Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken

Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken is a simple, flavorful, and quick recipe perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy chicken thighs are cooked in a buttery lemon garlic sauce that’s packed with flavor. With minimal prep and only 20 minutes from start to finish, it’s an easy dish the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 6-8 boneless chicken thighs, skinless or with skin, seasoned with salt and pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter, divided
• 1/2 small onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, sliced or minced
• 1 1/2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• Juice and zest of one lemon
• 1/3 cup homemade or low-sodium chicken broth
• Chopped fresh parsley and lemon slices for garnish (optional)

Instructions

• Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
• Press the Sauté function on the Instant Pot and heat olive oil.
• Sear chicken for 2 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
• Melt butter in the Instant Pot, sauté onions and garlic.
• Add lemon juice to deglaze the pan and cook 1 minute.
• Stir in Italian seasoning, lemon zest, and chicken broth.
• Return chicken to the Instant Pot, lock lid, and set valve to SEAL.
• Select Manual/Pressure Cook and cook for 7 minutes.
• Allow natural release for 2-3 minutes, then manually release remaining pressure.
• Optional: Thicken sauce with cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp cold water), press Sauté until thickened.
• Garnish with parsley and lemon slices. Serve hot, spooning sauce over chicken.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve over rice, quinoa, or pasta to soak up the lemon garlic sauce.
• Pair with roasted or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices for added flavor and presentation.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze cooked chicken in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
• Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to preserve tenderness and sauce flavor.

Variations

1. Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken – Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream after cooking for a creamy sauce.
2. Spicy Lemon Garlic Chicken – Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a kick.
3. Herb-Infused Chicken – Use fresh thyme, rosemary, or oregano instead of Italian seasoning.
4. Garlic Butter Chicken – Increase butter to 4 tablespoons for a richer sauce.
5. Mushroom Lemon Chicken – Add sliced mushrooms during the sauté step.
6. Tomato Lemon Garlic Chicken – Add cherry tomatoes before pressure cooking for sweetness.
7. Honey Lemon Chicken – Add 1 teaspoon honey to the sauce for subtle sweetness.
8. Capers and Lemon Chicken – Add 1 tablespoon capers for a tangy, briny flavor.
9. One-Pot Veggie Chicken – Add quick-cooking vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
10. Chicken and Rice Combo – Cook rice in the Instant Pot along with the chicken for a one-pot meal.
11. Low-Sodium Version – Use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce added salt.
12. Skin-On Chicken – Keep skin on for extra flavor and crispy texture after searing.
13. Garlic Lovers’ Chicken – Double the garlic for a stronger flavor.
14. White Wine Lemon Chicken – Add a splash of white wine while deglazing the pan.
15. Almond-Crusted Lemon Chicken – Sprinkle toasted almonds on top before serving for crunch.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
   Yes, adjust cooking time slightly for thicker breasts to avoid overcooking.
2. Is searing the chicken necessary?
   It locks in juices and enhances flavor but can be skipped for a quicker version.
3. Can I make this without an Instant Pot?
   Yes, use a skillet or oven, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
4. How can I thicken the sauce?
   Use a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp cold water) and simmer until thickened.
5. Can I use bottled lemon juice?
   Yes, but fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor.
6. How long does it take to naturally release pressure?
   Approximately 2-3 minutes before manually releasing the remaining pressure.
7. Can I add vegetables during cooking?
   Yes, quick-cooking vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini work well.
8. Can I freeze this dish?
   Yes, store in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
9. How many servings does this recipe make?
   It serves 6 people.
10. Can I make it spicy?
    Yes, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to taste.

This Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken is a flavorful, tender, and juicy dish that comes together quickly for any weeknight dinner. Serve with your favorite sides like rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables, and enjoy a delicious, restaurant-quality meal at home. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

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