Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that bursts with flavor and is incredibly easy to prepare? Look no further than this Lemon Garlic Chicken made in your Instant Pot! In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a succulent meal that combines the zesty brightness of lemon with the aromatic allure of garlic, creating a mouthwatering experience that will have your family begging for seconds. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests, this recipe is a must-try for any home chef. Dive into our simple, step-by-step guide and discover how to make this Italian-inspired delight that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels to ensure even seasoning and better browning.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and olive oil to create a marinade.
- Coat each chicken breast thoroughly with the prepared marinade, ensuring all sides are well-covered.
- Turn on the Instant Pot and select the "Sauté" function to heat the pot.
- Add a small amount of additional olive oil to the pot and briefly sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side to develop a golden-brown color.
- Cancel the sauté function and pour any remaining marinade over the chicken breasts.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to "Sealing", and select the "Poultry" or "Manual" setting.
- Cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
- Once cooking is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully do a quick release.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it has reached 165°F (74°C).
- Remove chicken from the Instant Pot, let rest for 3-5 minutes, then slice and serve with the remaining cooking juices.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in the lemon garlic mixture for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, making it even more delicious.
- Searing is Key: Don’t skip the searing step! Searing the chicken before pressure cooking adds a beautiful golden-brown crust and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Adjust Cooking Time: If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, consider increasing the cooking time by a couple of minutes to ensure they are cooked through. Always check the internal temperature to guarantee safety.
- Flavor Boost: Feel free to add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the marinade for an extra layer of flavor. You can also toss in some sliced vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini during cooking for a complete meal.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your Lemon Garlic Chicken over a bed of rice or alongside roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. Drizzle some of the cooking juices over the top for added moisture and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 110mg
