This quick and easy 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!
Wow, the flavor! And wow, the ease! If you're a sauce person, definitely give this recipe a try.
We love recipes like this and Instant Pot Butter Chicken because they have so much flavor and take no time at all to cook.
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Why We Love This Recipe
- It's an easy 30-minute dish you make with a few pantry ingredients that's great for busy weeknights.
- The buttery lemon and garlic sauce is incredible and goes so well with the juicy chicken.
- It's a delicious, protein-packed, low-carb/keto dinner.
If you want a baked lemon chicken recipe, we have that too!
Ingredient Notes
Here are the simple (and natural) ingredients to make this instant pot chicken recipe.
- Chicken Thighs - using chicken thighs makes for a juicier end result. We make the recipe with the skin on and off, depending on what's on sale. You can also use chicken breast. The cooking time is the same.
- 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 the juice and zest to give the chicken a citrus kick.
- Low Sodium Chicken Broth - chicken stock is the base of your delicious sauce. We don't recommend substituting beef broth as it changes the flavor. Water or vegetable broth would work, though.
- Cornstarch - to make the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce at the end of cooking.
The full ingredient list and instructions are in the printable recipe card below.
Step By Step Instructions
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 it 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 the 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. So good! It would also be great with roasted or steamed asparagus, mashed potatoes, Instant Pot brown rice, or cauliflower rice.
You may also like a side of quinoa, white rice, or brown rice to go with your chicken.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- If you want a healthier meal, 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.
- If you want to cook a side dish along with the chicken, we recommend adding baby potatoes on top.
- 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.
PRO TIP: If you love the taste of lemon, double the amount of lemon zest listed in this easy recipe.
Erin
How to Store
Store any leftover lemon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator and eat within four days.
When ready to warm up your Instant Pot Lemon Chicken, heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and heat up in an oven-safe pan for about 15 to 20 minutes. You can also use a microwave to heat the chicken. Cooking times can vary.
You can freeze this Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe.
- Once cooked, let the chicken cool completely.
- 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 it 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
Yes, Lemon Chicken in the Instant Pot is perfect for bone-in chicken thighs. They stay nice and juicy.
You can also use chicken breasts in this delicious meal if you want leaner protein.
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.
You bet! This recipe can be made using frozen chicken breasts or frozen chicken thighs. Skip searing the chicken and cook for 11 minutes on high pressure.
Supplies Used
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 excellent choice.
Other Delicious & Easy Instant Pot Recipes
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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Printable Recipe
Instant Pot Lemon Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Instant Pot
- cooking tongs or spatula
Ingredients
- 6-8 boneless chicken thighs (skin on or off)
- sea salt and pepper (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ½ medium onion (chopped)
- 4-5 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- juice and zest of one lemon (more if desired)
- ⅓ cup low sodium chicken broth (see notes)
- chopped fresh parsley and lemon slices for garnish (optional)
Sauce Thickener (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons water
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and chili flakes on both sides.
- Select the sauté function on your Instant Pot and add olive oil into the pot.
- Once hot, place chicken in the Instant Pot and brown 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 are making. Once browned, remove from Instant Pot and set aside.
- Add butter to Instant Pot and melt. Now stir in onions and garlic. Add lemon juice to deglaze the pot. Cook for 1 minute, and then add Italian seasoning, lemon zest, and chicken broth.
- Put chicken back into the Instant Pot with the other ingredients, lock the lid, and turn the valve to seal. Select the "pressure cook" button and set the time to 7 minutes. (Note: It takes approximately 5-10 minutes to get to pressure and start counting down.)
- When done, allow the chicken to release for 2-3 minutes naturally. Then, push the value for a quick release.
- If you like a thick sauce, remove chicken from Instant Pot and take cornstarch and 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 in to coat it with sauce and heat back up.
- Serve chicken with sauce spooned over top and garnish with parsley and sliced lemons if desired.
Video
Notes
- If you're looking for a healthier option, leave the skin off the chicken. If you don't mind the extra fat, leave the skin on to get a nice crisp.
- If you can't get enough lemon, double the amount of lemon zest listed.
- 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!
- 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.
Eimantas says
If you back from cold weather. Tasty warm food.
Katerina @ diethood .com says
OH my, this sounds incredibly delicious!! I love using my Instant Pot!!
Erin Henry says
Yes, the Instant Pot is such a life-saver on busy weeknights for quick flavorful meals.
Allyson Zea says
Oh this looks soooo moist and delicious!!!!
Erin Henry says
It is absolutely moist and delicious! The sauce is so flavorful, too!
April says
That sauce was AMAZING!! Loved how easy this was to make - came out great!
Erin Henry says
A family favorite for all those reasons, April! Glad you enjoyed it.
Richella J Parham says
This looks absolutely delicious! I'm pinning this to my main dishes board; I've been looking for some good Instant Pot recipes.
Thank you so much for joining the Grace at Home party at Imparting Grace! I'm featuring you this week.
Kathryn @ Family Food on the Table says
The sauce on these sounds SO yummy! Definitely takes it over the top and I can't wait to try it!