Effortless & Delicious: Spice-Rubbed Whole Chicken in Your Instant Pot or Slow Cooker (21 Day Fix Approved)
Imagine a perfectly cooked, tender, and juicy whole chicken infused with a delicious blend of spices, ready to be the star of your dinner table. Whether you’re a fan of the speed of the Instant Pot or the convenience of a slow cooker, this spice-rubbed whole chicken recipe delivers exceptional flavor with minimal effort. It’s not just easy; it’s also incredibly healthy, fitting perfectly into meal prep routines and approved for popular programs like the 21 Day Fix and Weight Watchers.
This recipe transforms a simple whole chicken into a versatile meal component. Enjoy it as a standalone dinner with your favorite sides, or shred the cooked chicken to use in countless other dishes like tacos, salads, sandwiches, or casseroles. Meal prepping has never been so simple or satisfying! Plus, with our updated instructions, you can even cook a whole chicken straight from frozen in your Instant Pot, making last-minute healthy meals a reality.
This timeless recipe, originally published on April 13, 2015, has received a significant update. We’ve refreshed the content with new pictures and, most importantly, added comprehensive Instant Pot directions to complement the classic slow cooker method. This ensures that no matter your preferred cooking appliance, you can achieve a perfectly cooked whole chicken every time.
For years, this spice-rubbed chicken has been a staple in my kitchen. It’s one of those beloved recipes that predates the Pinterest era, a true testament to its simplicity and deliciousness. While not my original creation, it’s a recipe I’ve perfected over time to share with you.
Why Choose a Whole Chicken for Your Next Meal?
Cooking a whole chicken, whether in an Instant Pot or a slow cooker, offers a multitude of benefits that make it an ideal choice for busy weeknights and efficient meal prep. Not only is it a cost-effective way to feed your family, but it also provides a nutrient-dense protein source that’s incredibly versatile. If you’re looking for a healthy whole chicken recipe, this one stands out.
- Economical: Buying a whole chicken is often cheaper per pound than purchasing individual cuts, allowing you to maximize your budget and get more value for your money.
- Versatile Meal Prep: A single whole chicken can yield several meals. Enjoy it fresh for dinner, then shred the leftovers for salads, sandwiches, soups, casseroles, or wraps throughout the week. This is perfect for the 21 Day Fix, Weight Watchers, or any healthy eating plan focused on lean protein. Making this spice-rubbed whole chicken makes meal prepping easy.
- Rich Flavor: Cooking a whole chicken on the bone, especially with a flavorful spice rub, results in a deeper, more satisfying taste and incredibly tender, juicy meat. The bones and skin contribute to the overall richness, even if you remove the skin before eating for a healthier option.
- Health Benefits: When cooked without added oils, as in this recipe, it’s a lean protein source. Plus, you can use the carcass to make homemade chicken broth, which is packed with beneficial nutrients and can be used as a base for many other healthy recipes.
- Minimal Effort: Both the Instant Pot and slow cooker methods are largely hands-off, freeing up your time while dinner cooks itself. This means less time in the kitchen and more time for you!
The Secret to Success: A Flavorful Spice Rub
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple yet powerful spice rub. It’s a blend designed to impart maximum flavor directly into the chicken skin and meat, creating a delicious crust and infusing every bite. Forget complicated marinades; this dry rub does all the heavy lifting, ensuring a truly mouth-watering spice-rubbed chicken.
Our carefully selected spices include:
- Paprika: Adds a sweet, smoky depth and a beautiful reddish-orange color to the chicken skin. It’s a foundational spice in many rubs.
- Cayenne: Provides a subtle kick that awakens the palate without overpowering the other flavors. Adjust the amount to your preferred spice level; a little goes a long way to add warmth.
- Onion Powder & Garlic Powder: These pantry staples are essential for a robust, savory base that complements almost any dish. They offer concentrated flavor that penetrates the meat effectively.
- Thyme: Offers an earthy, slightly minty note that pairs wonderfully with poultry and lemon. It adds an aromatic freshness to the rub.
- Salt: Crucial for enhancing all the other flavors, drawing out moisture from the surface to create a crispier skin (if broiled), and helping to tenderize the meat.
Simply mix these spices together and rub them generously over the entire surface of the chicken. Don’t be shy – get into all the nooks and crannies for the best results and ensure an even coating for your spice-rubbed whole chicken!
Instant Pot vs. Slow Cooker: Choose Your Adventure
This recipe is incredibly adaptable, working beautifully in both an Instant Pot (pressure cooker) and a traditional slow cooker (Crock Pot). Each method offers distinct advantages, allowing you to choose the best option for your schedule and desired outcome. Whether you prefer a quick Instant Pot whole chicken or a tender Crock Pot whole chicken, we’ve got you covered.
Cooking a Whole Chicken in the Instant Pot
The Instant Pot is a game-changer for speed and convenience. If you’re short on time but still crave a homemade whole chicken, this is your go-to method. The pressure cooking process ensures the chicken cooks evenly and quickly, resulting in incredibly tender and moist meat every time. It’s like having a rotisserie chicken from the Instant Pot right in your kitchen.
- Speed: A whole chicken can be cooked in a fraction of the time it takes in a slow cooker or oven. A 5lb chicken takes about 30 minutes of active cooking time, plus pressure build-up and release, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Moisture: The high-pressure environment locks in moisture, preventing the chicken from drying out. You’ll get juicy meat every time.
- From Frozen: One of the most remarkable features of the Instant Pot is its ability to cook a whole chicken directly from a frozen state. This is perfect for those days when you forget to thaw dinner! Just remember to double the cooking time for a frozen whole chicken in Instant Pot.
Cooking a Whole Chicken in the Slow Cooker
The slow cooker method is ideal for those who love the “set it and forget it” approach. Perfect for busy days when you want to come home to a delicious, ready-made meal. The low and slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a deeply savory and fall-off-the-bone tender chicken. This is your classic Crock Pot whole chicken experience.
- Hands-Off: Minimal prep in the morning means a warm dinner waiting for you in the evening. Just load it up and let it cook all day.
- Flavor Development: Slow cooking allows the spice rub and aromatic vegetables (like onion and lemon) to infuse deeply into the chicken, creating rich, complex flavors that develop over hours.
- Juicy Results: The gentle, consistent heat of a slow cooker ensures the chicken remains incredibly moist and tender, practically melting in your mouth.
Spice Rubbed Whole Chicken for the Instant Pot and Slow Cooker
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Whole Chicken 4 to 5 lbs for a 6 quart Instant Pot and 5-7 lbs for an 8 quart Instant Pot or Crock Pot
- 1 onion quartered
- Lemon
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chicken broth or water for IP
Instructions
Crock Pot
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Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
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Put onion in the bottom of the slow cooker.
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Mix spices together and coat the chicken skin. Place chicken in crock pot on top of the onions.
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Stuff the cavity with onions, lemon and fresh thyme if you have it.
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Cook on low for 6-8 hours. No liquid needed – this makes a ton of it’s own.
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If you really want to make your life easy, throw in some veggies. Or put some into a foil packet, place it right on top of the chicken, and they will steam all day long.
Instant Pot
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Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
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Put onion in the bottom of the Instant Pot and pour chicken broth over top of the onions.
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Mix spices together and coat the chicken skin. Stuff the cavity with onions, lemon and fresh thyme if you have it.
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Place your trivet or sling at the bottom of your Instant Pot and put chicken on on top.
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Cook on manual (pressure cook on some models) at 6 minutes per pound. [For example, a 5 lb chicken will cook for 30 minutes.] . **If your chicken is frozen, cook for double the time!
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After cooktime, do a 15 minute natural release before finishing with a quick release.
Notes
WW: 5 points (per 3/4 cup serving)
Nutrition
Expert Tips for the Juiciest Whole Chicken
Achieving a perfectly cooked, tender, and flavorful whole chicken is easier than you think. Follow these tips to elevate your spice-rubbed chicken to gourmet levels, whether you’re making an Instant Pot whole chicken or a slow cooker whole chicken:
- Pat it Dry: This crucial step helps the spice rub adhere better to the skin and promotes a more flavorful crust. Don’t skip it – a dry surface is key for a great rub!
- Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to use plenty of the spice rub. Ensure you coat the entire chicken, including under the wings and legs. For even deeper flavor, you can gently loosen the skin over the breast and rub some spices directly onto the meat.
- Internal Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked safely. The thickest part of the thigh (without touching bone) should reach 165°F (74°C). This is the most reliable way to check for doneness.
- Crispy Skin (Optional for Instant Pot): If you desire crispy skin after cooking in the Instant Pot, you can transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and broil it for 5-10 minutes under high heat, watching carefully to prevent burning. Slow cooker chicken skin typically won’t be crispy.
- Rest Before Carving: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for at least 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and moist chicken.
- Use the Drippings: The liquid left in your Instant Pot or slow cooker after cooking is a treasure trove of flavor! Skim off any excess fat and use the flavorful broth for gravies, soups, or as a base for other dishes. This adds another layer of flavor and ensures nothing goes to waste.
Meal Prep Made Easy: Creative Ways to Enjoy Your Cooked Chicken
One of the biggest advantages of cooking a whole chicken is the fantastic meal prep opportunities it provides. With a single bird, you can create a variety of healthy and delicious meals for the week ahead, making this a truly valuable addition to your meal prep repertoire.
- Shred & Store: Once cooled, easily shred the chicken meat from the bones. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months for future quick meals.
- Chicken Salads & Wraps: Mix shredded chicken with Greek yogurt or a light vinaigrette, chopped celery, grapes, and walnuts for a refreshing chicken salad. Serve it in lettuce cups or whole-wheat wraps for a light and satisfying lunch.
- Tacos & Quesadillas: Season shredded chicken with taco seasoning and use it as a filling for healthy tacos, burritos, or quesadillas. It’s a quick and easy way to add protein to these family favorites.
- Soups & Stews: Add shredded chicken to your favorite vegetable or chicken noodle soup recipes for an instant protein boost and added flavor. The chicken absorbs the soup’s flavors beautifully.
- Casseroles: Incorporate the chicken into healthy casseroles, like a chicken and broccoli bake or a lighter version of chicken pot pie. This is a great way to use up leftover chicken.
- Top Your Salads: Add a generous serving of chicken to your lunch salads for a satisfying and protein-packed meal that keeps you full and energized.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use chicken pieces instead of a whole chicken?
Yes, you can! This spice rub works wonderfully on chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks. Adjust the cooking time accordingly. For the Instant Pot, chicken pieces typically cook for 8-10 minutes with a natural release. For a slow cooker, 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low should suffice for pieces.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest and most accurate way is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Juices should also run clear when pierced.
Can I cook a whole chicken from frozen in my slow cooker?
It’s generally not recommended to cook a frozen whole chicken in a slow cooker due to food safety concerns. The chicken may spend too much time in the “danger zone” temperature range (between 40°F and 140°F), allowing harmful bacteria to multiply. The Instant Pot is safe for cooking from frozen because it reaches high temperatures quickly, minimizing time in the danger zone.
What if I don’t have all the spices for the rub?
While the combination of spices in this rub is fantastic, feel free to adapt it based on what you have on hand. A good quality poultry seasoning can be a great substitute, or you can experiment with herbs like rosemary or oregano. Just ensure you still use salt and pepper as a base!
Can I make gravy from the drippings?
Absolutely! The flavorful drippings make an excellent base for gravy. After removing the chicken, skim off any excess fat. You can thicken the remaining liquid with a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with a little cold water) or a roux for a delicious, healthy gravy to accompany your meal.
Is this recipe suitable for other diet plans?
Beyond the 21 Day Fix and Weight Watchers, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and suitable for paleo and Whole30 diets if you ensure all other ingredients (like chicken broth) comply. Always check your specific diet plan guidelines to confirm compatibility.
Conclusion
Cooking a spice-rubbed whole chicken in your Instant Pot or slow cooker is a remarkably easy and rewarding way to bring healthy, flavorful meals to your table. Whether you prioritize speed, hands-off cooking, or versatile meal prep, this recipe has you covered. Enjoy the process of creating delicious food that nourishes your body and delights your taste buds. Give this recipe a try, and you might just find your new go-to method for preparing a perfectly cooked, healthy whole chicken!
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