Instant Pot Lemon Chicken Thighs Recipe | Quick & Juicy Chicken in a Zesty Garlic Lemon Sauce
These Instant Pot Lemon Chicken Thighs are a fast, flavorful dinner solution that doesn’t skimp on taste. Bone-in or boneless chicken thighs are pressure-cooked until tender in a vibrant lemon-garlic sauce with herbs and a touch of butter for richness. The result is juicy, fall-apart chicken infused with bright citrus flavor—perfect served over rice, pasta, or roasted veggies. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this one-pot meal is ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Equipment
- Instant Pot or pressure cooker
- Tongs or spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Small bowl (for cornstarch slurry, optional)
Ingredients
- 4–6 chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless, skinless)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried rosemary
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sear the chicken: Set Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add olive oil or butter. Sear chicken thighs for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- Deglaze the pot: Add a splash of broth and scrape up browned bits to avoid burn notice.
- Add aromatics: Stir in garlic, thyme, rosemary, paprika, lemon juice, zest, and remaining broth.
- Return chicken: Nestle thighs into the liquid. Lock lid and set to pressure cook:Boneless: 8 minutesBone-in: 10 minutes
- Release pressure: Let pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick release.
- Optional sauce: Remove chicken. Set to sauté. Stir in cornstarch slurry and simmer until thickened.
- Finish: Return chicken to pot or plate and garnish with parsley.
Notes
- Make-Ahead: Can be prepped and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in microwave or stovetop with a splash of broth.
- Frozen chicken: Skip searing and add 2–3 minutes to cook time.
- Vegetarian option: Substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu.
- Keto-friendly: Omit cornstarch and serve with low-carb sides.