Instant Pot Lemon Chicken
There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, hearty meal like Instant Pot Lemon Chicken. I remember the first time I made this dish; I was exhausted after a long day but still wanted something that felt special. With the tangy zest of fresh lemon and the vibrant colors of asparagus and artichokes, this recipe quickly turned my tired evening into a culinary delight. The beauty of cooking with an Instant Pot is that you can create flavors typically requiring hours of slow cooking, all in a fraction of the time. The chicken emerges tender and juicy, while the vegetables maintain a delightful crunch, making each bite a burst of flavor and nourishment. This dish is perfect for cozy weeknights or when you have friends over and want to impress them without spending all day in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this Instant Pot Lemon Chicken, you’ll want to add it to your regular rotation!
Recipe Snapshot
14 mins
5 mins
9 mins
Easy
340 kcal
36 g
Keto, Paleo, Whole30
15 g
Instant Pot, Chef’s Knife, Whisk, Mixing Bowl
Why Try This Instant Pot Lemon Chicken
Quick and Easy Cooking
One of the standout features of this Instant Pot Lemon Chicken is the speed at which you can prepare it. The pressure cooking mechanism allows the flavors to meld beautifully while also ensuring the chicken remains moist and tender. In under 30 minutes, you can serve a delicious, restaurant-quality meal that everyone will love. This is particularly helpful during busy weeks when time is limited but you still want to enjoy a satisfying dinner.
Fresh Ingredients
The combination of chicken, lemon, asparagus, and artichokes not only makes this dish visually appealing but also packs it with nutrients. The vibrant greens of the asparagus provide a fresh crunch, while the artichokes add a delightful earthiness. Plus, the citrus from the lemon juice and zest gives a brightness that lifts the entire dish. It’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures that satisfies the palate.
Versatile Meal
This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily tweak it by swapping out the vegetables based on what you have in your fridge or adding your favorite herbs to enhance the flavors even further. Whether you want to serve it over a bed of rice or alongside a light salad, the Instant Pot Lemon Chicken can adapt to fit your personal tastes.
Healthy and Nutritious
Maintaining a healthy diet can sometimes feel daunting, but this meal makes it easy. With lean protein from the chicken and plenty of fiber from the asparagus and artichokes, you’re not just enjoying a delicious meal but also nourishing your body. It’s a guilt-free choice that doesn’t sacrifice flavor, making it a hit even among those who may be more health-conscious.
Impressive Presentation
Let’s face it; we eat with our eyes first. The Instant Pot Lemon Chicken is not only tasty but also visually stunning. The bright yellow of the lemon zest contrasts beautifully with the green vegetables and the golden-brown chicken. Your guests will be impressed before they even take a bite!
Perfect for Meal Prep
If you love meal prepping, this dish is an excellent option. It stores well in the fridge and can be easily reheated, making it a convenient choice for those busy days ahead. You can prepare a larger batch and enjoy it throughout the week, saving time on cooking and allowing you to have healthy meals ready to go.
Main Ingredients for Instant Pot Lemon Chicken
Understanding the ingredients in our Instant Pot Lemon Chicken is essential to appreciating how they work together to create a delightful dish. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building flavor and texture. The key players, such as fresh chicken, vibrant asparagus, and tangy lemon, combine to deliver a meal that’s as wholesome as it is delicious.
- 1-½ lbs SVO Farmer Focus chicken breasts or chicken thigh: The star of the dish, providing lean protein that stays juicy and flavorful during cooking.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A fragrant herb that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon pepper: Adds a hint of heat and depth to the seasoning.
- Pinch red pepper flakes: A touch of spice that complements the tangy lemon.
- 4 cloves garlic minced: Adds aromatic flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
- 1/2 cup chicken stock: Provides moisture and depth to the dish, enriching the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 lemon): Brings a zesty brightness that elevates the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest: Adds a concentrated lemon flavor that’s fragrant and fresh.
- 2 bunches asparagus: Offers a crisp texture and vibrant color, rounding out the meal.
- 1 15-ounce can artichoke quarters: Adds a unique earthy flavor and interesting texture.
- 1 teaspoon arrowroot: Used for thickening the sauce if desired.
- Lemon wedges to serve: Perfect for an extra burst of fresh lemon flavor when serving.
The Method for Instant Pot Lemon Chicken
Cooking the Instant Pot Lemon Chicken is not only quick but also straightforward. You’ll love how easy it is to bring everything together in a few simple steps. Let’s dive into the method!
- Start by placing the chicken breasts, oregano, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, garlic, chicken stock, lemon juice, and lemon zest into your Instant Pot. Make sure to mix it well so that everything is combined nicely. It’s essential to ensure that the chicken pieces are not stacked to allow for even cooking.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set it to cook on manual high pressure for 8 minutes. Once the timer goes off, use the quick release function to let out the steam. Be careful during this step! You’ll want to remove the chicken once it’s done cooking. Cover it lightly to keep warm while you prepare the vegetables.
- Now, take about 2 tablespoons from the artichoke brine and add that back into the pot. Drain the remaining liquid from the can and add the artichokes and asparagus to the pot.
- Set the Instant Pot to cook on manual low pressure for zero minutes. This might seem strange, but while the pot comes to pressure, the asparagus will cook perfectly. Once it’s done, use the quick release function again.
- Carefully slice the cooked chicken and plate it along with the artichokes and asparagus. You can serve it like this, but if you want to warm the chicken back up, you can place it back in the pot with the liquid for just a moment.
- If you opt to thicken the sauce, press the sauté button on your Instant Pot. In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of arrowroot with a bit of the lemon liquid from the pot to create a slurry.
- Return the slurry to the pot and allow it to cook until it reaches your desired thickness. This will make for a richer sauce that coats the chicken and vegetables beautifully.
- Once thickened, drizzle the sauce over the plated chicken, asparagus, and artichokes. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges for an extra zesty touch.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious and nutritious meal!
Things Worth Knowing
- Pressure Cooking: It’s important to remember that the cooking time doesn’t include the time it takes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure. This can add a few extra minutes to your overall cook time.
- Ingredient Quality: Using fresh and high-quality ingredients will significantly enhance the flavors in the dish. Whenever possible, opt for organic or locally sourced produce.
- Adjusting Flavor: If you prefer a more pronounced lemon flavor, feel free to add more lemon juice or zest to your liking.
- Vegetable Variations: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different vegetables. Broccoli, green beans, or even bell peppers would work well in this recipe!
How to Switch It Up
There’s always room to get creative in the kitchen! Here are some tips on how to switch up your Instant Pot Lemon Chicken experience.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to a month. Just make sure to store it in freezer-safe containers, and it’ll be there when you need a quick meal!
- Pairing: Consider serving this dish over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside creamy mashed potatoes for a heartier meal.
- Herb Variations: Try different herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, for a unique flavor twist.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in other vegetables you love! Zucchini or peas would be fantastic additions.
Serve This Instant Pot Lemon Chicken With
- Steamed Rice: A bowl of fluffy rice perfectly complements the flavors and makes for a satisfying meal.
- Quinoa Salad: A bright quinoa salad with fresh herbs and cherry tomatoes would add a refreshing contrast.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Roasted Potatoes: Creamy roasted potatoes are a great side that pairs well with the tangy chicken.
- Crispy Salad: A simple salad of mixed greens with a lemon vinaigrette works beautifully for a light touch.
- Occasions: This dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even meal prep for the week!
FAQ
Conclusion
The Instant Pot Lemon Chicken is truly a delightful dish that brings together bright flavors and nutritious ingredients in a quick and easy way. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the wonderful taste and convenience for yourself. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, impressing guests, or even meal prepping for the week ahead. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Instant Pot Lemon Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place chicken breasts, oregano, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, garlic, chicken stock, lemon juice and zest in a 6 or 8 quart Instant Pot. Mix together to combine and make sure that the chicken is not stacked on top of each other.
- Cook on manual high pressure for 8 minutes and once done use the quick release function. Remove chicken, cover to keep warm and set aside.
- Take 2 tablespoons of brine from the artichokes and place it in the pot. Drain the remainder of the brine and add artichokes and asparagus to the pot.
- Cook on manual LOW pressure for 0 minutes. Use the quick release function when done.
- Slice the chicken and divide on four plates along with artichokes and asparagus.
- If desired you can thicken up the sauce at this point: Press the saute function. Add 1 teaspoon of arrowroot to a small bowl and scoop out some of the lemon liquid and whisk it with the arrowroot to create a slurry. Return it to the pot and let cook until it has thickened to your desired consistency. Drizzle over the chicken, asparagus and artichokes and serve with wedges of lemon.
Notes
- The timing for this asparagus: is based off of fairly average supermarket asparagus. If your asparagus is very thin, you might be better off cooking the asparagus on the saute mode in the lemon broth instead. Simply saute until al dente.
- Yes this is supposed to say ZERO minutes: The Instant Pot is cooking the food while it’s coming up to pressure and this is just the correct amount needed to cook the asparagus.
- You do not need to thicken this sauce up: this step can be skipped and the sauce served as is.
- If you are looking for a more carb-heavy dinner: serve over pasta or with rice.
- If your chicken has cooled too quickly: in between steps, place the chicken back in the pot in the liquid when thickening up the sauce to warm up briefly.
