When I first tried cooking chicken in my Instant Pot, I wasn’t sure if it could really deliver that tender, juicy bite I was craving. Spoiler alert—it did. This lemon garlic chicken is one of those chicken instant pot recipes that proves how simple meals can be both comforting and bright. The balance of sharp lemon with mellow garlic makes each forkful taste fresh but still hearty. I like to serve it on a busy weeknight when I want something wholesome yet quick. We all have those evenings when dinner feels like a chore. That’s where this recipe shines. It falls under Instant Pot Recipes Easy, which means less fuss, less cleanup, and more time to sit down with the family. No staring at a pan, no hovering over the stove. Just set the pot, breathe, and let it do its thing. If you’re hunting for an instant pot recipe that fits into your routine and still feels like real food, this one’s a keeper. It leans into instant pot recipes healthy while never feeling bland. I’ve made it enough times to say it’s become part of my rotation of Instant Pot Recipes Healthy, and I’m convinced you’ll add it to yours too.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe
3) Ingredients for Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken
4) How to Make Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken
5) Tips for Making Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken
6) Making Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken
8) Try these chicken recipes next!
9) Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This Instant Pot recipe makes tender chicken packed with lemon and garlic.
You need simple ingredients you probably already have in the kitchen.
Cooking time is short and clean up is easy.
Pairs well with rice, potatoes, or even pasta.

2) Easy Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe

When I cook dinner on a weeknight, I want it fast, flavorful, and reliable. This instant pot recipe gives me all three. The chicken comes out juicy, the lemon cuts through with freshness, and the garlic makes the whole kitchen smell like comfort.

We all want easy meals that taste like we fussed over them. This dish checks that box. It feels like one of those Instant Pot Recipes Easy that makes you glad you invested in the pot. The effort is small, the return is huge, and the leftovers are just as tasty.

I like this dish because it leans into instant pot recipes healthy without tasting plain. With bright citrus and simple seasonings, it feels balanced and full. That’s why I keep coming back to it, and why I think you’ll make it part of your own rotation too.

3) Ingredients for Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken

Chicken Thighs: I go with about two pounds, either bone-in for extra flavor or boneless if I want it quicker. Both work fine.

Olive Oil: A couple tablespoons to sear the chicken and build flavor right from the start.

Salt and Pepper: The basics, but never skip them. They wake up the whole dish.

Paprika: Just a teaspoon gives a subtle smoky note and a lovely color on the chicken.

Garlic: Four cloves, minced. This is where the aroma takes over your kitchen in the best way.

Chicken Broth: One cup. It creates the base of the sauce and keeps the meat moist.

Lemon Juice: A quarter cup of fresh juice brightens everything. I always zest the lemon too for more punch.

Lemon Zest: A tablespoon of zest makes the flavor sharper without adding more acidity.

Butter: Two tablespoons melted in at the end makes the sauce rich and silky.

Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle on top for color and a little freshness before serving.

4) How to Make Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken

Step 1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. This step sets the base for everything else.

Step 2. Switch on sauté mode in the Instant Pot. Heat the oil and sear each piece of chicken until it looks golden. Take them out and set aside.

Step 3. Add the garlic to the pot. Stir it just until it smells fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.

Step 4. Pour in the broth and lemon juice. Use your spoon to scrape the bottom clean so nothing sticks.

Step 5. Put the chicken back into the pot. Seal the lid, set it to high pressure, and cook for about seven minutes.

Step 6. Let the pot release naturally for five minutes, then use quick release for the rest. Open carefully.

Step 7. Remove the chicken, stir in butter and zest into the liquid, and let the sauce thicken slightly.

Step 8. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and top with parsley before serving.

5) Tips for Making Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken

I learned the hard way that searing matters. Skip it, and you lose half the flavor. Take those extra minutes and brown the chicken first. You’ll taste the payoff in the sauce.

Another thing I’ve noticed is how much difference fresh lemon makes. Bottled juice works in a pinch, but the zest and fresh squeeze turn it into something brighter. It’s worth it.

If you want a little more richness, stir in an extra knob of butter right at the end. The sauce goes glossy and coats the chicken beautifully. Don’t be shy with the parsley either. It balances the whole plate.

6) Making Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken Ahead of Time

I like to prep the chicken in the morning, season it, and leave it covered in the fridge. When dinner rolls around, I just drop it into the pot and press start. The rest takes care of itself.

If you’re cooking ahead for the week, this recipe holds up well. Cook as normal, then let it cool before storing. The flavors get deeper overnight. Warm it gently the next day and it tastes even better.

You can even freeze portions. Pack them in containers with a little of the sauce. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the microwave or back in the Instant Pot on sauté mode.

7) Storing Leftover Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken

Leftovers never go to waste here. Store them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for three to four days. The sauce helps keep the chicken juicy.

When you reheat, I like to spoon a bit of extra broth or water into the container. It loosens the sauce back up and keeps things from drying out.

If you’re freezing, the chicken stays good for about two months. Just don’t forget to label the container. Future you will thank you for that small kindness.

8) Try these chicken recipes next!

9) Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken