If you’re searching for a way to get that perfectly tender, juicy roast chicken without heating up your whole kitchen or spending hours on the oven, then this Instant Pot Whole Chicken with Homemade Gravy Recipe is going to become your new favorite go-to. I absolutely love how this recipe turns out every single time — the chicken comes out so flavorful and moist, and the gravy made right in the pot is just the perfect finishing touch. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through my best tips to nail it effortlessly in your Instant Pot.

🧡

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Juicy and Tender Every Time: The Instant Pot locks in moisture so you won’t ever have dry chicken again.
Hands-Off Cooking: You can set it and forget it for the main cooking stage, perfect for busy weeknights.
Homemade Gravy Included: Using the flavorful drippings makes the easiest gravy that tastes restaurant-worthy.
Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: Simple seasoning blends come together beautifully, and fresh herbs add that wow factor.

Instant Pot Whole Chicken with Homemade Gravy Recipe - Recipe Step

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work perfectly in harmony — the spices bring warmth and depth, while the lemons and herbs brighten the whole dish. When shopping, look for a fresh, plump chicken and fresh thyme or rosemary for the best results.

Instant Pot Whole Chicken with Homemade Gravy Recipe - Ingredients

Whole chicken: Choosing a medium-sized bird (around 3 pounds) ensures it cooks evenly and fits nicely in most Instant Pots.
Vegetable oil: This helps the seasoning stick and promotes a bit of browning after pressure cooking.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the natural chicken flavors.
Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat that balances the other spices.
Paprika: I love this for its subtle smokiness and beautiful color.
Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs that pairs beautifully with chicken without overpowering it.
Garlic powder: A must-have for that cozy, savory backbone.
Lemon: Stuffed inside the chicken for freshness and moisture.
Fresh thyme or rosemary: Aromatic herbs that make the chicken smell irresistible.
Chicken broth: This is your secret weapon for juicy meat and delicious homemade gravy.
Flour, butter, salt, and pepper (for gravy): These basics thicken and flavor your gravy to perfection right in the pot.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love keeping it classic, but you can easily switch things up to suit your mood or dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to experiment — this recipe is a great base that welcomes your personal touch.

Herb Mix Changes: I once swapped rosemary for oregano and added a little smoked paprika — it gave a lovely Mediterranean vibe.
Spicy Twist: For heat lovers, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or chili flakes with the other spices.
Low Sodium: Use low-sodium broth and reduce added salt, then adjust to taste when making the gravy.
Garlic Lover’s Version: Add fresh minced garlic under the skin before cooking for an intense garlic aroma.

How to Make Instant Pot Whole Chicken with Homemade Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Season and Prepare Your Chicken

Start by patting your whole chicken completely dry with paper towels. This makes a big difference because moisture on the skin can prevent proper browning later. Rub the chicken with vegetable oil, then sprinkle on salt, pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder evenly. I usually let my chicken hang out like this for at least 30 minutes on the counter, or if I have time, overnight in the fridge. This marinating step really helps all the flavors sink in. Before cooking, bring the chicken to room temperature — that’s my trick for more even cooking and juicy meat.

Step 2: Stuff and Truss the Chicken

Fill the chicken cavity with half a lemon and a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary. This steams inside, infusing the meat with a bright herbal aroma. Next, tie your chicken snugly with kitchen twine — wings and legs secure close to the body. Trussing helps the chicken cook evenly and makes carving a breeze.

Step 3: Set Up the Instant Pot

Place a rack or trivet inside your Instant Pot, then pour in about half a cup of chicken broth. This keeps the drippings from burning and later forms the base of your homemade gravy. Place the chicken breast-side up on the rack carefully. Seal the lid with the valve set to “sealing.” Set your Instant Pot to manual pressure cook for 25 minutes (add 6 more minutes per extra pound if your bird is bigger).

Step 4: Natural Pressure Release and Crisp the Skin

Once cooking is complete, don’t rush the pressure release — let it release naturally for about 15 minutes to keep the meat tender. Use a meat thermometer on the thickest part of the breast; it should read 165°F. If you love crispy skin (and who doesn’t?), pop the chicken under a high broiler for 5-7 minutes — just keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn. After broiling, let your chicken rest at room temperature for at least 15 minutes before carving. This final step helps the juices redistribute and keeps every bite moist.

Step 5: Make Your Homemade Gravy

Switch your Instant Pot to the sauté setting on high. Add the flour, chicken broth, and butter to the pot with those delicious chicken drippings left behind. Whisk it well to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened to your liking. Taste, then season with salt and pepper. This gravy is so quick and flavorful, it honestly elevates the whole meal.

Step 6: Carve and Serve

Carve your chicken carefully, serving each portion with a generous ladle of that rich gravy on top. I love how the flavors just marry perfectly here — the juicy meat, crispy skin, and silky gravy all together are pure comfort food magic.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot Whole Chicken with Homemade Gravy Recipe

Dry the Skin Well: I can’t stress enough how patting the chicken skin dry helps it crisp up beautifully during broiling.
Use a Meat Thermometer: Making sure the internal temp hits 165°F guarantees safety and juicy perfection every time.
Let It Rest: Resting for 15 minutes after cooking keeps all those lovely juices locked in — don’t skip this!
Watch the Broiler Closely: It’s quick to burn, so stay nearby and pull it out as soon as the skin’s golden and crispy.

How to Serve Instant Pot Whole Chicken with Homemade Gravy Recipe

Instant Pot Whole Chicken with Homemade Gravy Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I like sprinkling on some freshly chopped parsley or thyme leaves for a splash of vibrant green and an extra fresh herb aroma. A few lemon wedges on the side brighten it up visually and for those who want an extra zing of citrus.

Side Dishes

My family goes crazy for creamy mashed potatoes alongside this chicken — the gravy pairs perfectly. I also recommend roasted veggies like carrots and green beans or an easy side salad for a lighter contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve laid the carved chicken on a large platter surrounded by fresh herb sprigs and roasted lemon slices. It feels super festive but is easy to pull together. Sometimes I serve gravy in a little sauce boat so everyone can drizzle to taste, making the meal feel a bit more elegant.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I wrap leftover chicken tightly in foil or airtight containers and store it in the fridge. It keeps well for about 3-4 days. I always pour any leftover gravy into a separate container to reheat alongside the chicken so it stays silky.

Freezing

Freezing cooked chicken from this recipe works great! Just carve it first, pack into freezer-safe bags or containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat chicken is gently in the oven at 300°F covered with foil to keep it moist, or in the microwave with a splash of broth or gravy. Reheat your gravy separately on the stove until warm and pour it back over when serving.

FAQs

Can I cook a larger whole chicken in the Instant Pot?

Yes! For chickens larger than 3 pounds, add approximately 6 extra minutes per additional pound to your pressure cooking time. Just make sure your Instant Pot is large enough to fit the bird comfortably and that the chicken is trussed to cook evenly.
How do I know when the chicken is safely cooked?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer — the internal temperature should reach 165°F measured at the thickest part of the breast. This ensures the chicken is fully cooked but still juicy.
Can I skip broiling the chicken to crisp the skin?

You can, but broiling adds that beautiful, crispy texture we all love on roast chicken skin. Without it, the skin will be soft but the meat still delicious. If you want crispy skin without the broiler, you could try finishing it in a hot oven for a few minutes.
Is it necessary to truss the chicken?

Trussing helps the chicken cook evenly by keeping wings and legs close to the body. It also makes carving easier. While not absolutely required, I highly recommend it for the best results.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Whole Chicken with Homemade Gravy Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it delivers comfort food so fast without losing any of that slow-roasted, hearty flavor. Whether you’re feeding family on a busy weekday or want a fuss-free Sunday dinner, it’s hands-down one of the easiest and tastiest meals I’ve mastered. Give it a try, and I promise once you make it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!