Looking for a fast and flavorful dinner idea? This Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken is the perfect weeknight meal! Made with simple ingredients like chicken thighs, lemon, garlic, and herbs, it’s packed with savory flavors and ready in just under 30 minutes. Let’s get started!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup chicken broth
Equipment:
- Instant Pot (or any pressure cooker)
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Start by prepping your onion and garlic. For the onion, simply dice half a medium onion. Mince 3 cloves of garlic. If you’re using chicken thighs, trim off any excess fat with kitchen scissors and blot them dry with paper towels. This helps get a nice sear and prevents excess moisture from affecting the cooking process.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Mix the seasonings together: 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture generously over both sides of the chicken thighs. Make sure to coat them well for the best flavor.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken
Set your Instant Pot to the “Brown” or “Sauté” function. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter to the pot. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken thighs skin-side down. Brown the chicken for 2 minutes on each side until crispy and golden. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
Step 4: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
After removing the chicken, add the diced onion into the pot. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onions turn translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release the garlic’s aroma. Be sure not to burn the garlic.
Step 5: Deglaze the Pot
Add the juice of 1 lemon to the pot. The lemon juice will help deglaze the pot, lifting any delicious bits stuck to the bottom from browning the chicken. Stir well to combine the flavors.
Step 6: Add the Chicken and Broth
Return the browned chicken thighs to the Instant Pot, placing them skin-side up. Add 1/3 cup of chicken broth to the pot, and give everything a quick stir to combine.
Step 7: Pressure Cook
Seal the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Use the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” function and set the timer for 8 minutes on high pressure. The Instant Pot will take a few minutes to come up to pressure before the cooking time begins.
Step 8: Natural Pressure Release
Once the cooking time is complete, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for about 5-10 minutes. This ensures the chicken stays juicy and tender. After the pressure has released, carefully open the lid.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the chicken thighs from the pot and place them on a serving platter. Spoon the flavorful sauce from the bottom of the pot over the chicken to keep it moist. If the sauce looks a bit thin, you can thicken it by adding a bit of flour and stirring until it thickens.
These Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs are bursting with citrusy flavor and are incredibly tender thanks to the pressure cooking process. The combination of lemon, garlic, and Italian seasoning creates a savory sauce that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
Serve with your favorite sides, like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice. This dish is sure to become a family favorite for busy weeknights!
This recipe for Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs combines speed, flavor, and ease for the ultimate weeknight dinner. If you’re looking for more Instant Pot inspiration, try experimenting with different herbs and seasonings for endless variations!
