Instant Pot Lemon Chicken That's Amazing!

This Instant Pot Lemon Chicken recipe bursts with fresh flavors and can be made in 30 minutes! The buttery lemon sauce is amazing, and the golden chicken is so tender! An easy weeknight meal to make in your pressure cooker.

We think we found a new favorite easy Instant Pot Recipe!! Hello, delicious Instant Pot Buttery Lemon Chicken! Families adore this easy chicken dinner because of the buttery lemon and garlic sauce accompanying the juicy chicken.

 If you're a sauce person, definitely give this recipe a try. 

Wow, the flavor! And wow, the ease! Plus, it's low carb.

We love recipes like this and Instant Pot Butter Chicken because they have so much flavor and take little time to cook. Like, just 30 minutes!

The Instant Pot is made for recipes like this and busy weeknights!

If you want a baked lemon chicken recipe, we have that too!

Ingredients for Instant Pot Chicken

Here are the simple (and natural) ingredients to make this instant pot chicken recipe.

• Chicken Thighs - you can leave the skin on or off.
• Sea Salt - wonderful for cooking and adding just the right flavor.
• Garlic Powder - it sticks to the chicken nicely.
• Paprika - a delightful spice that adds a hint of flavor.
• Red Chili Flakes - optional if you like a little heat.
• Butter - to cook the onions and fresh garlic. 
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil - for sauteing the chicken in the Instant Pot. 
• Onions - chopped into pieces.
• Fresh Garlic Cloves - sliced or minced. 
• Italian Seasoning - the perfect seasoning for this dish.
• Lemon - you'll use both the juice and zest to give the chicken a citrus kick.
• Low Sodium Chicken Broth - chicken stock is the base of your delicious sauce. 
• Fresh Parsley - optional for garnish
• Cornstarch - to make the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.

How to Make - Step By Step

Ok, it's time to start making Instant Pot Lemon Chicken dinner and have it DONE in about 30 minutes!

Step 1 - Season

Grab your chicken and season it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and chili flakes on both sides.

Step 2 - Turn on Sauté Function

Now, put your Instant pot to the sauté setting and add olive oil into the pot. Let it get nice and hot.

Step 3 - Brown the Chicken

Once it's hot, place the chicken in the instant pot and brown the chicken on both sides, approximately 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown. You will likely have to work in batches depending on the amount of chicken you make. We always do since we have so many mouths to feed!

Once browned, remove the chicken from Instant Pot and set it aside.

Step 4 -Sauté Remaining Ingredients

Now it's time to make the buttery lemon garlic sauce.

Melt the butter in the Instant Pot. Next, stir in the savory onions and garlic. Add lemon juice to deglaze the pot. Make sure you get all the little bits, so you don't get the burn notice.

Cook for 1 minute, and then add Italian seasoning, lemon zest, and chicken broth.

Step 5 - Pressure Cook

Put chicken back into the Instant Pot with the other ingredients, lock the lid, and turn the valve to seal. Select the high pressure or "pressure cook" button (on newer models) and set a timer to 7 minutes.

(Note: It takes 5-10 minutes to get to pressure and start counting down.)

Step 6 - Quick Release

When done, allow the chicken to naturally release for 2-3 minutes. Then, push the value for a quick release.

Step 7 - Thicken the Sauce (optional)

If you like a nice thick sauce, remove chicken from Instant Pot to make a cornstarch slurry. Take cornstarch, mix it in a small bowl with water and add it to Instant Pot. Press sauté and allow the sauce to thicken and boil. Add chicken back into the pot to get coated with the yummy sauce and heat it back up.

Serve chicken with sauce spooned over the top (lots of sauce) and garnished with parsley and sliced lemons if desired.

What Sides Can I Serve?

Enjoy this Instant Pot Lemon Butter Chicken with Roasted Brussels Sprouts or steamed green beans. Soooo, good! It would also be great with roasted or steamed asparagus or cauliflower rice.

You may also like a side of quinoa, white rice, or brown rice to go with your chicken. 

Tips & Tricks

• So, if you're going a little healthy, leave the skin off the chicken. If you don't mind the extra fat, leave the skin on to get a nice crisp exterior.
• If you can't get enough lemon, double the amount of lemon zest listed in this easy recipe.
• You can put lemon slices in the instant pot when the chicken is cooking. The whole slice becomes soft and edible--and quite delicious. For presentation, add fresh lemon slices at the end. However, the flavor bonus is worth doing both if you'd like!
• You can substitute shallots for the onions for a different flavor.
• Most importantly, if you have issues with the "burn" error while pressure cooking, make sure you scrape/deglaze really well after you sauté the chicken.

How to Store Lemon Chicken?

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator and eat within four days. 

You can freeze this Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe.

1. Once cooked, let the chicken cool completely. 
2. Place in an airtight container. Label and date and then store in the freezer for up to two months. 

Follow our Tips for Preventing Freezer Burn, and you'll always serve great-tasting food from the freezer. 

When it's time to use your Instant Pot Chicken, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or thaw slowly in the microwave, then place in an oven-safe dish and bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes; you can also reheat it in the microwave until the desired temperature. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bone-in chicken thighs?

Yes, Lemon Chicken in the Instant Pot is perfect for bone-in chicken thighs. They stay nice and juicy.

Can I use chicken breasts?

If you want leaner protein, you can also use chicken breasts in this delicious meal.

How long should you cook chicken in the instant pot?

Pressure cook fresh chicken breast on high for 8-10 minutes. Cook times stay the same no matter how much chicken you add to the pot. However, the pot will take longer to come to pressure.

How long do I pressure cook frozen chicken breasts?

Pressure cook frozen chicken breast for 10-12 minutes (depending on the thickness of the breasts). Cook times stay the same no matter how much chicken you add to the pot. However, the pot will take longer to come to pressure.

Supplies Us

This post contains affiliate links. Disclosure policy here.

We like the 6-quart Instant Pot Ultra, but the 6-quart Instant Pot Duo is also an awesome choice. 

Other Delicious & Easy Instant Pot Recipes

Instant Pot Chicken and Rice - a comforting meal on the table in 30 minutes.
Quick and Easy Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese - the kid's fav!
Instant Pot Tortellini Soup - an all-around favorite.
Instant Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce - another simple but delicious meal.

Other Chicken Recipes You May Like

Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables - an easy way to cook dinner in one pan.
Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken - a simple dinner made from pantry staples.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Potatoes - a satisfying, easy weeknight dinner.

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If you try this Instant Pot Chicken Recipe or any other recipe on Suburban Simplicity, don't forget to rate the recipe and let us know how it went in the comments below; we love hearing from you! Better yet, use the hashtag  #suburbansimplicity if you make the recipe.

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