Name: Instant Pot Lemon Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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)

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Instant Pot Lemon Chicken: A 30-Minute Dream

Is there anything quite like a satisfying, flavorful chicken dish that you can whip up in a mere 30 minutes? This Instant Pot Lemon Chicken recipe has become one of my go-to meals, especially on busy weeknights when time is not on my side. The tender, juicy chicken thighs or breasts are infused with a bright citrusy note, brought together by sweet undertones, making it an irresistible choice for any dinner table. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a cherished part of your culinary repertoire!

What Sets This Recipe Apart

Why should you dive into making this Instant Pot Lemon Chicken? For starters, it’s a superb blend of convenience and taste. In just half an hour, you can prepare a wholesome meal that’s bursting with flavor — perfect for busy families or anyone craving a comforting dish without the lengthy cooking times. This recipe utilizes easily accessible ingredients while providing a healthy balance of protein and tangy zest.

“I’ve tried many chicken recipes, but this one blew me away! The flavors were so vibrant, and my family couldn’t get enough!”

Top Reasons to Try This Dish:

Quick: Ready in just 30 minutes, including prep!
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients that won’t break the bank.
Kid-Approved: The sweet and tangy flavors are a hit with kids and adults alike.
Versatile: Fantastic as a weeknight dinner or meal prep for lunches.

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Making Instant Pot Lemon Chicken is a breeze. You’ll start with some quality chicken, brown it to perfection, and then let your Instant Pot work its magic. The recipe guides you through a straightforward process that combines sautéing, pressure cooking, and finishing with a rich sauce.

Here’s what you’ll need before we get started:

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Gather Your Ingredients

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)

Feel free to substitute the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version or adjust the sweetener to your preference!

Step-by-Step Directions

Prep the Chicken: Start by patting the chicken dry with paper towels and seasoning it with salt and pepper.
Sauté: Set your Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ function and add olive oil. Once hot, carefully add the chicken pieces and brown them for 2-3 minutes on each side. You might need to do this in batches. Once done, remove and set aside.
Cook the Onion: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Deglaze the Pot: Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits, which enhances flavor.
Add Flavor: Stir in lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), and Italian seasoning.
Pressure Cook: Return the chicken to the pot and secure the lid. Set the vent to ‘Sealing’ and choose ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ function for 8 minutes for thighs or 6 minutes for breasts.
Release Pressure: Once time is up, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for 5 minutes and then do a quick release for any remaining steam.
Thicken the Sauce: Remove the chicken and set aside. Set the pot to ‘Sauté’ again. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Gradually whisk it into the sauce in the pot, stirring until thickened (about 2-3 minutes).
Coat and Serve: Return the chicken to the pot, ensuring it’s well-coated with the sauce. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Best Way to Serve

Now that you have this delightful dish ready, how do you serve it? Instant Pot Lemon Chicken pairs beautifully with fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes that soak up the vibrant sauce. For a fresher touch, consider a side of steamed broccoli or a crisp green salad.

A squeeze of extra lemon juice right before serving adds an additional punch of flavor that your guests will love.

Storage Tips

Have leftovers? No worries! Store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions that can last up to 3 months. Just remember to label them with the date.

When reheating, ensure it’s warmed thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F. Microwaving works well, but consider reheating on the stovetop for better sauce retention.

Pro Chef Tips

For optimal results, here are a few insider tips from seasoned cooks:

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and lemon juice elevate the dish’s natural flavors.
Don’t Skip the Browning: It adds depth to the overall taste, creating a nice contrast to the sauce.
Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to tweak the honey or maple syrup for your preferred sweetness level.

Creative Twists

Looking to spice things up? Here are some ideas:

Add a Kick: Toss in red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
Herb Variations: Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary instead of dried Italian seasoning.
Citrus Swap: Try orange juice or lime for a different flavor profile.

Your questions answered

Q: How long does prep take?
A: Prep time is about 10 minutes, making it a quick meal option.

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time to about 10 minutes for frozen chicken.

Q: What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?
A: You can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker, cooking it on low for 4-6 hours.

Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Absolutely! Make sure to store them properly in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Now that you have all the details, grab your Instant Pot and whip up this delicious dish that’s guaranteed to impress! Enjoy your flavorful journey!

Instant Pot Lemon Chicken

Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

A quick and easy Instant Pot Lemon Chicken dish, ready in just 30 minutes, bursting with flavor and perfect for busy weeknights.

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 with salt and pepper.
Set the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’, add olive oil, and brown the chicken pieces for 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove and set aside.
Add chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Pour in chicken broth, deglazing the pot by scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon.
Stir in lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), and Italian seasoning.
Return the chicken to the pot, secure the lid, set the vent to ‘Sealing’, and cook on ‘Manual’ for 8 minutes for thighs or 6 minutes for breasts.
Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes, then perform a quick release for remaining steam.
Remove chicken, set the pot to ‘Sauté’, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, whisk it into the sauce, and stir until thickened about 2-3 minutes.
Return chicken to the pot, coat with sauce, and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Pairs well with rice or mashed potatoes. Squeeze fresh lemon juice before serving for added flavor. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for 3 months.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pressure Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 400
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 40g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: Instant Pot, Chicken, Quick Meal, Lemon Chicken, Weeknight Dinner, Flavorful Dish