Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Chicken – Keto / Paleo / Whole30

This easy Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Chicken recipe cooks up easily in the pressure cooker with simple pantry ingredients. Comes together quickly in a zesty and flavorful cilantro lime marinade perfect for grilling or baking. 

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Quick and easy Instant Pot dinners are my go-to during the busy school week. Ever since getting our Instant Pot a few years ago, it honestly still remains the most frequently used appliance in our kitchen. I love that I can get dinner on the table quickly without having to plan ahead.

This Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Chicken cooks up tender, flavorful with simple ingredients you probably already have in your fridge.

What I love about one pot recipes like this is that clean up is a breeze! Everything comes together using your pressure cooker (or a skillet) in a delicious cilantro lime marinade.

Not only is this recipe extremely quick and simple to make, it’s now become a part of our weekly dinner routine. Plus, my family is just crazy about the tasty combination of cilantro and lime together.

IS CILANTRO LIME CHICKEN HEALTHY?

For this one pan cilantro lime chicken recipe, there is no added sugar and very minimal carbs so it fits great into a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

And the best part, keto lime chicken is:

• low carb,
• ketogenic friendly
• paleo
• Whole30 compliant
• gluten free and dairy free

HOW DO YOU MAKE INSTANT POT CILANTRO LIME CHICKEN

1. To begin, you’re going to season the chicken with salt, black pepper, cumin and chili powder.
2. I used chicken thighs here because I love that they stay tender but you can also use pounded or halved chicken breasts and they’ll still turn out delicious.
3. Next, you’re going to brown the chicken in the Instant Pot using the sauté function.
4. Searing the chicken helps to seal in those amazing juices and gives the chicken that extra layer of flavor. Transfer the chicken to a plate then add the ghee, onions, garlic, lime zest, lime juice, cilantro and chicken broth.
5. Seal the lid on and let your pressure cooker do the rest.

**NOTE: I have the 6 Quart Instant Pot Duo and have NEVER HAD an issue with adding the amount of liquid called for in this recipe but if you do get that “burn” message, you can certainly try adding more liquid.

HOW DO YOU MAKE CILANTRO LIME CHICKEN IN A PAN?

So what if you don’t have a pressure cooker or want to make this one pan cilantro lime chicken in a skillet or even baked cilantro lime chicken? Follow the instructions below:

WHAT SIDES CAN I SERVE WITH CILANTRO CHICKEN?

You can serve this healthy cilantro lime chicken with pretty much any sides you like.

You can see we paired our instant pot creamy cilantro lime chicken recipe with asparagus since it’s one of my favorite spring vegetables but roasted broccoli, zucchini, green beans or cauliflower would be delicious as well.

More easy instant pot chicken recipes:

Balsamic Chicken in the Instant Pot

Pressure Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

General Tso’s Chicken

5 from 5 votes

Print

Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Chicken

Prep Time

12 mins

Cook Time

20 mins

Total Time

32 mins

 

This easy Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Chicken recipe cooks up easily in the pressure cooker with simple pantry ingredients. Comes together quickly in a zesty and flavorful cilantro lime marinade perfect for grilling or baking.

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: chicken recipe, cilantro, gluten free, Instant Pot, keto, lime, low carb, paleo, whole30

Servings: 6

Calories: 358 kcal

Author: Kelly

Ingredients

• 6-8 boneless chicken thighs skinless or with skin*
• sea salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/8 teaspoon chili powder or to taste
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 2-3 Tablespoons ghee
• 1/2 small onion chopped
• 4 garlic cloves sliced or minced
• Juice of 1 lime
• zest of half a lime
• 1/3 cup finely chopped cilantro
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/3 cup homemade or low sodium chicken broth **PLEASE SEE NOTES BELOW
• 2 Tablespoons coconut cream
• Chopped fresh parsley and lime slices for garnish if desired

Tools:

• Instant Pot I have the 6 Quart Instant Pot DUO
• OR Cast Iron Skillet

Instructions

1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, cumin and chili powder.

To cook in the Instant Pot:

1. Press the Sauté function (Normal setting) on the Instant Pot and add the olive oil to the pot. (I use a 6 Quart Instant Pot DUO)
2. Place chicken in the Instant Pot and cook on each side for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown. This helps to seal in the juices and keep it tender. (You may have to work in batches depending on the size and amount of chicken you are using). Once browned, remove from Instant Pot and set aside.
3. Melt ghee in Instant Pot and stir in the onions and garlic. Add lime juice to deglaze pan and cook for 1 minute. Add Italian seasoning, lime zest, cilantro and chicken broth.
4. Place the chicken back into the Instant Pot, lock the lid, and turn the valve to SEALING.
5. Select the Manual (older models) or Pressure Cook (newer models) button and adjust the timer to 7 minutes.
6. It will take about 5-10 minutes to come to pressure and start counting down.
7. When done, release the pressure after 2 minutes, then remove your Instant Pot lid.
8. Remove chicken from Instant Pot using tongs and set aside on a large serving plate. Stir in coconut cream into the Instant Pot. If you like your sauce thicker - you can thicken with 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum (OR if not low carb a cornstarch slurry or arrowroot starch slurry by mixing 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch (arrowroot starch) mixed with 1 teaspoon cold water). Press off and turn Instant Pot to SAUTE function. Cook and allow the sauce to bubble and thicken. Turn off and add chicken back to the Instant Pot to coat with sauce. Spoon sauce over chicken and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve with your favorite sides and garnish with lime slices, if desired.

To cook on the stove:

1. In a medium-sized skillet over medium-high heat add olive and cook for 4-5 on each side, or until chicken reaches 165 degrees. Transfer browned chicken to plate and set aside.
2. Return pan back to heat and melt ghee. Stir in onion and garlic. Add lime juice to deglaze the pan and cook for 1 minute. Add Italian seasoning, lime zest, cilantro and chicken broth. Stir in coconut cream [If you like your sauce thicker - you can thicken with 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum (OR if not low carb a cornstarch slurry or arrowroot starch slurry by mixing 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch (arrowroot starch) mixed with 1 teaspoon cold water).
3. Once the sauce has bubbled and thickened up slightly, add the chicken back into the pan until hot. Spoon sauce over chicken and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve with your favorite sides and garnish with lime slices, if desired.

Recipe Notes

*For chicken breasts: use 3 breasts, sliced horizontally in half.

****I use ⅓ cup of broth combined with the juice from the lemon in my 6 Quart Instant Pot DUO with no problems or *burning sign - if needed you can increase the amount of liquid if this combination doesn't work for your Instant Pot model

Nutrition Facts

Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Chicken

Amount Per Serving (1 serving)

Calories 358 Calories from Fat 270

% Daily Value*

Fat 30g46%

Sodium 137mg6%

Carbohydrates 2g1%

Protein 18g36%

* Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy using the WPRM recipe calculator. It is best to make your own calculations to ensure accuracy. We expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.