Instant Pot
Stuffed Whole Chicken

This Instant Pot Stuffed Whole Chicken combines juicy, herb-seasoned chicken with savory stuffing made with butter, onion, celery, and chicken broth. Pressure cooked until tender and finished under the broiler for a lightly golden skin, it’s a comforting whole chicken and stuffing dinner made easier in the Instant Pot.

Cook Time

Servings

Difficulty

5–6

Medium

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Ingredients

Prepare the Savory Stuffing
Set the Instant Pot to Sauté. Melt the butter, then add the diced onion and celery. If using the giblets, finely chop them and add them to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are tender and the giblets are fully cooked. Press Cancel. Stir in the chicken broth and poultry seasoning, then add the stuffing mix. Stir gently until evenly moistened. Transfer the stuffing to a bowl and set aside.

Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, parsley, rosemary, and black pepper. Rub the chicken with olive oil, then season it generously all over with the herb mixture.

Stuff the Chicken
Spoon the prepared stuffing into the chicken cavity.

Prepare the Instant Pot
Pour 1 cup chicken broth into the cleaned inner pot and place the trivet inside. Carefully set the stuffed chicken on the trivet, breast-side up.

Pressure Cook the Chicken
Secure the lid and set the valve to Sealing. Pressure Cook on High for 35 minutes. When the cooking time ends, allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure.

Check for Doneness
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the thickest part of the breast and innermost part of the thigh without touching bone. Also check the very center of the stuffing. Both the chicken and stuffing must reach at least 165°F before serving.

Brown the Chicken
Carefully transfer the chicken to a baking sheet or broiler-safe pan. Spoon or brush a little of the cooking juices over the skin. Broil for 3–5 minutes, watching closely, until the skin is lightly golden and browned in spots.

Rest and Serve
Allow the chicken to rest for about 10 minutes before carving. Spoon the savory stuffing from the cavity and serve alongside the juicy herb-seasoned chicken.

For extra flavor, save the cooking liquid from the Instant Pot. Spoon a little over the sliced chicken before serving, or use it to make a quick gravy to serve with the chicken and stuffing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade stuffing instead of boxed stuffing mix?

Yes. A homemade bread stuffing works well as long as it has a similar moist, spoonable texture. Avoid using a stuffing that is overly wet or dense.
What size Instant Pot works best for this recipe?

A 6-quart or larger Instant Pot works best for a 4–5 pound whole chicken. Make sure the chicken fits comfortably without interfering with the lid.
Can I make this without the giblets?

Absolutely. The giblets are completely optional and can simply be discarded if you prefer your stuffing without them.
What can I serve with stuffed whole chicken?

Mashed potatoes, Beefed up green beans, Glazed carrots, Parmesan canned corn, Cranberry sauce, or a simple Garden salad all pair nicely with the chicken and savory stuffing.
How should I store the leftovers?

Remove the remaining stuffing from the chicken and refrigerate the chicken and stuffing in separate airtight containers. Use the leftovers within 3–4 days.

For the Chicken
□ 1 whole chicken (4–5 lbs), giblets removed and reserved if using
□ 2 TBSP olive oil
□ 1½ tsp salt
□ 1 tsp garlic powder
□ 1 tsp onion powder
□ 1 tsp paprika
□ 1 tsp dried thyme
□ 1 tsp dried parsley
□ ½ tsp dried rosemary, crushed
□ ½ tsp black pepper

For the Savory Stuffing
□ 1 box (6 oz) chicken-flavored stuffing mix
□ 4 TBSP butter
□ ½ cup diced onion
□ ½ cup diced celery
□ Chicken giblets, finely chopped (optional)
□ 1½ cups chicken broth
□ ½ tsp poultry seasoning

For the Instant Pot
□ 1 cup chicken broth

40 Minutes