Cooking a Whole Chicken in an Instant Pot: Adjusting Cooking Time

Today, I’ll share how to cook a whole chicken in an Instant Pot by adjusting the cooking time, hoping to help you get it just right!

Expert Tips

The cooking time for a whole chicken in an Instant Pot depends on several factors. First, consider the size of the chicken. The average whole chicken weighs between 1.5 to 3 kilograms (around 3.3 to 6.6 pounds).

For a chicken weighing 1.5 to 2 kilograms (about 3.3 to 4.4 pounds), high-pressure cooking in the Instant Pot should take around 25-30 minutes.

For a medium-sized chicken, weighing about 2 to 2.5 kilograms (4.4 to 5.5 pounds), cook it for 30-35 minutes. This time will ensure that the heat thoroughly penetrates the chicken, cooking it all the way through.

For a larger chicken, weighing between 2.5 and 3 kilograms (5.5 to 6.6 pounds), it will take about 35-40 minutes of high-pressure cooking to ensure the meat is cooked properly.

Pro Tip:

The cooking time may also vary depending on the Instant Pot’s power and brand. Different models heat at different efficiencies. If your Instant Pot has higher wattage, you can reduce the cooking time by 2-3 minutes. Conversely, if your Instant Pot is lower wattage, extend the time by 3-5 minutes.

Once the cooking is complete, don’t rush to open the lid. Let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 5-10 minutes to allow the temperature and pressure to stabilize inside the chicken, resulting in a more evenly cooked and tender meat.

How long to cook whole chicken per pound chart?

Generally, the cooking time for a whole chicken depends on its weight. The rule of thumb is to cook for 15-20 minutes per pound of chicken. Here’s the breakdown:

Boiling a Whole Chicken: When boiling, place the chicken in boiling water and cook for about 20-30 minutes per pound until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).

Simmering a Whole Chicken: For simmering over medium-low heat, cook for about 30-40 minutes per pound.

Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker) Whole Chicken: In the Instant Pot, cook for about 6-8 minutes per pound on high pressure.

How to Check if the Chicken is Fully Cooked:

The best method is to use a food thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken leg, ensuring the temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).

How long to cook 6 lb whole chicken in Instant Pot?

To cook a 6-pound whole chicken in the Instant Pot, a cooking time of 45-55 minutes on high pressure is ideal.

The Instant Pot’s pressure and power are efficient and stable, but a 6-pound chicken requires enough time for heat to fully penetrate, ensuring that the entire chicken is cooked through.

If cooked for too short a time, the inside may remain raw, but if overcooked, the chicken may become too soft and lose its tender texture.

After cooking, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10-15 minutes, which helps balance the internal temperature and pressure for a better texture and flavor.

Adjust the cooking time depending on the chicken’s age and tenderness — older chickens will need more time, while younger ones can cook for a shorter period.

Does cooking chicken longer in Instant Pot make it more tender?

Cooking chicken longer in the Instant Pot doesn’t always result in more tenderness. While extending the cooking time slightly can make the meat more tender, there is a limit. If the chicken is cooked for too long, the texture may deteriorate.

Best Cooking Times:

Whole Chicken: For a whole chicken, cook 15-20 minutes per pound. For example, a 6-pound chicken should be cooked for 45-55 minutes.

Chicken Breasts or Thighs: For boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cook for 10-15 minutes per pound. For a 2-pound batch of chicken breasts, 15-20 minutes is sufficient.

Overcooking can cause the chicken to become mushy and fall apart, so it’s essential to adjust the cooking time based on the type and weight of the chicken.

Why does chicken get rubbery in Instant Pot?

Here's why:

Pressure Cooking: The Instant Pot uses high pressure to cook food. Under pressure, the heat penetrates the chicken more quickly and evenly, causing the proteins to denature and firm up in a controlled way. Unlike traditional cooking, this helps the fibers remain intact and organized, giving the chicken a more elastic texture.

Short Cooking Time: Cooking chicken in the Instant Pot is typically quicker. The brief cooking time helps the meat cook through without overcooking, preserving the moisture and some of its elasticity.

Steaming Environment: The Instant Pot’s sealed environment is filled with steam, which continuously replenishes moisture, ensuring the chicken stays tender and elastic. The even heat distribution also maintains consistent texture.

Collagen and Elastic Fibers: Chicken naturally contains collagen and elastic fibers. Under the right pressure and temperature in the Instant Pot, the collagen turns into gelatin, enhancing the flavor and providing the chicken with a slightly sticky and elastic texture.

Is it better to cook chicken slow or fast?

Both methods work, depending on your preference:

Slow Cooking: Requires more time, but the chicken absorbs the broth's flavor and becomes more tender and flavorful. It’s perfect for simmering in a clay pot or slow cooker for 30-40 minutes to achieve a delicate texture and better nutrient retention.

Quick Cooking: Faster cooking, ideal for high-pressure cooking methods like the Instant Pot. For example, a 6-pound whole chicken cooked on high pressure in 45-55 minutes. Quick cooking saves time while keeping the chicken juicy and tender.

Tips:

Choose Fresh Chicken: Fresh chicken should have firm, elastic meat and a pale pink color.

Marinate: Marinating with a bit of yogurt or lemon juice not only removes any gamey taste but also tenderizes the meat.

Blanching: When blanching the chicken, adding Sichuan peppercorns to the water can enhance the aroma of the chicken.