If you are craving a dish that balances zesty brightness with rich comfort, you are going to adore this Instant Pot Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe. This concoction brings together tender, juicy chicken thighs infused with a vibrant lemon butter sauce, all beautifully finished with just the right kick of spices. It’s simple enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough for guests, making it one of those favorite recipes you’ll return to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white oval plate holds seven pieces of raw chicken with pale pink skin and slight yellowish fat, placed in the upper left area on a white marbled surface. To the right at the top is a clear glass bottle filled with golden olive oil beside a bunch of bright green parsley leaves. Below the parsley, a halved onion with pale cream and yellow layers faces up. Two whole garlic bulbs with white papery skin sit nearby. A halved yellow lemon is placed cut side up next to two small white bowls with wooden scoops—one contains salt, the other black pepper. Surrounding these ingredients are five small white dishes: one holds a rectangular slice of pale yellow butter, one has shredded pale beige garlic powder, one contains dark green dried herbs, one red paprika powder, and another shows orange-red chili flakes. At bottom right is a clear glass bowl with a light yellow broth. All items are neatly arranged, and the overall scene is bright and clean. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Instant Pot Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe lies in its straightforward yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each element plays a distinct role, whether it’s the seasoning that adds warmth, the butter that gives silky richness, or the fresh lemon juice and zest that brighten every bite.

6 bone-in chicken thighs with skin: The skin crisps up beautifully and keeps the meat flavorful and moist.
4 garlic cloves (minced): Adds deep, aromatic flavor that complements the lemon perfectly.
1/2 teaspoon paprika: Offers a subtle smoky undertone and vibrant color to the chicken.
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes: Just enough heat to awaken your taste buds without overpowering.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the garlicky notes with a layer of mellow depth.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the chicken to a gorgeous golden crust.
5 tablespoons butter: Adds silky richness and a luscious mouthfeel to the sauce.
1/2 cup chopped onion (1/2 small onion): Offers a sweet foundation that pairs beautifully with the lemon.
3 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh squeezed): Delivers fresh acidity that brightens the dish.
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant herb blend that complements chicken wonderfully.
1 tablespoon lemon zest: Intensifies lemon flavor with aromatic oils from the peel.
1 cup chicken broth: Creates a savory backdrop for the sauce and keeps the chicken moist.
1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
1 tablespoon water: Used to make a smooth slurry for thickening the sauce.
Fresh chopped parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, green pop when serving.
Lemon slices (optional): For an elegant and tasty garnish.

How to Make Instant Pot Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the seasoning blend and chicken

Start by mixing paprika, chili flakes, salt, and garlic powder in a small bowl. This simple spice blend is what brings that irresistible warmth and a hint of savory depth. Rub this seasoning all over the skin of your chicken thighs—this step ensures every bite bursts with flavor.

Step 2: Brown the chicken

Switch your Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the olive oil. Place the chicken thighs skin side down, cooking them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they reach a beautiful golden brown. This browning step not only seals in the juices but adds a lovely texture and a layer of flavor. Then, remove the chicken and set it aside.

Step 3: Build the lemon butter sauce

Into the same pot, melt the butter and add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté for just about a minute, allowing the aromatics to bloom. Pour in fresh lemon juice and scrape the bottom of the pot to release all those delicious browned bits. These caramelized nuggets are pure flavor gold! Stir in Italian seasoning, lemon zest, and chicken broth to round out the sauce’s bright yet savory profile.

Step 4: Pressure cook the chicken

Return the chicken thighs to the Instant Pot, nestling them into the luscious sauce. Lock the lid in place and seal the valve. Set your Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 7 minutes. Once it’s done, let the pressure naturally release for 5 minutes before quick-releasing any remaining steam. This timing preserves the chicken’s tenderness and infuses the flavors deeply.

Step 5: Thicken the sauce and finish

Carefully remove the chicken and place it on a clean plate. Whisk together cornstarch and water to make a slurry, then stir it into the sauce in your pot. Switch back to sauté mode and heat while whisking until the sauce thickens, which should take about 5 minutes. Return the chicken to the pot, coating it with that dreamy lemon butter sauce before serving.

How to Serve Instant Pot Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe

The image shows six golden-brown cooked chicken thighs placed closely together in a large silver pot. Each thigh has a crispy skin layer that is lightly seasoned with black pepper flakes and herbs, giving a slightly textured look. The bottom of the pot contains a light brown liquid, likely juices and seasoning from cooking. Around the pot, there are small white bowls with coarse salt and black pepper, a glass bottle of olive oil to the left, fresh green parsley on the side, and a white rectangular bowl filled with bright yellow lemons on a white marbled surface. A white towel with a black grid pattern is partially under the pot. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds an inviting burst of color and freshness that balances the rich sauce perfectly. Laying a few thin lemon slices atop the chicken makes the presentation pop visually while hinting at the zesty notes waiting inside.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with light and simple sides. Try fluffy mashed potatoes or creamy polenta to soak up every last drop of that luscious lemon butter sauce. For a lighter option, steamed green beans or roasted asparagus work wonders, adding texture and color contrast to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a more festive feel, serve your Instant Pot Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe over a bed of herbed rice pilaf or alongside garlic butter noodles. You can also plate it in individual shallow bowls with a drizzle of sauce and a sprig of parsley, making it feel warm and intimate — perfect for sharing with family or friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers from this Instant Pot Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually marry even more in the fridge, making your next meal just as delicious as the first.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze portions, cool the chicken completely and place it along with some sauce in a freezer-safe container. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring your leftovers back to life, gently reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce and keep the chicken moist. Avoid overheating to maintain tender texture and fresh lemon flavor.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in for this recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless thighs will cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on the cooking time and reduce it slightly to avoid overcooking. The sauce and flavors will remain just as delicious.

Do I have to use fresh lemon juice and zest?

Fresh lemon juice and zest are key to the bright, vibrant flavor of this recipe. Bottled lemon juice tends to be less fresh and can affect taste, so fresh is definitely recommended whenever possible.

Is it possible to make this recipe spicy?

Yes! Increase the amount of chili flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix. This will enhance the heat while still keeping the balance with lemon and butter.

Can I prepare this meal without an Instant Pot?

While the Instant Pot makes this recipe quick and easy, you can replicate it on the stovetop by searing the chicken in a pan, simmering the sauce, and then finishing it covered on low heat until the chicken is cooked through.

What can I substitute for cornstarch in the sauce?

If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder or flour as a thickener. Just mix it with a little water before adding to the sauce to avoid lumps and whisk continuously while cooking.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely hope you get to try this Instant Pot Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe very soon. It’s one of those dishes that feels both special and easy, with bold, fresh flavors that delight every time. Once you make it, I promise it might just become a new staple in your kitchen — a comforting, impressive meal that’s ready in under an hour.

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