Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs: The Perfect Weeknight Dinner

If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and easy dinner, Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs should be at the top of your list. This recipe combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with a tangy lemon garlic sauce that’s sure to impress anyone at the dinner table. With just a few simple ingredients and the magic of your Instant Pot, this dish is fast to prepare and packed with flavor.

Ingredients Needed for Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs

Before you start, gather the following ingredients:

• Chicken thighs (6-8 pieces)
• Butter (1 tablespoon)
• Half an onion
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 1 lemon (for juice)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/3 cup chicken broth
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon)

Preparation

1. Prep the Vegetables: Start by mincing 3 cloves of garlic and chopping 1/2 an onion.
2. Prepare the Chicken Thighs: Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs using kitchen scissors. Use paper towels to blot the chicken dry, which will help you achieve a better sear when cooking.
3. Season the Chicken: Mix 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over the chicken thighs, making sure both sides are well-coated.
   

Cooking the Chicken in the Instant Pot

1. Sear the Chicken: Turn on the Instant Pot and set it to the “brown” function (or “saute” if your model doesn’t have the brown function). Add olive oil to the pot and place the chicken thighs skin-side down. Brown the chicken for about 2 minutes on each side until it develops a beautiful, crispy texture. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside.
2. Cook the Onions and Garlic: Switch the Instant Pot to “saute” mode. Add butter, followed by the chopped onions. Cook them for 3-4 minutes until they soften. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Add the Flavor: Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the pot, then stir in 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning. The lemon juice will help deglaze the pot and incorporate all the delicious bits of flavor from the chicken.
4. Return the Chicken: Place the browned chicken thighs back into the Instant Pot, skin-side up. Pour in 1/3 cup of chicken broth and stir it around.
5. Pressure Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid, set the vent to “sealing,” and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.

Natural Pressure Release

Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure. This process will take a few minutes and is important for ensuring the chicken stays tender and juicy. Once the pressure is fully released, carefully open the lid and check your chicken.

Serving

Serve the chicken thighs with some of the flavorful sauce from the bottom of the pot poured over them. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can stir in a little flour to thicken it. The result is a mouthwatering dish that’s savory, slightly tangy, and incredibly satisfying.

Conclusion

These Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs are the perfect weeknight dinner. They are quick to prepare, easy to cook, and bursting with flavor. The combination of tender chicken, a citrusy lemon garlic sauce, and the rich flavor from the chicken’s crispy skin makes this dish a crowd-pleaser. The Instant Pot does the heavy lifting, making this a stress-free dinner option for busy weeknights. Try this recipe and see how it becomes a new favorite in your household!