Instant Pot Lemon Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving a fuss-free, deeply flavorful chicken dinner that’s both weeknight-easy and company-worthy, you’ll fall head-over-heels for Instant Pot Lemon Chicken. It’s my go-to recipe for juicy, herby chicken smothered in bright, velvety lemon sauce—all done in under an hour and almost entirely hands-off.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Instant Pot Lemon Chicken keeps things beautifully simple—each ingredient has a purpose, playing a starring role in the sauce, the chicken, or the finishing touches. Here’s why you need each one and how they make the magic happen:

• Chicken thighs (2 lbs, bone-in, skin-on): Thighs stay juicy and get irresistibly golden on the outside—my favorite cut for flavor and tenderness, though boneless works too.
• Oil (1 tablespoon): For that luscious sear, adding flavor and the best crispy skin.
• Small onion, chopped: Lends natural sweetness and depth to the sauce.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses each bite with savory aroma and warmth.
• Chicken broth (1 cup): The backbone of the sauce, adding savory depth and a silky base.
• Lemon juice (2 tablespoons, fresh): Delivers the unmistakable zesty brightness—fresh is best, but bottled will do in a pinch.
• Dried thyme (1 tsp) & dried rosemary (1 tsp): An herb duo that brings earthy balance and an irresistible aroma.
• Salt and black pepper: Classic seasoning so the flavors of everything else pop.
• Cornstarch (2 tsp) mixed with cream, milk, or water: Thickens the sauce until it clings luxuriously to the chicken.
• Butter (1 tablespoon): Swirled in at the end for extra silkiness and richness.
• Lemon slices: Optional, but oh-so-pretty and perfect for serving.

Variations

One of my favorite things about Instant Pot Lemon Chicken is just how flexible it is—mix and match to fit whatever you have on hand, or adjust it to fit your family’s preferences. Here are some easy ideas to make this recipe your own:

• Swap the Cut: Use chicken breasts (fresh or frozen) or boneless thighs—just adjust the cook time as needed for tender, juicy results.
• Herb Switch-Up: Try Italian seasoning, tarragon, or fresh herbs for a new twist on the classic flavor profile.
• Add Veggies: Toss in baby potatoes or sliced carrots before pressure cooking for a one-pot meal bursting with color and nutrients.
• More Lemon Power: Double the lemon juice for an even zestier, more pronounced citrus kick—ideal for real lemon lovers!
• Dairy-Free: Skip the butter or sub with olive oil for a lighter, dairy-free finish.

How to Make Instant Pot Lemon Chicken

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and let it heat up. Add your oil, then place the chicken thighs skin-side down in batches (don’t overcrowd!). You want them to get beautifully golden and crisp, which not only locks in the juices but sets up the base for a richer sauce later. Flip to brown the second side, then transfer the pieces out as they finish.

Step 2: Start the Sauce

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the hot oil. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant and just starting to soften, scraping up any golden bits stuck to the bottom. Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper, scraping well to release all that delicious flavor into the liquid.

Step 3: Pressure Cook

Layer the browned chicken thighs (skin-side up) back into the Instant Pot, nestling them into the sauce. Lock the lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and choose “Pressure Cook” (or “Manual”), cooking on High for 12 minutes if your thighs are large (around 2 per pound) or 8 minutes for smaller pieces. When the timer’s up, turn off the pot and let the pressure release naturally. Don’t rush—this makes for extra juicy chicken!

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce and Finish

Carefully move the cooked chicken to a plate (leave the sauce in the pot). Turn Sauté mode back on and whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Let it bubble and simmer for a minute or two until thick and glossy. Off the heat, stir in the butter for a dreamy finish. Pour this silky lemon herb sauce over your chicken and top with fresh lemon slices if you like.

How to Serve Instant Pot Lemon Chicken

Garnishes

Finish your Instant Pot Lemon Chicken with a scatter of fresh lemon slices for a bright pop of color and an extra kick of citrus aroma. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or thinly sliced scallions to give the whole dish fresh-from-the-garden vibes and a little visual flair.

Side Dishes

This lemony chicken is a superstar paired with fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even buttered egg noodles that soak up every drop of sauce. For a lighter plate, try steamed green beans, sautéed spinach, or a crisp green salad—whatever lets the bright, savory-sweet flavors of the chicken shine!

Creative Ways to Present

Want to dazzle guests? Plate each chicken thigh atop a swirl of mashed potatoes, spoon sauce on top, then drizzle with a little extra lemon and a few curls of lemon zest. For a rustic touch, serve everything family-style straight from the Instant Pot in the center of the table—just bring some crusty bread so no sauce goes to waste!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Instant Pot Lemon Chicken keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, so don’t be surprised if the sauce is even more irresistible the next day!

Freezing

This recipe is totally freezer-friendly. Let the chicken and sauce cool completely, then pack into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce together in a saucepan over low heat or pop covered leftovers into the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water if the sauce thickened too much in the fridge, and always garnish with a squeeze of fresh lemon before serving for bright flavor!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that’s both comforting and crowd-pleasing—with juicy chicken, golden sauce, and a burst of lemony flavor—give Instant Pot Lemon Chicken a try. I truly hope it earns a spot in your rotation and brings as much joy to your table as it does to ours!

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