Instant Pot Lemon Chicken Thighs Recipe

Instant Pot Lemon Chicken Thighs

These Instant Pot Lemon Chicken Thighs are tender, juicy, and bursting with citrusy flavor. This one-pot dish is quick, simple, and ideal for a weeknight meal. Pair it with rice, veggies, or salad for a complete dinner.

Ingredients:

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp dried oregano (or 1 tbsp fresh)
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh)
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Lemon slices, for garnish
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions:

1. Season the Chicken Thighs:

• Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.

2. Sear the Chicken:

• Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and heat the olive oil.
• Once hot, place the chicken thighs in the pot, skin side down. Sear for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
• Flip the chicken and sear the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

3. Sauté the Garlic:

• Add the minced garlic to the Instant Pot and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Add Liquid and Flavorings:

• Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze and release any browned bits.
• Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, and thyme.

5. Pressure Cook:

• Return the seared chicken thighs to the Instant Pot, skin side up.
• Close the lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and select Manual or Pressure Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.

6. Release Pressure:

• After the cooking time is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully do a quick release of any remaining pressure.

7. Optional Crisping:

• If you want extra crispy skin, place the chicken thighs under a preheated broiler for 3-4 minutes after removing them from the Instant Pot.

8. Serve:

• Garnish with fresh lemon slices and chopped parsley. Serve with your favorite sides like rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.

Tips:

• For more lemon flavor: Add lemon slices to the Instant Pot while cooking.
• Crispier skin: Always pat chicken dry before searing for better browning and crispier skin.
• Thighs vs. Breasts: You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs but reduce the pressure cooking time to 8 minutes.

These tender, flavorful chicken thighs are an easy, delicious meal that everyone will love!