How to Make Rotisserie Chicken in Instant Pot

You're craving that succulent, rotisserie-style chicken with its crispy, golden skin, and tender, juicy meat that falls off the bone.

But you don't have a rotisserie oven. Fear not, because your Instant Pot is about to become your new best friend.

With a few simple steps and the right seasoning, you'll be amazed at how easily you can achieve that perfectly roasted, flavorful chicken right in your own kitchen.

So, grab your apron and get ready to elevate your chicken game to a whole new level.

Selecting the Right Chicken

When choosing a chicken for your Instant Pot rotisserie, always opt for a fresh, plump bird to ensure the best flavor and juiciness. Once you have your bird selected, consider using brining techniques to elevate its tenderness and taste. Brining involves soaking the chicken in a mixture of water, salt, and other seasonings for a period of time before cooking. This process helps the bird retain moisture, resulting in a more succulent and flavorful meat.

When it comes to selecting the right chicken, you may also be considering organic versus conventional options. Organic chickens are raised without antibiotics and are fed organic feed, which may result in a more natural and rich flavor. On the other hand, conventional chickens are typically more affordable and widely available. Ultimately, the choice between organic and conventional options depends on your personal preferences and values.

Preparing the Seasoning Mix

Once you've selected your fresh, plump chicken and considered brining techniques, the next step is to prepare a flavorful seasoning mix that will enhance the taste of your rotisserie chicken.

Here's how to create a homemade seasoning mix that will elevate the flavor of your rotisserie chicken:

1. Basic Seasoning Mix: Start with a simple blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This classic combination adds a savory and slightly smoky flavor to your chicken.
2. Herb Infusion: Experiment with adding herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano to your seasoning mix for a fragrant and earthy taste. Finely chop the herbs and mix them with the basic seasoning for a delightful herb-infused flavor.
3. Spice it Up: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider incorporating cayenne pepper or chili powder into your seasoning mix. This will give your rotisserie chicken a spicy kick that will tantalize your taste buds.
4. Citrus Zest: Add a burst of freshness by including citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, in your seasoning mix. The bright, citrusy notes will add a refreshing dimension to the flavor of your chicken.

Trussing the Chicken

To truss the chicken, start by securing the wings against the body using kitchen twine. This will help the chicken cook evenly and retain its shape during the rotisserie process. After tucking the wings, cross the legs and tie them together with the twine as well.

This trussing technique not only ensures even cooking but also helps the chicken maintain its juiciness and tenderness. Trussing also gives the chicken a more uniform shape, making it visually appealing when served.

If you don't have kitchen twine, there are alternative trussing methods you can use. One option is to use silicone trussing bands, which are reusable and easy to clean. Another alternative is to use metal skewers to secure the wings and legs. However, traditional kitchen twine is the most common and versatile option for trussing.

To truss the chicken using kitchen twine, you'll need a pair of kitchen shears or a sharp knife to cut the twine, and of course, kitchen twine itself. These simple tools are all you need to master the art of trussing and elevate your rotisserie chicken game.

Setting Up the Instant Pot

Now that the chicken is trussed and ready to cook evenly and retain its shape, let's move on to setting up the Instant Pot for the next steps in the rotisserie chicken process.

1. Instant Pot Features and Benefits: The Instant Pot offers a range of features such as pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, and more. For this recipe, the rotisserie function will ensure that your chicken is evenly cooked and beautifully browned.
2. Safety Precautions: Before using the Instant Pot, ensure that the sealing ring is properly in place and the venting knob is set to the sealing position. Always follow the manufacturer's safety guidelines to prevent accidents and ensure a smooth cooking experience.
3. Adding Liquid: When using the Instant Pot for rotisserie chicken, it's essential to add at least 1 cup of liquid to create steam for pressure cooking. This can be water, chicken broth, or a flavorful marinade.
4. Inserting the Rotisserie Spit: Carefully insert the rotisserie spit into the Instant Pot, ensuring it's securely in place before placing the trussed chicken onto the spit.

With these Instant Pot setup steps, you're now ready to start the cooking process and enjoy a delicious rotisserie chicken in no time.

Cooking and Serving the Chicken

For a flavorful and juicy rotisserie chicken, the next step is to set the Instant Pot to the appropriate cooking settings and let it work its magic. Once the cooking cycle is complete, carefully release the pressure and remove the chicken from the Instant Pot. To ensure the skin is crispy, transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and broil it in the oven for a few minutes. This step will give the chicken a perfectly crispy exterior.

When it comes to serving suggestions, you can carve the rotisserie chicken and serve it alongside your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad. The tender and succulent meat pairs well with a variety of flavors. Alternatively, you can use the chicken in sandwiches, salads, or wraps for a quick and satisfying meal.

As for cooking techniques, the Instant Pot locks in the chicken's natural juices, resulting in a moist and flavorful dish. The pressure cooking method infuses the meat with the seasonings and aromatics, creating a delicious and aromatic rotisserie chicken that your family and friends will love.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use a Different Type of Meat in the Instant Pot Instead of Chicken?

Yes, you can use different meats in the Instant Pot! Adjust cooking times based on the type of meat. Experiment with flavor variations using different spices and seasonings. It's a great way to explore alternative meats and Instant Pot cooking techniques.

Can I Use a Pre-Made Seasoning Mix Instead of Making My Own?

Yes, you can definitely use a pre-made seasoning mix instead of making your own when cooking in the Instant Pot. It's a convenient alternative and can still give your dish the flavor you're looking for.

Do I Need to Truss the Chicken if I Want to Cook It in the Instant Pot?

You don't need to truss the chicken for Instant Pot cooking. It's not essential for the pressure cooking process. However, trussing can help the chicken cook more evenly. You may also try alternative meats for different flavors.

Can I Use the Instant Pot to Cook the Chicken but Finish It in the Oven for a Crispy Skin?

Absolutely, you can! Cook the chicken in the Instant Pot and then finish it in the oven for that crispy skin. It's the best of both worlds—tender, juicy meat from the Instant Pot vs. crispy skin from the oven.

Can I Use the Leftover Broth From Cooking the Chicken in the Instant Pot for Another Recipe?

Sure, using leftover broth is a great way to maximize leftovers! You can use it in soups, stews, rice, or even as a flavorful base for sauces. Get creative with recipe ideas to make the most of it.