Lemon Chicken Instant Pot: Quick, Easy & Delicious Recipe

Lemon Chicken Instant Pot: Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that’s both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy! Imagine tender, juicy chicken bathed in a bright, zesty lemon sauce, all cooked to perfection in your Instant Pot. Sounds too good to be true? It’s not! This recipe will become a weeknight staple.

Chicken and lemon is a classic combination enjoyed around the world, with roots stretching back centuries. From Mediterranean-inspired dishes to Asian-influenced stir-fries, the pairing is a testament to the way the acidity of lemon beautifully complements the savory richness of chicken. This particular Lemon Chicken Instant Pot recipe takes that timeless pairing and streamlines it for modern life.

What makes this dish so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of flavors the tangy lemon, the savory chicken, and a hint of sweetness that ties it all together. The Instant Pot ensures the chicken stays incredibly moist and tender, while the sauce thickens to a luscious consistency. People love this dish because it’s quick, convenient, and satisfying. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will enjoy. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this effortless and flavorful meal!

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika

For the Lemon Sauce:

1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed (about 2 lemons)
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For Serving (Optional):

Cooked rice or quinoa
Chopped green onions
Sesame seeds

Preparing the Chicken:

First, we’re going to get our chicken ready. In a large bowl, toss the cubed chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Make sure each piece is nicely coated with the spices. This will give our chicken a wonderful flavor base.

Cooking the Lemon Chicken in the Instant Pot:

Now, let’s get our Instant Pot ready. Turn it on and select the “Sauté” function. Once the pot is hot, add the seasoned chicken. We’re not trying to cook it all the way through at this point, just sear it for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s lightly browned on all sides. This step adds a great depth of flavor to the final dish.
Once the chicken is seared, press the “Cancel” button to stop the Sauté function. This is important to prevent the sauce from burning later on.
Next, we’ll add the chicken broth to the Instant Pot. Use a spatula to scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze it, loosening any browned bits that may be stuck. Those browned bits are packed with flavor and will enhance the sauce.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, honey, soy sauce, lemon zest, minced garlic, and grated ginger. If you’re using red pepper flakes, add them now too. This is our flavorful lemon sauce!
Pour the lemon sauce mixture over the chicken in the Instant Pot. Make sure the chicken is mostly submerged in the sauce.
Now, secure the Instant Pot lid, making sure the valve is set to the “Sealing” position.
Press the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button (depending on your Instant Pot model) and set the cooking time to 5 minutes. Yes, only 5 minutes! The Instant Pot works its magic quickly.
Once the cooking time is up, let the Instant Pot naturally pressure release for 10 minutes. This means you don’t touch the valve and let the pressure release on its own. After 10 minutes, carefully quick release any remaining pressure by moving the valve to the “Venting” position. Be careful of the steam!
Once all the pressure is released and the float valve has dropped, carefully open the Instant Pot.

Thickening the Lemon Sauce:

Now, we need to thicken the sauce to give it that perfect, glossy consistency. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. This will prevent the cornstarch from clumping when added to the hot sauce.
Turn the Instant Pot back on to the “Sauté” function.
Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the Instant Pot, stirring constantly. Continue to stir for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Be careful not to overcook it, as the sauce can become too thick.
Once the sauce is thickened, press the “Cancel” button to turn off the Sauté function.

Serving the Lemon Chicken:

Your Lemon Chicken is now ready to serve! Spoon the chicken and sauce over cooked rice or quinoa.
Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
Enjoy your delicious and easy Lemon Chicken Instant Pot meal!

Tips and Variations:

Chicken Thighs: You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts. They will require the same cooking time.
Vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables like broccoli florets, bell peppers, or snap peas to the Instant Pot during the last few minutes of cooking. This will add extra nutrients and flavor to your meal.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. If you prefer a milder dish, omit them altogether.
Sweetness: Adjust the amount of honey to your preference. If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of honey.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side of steamed vegetables, a salad, or egg rolls for a complete meal.
Make it Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
Fresh Herbs: Add fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a burst of freshness. Stir them in right before serving.
Brown Sugar: If you don’t have honey, you can substitute brown sugar. Use the same amount.
Rice Cooking: For perfectly cooked rice, consider cooking it in the Instant Pot as well. There are many recipes online for Instant Pot rice.
Broccoli Addition: If adding broccoli, add it during the last minute of cooking while the sauce is thickening. This will ensure it’s tender-crisp and not mushy.
Bell Peppers: If adding bell peppers, add them after the chicken is seared, before adding the sauce. This will allow them to soften slightly during the pressure cooking process.
Ginger Paste: If you don’t have fresh ginger, you can use ginger paste. Use about 1 teaspoon of ginger paste in place of the grated ginger.
Garlic Paste: Similarly, you can use garlic paste if you don’t have fresh garlic. Use about 1 teaspoon of garlic paste in place of the minced garlic.
Thickening Alternatives: If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch to thicken the sauce. Use the same amount as cornstarch.
Lemon Extract: If you want a more intense lemon flavor, you can add a few drops of lemon extract to the sauce. Be careful not to add too much, as it can be overpowering.
Vinegar: A splash of rice vinegar can add a nice tang to the sauce. Add about 1 teaspoon of rice vinegar along with the other sauce ingredients.
Sesame Oil: A drizzle of sesame oil at the end can add a nutty flavor. Drizzle about 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil over the chicken before serving.

Conclusion:

This Lemon Chicken Instant Pot recipe is truly a game-changer, and I wholeheartedly believe it deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation. Why? Because it delivers an explosion of bright, zesty flavor with minimal effort. We’re talking tender, juicy chicken infused with the vibrant tang of lemon, all cooked to perfection in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. Forget slaving over a hot stove for hours; this recipe lets you enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant price tag or the lengthy preparation.

But the real magic lies in its versatility. This isn’t just a one-trick pony. Think of it as a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Serve it over fluffy rice or quinoa for a complete and satisfying meal. Toss it with your favorite pasta for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Shred the chicken and use it to fill tacos or wraps for a flavorful lunch. Or, for a lighter option, serve it alongside a vibrant green salad.

And the variations? The possibilities are endless! Want to add a touch of sweetness? Stir in a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup after cooking. Craving a little heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. For a creamier sauce, stir in a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream before serving. You could even add some vegetables to the Instant Pot along with the chicken, such as broccoli florets, asparagus spears, or sliced bell peppers, for a complete one-pot meal. Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own signature flavor profile. A sprinkle of fresh thyme, rosemary, or oregano can elevate the dish to a whole new level. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!

I’ve personally made this recipe countless times, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need a quick, healthy, and delicious meal on the table. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any!) are just as good the next day.

Ready to give it a try?

I truly encourage you to try this Lemon Chicken Instant Pot recipe. I’m confident that you’ll be amazed by how easy it is to make and how incredibly flavorful it is. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a family favorite.

Once you’ve tried it, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What did you serve it with? What did your family think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps other readers discover new and exciting ways to enjoy this fantastic recipe. Let’s build a community of Lemon Chicken Instant Pot enthusiasts! I can’t wait to see what culinary creations you come up with. Happy cooking!