us lead, this dish stands out for its ease and efficiency, allowing you to enjoy a delicious dinner with just 15 minutes of prep time. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and fragrant herbs creates a symphony of flavours that warms the soul, making it perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners.

The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its taste but also in its versatility. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead, the Instant Pot locks in moisture and enhances the flavours, resulting in juicy chicken that practically falls apart with a fork. Home cooks across Canada adore this dish for its reliability and the satisfaction it brings, knowing they can serve a restaurant-quality meal without the fuss.

Tips for the Best Instant Pot Chicken

To achieve perfectly cooked chicken in your Instant Pot, ensure you use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, aiming for an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F). It’s important to avoid overcooking; the pressure cooker does an excellent job of keeping the chicken moist. Make sure you allow a natural release for at least 10 minutes after cooking to let the juices redistribute, which helps prevent dryness.

What to Serve With It

Serve this Instant Pot Chicken with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up the delicious broth. A crisp garden salad featuring fresh Canadian greens and a drizzle of vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavours of the chicken. For a true Canadian twist, consider pairing it with some buttered corn on the cob or roasted root vegetables, celebrating the bounty of local produce.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat without drying out the chicken, use the microwave at medium power, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture. If you want to freeze this dish, it freezes well for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe bags or containers.

Nutrition Per Serving

541

Calories

41g

Protein

21g

Fat

47g

Carbs

Fiber6g

Sugar4g

Sodium633mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?+

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you will need to increase the cooking time to about 15 minutes. Ensure that the chicken pieces are separated to allow for even cooking.

What can I substitute for chicken broth?+

You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or even water, but using broth will enhance the overall flavour. Low-sodium options are available if you're watching your salt intake.

How can I enhance the flavour of the chicken?+

Consider adding a splash of white wine or lemon juice to the broth for a bright finish. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can also be sprinkled on top just before serving for an added layer of flavour.

Can I add more vegetables to this dish?+

Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, or even peas. Just be mindful of the cooking time; denser vegetables may require a bit longer to cook through.

What should I do if the chicken is still tough after cooking?+

If the chicken is tough, it may not have cooked long enough. You can return it to the Instant Pot with a little more broth and cook on high pressure for an additional 5-10 minutes to tenderize it further.

Recipe at a Glance

Prep:

15 min

Cook:

6 hr

Total:

6 hr 15 min

Servings:

Difficulty:

Easy

Pro Tips

1The chicken will not have crispy skin from the Instant Pot. For crispy skin, broil it on high for 3-5 minutes after pressure cooking.
2Don't skip the natural release — a quick release can make the meat tough and dry out the breast meat.
3Save that cooking liquid! It's incredibly flavourful and makes excellent gravy, risotto, or soup base.
4For a 1.5 kg chicken, reduce cooking time to 24 minutes. For a 2.5 kg chicken, increase to 32 minutes.

Variations

Lemon herb: Omit paprika, add zest of 2 lemons and 3 tbsp fresh thyme to the butter mixture.
Asian-inspired: Replace Italian seasoning with 5-spice powder and add 3 tbsp soy sauce to the broth.
Garlic butter: Increase garlic to 10 cloves and add 3 tbsp chopped fresh parsley after cooking.

Slow Cooker & Instant Pot