Lemon-thyme chicken is one of those dishes that combines simplicity, flavor, and ease, making it a perfect go-to meal for busy weeknights or when you just want something light but hearty. This recipe for Instant Pot Lemon Chicken Thighs is particularly convenient because it delivers juicy, tender, and golden-brown chicken thighs in just 5 minutes using the Instant Pot. Not only is it a time-saver, but the flavor is incredible—infused with fresh lemon, garlic, and thyme. This dish is ideal if you want a no-fuss, one-pan meal with minimal cleanup, making it a great choice for families or anyone who loves easy, weeknight dinners.

Why Chicken Thighs?

You might be wondering why chicken thighs, and the answer is simple: they’re juicy, flavorful, and forgiving. Unlike chicken breasts, which can dry out easily if overcooked, thighs remain moist and tender, even when cooked at high pressure in a pressure cooker like the Instant Pot. The extra fat in the thighs helps keep them juicy, ensuring the chicken is deliciously moist every time.

I’ve found myself reaching for chicken thighs a lot lately. From cilantro lime chicken thighs to lemon garlic chicken thighs, these cuts have become my go-to for quick and tasty meals. But sometimes, grilling or even pan-frying just isn’t an option. That’s where the Instant Pot comes in. It’s a life-saver for juicy, tender chicken when you don’t feel like firing up the grill or making the kitchen smell like a BBQ pit.

The Instant Pot allows you to pressure cook chicken thighs, which locks in moisture while infusing them with flavor, creating a juicy and tender meal in less than 10 minutes. And since you’re using the sauté function first, the chicken gets a beautiful golden-brown crust before being pressure-cooked. It’s the best of both worlds.

The Power of Lemon and Thyme

This recipe’s flavor comes from a simple yet aromatic combination of lemon and thyme. These two ingredients work wonders together, creating a savory, citrusy profile that is fresh and bright. The addition of garlic adds depth, and a pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper rounds it all out. There’s no need to marinate the chicken because the Instant Pot’s pressure-cooking function infuses the chicken with all these flavors in just five minutes.

Lemon-thyme chicken isn’t just delicious; it’s also incredibly versatile. You can serve it with a variety of side dishes, from a light green salad to roasted vegetables, and even crusty bread for mopping up any extra sauce. Plus, it pairs beautifully with a glass of white wine. It’s refreshing, light, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re serving it for dinner after a long day or preparing it for a meal prep session for the week, this dish will not disappoint.

Why Instant Pot?

If you haven’t used an Instant Pot yet, you’re in for a treat. The Instant Pot is a game-changer in the kitchen, reducing the cooking time for traditionally slow-cooked dishes while delivering flavor-packed results. It combines multiple kitchen appliances in one—pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, and sauté pan—all with the push of a button.

The key to its effectiveness is pressure cooking, which traps steam inside the pot, creating a high-pressure environment that cooks food faster than traditional methods. This method also retains moisture, meaning your chicken thighs come out tender and juicy every time. For this recipe, you’ll first sauté the chicken thighs to get them nice and crispy, then pressure cook them for just five minutes. The result is perfectly cooked chicken without the need for constant monitoring.

Additionally, one of the biggest advantages of using an Instant Pot for this recipe is that it’s essentially a one-pan meal. You sear the chicken, pressure cook it, and then serve it—all within the Instant Pot. No need for multiple pans or dishes, and no huge cleanup afterwards. It’s as easy as it gets.

Ingredients

The beauty of this Instant Pot lemon-thyme chicken is that the ingredients are straightforward, and you likely already have them in your pantry or fridge. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme): Thyme is an herb with a distinct, earthy flavor that complements chicken beautifully. Fresh thyme provides a more vibrant, fragrant taste, but dried thyme can be used as a substitute.
• Zest from 1 lemon: The zest of the lemon contains oils that provide a punch of citrus flavor. It brightens up the dish and complements the thyme and garlic perfectly.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic brings a savory, aromatic depth to the dish. Garlic pairs wonderfully with both lemon and thyme, adding a little richness to the otherwise light flavors.
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning, enhancing the other flavors in the dish without overpowering them.
• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: The chicken thighs are the star of the show. They’re tender and juicy, and they absorb all the lemon, garlic, and thyme flavors beautifully.
• 2 tablespoons canola oil: Used to sauté the chicken, this helps create a golden-brown crust on the outside of the chicken, adding flavor and texture.
• 1 cup chicken stock: Chicken stock adds moisture and depth to the dish while helping to infuse the chicken with even more flavor during the pressure cooking process.
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice is key for adding acidity to balance the richness of the chicken. It also enhances the lemony flavor of the dish.

Instructions

The steps to making this dish are simple and easy to follow. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prepare the seasoning mix: Start by combining the fresh thyme, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This mixture will be the base for seasoning the chicken.
2. Season the chicken: Brush the chicken thighs with 1 tablespoon of canola oil. Then, rub the seasoning mix onto the chicken thighs, making sure each piece is well-coated. This will help the chicken absorb all the delicious flavors.
3. Sauté the chicken: Set your Instant Pot to the high sauté setting. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of canola oil, and once it’s hot, add the seasoned chicken thighs. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. Be sure to sauté the chicken in batches if needed so you don’t overcrowd the pot. Once the chicken is browned, remove it and set it aside.
4. Add liquid and place the chicken back in the pot: Place the metal trivet into the Instant Pot and pour in the chicken stock and lemon juice. This liquid will create steam during the pressure cooking process, ensuring the chicken stays moist. Gently place the browned chicken on top of the trivet, slightly overlapping.
5. Pressure cook: Select the manual setting on the Instant Pot, adjust the pressure to high, and set the time to 5 minutes. The Instant Pot will take a few minutes to come to pressure, and then it will cook the chicken under pressure for 5 minutes. This short cook time is all it takes to produce juicy, flavorful chicken.
6. Quick release and serve: Once the cooking time is complete, perform a quick-release of the pressure according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This means carefully turning the valve to release the steam, which will allow you to safely open the Instant Pot.
7. Serve: Remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and serve immediately. You can enjoy it as-is, or serve it with a light salad, roasted vegetables, or some crusty bread for a well-rounded meal. Pair it with a glass of white wine, and you’ve got a dish that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to make.

This Instant Pot Lemon-Thyme Chicken is one of those recipes that you’ll come back to time and time again. The chicken turns out juicy and flavorful every single time, and the Instant Pot makes it ridiculously easy to prepare. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your food. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, meal prep, or just because you’re craving something light and flavorful, this recipe is sure to impress. So, go ahead—give it a try and enjoy the perfect balance of lemon, garlic, and thyme in every bite.