Instant Pot Lemon Chicken
Ingredients
- 6-8 boneless
skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
or additional chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- Zest of one lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
the typical amount from 1 lemon
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
optional
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Directions
- 1
In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken stock, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon, and garlic together. Add a pinch of salt and whisk until well combined. Set aside.
- 2
Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- 3
Turn the Saute function on and allow it to heat. Add in the oil and place chicken in the Instant Pot and allow to sear on each side for 2 minutes, or until golden brown. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pan and place on a plate. Turn the saute function OFF.
- 4
Pour in the white wine, or chicken stock, and scrape up the browned bits off the bottom of the inner pot.
- 5
Place the chicken back into the Instant Pot and pour the lemon sauce over the chicken. If desired sprinkle with the dried thyme.
- 6
Place the lid on the Instant Pot and be sure to turn the valve to SEAL. Select the Manual/Pressure Cook and adjust the timer to 7 minutes.
- 7
When done, allow to naturally release for 10 minutes, then do a quick release of any remaining pressure if needed.
- 8
Remove the chicken from the pan to a clean plate.
- 9
Turn the Instant Pot off and then hit the saute function. Allow the cooking liquid to come to a bubble, while you whisk together the cornstarch and water until dissolved.
- 10
Pour in the cornstarch slurry into the inner pot of the Instant Pot while whisking the sauce. Allow to cook for two to three minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thickened. Hit Cancel on the SAUTE function.
- 11
Serve the chicken with the thickened sauce.
Instant Pot Lemon Chicken
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 16 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a vibrant, flavorful chicken dinner that practically cooks itself? This Instant Pot Lemon Chicken delivers succulent, tender chicken enveloped in a bright, zesty sauce, making weeknight meals a breeze.
This recipe works wonders by harnessing the power of your Instant Pot to create incredibly tender chicken without lengthy cooking times. The careful balance of fresh lemon juice, aromatic garlic, and savory chicken stock creates a deeply satisfying sauce, thickened perfectly with a cornstarch slurry for that restaurant-quality finish.
Prepare to enjoy fork-tender boneless chicken, whether you choose thighs or breasts, infused with a bright, garlicky, and herbaceous flavor from the fresh lemon zest, juice, and optional thyme. The sauce is a star in itself—tangy, savory, and silky smooth, clinging beautifully to every piece of chicken. It’s a comforting yet sophisticated dish that feels special without requiring special effort.
Feel free to customize this Instant Pot Lemon Chicken to your taste. If you don't have dry white wine on hand, simply use additional chicken stock for the liquid component. While dried thyme leaves are optional, consider their subtle earthy notes; if you prefer, you can omit them entirely. For a richer flavor, using boneless skinless chicken thighs adds an extra layer of succulence. You can also adjust the amount of fresh lemon zest and juice to achieve your desired level of brightness.
This versatile dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impressive weeknight meal. Serve it over fluffy rice, alongside roasted vegetables, or with a simple green salad to soak up all that delicious, zesty sauce.