Imagine tender, juicy chicken thighs basking in a luscious, lemony butter sauce, all achieved in under 30 minutes with hardly any cleanup—that’s what you get with these Instant Pot Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs. This recipe effortlessly transforms everyday ingredients into an irresistible main course, perfect whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself to something special. The easiest weeknight dinner just got a delicious upgrade!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Instant Pot Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs is that every ingredient plays a crucial role in building flavor and texture. From aromatic garlic and fresh lemon to flavorful chicken thighs with crispy skin, these staples come together for a dish that’s both elegant and simple to make.
- Chicken thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs deliver the perfect balance of juicy meat and rich flavor, plus that golden, irresistible skin.
- Olive oil: Adds depth and helps to sear the chicken for a deliciously crisp exterior.
- Unsalted butter: Provides luxurious richness and melds beautifully with the lemon.
- Garlic: Four minced cloves bring aromatic warmth—don’t skimp!
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the natural flavors in the chicken and sauce.
- Black pepper: Delivers a subtle kick and balances the brightness from the lemon.
- Paprika: Adds a gentle smokiness and lovely color to your finished dish.
- Dried thyme: Gives herby undertones that marry beautifully with lemon and butter.
- Chicken broth: Forms the base of your sauce and enhances the savory notes.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed for zing and brightness—there’s truly no substitute.
- Lemon zest: Intensifies the citrus hit, making the sauce downright addictive.
- Cornstarch (optional): Mix with water for a quick and easy way to thicken the sauce if you prefer.
- Water (optional): Blends with cornstarch to create that silky, glossy finish.
- Fresh parsley: A vibrant green sprinkle to finish things off with even more freshness.
How to Make Instant Pot Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This little step is key for crispy skin! Then, generously season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Every single sprinkle infuses your chicken with flavor that’s going to shine through in the final dish.
Step 2: Sear for Maximum Flavor
Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and heat up the olive oil and butter until the butter is melted and foamy. In batches, place the chicken thighs skin-side down and let them sizzle away for 3-4 minutes per side. A golden crust here not only boosts flavor but gives your sauce those yummy, savory bits you’ll later scrape up.
Step 3: Build Aromatics and Deglaze
Remove the chicken to a plate, then toss your minced garlic into the pot. Sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s just fragrant—careful not to brown it! Now pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest, making sure to scrape up all those tasty browned bits from the bottom. This is your flavor goldmine!
Step 4: Pressure Cook to Tender Perfection
Return the chicken thighs to the Instant Pot, skin-side up. Secure the lid and set to Pressure Cook on High for 10 minutes. When the timer goes off, let the pressure naturally release for 5 minutes before doing a quick release. This method keeps the thighs juicy and allows the flavors to fully infuse each bite.
Step 5: Optional—Thicken the Sauce
If you love a sauce you can drizzle or spoon over rice, now’s the time for a quick thickening step. Mix together the cornstarch and water, then stir it into the pot. Hit Sauté and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens up—watch as it turns gloriously glossy and rich!
Step 6: Finish and Serve
All that’s left is a generous shower of chopped fresh parsley over your Instant Pot Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs. The vibrant contrast and pop of freshness make every plate look and taste restaurant-worthy. Get ready to dig in!
How to Serve Instant Pot Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs
Garnishes
A final flourish of freshly chopped parsley isn’t just for looks—it adds a cooling, herbaceous note that lifts the citrusy sauce. For even more color and zest, try a spritz of extra lemon juice, a few curls of lemon zest, or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper right before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair these succulent chicken thighs with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or even roasted vegetables to capture every drop of that silky lemon butter sauce. Sautéed green beans or a simple mixed green salad are perfect, too, letting the bold flavor of the main dish shine.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Instant Pot Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs family-style in a big platter, sauce cascading over every piece for that wow factor. Or plate up individual servings on a bed of rice with extra sauce and parsley, transforming weeknight dinner into something that feels special enough for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Instant Pot Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs keep beautifully! Simply allow the chicken to cool, then store in an airtight container with the sauce in the fridge for up to 3 days. This also gives the flavors more time to meld and get even richer.
Freezing
If you want to save some for another craving, the thighs and sauce can be frozen together for up to 2 months. Place cooled chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for maximum freshness. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy again.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your chicken and sauce gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until piping hot. Add a splash of chicken broth or water as needed to loosen up the sauce and keep things juicy—just like freshly cooked!
FAQs
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just reduce the pressure cooking time to 8 minutes. While you’ll miss out on that crispy skin, the dish will still turn out flavorful, tender, and perfect for soaking up the sauce.
How can I make the chicken skin extra crispy?
After the chicken is finished in the Instant Pot, place the thighs under a hot broiler for 3-5 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid burning, and you’ll have golden, crisp skin every time.
What should I do if my sauce is too thin?
No worries! Just follow the cornstarch step: mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with one tablespoon of water and stir it into the sauce, then simmer on Sauté mode until thickened to your liking.
Is it okay to double the recipe in my Instant Pot?
Yes, you can double the recipe as long as you don’t exceed your pot’s maximum fill line. You may need to brown the chicken in batches, but the pressure cooking time stays the same.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Chicken breasts can be used, but keep in mind they may be slightly less juicy than thighs. Cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes; check that the thickest part reaches 165°F for safety and best texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and impressive about Instant Pot Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs—it’s the weeknight meal you’ll wish you’d discovered sooner. Gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready for a dinner that’s as easy as it is unforgettable. Give it a try and share the magic with those you love!
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Instant Pot Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy tender and flavorful Instant Pot Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs with a zesty touch of citrus. These pressure-cooked chicken thighs are seared to perfection and coated in a luscious lemon butter sauce.
Ingredients
Chicken Thighs:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Sauce:
- 1 cup chicken broth
- juice of 1 lemon
- zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
Garnish:
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
- Sear the Chicken: Sauté chicken in olive oil and butter until browned.
- Create the Sauce: Deglaze with broth, lemon juice, and zest.
- Pressure Cook: Cook chicken under pressure for 10 minutes.
- Thicken the Sauce: Optional step to thicken with cornstarch mixture.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and enjoy!
Notes
- For crispier skin, broil thighs post-cooking.
- Boneless thighs can be used with adjusted cook time.
- Pairs well with rice, potatoes, or veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
