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Instant Pot Whole Chicken and Gravy

In just a few simple steps, you can make the best Instant Pot chicken and gravy. This budget-friendly staple provides multiple meals for a few family-friendly, nourishing dishes.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Serving Size 12 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken with giblet pieces
  • 4 cups water
  • 2 Tbsp onion powder
  • 2 Tbsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Thickener

  • 1/4 cup cornstarch or arrowroot powder + 1/4 cup water

Instructions

  • Pour the water into the instant pot. Add the seasonings and whisk together.
  • Place the whole chicken in your instant pot, breast side down. This will keep the white meat very moist.
  • Secure the lid, making sure the valve is turned to the sealing position.
  • Tap Manual, make sure it's on high pressure, and set the timer for 30 minutes. Let it naturally depressurize when the timer goes off, or do a quick release 10 minutes after the timer goes off.
  • The chicken will completely fall apart when you take it out of the instant pot. Place the chicken pieces on a cutting board.
  • Carefully, debone the chicken, which will be very easy since it falls apart. Strain the broth using a mesh strainer, just to catch any bone fragments.
  • Make the gravy: Optional - sauté 1/2 of an onion in 1 Tbsp of butter or olive oil in a skillet. Once translucent, add 3 cups of chicken broth. In a separate cup whisk together 1/4 cup water and 1/4 cup cornstarch. Pour mixture into the broth and stir while it thickens. It should only take 3-4 minutes to fully thicken. Gravy will continue to thicken as it cools. I typically add 1 tsp of salt and a dash of black pepper to the gravy.
  • Pour the gravy over the chicken pieces. Serve with mashed potatoes or rice.
  • With any leftover chicken broth: I let the broth sit in the fridge overnight to completely cool, before portioning out to freeze in my SouperCubes for later use to make soup. Use my coupon code: Aimee10 to save some money!

Notes

What do I do if my whole chicken is still partly frozen?
Use lukewarm water to make sure nothing is in the cavity of the chicken. Then, place the chicken as usual in the instant pot. Tap manual high pressure and cook for 40 minutes.