healthy whole chicken and potatoes instant pot recipes:
Cooking a whole chicken with potatoes in the Instant Pot is not only quick and easy but also provides a nutritious and satisfying meal for the whole family. This Instant Pot whole chicken and potatoes recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or family gatherings, combining lean protein from the chicken and healthy carbohydrates from the potatoes. Whether you’re using classic potatoes, sweet potatoes, or adding in vegetables and herbs, the Instant Pot whole chicken and potatoes recipe helps you create a flavorful, healthy dish with minimal effort.
For more cozy, low-carb, one-pot dinner ideas, you can check out EatingWell’s 20 Cozy, Low-Carb, One-Pot Fall Dinners to add more variety to your meal plan.
Health Benefits of Cooking Whole Chicken and Potatoes Together
The combination of whole chicken and potatoes in the Instant Pot is not only convenient but also provides a variety of health benefits. Chicken is a great source of lean protein, and potatoes are packed with essential nutrients like potassium and fiber. Together, they form a balanced and nutrient-rich meal.
Why Whole Chicken and Potatoes Are a Healthy Choice:
- Lean Protein: Chicken provides essential amino acids needed for muscle repair and overall body function.
- Complex Carbohydrates: Potatoes are an excellent source of fiber, supporting digestive health and helping to regulate blood sugar levels.
- Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Both ingredients are rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and B vitamins, which promote immune health and energy.
To find more healthy Instant Pot recipes, check out our collection of Healthy Instant Pot Chicken Recipes for more nutritious and flavorful options.
Why Choose the Instant Pot for This Recipe?
When it comes to cooking whole chicken with potatoes, the Instant Pot excels in preserving flavors while cooking quickly. The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking feature helps lock in the natural juices from the chicken, making it tender and juicy, while the potatoes absorb all the rich flavors.
Key Benefits of Using the Instant Pot:
- Faster Cooking: The Instant Pot cooks a whole chicken with potatoes in a fraction of the time it would take with traditional methods.
- One-Pot Meal: Save time and reduce cleanup with this one-pot meal, where both the chicken and potatoes cook together.
- Retained Nutrients: The Instant Pot’s sealed cooking environment helps preserve the nutrients, providing a healthier meal compared to traditional methods.
Check out our Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe for a detailed guide on preparing this easy and nutritious dish.
Classic Instant Pot Whole Chicken with Potatoes
This classic Instant Pot recipe is a family favorite, offering a simple yet satisfying meal. The whole chicken is cooked to perfection, while the potatoes are tender and full of flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
- 4 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1 onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (such as rosemary or thyme)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the whole chicken generously with salt, pepper, and any herbs you prefer. Rub the seasoning into the skin and inside the cavity.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Set the Instant Pot to the « Sauté » function. Add olive oil, then sauté the onions and garlic until softened and fragrant.
- Add Potatoes and Broth: Place the potatoes at the bottom of the Instant Pot, followed by the chicken. Pour in the chicken broth.
- Cook: Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to cook on « Manual » or « Pressure Cook » for 25-30 minutes.
- Release Pressure: Once the cooking time is up, carefully perform a quick release of the pressure.
- Serve: Remove the chicken, carve, and serve with the potatoes. You can garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
For more delicious variations of this dish, check out our Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes Recipe.
Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes with Vegetables
Adding vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or peas to your Instant Pot chicken and potatoes recipe boosts the meal’s nutritional content and flavor. This is an easy way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken
- 4 medium potatoes, cut into chunks
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste
Instructions:
- Season and Sauté: Season the chicken and vegetables with your preferred spices. Sauté the chicken and aromatics in the Instant Pot.
- Layer the Ingredients: Layer the potatoes, carrots, and bell pepper in the Instant Pot, placing the chicken on top.
- Pressure Cook: Set the Instant Pot to cook for 30 minutes on high pressure.
- Release Pressure and Serve: Release the pressure and serve the chicken with the vegetables on the side.
This variation provides a well-rounded meal packed with nutrients. For more vegetable-centric chicken recipes, check out our Instant Pot Chicken and Vegetables Stew.
Instant Pot Chicken and Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a great addition to this recipe. They are rich in antioxidants and provide a natural sweetness that pairs well with the savory flavors of chicken and potatoes.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken
- 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
- Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken with olive oil, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
- Add Sweet Potatoes: Layer the sweet potatoes at the bottom of the Instant Pot, followed by the chicken.
- Cook: Pour in the chicken broth and set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 25-30 minutes.
- Release Pressure and Serve: Once cooked, release the pressure and serve the chicken with the sweet potatoes.
Sweet potatoes provide a nice balance of flavor and nutrition, making this a healthy twist on the classic Instant Pot chicken and potatoes recipe.
Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes with Herbs
For a flavorful and aromatic version, adding fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and garlic enhances the taste of your Instant Pot chicken and potatoes. The herbs not only add a wonderful fragrance but also provide additional health benefits.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken
- 4 potatoes, cut into chunks
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 sprigs rosemary
- 2 sprigs thyme
- Salt, pepper, and olive oil
Instructions:
- Season with Herbs: Rub the chicken with garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Layer the Potatoes: Place the potatoes in the Instant Pot, followed by the chicken.
- Pressure Cook: Set the Instant Pot to cook on high for 30 minutes.
- Release Pressure and Serve: Release the pressure, carve the chicken, and serve with the potatoes and herbs.
This recipe is perfect for those who love the fresh flavors that herbs bring to the dish.
Tips for Perfecting Your Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes
- Choose the Right Size Chicken: A 3-4 lb chicken works best for the Instant Pot. Larger chickens may require additional cooking time.
- Avoid Overcrowding: If using too many potatoes or vegetables, be mindful of the Instant Pot’s capacity. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
- Crispy Skin: If you prefer crispy skin, after cooking in the Instant Pot, transfer the chicken to the oven under a broiler for 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken in the Instant Pot?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken in the Instant Pot. However, you may need to increase the cooking time by 5-10 minutes.
How do I prevent the potatoes from becoming mushy?
To avoid mushy potatoes, cut them into uniform pieces and ensure the Instant Pot isn’t overcrowded. Using a trivet can also help keep them from becoming too soft.
What are some side dishes that pair well with this meal?
Steamed vegetables, quinoa, or a simple salad can complement the chicken and potatoes for a well-rounded meal.
Can I cook a whole chicken without the trivet?
Yes, you can cook a whole chicken without a trivet. The Instant Pot will cook the chicken just fine; however, using a trivet may help keep the chicken from sitting in too much liquid.
Conclusion
Cooking a whole chicken with potatoes in the Instant Pot is not only quick and easy but also provides a nutritious and satisfying meal for the whole family. Whether you’re using classic potatoes, sweet potatoes, or adding in vegetables and herbs, the Instant Pot whole chicken and potatoes recipe helps you create a flavorful, healthy dish with minimal effort. With the tips and variations provided in this article, you can enjoy this meal in many different ways, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection.
By following the recipes and tips in this article, you’ll be able to master cooking Instant Pot whole chicken and potatoes in no time and enjoy all the benefits of healthy, homemade meals. Whether you’re preparing Instant Pot whole chicken and potatoes for a weeknight dinner or a family gathering, this versatile recipe is sure to satisfy everyone. The beauty of cooking Instant Pot whole chicken and potatoes is that it’s quick, simple, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect go-to meal for busy days.
With the variations provided in this article, you can easily customize your Instant Pot whole chicken and potatoes recipe to suit your taste preferences, ensuring it becomes a regular staple in your meal rotation.
With the variations provided, you can customize your Instant Pot whole chicken and potatoes recipe to suit your taste preferences, ensuring that it becomes a staple in your meal rotation.