Zest Up Your Life: Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken Delight

Hey, my fellow flavor fanatics! Chef Ethan Harris here, your kitchen maestro and taste bud charmer. Today, I’m unleashing a burst of sunshine onto your plates with a dish that’s as sassy as your favorite aunt – Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken. So, buckle up, because we’re about to embark on a flavor rollercoaster that’s tangier than a lemonade stand in 2024!

What is Lemon Garlic Chicken?

Lemon Garlic Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the bright, zesty flavors of lemon with the aromatic richness of garlic to create a savory and refreshing chicken recipe. The dish typically involves marinating chicken in a mixture of fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, and a blend of herbs and spices. After marinating, the chicken is cooked to perfection, often grilled, roasted, or prepared in a skillet.

The result is tender, flavorful chicken with a perfect balance of citrusy and savory notes. Lemon Garlic Chicken is known for its versatility, making it a popular choice for various cooking methods and occasions. Whether served as a main course for dinner or sliced and added to salads, wraps, or sandwiches, this dish offers a burst of vibrant flavors that appeals to a wide range of tastes.

Why Make Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken?

Lemon Garlic Chicken holds a special place as a cherished family favorite, prompting us to explore its creation in the Instant Pot. The beauty of utilizing the pressure cooker lies in the simplicity of tossing chicken thighs into the pot along with a lemony garlic broth, allowing it to cook to perfection while freeing you to focus on other tasks. The Instant Pot’s magic lies in its ability to swiftly prepare the chicken, locking in moisture and tenderness while imparting the rich flavors of the garlic-infused broth. The final touch involves transferring the chicken pieces to a hot pan for a delightful crispiness, generously glazing them to achieve a caramelized perfection.

How to Make Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken

Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients

Pat dry the chicken and season them with salt and pepper. Mince the garlic, and zest and juice the lemons.

Step 2. Instant Pot Setup

Place the chicken breasts in the Instant Pot. Add minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Step 3. Set and Forget

Seal the Instant Pot, set to manual high pressure for 8 minutes, and let the magic unfold.

Step 4. Release and Garnish

Once done, perform a quick pressure release. Open the pot and garnish the chicken with fresh parsley.

Step 5. Serve and Enjoy

Slice the lemon garlic chicken, drizzle with any remaining glaze, and serve with your favorite sides. Enjoy the vibrant flavors!

Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe

Recipe by Ethan HarrisCourse: Main, DinnerCuisine: MediterraneanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Calories

498

kcal

Brighten your table with Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken – a zesty, aromatic dish that effortlessly combines simplicity with sensational taste.

Ingredients

• 4-6 Chicken(Thigh & Breast)

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• Zest and juice of 2 lemons

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

• Pat dry the chicken breasts and season with salt and pepper. Mince the garlic, zest and juice the lemons.
• Place chicken in the Instant Pot, add minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
• Seal the Instant Pot, set to manual high pressure for 8 minutes, and let the magic unfold.
• Quick-release the pressure, open the pot, and garnish the chicken with fresh parsley.
• Slice the lemon garlic chicken, serve with your favorite sides, and savor the zesty elegance.

Notes

• *Rate Recipe: If you’ve tried the recipe, don’t forget to Rate the Recipe in the Comments Section. Thank you!

Serving Suggestions for Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken

Lemon Herb Rice: Serve the Instant Pot lemon garlic chicken over a bed of fragrant lemon herb rice for a complementary and flavorful base.

Roasted Vegetables: Pair the dish with a side of roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, or carrots, to add a colorful and nutritious element.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Create a comforting meal by serving the chicken alongside creamy garlic mashed potatoes, allowing the flavors to meld deliciously.

Quinoa Salad: Opt for a light and refreshing quinoa salad with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette for a balanced meal.

Crisp Garden Salad: Keep it fresh with a crisp garden salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty lemon-garlic dressing.

Expert Cooking Tips for Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken

• Begin by zesting lemons before juicing to maximize the extraction of citrus flavor.
• Consider marinating chicken in the lemon-garlic mixture for enhanced flavor, either for a few hours or overnight.
• Use the Instant Pot’s sauté mode to briefly brown the chicken, adding depth to both flavor and appearance.
• Adjust salt cautiously due to its presence in various stages; taste and fine-tune before serving.
• Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or chives just before serving for a final burst of freshness.
• Exercise caution during quick pressure release to avoid steam burns; use utensils or mitts.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

As you savor the exquisite flavors of our Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken, let each bite be a celebration of simplicity and culinary finesse. This dish, with its zesty lemon undertones and aromatic garlic infusion, is a testament to the magic that can be achieved with the Instant Pot.

From the initial preparation to the final garnish, the journey of creating this dish is not just about cooking—it’s about crafting an experience. The ease of the Instant Pot, coupled with the vibrant flavors you’ve curated, transforms every meal into a moment of culinary delight.

As you continue to embark on culinary adventures, may the simplicity of this recipe inspire you, and may your table be filled with the warmth and aroma of delicious creations. Explore more of my Instant Pot recipes and enjoy the simplicity and exquisite taste—happy cooking!