Instant Pot Whole Lemon Chicken

This tender chicken has savory seasonings and the bright taste of lemon and it's easy to cook in your Instant Pot pressure cooker.

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This tender, juicy Instant Pot Tangy Whole Lemon Chicken is packed with flavor from savory seasonings and fresh lemon. Cooking a whole chicken used to be a messy, time-consuming job, but thanks to the Instant Pot, it’s now a total breeze! With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a delicious, family-friendly meal ready in no time. This is the perfect easy dinner when you want something healthy, hearty, and stress-free!

MyWW Blue 3 points, MyWW Green 3 points, MyWW Purple 3 points per serving.

Table Of Contents

Why You Should Make This Instant Pot Lemon Chicken

Quick & Easy: Ready in under an hour with minimal effort.
Healthy & Flavorful: A great high-protein, low-carb option.
Weight Watchers Friendly: Fewer points than takeout rotisserie chicken.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Great for leftovers and easy to store.

What is Instant Pot Whole Lemon Chicken?

Instant Pot Whole Lemon Chicken is a flavorful, fall-apart tender whole chicken cooked in a pressure cooker with fresh lemon, herbs, and seasonings. The Instant Pot locks in moisture and creates a juicy, perfectly cooked chicken in a fraction of the time compared to roasting in the oven.

Ingredients to Make Instant Pot Whole Lemon Chicken

Natural whole chicken
Water
Onion
Celery stalks
Fresh thyme or dried
Lemons
Salt
Black pepper
Olive oil

Weight Watchers Points for Instant Pot Lemon Chicken

This recipe is a fantastic choice for those following Weight Watchers. You can track the points for this recipe in the WW app.

For comparison:

A fast-food rotisserie chicken meal (with sides) can range from 12 to 20 points.
A restaurant-style roasted chicken dinner can be 15+ points per serving.
This homemade Instant Pot Whole Lemon Chicken is lower in points, with just 3-5 points per serving (skin removed).

This healthy homemade version is lower in points, packed with lean protein, and made with fresh, wholesome ingredients, making it a healthier and more satisfying option.

What Should I Eat with Instant Pot Whole Lemon Chicken?

Pair this dish with healthy, Weight Watchers-friendly sides:

How Long Does Instant Pot Whole Lemon Chicken Last?

Instant Pot Whole Lemon Chicken is a great meal prep option because it stores well for several days. If you plan to enjoy it throughout the week, you can refrigerate the cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freezing is a great option. Simply shred the chicken into portions and freeze it for up to 3 months. This way, you’ll always have a healthy protein option ready to go!

How Do I Store Instant Pot Whole Lemon Chicken?

Proper storage is key to keeping your chicken fresh and delicious. To store in the fridge, place the cooked chicken in an airtight container to keep it moist and flavorful. If you want to freeze it for later, wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or store it in freezer-safe bags. This helps to prevent freezer burn and makes it easy to thaw just what you need for quick meals.

Can I Freeze Instant Pot Whole Lemon Chicken?

Yes! Freezing Instant Pot Whole Lemon Chicken is a great way to have pre-cooked protein ready for future meals. Here’s how to do it:

Slice or shred the chicken into meal-sized portions. This makes it easy to grab exactly what you need later.
Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn.
Store the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Tip: Freezing in individual portions makes meal prep a breeze! You can pull out just the right amount for soups, salads, or quick dinners without thawing a whole batch.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Instant Pot Whole Lemon Chicken

How long do you cook a whole chicken in a pressure cooker?

The cook time for a whole chicken in an Instant Pot depends on its weight. A general rule of thumb is 5 to 6 minutes per pound on high pressure. For example, a 5-pound chicken will take about 27-30 minutes. After cooking, allow a natural pressure release for 25 minutes to ensure the meat stays tender and juicy.

Do you put lemon juice on chicken before or after cooking?

For the best flavor, add lemon slices inside and around the chicken before cooking. The lemon infuses the chicken with a bright, tangy flavor as it cooks. If you love extra lemon flavor, you can squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken after cooking for a fresh, zesty finish.

How long should you cook chicken in an Instant Pot?

For boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cook for 6-8 minutes on high pressure. For bone-in chicken thighs, cook for 10-12 minutes. A whole chicken takes about 5-6 minutes per pound, followed by a natural pressure release. Always check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

Why is my Instant Pot chicken rubbery?

If your chicken turns out rubbery, it may be undercooked or overcooked. Undercooking results in tough meat, so check the internal temperature to ensure it’s fully cooked. On the other hand, overcooking chicken at high pressure can cause the proteins to tighten, making it chewy. To avoid this, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for at least 15-25 minutes instead of using a quick release.

Does chicken get more tender the longer you pressure cook it?

Not necessarily. Unlike slow cooking, pressure cooking chicken for too long can actually make it tough and dry. Stick to the recommended cook time for the best texture and allow for a natural pressure release to help retain moisture.

How do you keep chicken from burning in an Instant Pot?

To prevent burning, always add liquid to the Instant Pot before cooking. This recipe uses 2 cups of water, which helps create steam for pressure cooking. Also, use a trivet to keep the chicken elevated and prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Does chicken need to be submerged in an Instant Pot?

No, chicken does not need to be fully submerged. The Instant Pot uses steam and high pressure to cook, so as long as there is enough liquid (at least 1 cup for most recipes), the chicken will cook through evenly. Placing the chicken on a trivet or rack keeps it above the liquid while still allowing it to absorb moisture and flavor.

Instant Pot Cooking

If you are new to Instant Pot Cooking, be sure to check out our helpful series here: Instant Pot for Beginners and Beyond.

The Instant Pot is available in 3 sizes:

3 Quart Instant Pot – The “mini” size

6 Quart Instant Pot – The standard size

8 Quart Instant Pot – The larger size

Instant Pot Duo Mini 3 Qt 7-in-1 Multi- Use Programmable Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker and Warmer Instant Pot DUO Plus 60, 6 Qt 9-in-1 Multi- Use Programmable Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Yogurt Maker, Egg Cooker, Sauté, Steamer, Warmer, and Sterilizer Instant Pot DUO Plus 8 Qt 9-in-1 Multi- Use Programmable Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Yogurt Maker, Egg Cooker, Sauté, Steamer, Warmer, and Sterilizer

We also offer a free guidebook, How to Lose Weight with Your Instant Pot.

Genuine Instant Pot Tempered Glass lid, Clear – 9 in. (23 cm) – 6 Quart Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Cookbook:: 550 Recipes for Any Budget. Simple And Quality Guide For Beginners And Advanced Genuine Instant Pot Silicone Steamer Set, Gift Set Aozita Steamer Basket Rack Set with Removeable Dividers for Instant Pot Accessories – Fits Instant Pot 5,6,8 qt Pressure Cooker with Streaming Recipe and Cleaning Cloth

How to Make Instant Pot Whole Lemon Chicken in 5 Easy Steps (With Photos!)

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add olive oil, thyme, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp pepper, celery, and onion. Cover with a lid and let the onions sweat, stirring occasionally. When the onions start to brown, pour in 2 cups of water to deglaze the pot.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Remove all packaging and anything inside the cavity of the whole chicken. Place the trivet inside the Instant Pot and set the chicken breast-side up on top of it.

Step 3: Season and Cook

Tuck lemon slices inside and around the chicken, then sprinkle with the remaining salt and pepper. Cancel the sauté setting, lock and seal the lid, and select manual HIGH pressure for 5 ½ minutes per pound (a 5-pound chicken cooks for 27 minutes).

Step 4: Natural Release and Rest

When the cooking cycle is complete, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 25 minutes. Carefully lift the chicken using the trivet and place it onto a large plate.

Step 5: Carve and Serve

Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before carving. Strain and save the broth for soups or sipping. Serve the tender, lemon-infused chicken with your favorite sides and enjoy!

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Instant Pot Tangy Whole Lemon Chicken

This tender chicken has savory seasonings and the bright taste of lemon and it's easy to cook in your Instant Pot pressure cooker.

Prep Time15

Cook Time50

Total Time1 5

Course: Dinner

Diet: Anti-Inflammatory, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Low-calorie, Low-Carb, Weight Watchers

Cooking Method: Instant Pot, Slow Cooker

Calories: 315kcal

Author: theholymess.com

Servings: 8

Ingredients

5 pound natural chicken
2 cups of water
½ red onion chopped into quarters
2 pieces celery cut into long pieces
2-4 sprigs thyme or 2 Tbsp dried
2 lemons washed and sliced
2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

Instant Pot:

Set the Instant Pot to the sauté setting and add the olive oil, thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, celery, and onion.
Cover with a lid and sweat the onions, stirring occasionally. When onions are a bit brown, pour in 2 cups of water.
Remove all packaging and anything inside the cavity of the chicken. Add the trivet and place the chicken in the pot, breast side up.
Place sliced lemons inside and around the chicken.
Sprinkle chicken with remaining salt and pepper.
Cancel the sauté setting. Lock and seal the lid. Select manual on high. Cook the chicken for 5 1/2 minutes per pound, so a 5-pound chicken would cook for 27 minutes. When done, the internal temperature should be 165 degrees.
When the Instant Pot has beeps, let it naturally release for 25 minutes.
Carefully remove chicken and place it on a large plate to rest. Strain and save the broth for future use. (It’s amazingly good to drink or in soup!). Carve and serve with vegetables.

Slow Cooker:

Place all ingredients into the slow cooker, following instructions above.
Cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours or LOW for 6 to 8 hours.
Carefully remove chicken and place it on a large plate to rest. Strain and save the broth for future use. (It’s amazingly good to drink or in soup!). Carve and serve with vegetables.

WW Information

MyWW Blue 3 points, MyWW Green 3 points, MyWW Purple 3 points per serving.

WW Program 2025

The WW program updated for 2025. Use the “Add recipe from the web” feature if needed for points. -Sara

Click here for the FREE 3 Day Meal Plan featured in Woman’s World magazine.

Notes

Serves: 8 Serving Size: 6 ounces of chicken

Nutrition

Calories: 315 kcalCarbohydrates: 2 gProtein: 26 gFat: 22 gSaturated Fat: 6 gCholesterol: 102 mgSodium: 99 mgPotassium: 286 mgFiber: 1 gSugar: 1 gVitamin A: 191 IUVitamin C: 10 mgCalcium: 22 mgIron: 1 mg

Be sure you save the broth from this chicken! It is a type of super broth called bone broth, and because of the way the chicken cooks here, collagen is pulled from the skin and bones and is perfect for sipping or cooking with! I strain it and then we either drink it with dinner or will freeze it in an ice cube tray to use late. (Check out our recipe for beef bone broth here.)

What’s your favorite Instant Pot chicken recipe?