Instant Pot Honey Lemon Chicken
Try this Instant Pot Honey Lemon Chicken recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Instant Pot Honey Lemon Chicken recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon butter
- pinch of pepper
- 6-8 chicken thighs with or without the skin (we did ou
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper (black pepper is also okay)
- 1 small lemon sliced into 5-6 thin slices
- 1 garlic clove roughly diced
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or olive oil (for pan-frying later)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (wheat-free version)
- 1 garlic clove minced or finely grated
- for garnish (optional but looks gorgeous)
- 4-5 slices of lemon
- chopped scallions (green onions)
- Carbohydrate 9.85136584092067 g
- Cholesterol 13.556944443382 mg
- Fat 5.11552277737696 g
- Fiber 0.0808541679271238 g
- Protein 0.137320139067586 g
- Saturated Fat 3.2393644441906 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -4 (71g)
- Sodium 619.835499999116 mg
- Sugar 9.77051167299355 g
- Trans Fat 0.358076111083052 g
- Calories 81 calories
Step-by-step
- Turn the Instant Pot on and press the Sauté button.
- Once hot, add the butter and let it melt in the pot.
- Then press Cancel to stop the Sauté function.
- Add slices of lemon on the bottom and sprinkle with chopped garlic.
- Place the chicken pieces over the top, skin side up.
- Drizzle with lemon juice and honey, and pour the water around the sides.
- Give the pot a little shake to spread the liquid under the chicken.
- Press and lock the lid, making sure the valve is set to Sealing.
- Set to Manual, High, 12 minutes.
- After 3 beeps, the IP will start to build the pressure.
- After 12 minutes the timer will go off.
- Allow 3 minutes for natural pressure release (NPR) and then use the quick release method to let out the rest of the steam and pressure.
- Remove the chicken pieces and reserve ½ cup of the cooking broth.
- While the chicken is cooking, combine the honey lemon glaze ingredients in a bowl and whisk together.
- Set aside.
- Prepare any side dishes such as rice or vegetables.
- Heat a large skillet with a tablespoon of oil, such as coconut oil, over medium-high heat.
- Place the cooked chicken pieces in the skillet, skin side down, and pan-fry for 4-5 minutes, until golden brown.
- Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t burn.
- Turn over and cook for 1-2 more minutes on the other side, then bring the heat up to high.
- Pour in the reserved cooking broth and the honey lemon glaze mixture over the chicken.
- Swirl the pan around allowing the liquids to combine.
- Cook over high heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently and turning the pieces around, basting them in the glaze.
- The liquid will reduce over the heat and when it thickens and starts to caramelise, remove the pan from the heat.
- Transfer the chicken pieces to a serving plate and pour over the glaze liquid.
- If you want to make pan-fried lemon slices for garnish, place the pan back over high heat and melt in a teaspoon of butter or some oil.
- Pan-fry the lemon slices for a minute or so on each side, until golden brown.
- You can drizzle them with a little more honey.
- Place over the chicken and sprinkle with chopped scallions.
My Go-To Weeknight Dinner: Instant Pot Honey Lemon Chicken
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious dinner can feel like a Herculean task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and all the other demands on my time, the last thing I want is to spend hours slaving over a hot stove. That's why I've become a huge fan of my Instant Pot. It’s a true lifesaver, allowing me to whip up flavorful meals in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional cooking methods. This Instant Pot Honey Lemon Chicken recipe is a prime example. It’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal hands-on time, and the result is a juicy, flavorful chicken dish that the whole family will love.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. The honey-lemon glaze is tangy and sweet, creating a perfect balance of flavors that complements the chicken beautifully. The Instant Pot ensures the chicken stays incredibly moist and tender, and the slight pan-frying at the end adds a delicious crispy element. I often serve this with a simple side of rice and steamed vegetables for a complete and balanced meal. The prep time is minimal, allowing me to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with my family.
Why this recipe works:
- Speed and convenience: The Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful results: The honey-lemon glaze adds a burst of sweet and tangy flavor that enhances the chicken's natural taste.
- Tender chicken: The Instant Pot ensures the chicken remains juicy and tender, preventing it from drying out.
- Versatility: This dish pairs well with a variety of side dishes, making it easy to adapt to your preferences.
- Minimal cleanup: The Instant Pot reduces the amount of dishes you need to wash, saving you valuable time.
Tips and Variations:
- Bone-in or boneless: You can use either bone-in or boneless chicken thighs for this recipe. Bone-in thighs will require a slightly longer cooking time.
- Adjust the glaze: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey and lemon juice to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add more honey; if you prefer a tarter glaze, add more lemon juice.
- Add vegetables: For a more complete meal, consider adding vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or broccoli to the Instant Pot during the cooking process.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a little extra kick.
- Garnish generously: Fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, add a pop of color and flavor.
This Instant Pot Honey Lemon Chicken recipe has become a staple in my home. It's a reliable, delicious, and incredibly easy weeknight dinner that consistently pleases my family. It’s a testament to the power of simple ingredients, clever cooking techniques, and the invaluable time-saving benefits of the Instant Pot. Give it a try, and I’m confident it will become a favorite in your kitchen too!
