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–+ servings
Instant Pot Lemon Chicken

Instant Pot Lemon Chicken for Juicy, Flavor-Packed Dinners

This Instant Pot Lemon Chicken recipe delivers a flavor explosion with tender chicken thighs soaking in a buttery lemon garlic sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Quick Meals
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs skinless, boneless chicken thighs Can use bone-in cuts for added flavor.
  • 1 tsp salt Adjust based on taste.
  • 1 tsp pepper Freshly ground for best flavor.
For the Seasoning
  • 1 tsp garlic powder Can substitute with fresh minced garlic.
  • 1 tsp ground paprika Adds smokiness.
For Cooking
  • 2 tbsp olive oil Can use your preferred cooking oil.
  • 2 tbsp butter Margarine can be used for a lactose-free alternative.
For the Zesty Sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic Freshly minced.
  • 1 cup chicken broth Homemade or store-bought.
  • 3 sprigs thyme Can substitute with rosemary.
  • 2 whole lemons For juice/zest; 1 sliced.
To Thicken (Optional)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch Arrowroot powder is a suitable replacement.

Equipment

  • Instant Pot

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Start by finely dicing the garlic and zesting two lemons, reserving the juice from these lemons and slicing the third lemon into 5 pieces. In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  2. Turn your Instant Pot to the sauté mode and add olive oil, allowing it to heat up for a couple of minutes. Sear the seasoned chicken thighs for about 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  3. Transfer the chicken to a plate. In the same pot, add butter and minced garlic, sautéing for about 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and thyme, stirring to deglaze the pot.
  4. Return the seared chicken to the pot, seal the lid, set to high pressure, and cook for 10 minutes. Perform a quick release once done.
  5. Optional: Mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth and stir into the pot. Set back to sauté mode until the sauce thickens.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 30gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 450mgVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Searing the chicken is key for extra flavor. Can use frozen chicken but skip searing step, cooking for 12-15 minutes at high pressure. Let cooked chicken cool before freezing.

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