Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs are the perfect weeknight meal. With a simple preparation, flavorful seasoning, and a fast cooking time, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, the Instant Pot does most of the work, leaving you with tender, juicy chicken in just under 20 minutes.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken
To make this flavorful dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Chicken thighs (6-8 pieces)
- Butter (1 tbsp)
- Onion (half, finely chopped)
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
- Lemon (1, juiced)
- Paprika (1 tsp)
- Garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Italian seasoning (1 tbsp)
- Chicken broth (1/3 cup)
- Olive oil (1 tbsp)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
You will need an Instant Pot (or similar pressure cooker) for this recipe.
Preparing the Ingredients
Start by preparing the aromatics and chicken:
- Prep the Onion and Garlic: Finely chop half an onion and mince 3 cloves of garlic.
- Prepare the Chicken Thighs: Trim off any excess fat from the chicken thighs using kitchen scissors. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy sear.
Making the Seasoning
In a small bowl, combine the following seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- ½ teaspoon of black pepper
Mix the seasoning and sprinkle it generously over the chicken thighs, ensuring both sides are well-coated.
Browning the Chicken Thighs
- Set the Instant Pot: Turn on the Instant Pot to the “Brown” function (or “Saute” function if your model doesn’t have “Brown”). Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Brown the Chicken: Once the oil is heated, add the chicken thighs, skin side down. Brown each side for about 2 minutes, allowing the skin to crisp up and develop flavor. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
Cooking the Aromatics
- Saute the Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion to the Instant Pot. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
- Deglaze with Lemon Juice: Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the pot, stirring to deglaze any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.
Adding the Seasoning and Chicken
- Add Italian Seasoning: Stir in 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning (a blend of rosemary, thyme, and oregano), letting it cook for about a minute.
- Return the Chicken: Add the browned chicken thighs back into the Instant Pot, skin side up. They can overlap, so don’t worry about spacing too much.
- Add Chicken Broth: Pour in 1/3 cup of chicken broth and give it a light stir.
Cooking the Chicken
- Seal and Pressure Cook: Close the lid, set the vent to “Sealing”, and set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook on High for 8 minutes.
- Natural Pressure Release: Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes before carefully opening the lid.
Finishing the Dish
- Serve the Chicken: Remove the chicken thighs and place them on a serving platter. Spoon the flavorful sauce from the bottom of the pot over the chicken.
- Optional: If you find the sauce too watery, you can thicken it by mixing in a small amount of flour to the sauce and cooking for a few more minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The combination of lemon, garlic, and Italian seasoning infuses the chicken with amazing flavors. The Instant Pot ensures the chicken is tender and juicy, and the crispy skin gives it the perfect texture. This dish is perfect for anyone looking for a quick, satisfying, and flavorful weeknight dinner.
Final Thoughts
Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs are not only incredibly easy to make, but they also taste fantastic. With the added bonus of being a one-pot meal, cleanup is minimal, making this dish perfect for busy nights. Try it today and enjoy a delicious, stress-free dinner!
This Instant Pot recipe is a must-try for any chicken lover. It’s a great balance of savory, tangy, and aromatic flavors that will leave everyone coming back for more. Plus, it’s versatile and easy to prepare – the perfect meal for your next weeknight dinner!
