Looking for a super simple way to prepare a roast chicken? Let me introduce you to the Ninja Foodi Whole Chicken with Gravy. Start it out by using the pressure cooker function and then finish the bird off by switching to the air fryer function to get that perfect crispy skin.

After cooking, use the drippings to make a delicious chicken gravy using the saute function. All of this deliciousness happens within the same device! The result? A perfectly moist and juicy whole chicken that will beat out anything you can get from the grocery store.

Lately I have been finding some great deals on whole chickens in the "manager's special" bin of my grocery store. I always pick them up and stick them in the freezer for recipes like crockpot chicken pho or classic chicken noodle soup.

Sometimes I want a true roast chicken dinner and this is how I do it. And let me tell you, it rivals any rotisserie chicken both in flavor and juiciness. The best part about this roast chicken recipe? It all happens within the same device so mess is kept to a minimum.

For more tasty chicken recipes try chicken thighs in the Ninja Foodi or Bone in chicken breasts with garlic compound butter.

roasted whole chicken in white serving dish.

Why you'll love this Ninja Foodi roast chicken

This is an easy way to prepare a roast chicken without using your oven or stove. Everything is done from start to finish in the Ninja Foodi (I use the Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL 8-qt). Using the pressure cooking function cooks the chicken through and ensures it's not dried out. Finishing it off using the air crisp function means you will still get that beautiful crispy skin you love from roast chicken.
Speaking of crispy skin. Air frying chicken is a stellar way to get a beautifully browned chicken skin without a rotisserie spit.
The gravy is made right in the Ninja Foodi! Gravy to me is the "pièce de résistance" of roast meats. I love using up the chickens drippings so none of that amazing flavor goes to waste.

Ingredients

whole chicken
water
paprika
onion powder
garlic powder
herbs de lafayette (or your favorite herb blend)
salt
black pepper
butter
flour
chicken stock

How to make a whole chicken in the Ninja Foodi

Remove any packets of giblets or neck bone from the chicken. Make sure to check both sides. Pat dry with paper towels.

spices for dry rub unmixed in a small green bowl.

whole raw chicken next to bowl of spice rub.

With clean hands, combine ingredients for dry rub in a small bowl. Cover the whole chicken with spice mixture, under and over the skin.

whole chicken that has been coated in dry rub.

To the main pot insert of the Ninja, add a cup of water. Place whole chicken into the air fryer basket and place in the main pot insert of the Ninja Foodi.

Secure pressure cooker lid and make sure the pressure valve is in the sealing position.

spice rubbed chicken in air fryer basket.

pressure cooked whole chicken in ninja foodi.

Set to High Pressure for a cook time of 15 minutes.

When the cook time is done, carefully quick release and remove lid. Lift up chicken and set on a plate to the side. Pour any drippings in a glass container to the side (they will be used to make the gravy!).

chicken drippings in pyrex measuring cup.

Place chicken back into the air fryer basket and put basket back into the Ninja Foodi.

In a small bowl, melt butter.

Air fry chicken for 15-20 minutes, opening the lid every 3-4 minutes to baste with melted butter. This will help it achieve the nice golden skin. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees fahrenheit.

finished whole chicken in the ninja foodi.

Set chicken on a plate to the side and cover with foil to keep warm.

Remove the air fryer basket from the device and carefully spoon the top layer of fat drippings into the pot insert. You will notice the drippings have separated into fat and stock in your glass container.

Add flour to the fat and whisk to create a roux. Cook for 1 minute, whisking continuously. Slowly pour in remaining reserved liquid to create chicken gravy. You will most likely need to supplement with additional chicken stock, I use around 1 cup.

flour added to chicken drippings in ninja foodi on saute.

Carve chicken and enjoy with gravy and your favorite sides!

After carving, save those bones to make slow cooker bone broth!

When do I know that my roast chicken is done?

The times mentioned are guides but depending on the precise poundage of your chicken, it may be a few minutes one way or the other. Poultry is cooked through when it reaches 165 degrees fahrenheit at the deepest point of the meat.

plated chicken piece with gravy and sides.

Serving suggestions for Ninja Foodi whole chicken

I like to serve this ninja foodi chicken like I would a roast turkey dinner. Plenty of fluffy mashed potatoes, smothered in gravy, and a veggie like peas or corn.

This whole chicken recipe makes a great thanksgiving dinner for one or two, as well! You will still have some leftovers but not be overwhelmed with turkey.

How to use up rotisserie chicken leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers of this roast chicken recipe, shred it up and use it in countless other recipes! I like to freeze portions of shredded chicken as an easy protein source for weeknight dinners.