Olivia Carter
Do you love the taste of rotisserie chicken but think it’s too complicated to make at home? Think again! With an Instant Pot, you can easily recreate that mouthwatering, tender, and juicy chicken right in your own kitchen. In this article, we’ll show you step-by-step how to make rotisserie chicken in an Instant Pot.
If you’re not familiar with the Instant Pot, it’s a versatile electric pressure cooker that can also be used as a slow cooker, rice cooker, and much more. It’s perfect for busy families who want to enjoy homemade meals without spending hours in the kitchen. With the Instant Pot, you can have a delicious rotisserie-style chicken on the table in no time.
First, you’ll need to gather your ingredients. For this recipe, you’ll need a whole chicken, garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. You can also add any other seasonings or herbs that you like to personalize the flavor.
Next, you’ll want to prepare your chicken by removing any giblets or excess fat. Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Rub the chicken with the garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper, making sure to cover all sides.
Preparing the Chicken
To begin making rotisserie chicken in your Instant Pot, you will first need to prepare the chicken. Start by rinsing the chicken thoroughly under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. This will help remove any excess moisture from the chicken and ensure it cooks evenly.
Next, season the chicken according to your taste preferences. You can use a ready-made rotisserie chicken seasoning or create your own blend using herbs and spices such as paprika, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning all over the chicken, covering both the outside and inside of the bird.
Trussing the Chicken
Trussing the chicken is an important step that helps to ensure even cooking and helps the chicken retain its shape. To truss the chicken, start by tucking the wings under the body of the bird. Then, using kitchen twine, tie the legs together tightly. This will help the chicken cook evenly and prevent it from falling apart during the cooking process.
Letting the Chicken Rest
Before placing the chicken in the Instant Pot, it is recommended to let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will allow the seasoning to penetrate the meat and enhance the flavor of the chicken.
Once the chicken has rested, it is ready to be placed in the Instant Pot for cooking.
Prepping the Chicken
Before you can start cooking your rotisserie chicken in the Instant Pot, you need to prep the chicken. Here are the steps to get your chicken ready:
1. Remove the Giblets
First, remove the giblets from the chicken cavity. These are usually found inside a small bag in the cavity. Discard the giblets or save them for another use if desired.
2. Rinse the Chicken
Rinse the chicken under running water to remove any excess juices and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. Season the Chicken
Next, season the chicken with your preferred spices and herbs. Some popular options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and thyme. Rub the seasonings all over the chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated.
4. Truss the Chicken (optional)
If desired, truss the chicken by using kitchen twine to tie the legs together. This helps the chicken cook more evenly and keeps the stuffing or other ingredients secure inside the cavity.
Once your chicken is prepped and ready to go, you can proceed with cooking it in the Instant Pot using the rotisserie chicken recipe of your choice.
Seasoning the Chicken
Before cooking the chicken in the Instant Pot, it’s important to season it properly to enhance the flavor. Here is a simple seasoning blend you can use:
| Ingredients: | Amount: |
|---|---|
| Garlic powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Paprika | 1 tablespoon |
| Onion powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Dried thyme | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
Combine all the seasoning ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. Make sure to remove any excess moisture from the chicken using paper towels before applying the seasoning. Rub the seasoning blend all over the chicken, ensuring that it is evenly coated.
Let the seasoned chicken sit for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. This will help to infuse the chicken with a rich and delicious taste.
Once the chicken is properly seasoned, it is ready to be cooked in the Instant Pot. Follow the instructions for cooking the rotisserie chicken in the Instant Pot to enjoy a tender and flavorful meal.
Setting Up the Instant Pot
Before you start making rotisserie chicken in your Instant Pot, it’s important to make sure your appliance is properly set up. Here are a few key steps to follow:
1. Clean the Instant Pot
Before using your Instant Pot, it’s essential to give it a thorough cleaning. Wash the inner pot, lid, and any accessories with warm soapy water. Ensure that all parts are dry before putting them back together.
2. Check the Sealing Ring
The sealing ring is an essential part of the Instant Pot that helps create a tight seal and prevents leakage during cooking. Inspect the sealing ring to ensure it is properly seated and free from any cracks or damage. If necessary, replace the sealing ring with a new one before proceeding.
3. Insert the Trivet
The trivet is a metal rack that sits on the bottom of the Instant Pot and helps elevate the chicken while cooking. Place the trivet inside the Instant Pot, ensuring it is centered and stable.
4. Add Liquid
To create steam and pressure in the Instant Pot, you’ll need to add a liquid. For rotisserie chicken, you can use chicken broth, water, or a combination of both. It’s generally recommended to use around 1 cup of liquid, but you can adjust the amount based on the recipe or personal preference.
With your Instant Pot properly set up, you’re now ready to start cooking delicious rotisserie chicken. Make sure to follow the recipe instructions precisely for the best results.
Adding Liquid to the Instant Pot
When making rotisserie chicken in the Instant Pot, it’s important to add some liquid to the pot to create steam and help cook the chicken. This moisture ensures that the chicken stays tender and juicy as it cooks under pressure.
A common liquid to use is chicken broth or stock, which adds flavor to the chicken. You can also use water if you don’t have broth on hand. It’s important to have enough liquid to create steam, but not too much that it covers the chicken completely, as this can result in a soggy texture.
Typically, you’ll want to add about 1 cup of liquid to the Instant Pot. This amount may vary depending on the size of your chicken and personal preference. If you’re using a whole chicken, you can pour the liquid directly into the pot. For better flavor distribution, you can also season the liquid with herbs and spices like garlic, onion powder, or paprika.
Once you’ve added the liquid, you can place the trivet in the pot and then carefully place the seasoned chicken on top. The trivet helps to elevate the chicken and prevent it from sitting in the liquid, which can lead to a soggy texture.
If you’re using chicken pieces like drumsticks or thighs instead of a whole chicken, you can still add the liquid to the pot, but you may want to use less liquid since the chicken pieces won’t take up as much space.
Tip:
Remember to always check the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific Instant Pot model to ensure you’re adding the correct amount of liquid and using the correct settings for cooking.
Placing the Chicken in the Instant Pot
Before placing the chicken in the Instant Pot, you’ll want to ensure it is thawed if it was previously frozen. Once the chicken is ready, follow these steps to prepare and place it in the Instant Pot:
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken to your preference. You can use a pre-made seasoning blend or create your own by combining herbs, spices, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated.
Step 2: Add Liquid to the Instant Pot
Next, add liquid to the Instant Pot to create steam and moisture during the cooking process. You can use chicken broth, water, or a mixture of both. The amount of liquid you’ll need will depend on the size of your Instant Pot, but typically 1 to 1.5 cups is sufficient.
Step 3: Place the Chicken in the Instant Pot
Place a trivet or a steamer basket in the Instant Pot, ensuring it is elevated above the liquid. This will prevent the chicken from becoming soggy. Carefully place the seasoned chicken on the trivet or steamer basket, ensuring it is centered and not touching the sides of the Instant Pot.
Once the chicken is in the Instant Pot, you can secure the lid and ensure the vent is closed. Proceed with following the specific cooking instructions for rotisserie chicken in an Instant Pot to achieve juicy and flavorful results.
Cooking the Chicken
Once you have seasoned the chicken and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, it’s time to start cooking. The Instant Pot will provide a faster cooking time compared to traditional methods, while still maintaining a tender and flavorful result.
Step 1: Preparing the Instant Pot
Start by placing the trivet inside the Instant Pot. This will elevate the chicken and prevent it from getting soggy as it cooks. Add 1 cup of water to the pot to create steam and ensure the chicken remains moist.
Step 2: Placing the Chicken in the Instant Pot
Place the marinated chicken on top of the trivet in a single layer. If you have a whole chicken, you may need to cut it into pieces to fit properly. Make sure to arrange the pieces evenly to ensure even cooking.
Step 3: Cooking Time and Pressure Release
Close the Instant Pot lid and set the pressure valve to the sealing position. Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting and adjust the cooking time to 20 minutes. The Instant Pot will take some time to come to pressure before the cooking time starts counting down.
Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure. Use caution when releasing the pressure and follow the Instant Pot’s instructions for a safe release.
Step 4: Checking for Doneness
After releasing the pressure, carefully open the Instant Pot lid. Check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach a minimum temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
If the chicken is not yet at the desired temperature, you can return it to the pot and cook for additional time using the same settings as before.
Once the chicken is fully cooked, transfer it to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and ensure a juicy and tender final result.
FAQ
What is an Instant Pot?
An Instant Pot is a multi-purpose electric pressure cooker that can be used for various cooking tasks, such as slow cooking, sautéing, steaming, and making yogurt.
Why would I want to make rotisserie chicken in an Instant Pot?
Making rotisserie chicken in an Instant Pot is a convenient and time-saving method. It allows you to achieve juicy and flavorful chicken with crispy skin without the need for a rotisserie grill or oven.
What ingredients do I need to make rotisserie chicken in an Instant Pot?
To make rotisserie chicken in an Instant Pot, you will need a whole chicken, olive oil, your choice of spices and herbs, such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
