Instant Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken
The Instant Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken has quickly become one of my go-to meals for busy weeknights. I remember the first time I whipped it up; the enticing aroma of lemon and garlic filled my kitchen, drawing my family in from the living room. As I served it over fluffy rice, I could already tell it was going to be a hit. The combination of tender chicken and a creamy lemon sauce is not just delicious but also incredibly comforting. Every bite is a little burst of citrus that brightens up your day. I love how easy it is to prepare, which means I can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying dinner with my loved ones.
Recipe Snapshot
27 mins
10 mins
17 mins
Medium
450 kcal
28 g
Keto, Gluten-Free
35 g
Instant Pot, Mixing Bowl, Wooden Spoon, Saucepan, Chef’s Knife
Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken
Quick and Easy Preparation
One of the best things about the Instant Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken is how quickly it comes together. With just a few minutes of prep, you can have a meal that tastes like it took hours to make. The pressure cooking method locks in all the flavors and tenderizes the chicken beautifully.
Rich, Creamy Sauce
The sauce is where this dish truly shines. A blend of heavy cream, lemon juice, and aromatic spices creates a velvety texture that coats the chicken perfectly. It’s so delicious that you’ll want to drizzle it over everything on your plate!
Versatile Ingredients
This recipe uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. The combination of chicken, garlic, and lemon is a classic that never disappoints. You can even adjust the spices to make it your own. If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a delightful kick!
Comfort Food at Its Best
There’s something truly comforting about a creamy chicken dish. It warms you up from the inside out, making it perfect for any season. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a busy weeknight, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Perfect for Family Meals
When I make Instant Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken, my family gathers around the table, and we share stories about our day. It’s a meal that brings everyone together, making it perfect for family dinners or even special occasions.
Leftovers that Taste Amazing
One of my favorite things about this dish is that the leftovers are just as tasty, if not better, the next day! The flavors meld together beautifully overnight, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or quick lunches throughout the week.
Instant Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken Shopping List

Gathering the right ingredients for the Instant Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken is straightforward. Each component plays a vital role in creating the rich, flavorful dish you’ll love. The chicken serves as the heart of the meal, while the creamy sauce, enhanced by lemon, adds a refreshing twist that ties everything together. You’ll find that every ingredient complements the others beautifully, creating a harmony of flavor that’s hard to resist.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the show, these tender cuts of chicken soak up all the delicious flavors.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the flavor of the chicken and the overall dish.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness and depth to the flavor of the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps to cook the chicken perfectly while adding healthy fats.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Provides the aromatic base that makes this dish so flavorful.
- 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow or sweet onion: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the dish。
- 1 cup chicken broth: The liquid base for the sauce, adding moisture and flavor.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Gives the dish its signature zesty flavor.
- Zest from 1 lemon: Intensifies the lemon flavor and adds a fragrant aroma.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that complements the chicken beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Optional, but adds a nice kick to the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce rich and creamy.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- 1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese: Adds a delicious cheesy flavor that rounds out the dish.
Instant Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken Instructions

Cooking Instant Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken is a breeze, especially with the Instant Pot. I love how quickly it cooks, allowing me to enjoy a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delectable dish that’s sure to impress.
- Begin by cutting each chicken breast apart horizontally into two thinner pieces. This helps them cook more evenly and quickly. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Next, turn your Instant Pot on to “Saute” mode. Allow it to heat up for a minute, then add butter and olive oil. Once the butter has melted, toss in the minced garlic and finely chopped onion. Sauté them together for about two minutes until they become fragrant and the onions are translucent.
- Now, it’s time to add the chicken breasts to the pot. Arrange them in a single layer, then pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and an additional pinch of salt. Stir everything together to combine the flavors.
- Place the lid on the Instant Pot, ensuring the valve is set to the sealing position. Select the “Pressure Cook” option and set the timer for eight minutes on high pressure. This will cook the chicken quickly and thoroughly.
- After the cooking time is complete, perform a quick release by carefully turning the valve to let the steam escape. Once the pin drops, you can safely remove the lid. The chicken should be perfectly cooked and tender.
- Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and set them aside on a plate. They will rest while you finish the sauce.
- Turn the Instant Pot back to “Saute” mode and let the remaining liquid simmer for about five minutes. This step helps reduce the sauce and intensifies the flavors. You’ll notice the delicious aroma filling the kitchen!
- Once the sauce has thickened slightly, add the heavy cream. Stir it in until well combined. For an extra touch of creaminess, mix the cornstarch with one and a half teaspoons of water to create a slurry, then add it to the sauce. Simmer for two more minutes until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
- Finally, turn off the Instant Pot and stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. This will give your dish an irresistible cheesy flavor.
- To serve, place the chicken breasts on a plate and generously spoon the luscious sauce over the top. Enjoy your meal!
Things Worth Knowing
- Using fresh lemon juice and zest will produce a brighter flavor than bottled alternatives.
- Make sure the chicken is in a single layer for even cooking in the Instant Pot.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
- For a lower-calorie version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Tips and Tricks about Instant Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken

When making the Instant Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken, there are a few tips that can elevate your cooking experience. Here are some suggestions to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.
- Storage: Leftover Instant Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- Freezing: Yes, you can freeze this dish! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with rice or pasta. For a lighter option, serve it with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
- Serving Suggestion: To elevate your dinner, garnish the finished dish with freshly chopped parsley or additional lemon zest before serving.
- Cooking Tip: Always ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving.
- Flavor Boost: For added depth, consider marinating the chicken in the lemon juice and Italian seasoning for a few hours before cooking.
How to Enjoy Instant Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken
Serving the Instant Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken is just as delightful as making it. Here’s how to make the most of this comforting dish:
- Serve it over rice: A bed of fluffy rice absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully, making for a satisfying meal.
- Pasta pairing: For a heartier option, toss the chicken and sauce with your favorite pasta for a delicious twist.
- Enjoy for dinner: This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering with friends.
- Lunch leftovers: The leftovers taste amazing! Pack it for lunch as it reheats nicely and can be enjoyed over a fresh salad.
- Accompany with sides: A crisp side salad or roasted vegetables complements the richness of the dish.
- Seasonal touch: Try serving it with seasonal vegetables to enhance the freshness of the meal.
FAQ
Conclusion
The Instant Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken is a delightful dish that embodies comfort and convenience. The rich, creamy sauce combined with tender chicken makes it a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. I encourage you to try this recipe tonight; your taste buds will thank you!

Instant Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken
Equipment
- Instant Pot
- Mixing Bowl
- Wooden Spoon
- Saucepan
- Chef's Knife
Ingredients
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- to taste salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow or sweet onion
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 zest from 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cut each chicken breast apart horizontally into 2 thinner pieces. Season with salt and pepper.
- Turn Instant Pot on "Saute" mode. When hot, add butter and olive oil. When butter has melted, add garlic and onion and cook for 2 minutes. Turn Instant pot off.
- Add chicken, chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and salt.
- Place lid on Instant Pot. Make sure valve is in sealing position. Pressure Cook on HIGH for 8 minutes. Do a quick pressure release. When the pin drops, remove the lid.
- Remove chicken and set aside. Turn the Instant pot to "Saute" mode and simmer the liquid for 5 minutes to reduce it.
- Add cream. Mix cornstarch with 1 1/2 teaspoons water and mix into the liquid. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Turn Instant Pot off and stir in cheese until melted. To serve, spoon sauce over chicken.
Notes
- Tip 1: Leftover Instant Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- Tip 2: Yes, you can freeze this dish! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Tip 3: This dish pairs wonderfully with rice or pasta. For a lighter option, serve it with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
- Tip 4: To elevate your dinner, garnish the finished dish with freshly chopped parsley or additional lemon zest before serving.
- Tip 5: Always ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving.
- Tip 6: For added depth, consider marinating the chicken in the lemon juice and Italian seasoning for a few hours before cooking.


