Get ready to fall in love with Instant Pot Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs! This dish brings together juicy, tender chicken coated in a buttery, garlicky lemon sauce that’s out of this world. It’s the kind of meal that feels both special and effortless, made right in your Instant Pot. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, these chicken thighs deliver big, bright flavors with almost no fuss—and you’ll want to spoon that tangy, buttery sauce over everything.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I adore most about Instant Pot Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs is how simple yet perfectly balanced the ingredient list is. Every element matters—each one adds a pop of flavor, color, or that crave-worthy texture you just can’t resist.
- Chicken Thighs (6 bone-in, skin-on): Keep the skin on for juicy meat and a gorgeously golden, crisp exterior after broiling.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Brings out the flavors of every ingredient and seasons the chicken beautifully.
- Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick without overpowering the delicate notes of lemon and butter.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Introduces gentle warmth and a splash of color to the finished dish.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Helps sear the chicken, locking in flavor and creating that irresistible crispy skin.
- Unsalted Butter (3 tablespoons): Melted butter makes the sauce silky, luxurious, and oh-so-decadent.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Garlic infuses the sauce with savory, aromatic richness that elevates everything.
- Chicken Broth (1 cup): This forms the savory base of the sauce and keeps the chicken moist as it cooks.
- Lemon Juice (juice of 1 lemon): Provides brightness and a tangy punch, perfectly balancing the butteriness.
- Lemon Zest (zest of 1 lemon): Lifts the flavor with a burst of citrus aroma, making each bite sing.
- Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of herbs brings a whiff of the Mediterranean to your kitchen.
- Fresh Parsley (1 tablespoon, optional): Chopped parsley gives a fresh finish and a flash of color when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Instant Pot Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by generously seasoning your chicken thighs with salt, black pepper, and paprika on both sides. This step ensures every bite is brimming with flavor, and the paprika gives the chicken not only a hint of subtle heat but a beautiful golden hue once it’s cooked. Patting in those spices goes a long way for a flavorful end result!
Step 2: Sear the Chicken Thighs
Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and let it get hot—a little patience here makes a world of difference. Drizzle in your olive oil, then place the chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear them for 3 to 4 minutes untouched, then flip and let them cook for 2 to 3 minutes on the other side. This step seals in juices and kicks off a foundation of flavor with those caramelized bits at the bottom of the pot. Set the seared chicken aside for now.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
Lower the heat if needed and drop in the unsalted butter. As it melts, toss in the minced garlic and stir constantly for about a minute, just until fragrant. Now, pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, and Italian seasoning, making sure to scrape those magical browned bits off the bottom—that’s pure taste gold. This is where the signature flavor of Instant Pot Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs really comes together.
Step 4: Return the Chicken and Pressure Cook
Nestle the chicken thighs back into the pot, skin-side up so they bask in that savory lemon-butter bath. Secure your Instant Pot lid, turn the valve to Sealing, and set it to High Pressure for 10 minutes. While it cooks, your kitchen will fill with the most mouthwatering aroma. When the timer’s up, allow a natural release for 5 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure for perfectly moist chicken.
Step 5: Broil for Crispy Skin (Optional)
If you love a crispy chicken skin, transfer the cooked thighs to a baking sheet and pop them under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes. Watch closely until the skin bubbles and crisps to a beautiful, golden finish—this little extra step takes your Instant Pot Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs over the top!
Step 6: Finish and Garnish
Spoon that luscious lemon-butter sauce over the chicken and shower with fresh chopped parsley for a flourish of green and freshness. Now your Instant Pot Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs are ready to wow everyone at the table!
How to Serve Instant Pot Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a finishing touch! Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for color and herbal freshness, and if you’re feeling fancy, add a few extra lemon slices or a little more zest for a pop of color and citrusy aroma. These little garnishes make your Instant Pot Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs look as vibrant as they taste.
Side Dishes
The rich, bright sauce begs to be soaked up, so serve your chicken with fluffy white rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or a pile of couscous. For a lighter touch, steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a simple salad all make perfect companions for Instant Pot Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs, letting that gorgeous sauce stand front and center.
Creative Ways to Present
For date nights or special dinners, arrange the chicken on a platter, drizzle extra sauce, and garnish with lemon wheels and whole parsley leaves. If you’re meal-prepping or packing up leftovers, slice the chicken meat and layer it over rice or greens in a bowl. Instant Pot Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs also make killer sliders on toasted buns with a smear of the sauce—don’t be afraid to get creative!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftover chicken and sauce into an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors continue to meld as it sits, making the leftovers even more delicious the next day. Just be sure to consume within 3 to 4 days for the best taste and freshness.
Freezing
To freeze, let the chicken and sauce cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Instant Pot Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs freeze beautifully for up to 2 months—simply thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready for a quick and flavorful meal.
Reheating
For best results, gently reheat the chicken in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen up the sauce if needed. You can also microwave individual portions, just cover to prevent splatters and help the chicken stay moist. Either way, that lemon-butter goodness comes right back to life!
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs or chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs or breasts work well in this recipe. You’ll want to reduce the pressure cook time to about 7 minutes, as noted, to keep the chicken perfectly tender and juicy.
How do I make the sauce creamier?
If you want a richer, creamier sauce, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream after pressure cooking and let it simmer for a couple of minutes on Sauté mode. It transforms the sauce into a silky dream!
Can I double the recipe in my Instant Pot?
Yes, you can double all the ingredients as long as your Instant Pot isn’t filled above the max line. The pressure cook time stays the same, so it’s perfect for meal prep or feeding a hungry crowd.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, Instant Pot Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs are naturally gluten-free since no flour or gluten-containing ingredients are used. Still, check your chicken broth to ensure it’s gluten-free if needed.
What’s the best way to crisp the chicken skin?
The best method is finishing the chicken thighs under a broiler for a few minutes after pressure cooking. This gives you that irresistibly crispy, golden skin without overcooking the meat.
Final Thoughts
Instant Pot Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs are the kind of meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds and the recipe. With just a handful of ingredients and less than 30 minutes, you get a dish packed with vibrant, cozy flavors and a sauce you’ll dream about. Give it a try and make your weeknight dinners feel absolutely extraordinary!
