Instant Pot Lemon Chicken Recipe

This Instant Pot Lemon Chicken Recipe is the ultimate weeknight dinner hero: juicy, deeply seasoned chicken breasts in a vibrant, silky lemon-garlic sauce—all in just 30 minutes! If you love bright flavors, crave healthy comfort food, or simply want a meal that feels like a little ray of sunshine, this recipe was made for you.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Instant Pot Lemon Chicken Recipe keeps things refreshingly simple: just a handful of pantry staples, one juicy lemon, and a good splash of olive oil. Each ingredient plays a starring role—boosting flavor, ensuring tender bites, and creating that crave-worthy sauce you’ll want to spoon over everything.

• Boneless skinless chicken breast (3 lbs): This cut stays juicy under pressure and soaks up all the bright flavors.
• Garlic powder & fresh garlic: Layering garlic powder on the chicken and fresh garlic in the sauce brings tons of mellow depth and a touch of zing.
• Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth that makes the flavors pop—don’t skip it if you have it!
• Red pepper flakes: Just enough heat to make this lemon chicken vibrant, not fiery.
• Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning every bite.
• Olive oil (divided): For browning, flavor, and that glossy finish.
• Yellow onion: Sweet, aromatic depth that builds a beautiful foundation for the sauce.
• Italian seasoning: A simple way to add a hint of Mediterranean herbal notes without any fuss.
• Lemon (juice & zest): THE flavor hero—adds freshness, tang, and a sunny finish that ties it all together.
• Chicken broth: Toasts up the sauce and keeps everything luscious while pressure cooking.
• Heavy cream: Just a splash makes the sauce creamy and luxurious without overpowering the lemon.
• Fresh parsley & lemon slices: Optional, but a sprinkle makes the final dish feel restaurant-worthy.

Variations

This Instant Pot Lemon Chicken Recipe is delightfully flexible. Feel free to riff on the ingredients, switch up proteins, or tweak the spices to make it truly your own—no matter what, you’ll end up with something delicious and dinner-party worthy!

• Swap in Thighs: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for even juicier results and a richer flavor (no change in cook time needed!).
• Go Dairy-Free: Omit the heavy cream or swap for coconut cream or your favorite plant-based alternative for a silky, creamy texture without dairy.
• Add Veggies: Stir in baby spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, or a handful of sliced mushrooms after pressure cooking for a veggie boost.
• Make It Extra Herby: Amp up the greens with fresh basil, dill, or tarragon tossed in at the end for a super aromatic finish.

How to Make Instant Pot Lemon Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by mixing smoked paprika, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rinse and pat dry the chicken breasts so the spices stick beautifully. Sprinkle the seasoning mix generously over both sides—this is key for flavor in every bite!

Step 2: Sear to Golden Perfection

With your Instant Pot set to SAUTE, add half the olive oil. Once it’s shimmering, lay in the chicken breasts—don’t crowd the pot; work in batches. Brown each side for 3–4 minutes; this caramelizes the spices and locks in juices. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Zesty Sauce

Add the rest of the olive oil and toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is a bit soft and the garlic smells heavenly—about 1 minute. Stir in Italian seasoning, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth. Scrape up those brown bits for maximum flavor!

Step 4: Pressure Cook to Tender Juiciness

Place the browned chicken breasts back into the Instant Pot, nestling them into the sauce. Seal the lid and set the valve to SEALING. Cook on MANUAL (high pressure) for 5–7 minutes—time will vary based on the thickness of your chicken. When done, quick release the pressure and carefully remove the lid.

Step 5: Finish with Cream & Serve

Carefully remove the chicken and set aside. Switch Instant Pot to SAUTE again and stir in the heavy cream, letting the sauce bubble and thicken for about 2 minutes. Return the chicken, coating each piece in the luscious lemony sauce. Garnish with parsley and extra lemon slices for a fresh pop!

How to Serve Instant Pot Lemon Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley instantly livens up your plate, and thin rounds or wedges of lemon make everything look extra fresh (and give a citrusy kick if squeezed on top!). For something extra fancy, try a few ribbons of basil or even grated parmesan for richness.

Side Dishes

This Instant Pot Lemon Chicken Recipe is practically begging for something to soak up all that luscious sauce! Creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or even orzo are perfect choices. Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or a crisp green salad add balance and texture for a truly memorable meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the chicken and fan it over a bed of grains or greens for a restaurant-style plate, or serve pieces family-style with sauce drizzled over the top. For meal prep, pack chicken, sauce, and veggies together in bowls—Instant Pot Lemon Chicken turns weekday lunches into something you’ll look forward to!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftovers completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator; they’ll keep beautifully for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even more irresistible in salads or wraps!

Freezing

This Instant Pot Lemon Chicken Recipe freezes like a dream! Let everything cool, then portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before gently reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce thickened up too much. For best results, avoid overcooking during reheating to keep the chicken tender.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something bright, homey, and deliciously simple, this Instant Pot Lemon Chicken Recipe is the answer. It’s the kind of meal you’ll want to put on repeat—whether you’re cooking for family or just yourself. Trust me: that first tangy, tender bite is pure joy. Give it a try, and let your kitchen fill up with the aroma of lemon, garlic, and happiness!

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