Imagine a dinner so incredibly delicious and effortless that it transforms your weeknight cooking from mundane to magnificent! This Instant Pot Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken is about to become your new obsession - a perfect blend of zesty, creamy, and tender that comes together in just 30 minutes. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking to impress, or simply craving a restaurant-quality meal without the hassle, this recipe is your ultimate culinary shortcut to flavor paradise.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Set the Instant Pot to "Sauté" mode and add a small amount of olive oil to the bottom of the pot. Once hot, sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown color. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same Instant Pot, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Pour in chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Return the chicken breasts to the Instant Pot, ensuring they are partially submerged in the liquid.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 8-10 minutes depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
- Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure.
- Remove the chicken breasts and set them on a serving platter.
- Switch the Instant Pot back to "Sauté" mode and stir in heavy cream and fresh lemon juice. Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Pour the creamy lemon garlic sauce over the chicken breasts and garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve hot with your choice of side dishes like rice, roasted vegetables, or pasta.
Tips
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear.
- Use fresh garlic for the most vibrant flavor - pre-minced garlic from a jar won't provide the same depth.
- Don't skip the searing step! This builds incredible flavor foundations for your dish.
- Be precise with cooking time - 8-10 minutes ensures juicy chicken without overcooking.
- For an extra luxurious sauce, use full-fat heavy cream and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- If the sauce is too thin after simmering, let it reduce for an additional minute.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
- For meal prep, this chicken stores beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 120mg
