Lemon Garlic Chicken

This Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to pull off as it is delicious. Imagine succulent chicken breasts infused with zesty lemon and fragrant garlic, all cooked perfectly in your Instant Pot. You’ll be amazed at how quickly dinner can be on the table. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply trying to get through a busy weeknight, this dish checks all the boxes: simple preparation, mouth-watering flavors, and quick cooking.

Chicken dinners can sometimes feel repetitive, but with the bright, fresh flavors in this recipe, every bite feels special. As you cook, you’ll notice the comforting aroma filling your kitchen, making it hard to resist sneaking a taste. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get into the nitty-gritty of this fantastic meal that’s bound to impress your family and friends alike!

Why This Recipe Works

This Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe combines the brilliance of pressure cooking with the classic combination of lemon and garlic. Essentially, it’s a match made in culinary heaven! The Instant Pot locks in moisture, ensuring that your chicken turns out tender and juicy every time. By browning the chicken first, you add a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist. It’s a winning combination for an easy and flavorful dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe

What makes this recipe stand out? Besides being incredibly quick and easy, it’s family-friendly and perfect for busy weeknights. The vibrant flavors of lemon and garlic come together in a way that feels both comforting and refreshing. It’s the kind of dish that makes your taste buds sing, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Plus, you can whip it up in around 30 minutes, leaving you more time to enjoy with loved ones.

Ingredients

• 6 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ⅓ cup chicken broth
• 2 lemons (1 for juice and zest, 1 sliced)
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Preparing the Chicken

Season the Chicken Breasts

First, you want to generously season those chicken breasts. Sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper over them. Grab your hands and rub the spices evenly across the chicken; this method ensures that every bite bursts with flavor.

Sauté the Chicken

Next, add olive oil to your Instant Pot and set it to sauté mode. Once it’s nice and hot, place your chicken breasts in the pot. If your pot is small, you might need to work in batches. Brown the chicken for about 3 minutes on each side. Once done, transfer the browned chicken to a plate and set it aside.

Building the Flavor Base

Sauté the Aromatics

Now, let’s build that flavor base! In the same pot, toss in the butter and sauté the onions until they turn golden brown. Afterward, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant.

Deglaze the Pot

Pour the chicken broth into the pot next. Using a wooden spoon, scrape up any of those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom. This step is crucial because it adds incredible depth to your dish.

Cooking the Chicken

Pressure Cook the Chicken

Return the browned chicken to the Instant Pot. It’s time to close the lid and ensure the vent is sealed. Set the Instant Pot to manual/pressure cook for 7 minutes. Yes, just 7 minutes for juicy perfection!

Release the Pressure

Once the cooking time is up, let the steam release naturally for 2-3 minutes. After that, quickly release any remaining steam. It’s like opening a gift—exciting and full of delicious potential!

Finishing Touches

Prepare the Sauce

To make your sauce a bit thicker, you can create a quick slurry. Just mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water. Set the pot back to sauté mode and whisk in the cornstarch mixture until the sauce thickens to your liking.

Add Citrus Flavors

Finally, stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest. This step brightens the entire dish! To finish, garnish with fresh chopped parsley and lemon slices before serving. Your kitchen will smell heavenly, and your dish will look gorgeous!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving, think about placing this Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes. It makes for a complete meal that really satisfies. For a refreshing balance, pair it with steamed vegetables or a crisp salad; they add a nice contrast to the richness of the chicken.

Tips for Success

• Make sure your chicken breasts are uniformly sized for even cooking.
• Want more zing? Feel free to add extra lemon juice or zest to taste.
• Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to keep those juices locked in.

Variations

Feeling a bit adventurous? You can substitute chicken with pork or shrimp to give this classic recipe a twist. Additionally, you might consider adding veggies like bell peppers or asparagus during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition.

Storage Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delicious!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A1: Absolutely! Just increase the cooking time to 10-12 minutes.

Q2: Is there a way to reduce the sodium content?
A2: Sure, substitute regular salt with a salt-free seasoning blend.

Q3: How can I make it spicier?
A3: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix to heat things up!

Q4: Can I double the recipe?
A4: Yes, but you may want to cook in batches or slightly adjust the cooking time.

Q5: What can I substitute for the chicken broth?
A5: You can easily use vegetable broth or water as a substitute.

This Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe is a delightful and versatile dish that combines convenience with fantastic taste. Perfect for busy evenings or special occasions, it allows you to enjoy succulent chicken with vibrant flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, with various ways to customize and serve it, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home!

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