Believe me, all you need tonight is this delicious Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe.
You can make this lemon garlic chicken in your Instant Pot (or any other pressure cooker) in less in 20 minutes. A perfect option for busy weekend nights or just when you need something fast and delicious.
The key to making a good Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken is in searing the chicken, means cooking it on "saute" until browned.
Table of Contents
Do I have to sear the chicken before the pressure cooking?
Yes, for this Instant Pot lemon chicken recipe, it's better to sear \ saute the chicken on the bottom of the Instant Pot before start the cooking process.
Many people just tossing all the ingredients and expect the Instant Pot to create the perfect dish - don't do it!
So yes, it's possible and you will get a tasty meal. But for a wonderful result, I recommend you to searing the chicken.
That way you will have a nice crust and more intensive flavor. Moreover, it prevent the chicken from being soggy.
Why do I need organic lemons?
For this Instant Pot lemon chicken it is important to use the organic lemons, since you are not only use the juice, but also the zest.
This recipe is gluten-free and low-carb. Serve the chicken with fresh cabbage salad and brown or Jasmine rice.
How to serve?
Serve with mashed potatoes or brown rice for a complete and healthy meal.
Need more ideas? Check out What To Serve With Lemon Chicken for 15 delicious sides.
How to make Lemon Garlic Chicken
Gather your ingredients:
Season chicken with salt and pepper.
Melt half the butter in Instant Pot. Sear the chicken on Saute.
Remove the chicken and add remaining butter. Add lemon zest and garlic. Cook until fragrant. Add stock.
Place back in the chicken. Add lemon juice and add basil.
Lock the lid into place. Set to High Pressure and set the timer for 10 minutes.
Once the cooking cycle is done, let the pressure come down naturally. Serve chicken warm.
Instant Pot Chicken Recipes
Instant Pot Chicken Enchiladas
Instant Pot Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 3 cloves garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 1 lemon zest and juice
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- ¼ cup chicken stock
Instructions
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Set Instant Pot to Saute. Add butter and once melted, sear the chicken on all sides.
- Remove the chicken from the Instant Pot. Add garlic and lemon zest and cook until you can smell the lemon.
- Pour in chicken stock to deglaze (clean the bottom of) the Instant Pot. Place back the chicken and add the lemon juice.
- Close the lid and cook on high pressure for 7 minutes.
- When cooking time ends, wait for a natural pressure release.
- Open the lid and serve.
Nutrition
Is there enough broth left to make a sauce for pasta or rice?
Yes, that's an excellent idea! And if you need more liquid for the sauce, just add a bit more chicken stock.
This looks easy and delicious! What do you do with the basil? Is fresh basil ok?
Looks delicious, can boneless skinless chicken breasts be used?
Yes. Same cooking time.
Hi Corrie, just a suggestion to always say boned, or unboned and skinless or with skin when giving chicken as an ingredient. I can see there is skin on the thighs, but is it boneless? It's just more convenient for the cook to know specifically. Thanks!