How to make Instant Pot lemon chicken

Robin Donovan

Recipe Developer

Everyone should have a simple and quick-to-cook lemon chicken recipe in their repertoire. The recipe below is exactly that. It cooks up fast in the Instant Pot and is loaded with lemony flavor. Serve it over pasta or mashed potatoes for an instantly satisfying meal.

Lemon and garlic are the primary flavors in this rustic dish, making this chicken easy to pair with any number of side dishes, from pasta, rice or potatoes to roasted root vegetables, steamed broccoli or asparagus, or a simple salad. Feel free to add herbs to the dish for added flavor. Try dried oregano, basil or an Italian seasoning blend or fresh herbs like chopped rosemary or thyme.

Cooktop Cove

Instant Pot Lemon Chicken

10 minutes

20 minutes, plus 15 minutes to come to pressure and 5 minutes to release pressure

50 minutes

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 ½ teaspoons salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

½ teaspoon crushed red pepper

¼ cup olive oil, divided

½ onion, diced

6 garlic cloves, minced

½ cup chicken broth

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water (optional)

2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley, for garnish

Season the chicken with salt, pepper and chili flakes.

Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in the pot using the sauté function. When the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook for about 3 minutes per side, until browned. Remove the browned chicken to a plate.

Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to the pot and then add the onion and garlic. Cook, stirring, until the onions begin to soften, about 3 minutes. Turn the pot off.

Add the broth, lemon zest and lemon juice. Return the chicken to the pot

Close the lid of the Instant Pot and turn the valve to the sealing position. Choose high pressure and set the timer for 7 minutes.

When the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.

Remove the chicken from the pot, transferring it to a serving platter.

Switch the pot to the sauté function and bring the sauce to a boil. Cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens. If desired, add the cornstarch slurry to the boiling sauce to thicken it.

Pour the sauce over the chicken and serve immediately.

Resources

Print this recipe