Description
A quick and delicious Instant Pot Lemon Chicken recipe that combines tender chicken thighs or breasts with a tangy, sweet lemon sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp cold water
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season it with salt and pepper to taste.
- Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Add the olive oil and wait until it’s hot.
- Brown the chicken on all sides for 2-3 minutes per side, removing it and setting it aside when done.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze and loosen any browned bits.
- Stir in the lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, and Italian seasoning.
- Return the browned chicken to the pot and secure the lid. Set the vent to “Sealing.”
- Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function and choose 8 minutes for thighs or 6 minutes for breasts.
- When the cooking time ends, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes. Then, perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
- Remove the chicken and set it on a plate to rest.
- Enable the “Sauté” function again. Whisk together cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl, then slowly add to the sauce in the pot while stirring to thicken, about 2-3 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the pot and coat it thoroughly with the thickened sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
Marinate the chicken overnight in lemon juice and spices for added flavor. Add lemon zest for extra zest, or incorporate capers or fresh spinach for variations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: lemon chicken, Instant Pot, quick dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food