Healthy Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken -

4.67 from 3 votes

Healthy Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken

This Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken is a quick and flavorful dinner option, perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy, tender chicken is cooked in a bright, zesty lemon and garlic sauce, all in under 30 minutes. It's an easy, healthy recipe that's sure to become a family favorite, and it pairs beautifully with rice, vegetables, or crusty bread.

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Total Time30

Course: Chicken Recipes, instant pot, Main Course, Pressure Cooker

Cuisine: American, Greek, Mediterranean

Keyword: garlic lemon chicken instant pot, instant pot garlic lemon chicken, instant pot lemon chicken with garlic, instant pot lemon garlic butter chicken breast, instant pot lemon garlic chicken, lemon garlic chicken instant pot, pressure cooker lemon garlic chicken

Servings: servings

Calories: 246kcal

Author: Valerie Skinner

Equipment

Instant Pot (6-quart or 8-quart)
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
Tongs
Citrus juicer or reamer
Measuring cups and spoons
Garlic press (optional)
cutting board
sharp knife

Ingredients

2 Chicken Breasts cut in half lengthwise
2 tsp Garlic minced
1 medium White Onion saute sliced
2 tbsp Butter or Ghee
½ cup Chicken Stock or Chicken Bone Broth
1 tbsp Avocado Oil
1 tsp Dried Thyme
1 Lemon juiced and zested
½ tsp Sea Salt
¼ tsp Black Pepper

Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Video

Notes

Storing and Freezing Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken:

This chicken can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5-7 days. If you’re freezing, add to a resealable plastic bag, take the air out and freeze for up to 3 months. This recipe reheats well on the stove top or microwave.

🌿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.

Nutrition