Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken

This Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken Breast is a one-pot protein that transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful meal. Juicy chicken is cooked in a buttery, zesty lemon-garlic sauce that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Serve it over rice, orzo, or even shred it and add to your favorite soup for a comforting twist. Ready in under 30 minutes!

I’m always looking for different quick and easy ways to make dinner in the Instant Pot because easy meals like Instant Pot Split Pea Soup, Instant Pot Beef and Sweet Potato Chili, or Instant Pot Salsa Verde Chicken are always a good idea for a healthy meal. When it comes to making the most tender and juicy chicken, pressure cooking is the way to go, and that’s exactly what you’ll get with this Greek inspired lemon garlic chicken!

🍋Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken Breasts (boneless, skinless) – are sliced down the middle lengthwise. You can also use chicken thighs (see below).
• Garlic (minced) – adds incredible, aromatic flavor to this dish.
• White Onion (sliced) – gives this dish sweet and savory mild onion flavor.
• Butter or Ghee – Butter builds on the sauce and the bright lemony flavors of this recipe. For Whole30, replace butter with ghee.
• Chicken Stock or Chicken Bone Broth – is used to deglaze the bottom of the Instant Pot, loosen up any browned bits and keep the chicken moist throughout the pressure cooking process. Try my homemade rotisserie chicken broth to make it easy!
• Avocado Oil – is used to coat the Instant Pot to prevent sticking.
• Dried Thyme – I love using thyme in chicken dishes because it compliments the flavor so well. See below for herb variations.
• Lemon (juice and zest) – gives that tangy lemon-forward taste.
• Sea Salt & Black Pepper – enhances the sweet, savory and tangy flavors of the whole dish.

📖 How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken in the Instant Pot

1️⃣ Prepare the chicken: Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

2️⃣ Sear the chicken for flavor: Set your Instant Pot to the SAUTE function on HIGH. Add a tablespoon of avocado oil (or olive oil if preferred) and let it heat until shimmering but not smoking. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the pot and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Once seared, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.

3️⃣ Sauté the aromatics: With the SAUTE function still on, add two tablespoons of butter or ghee to the Instant Pot. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and thinly sliced onion. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant. The garlic should turn golden but not burn.

4️⃣ Add liquid and deglaze the pot.: Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth or stock, followed by freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, and a teaspoon of dried thyme (or your favorite herb like rosemary or basil). Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. These are packed with flavor and prevent a burn warning during pressure cooking. Stir everything to combine.

5️⃣ Pressure cook the chicken: Return the seared chicken breasts to the Instant Pot, nestling them into the liquid. Seal the lid and set the pot to cook on manual HIGH PRESSURE for 5 minutes. For bone-in chicken thighs, adjust the time to 10 minutes. Once cooking is complete, carefully perform a quick release of the pressure by turning the valve. Remove the chicken to prevent overcooking.

6️⃣ Finish and serve: Before serving, spoon the remaining lemon garlic sauce over the chicken to infuse it with even more flavor. For a complete meal, serve over fluffy rice, tender orzo, or shred the chicken and add it to a light soup for a comforting twist. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra lemon zest for a pop of color and brightness.

👩🏻‍🍳Expert Tips for the Best Lemon Garlic Chicken

• Choose the Right Chicken Cut: This recipe works well with boneless or bone-in chicken. Boneless chicken breasts cook faster and are perfect for quick weeknight dinners, while bone-in thighs provide extra flavor and juiciness. Adjust the pressure cooking time to 5 minutes for boneless cuts and 10 minutes for bone-in.
• Prevent Burnt Garlic: Garlic can quickly turn bitter if it burns during sautéing. Keep the SAUTE function on medium heat and stir frequently as the garlic and onions cook. Adding the butter first helps to prevent the garlic from scorching.
• Deglaze the Pot: After sautéing, deglaze the bottom of the Instant Pot with chicken broth or stock. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits. This step prevents the Instant Pot from displaying a “burn” warning and infuses your sauce with rich flavor.

🌿Recipe Variations and Substitutions

• Creamy Lemon Chicken: Turn this into a creamy dish by stirring in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or coconut cream after pressure cooking. For an even richer sauce, whisk in a tablespoon of cream cheese or mascarpone.
• Parmesan Lemon Garlic Chicken: Add a cheesy twist by sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken just before serving. For a bolder flavor, mix the Parmesan directly into the sauce after pressure cooking.
• Herb Swaps: Switch up the flavors by using fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil instead of dried thyme. For a Mediterranean flair, add oregano or a sprinkle of za’atar seasoning to the sauce.
• Sweetened Lemon Garlic Chicken: Balance the tangy lemon with a touch of sweetness. Stir in a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar after pressure cooking to create a sweet and savory glaze.
• Spicy Lemon Garlic Chicken: Bring the heat by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce.

🥔Side Dishes to Serve with Lemon Garlic Chicken

Try this delicious recipe with one or two of of these healthy side dishes.

• Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes
• Air Fryer Asparagus
• Sous Vide Rice
• Buffalo Roasted Potatoes
• Cucumber Dill Salad
• Horseradish Mashed Potatoes

🍲More Easy Instant Pot Recipes

• Instant Pot Hamburger Helper
• Instant Pot Pasta with Meat Sauce
• Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas

❓FAQ