Health and flavor combined: low-fat lemon chicken recipe for instant pot

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of our delectable lemon chicken recipe for instant pot. This dish combines the zesty tang of lemon with the succulent texture of chicken, resulting in a culinary masterpiece that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re a culinary novice or an experienced chef, our step-by-step guide will empower you to create this mouthwatering dish with ease.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup lemon juice (from about 3 lemons)
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken

In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

2. Sauté the Garlic and Ginger

Turn on the instant pot to the “Sauté” setting. Add a drizzle of olive oil and sauté the garlic and ginger for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.

3. Add the Chicken

Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the instant pot and cook for 3 minutes per side, or until lightly browned.

4. Add the Sauce Ingredients

Pour the lemon juice, chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, lemon zest, red pepper flakes (if using), and 1 cup of water into the instant pot. Stir to combine.

5. Pressure Cook

Secure the lid on the instant pot and set the valve to “Sealing.” Pressure cook on high for 8 minutes.

6. Natural Release

Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. Then, manually release any remaining pressure.

7. Thicken the Sauce

Open the lid and turn the instant pot to the “Sauté” setting again. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until thickened.

8. Garnish and Serve

Transfer the lemon chicken to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro. Enjoy with your favorite sides, such as rice, noodles, or vegetables.

Tips for Success

• For a crispy chicken, pat the pieces dry with paper towels before seasoning and sautéing.
• If you don’t have lemon zest, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of dried lemon peel.
• To make the sauce spicier, add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
• Serve the lemon chicken immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Variations

• Honey Garlic Lemon Chicken: Add 1/4 cup of honey to the sauce ingredients.
• Ginger Lemon Chicken: Increase the amount of ginger to 2 tablespoons.
• Spicy Lemon Chicken: Add 1 teaspoon of Sriracha sauce to the sauce ingredients.
• Lemon Chicken with Vegetables: Add your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers, to the instant pot along with the chicken.

Serving Suggestions

• Lemon Chicken with Rice: Serve the lemon chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice.
• Lemon Chicken with Noodles: Pair the lemon chicken with your favorite noodles, such as ramen, udon, or spaghetti.
• Lemon Chicken with Stir-Fried Vegetables: Serve the lemon chicken with a side of stir-fried vegetables for a healthy and flavorful meal.

The Bottom Line

Our lemon chicken recipe for instant pot is a culinary delight that will impress your family and friends. The vibrant flavors of lemon, garlic, and ginger combine to create a dish that is both tantalizing and satisfying. Whether you’re short on time or simply looking for a delicious and easy meal, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. However, you will need to increase the cooking time to 12 minutes on high pressure.

Q: How can I make the sauce thicker?
A: To thicken the sauce, simply continue to cook it on the “Sauté” setting after the pressure cooking is complete. The sauce will thicken as the liquid evaporates.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Simply brown the chicken in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.