Instant Pot Lemon Butter Chicken – Keto / Low Carb

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INSTANT POT OR ONE PAN CHICKEN DINNER RECIPE

Easy Instant Pot recipes are my go to during the busy school week. I love using our Instant Pot since you can get dinner on the table quickly without having to plan ahead.

This Instant Pot Lemon Butter Chicken comes together quickly and perfect for busy weeknights. The chicken cooks up tender, juicy and bursting with delicious flavor. You just can’t beat the combo of lemon, butter and garlic with chicken.

The acidity in the lemon brightens up the flavors so much in this dish. And the best part about this recipe? Dinner can be on the table in about 30 minutes with the help of a trusty pressure cooker.

IS CREAMY LEMON BUTTER CHICKEN HEALTHY?

For this One Pan Lemon Chicken recipe, there is no added sugar and very minimal carbs so it fits great into a balanced lifestyle. Plus, it’s low in carbs, keto friendly, gluten free and dairy free if you leave out the cream. For a paleo lemon butter chicken or a Whole30 Lemon Chicken recipe, simply swap the butter for ghee and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.

HOW DO YOU MAKE INSTANT POT LEMON BUTTER CHICKEN?

1. You’re going to off by seasoning the chicken with some salt, black pepper and garlic powder. I used chicken thighs here but this dish would be delicious with chicken breasts as well.
2. Next, you’re going to brown the chicken in the Instant Pot using the sauté function. Searing the chicken helps to seal in those amazing flavors and gives the chicken that crispy coating but feel free to skip the searing if you’re in a pinch.
3. Transfer the chicken to a plate then add the butter, onions, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, Italian seasoning and chicken broth. And  if you’re craving a more comforting dish like Instant Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken, feel free to swap out the chicken broth for heavy cream to make this an
4. Seal the lid, turn the valve to SEALING and cook on HIGH PRESSURE for 7 minutes. Keep in mind that it will take about 5-10 minutes to come to pressure and start counting down.
5. When done, release the pressure after 2 minutes, then remove your Instant Pot lid.

6. Remove chicken from Instant Pot using tongs and set aside on a large serving plate. Stir in heavy cream (if using) into the Instant Pot.

   (**If you like your sauce thicker – you can thicken with 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum or a cornstarch slurry (if not low carb).

   Press off and turn Instant Pot to SAUTE function. Cook and allow sauce to bubble and thicken. Turn off and add chicken back to the Instant Pot to coat with sauce. Sprinkle chicken with chopped parsley and serve hot with your favorite sides. Spoon sauce over chicken and garnish with lemon slices, if desired.

7. Serve this Instant Pot lemon garlic chicken with a salad, cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles.

HOW DO YOU MAKE LEMON BUTTER CHICKEN IN A PAN?

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

WHAT SIDES CAN I SERVE WITH LEMON BUTTER CHICKEN?

This creamy lemon chicken would go well with so many sides. I chose to serve it with some asparagus since it’s one of my favorite spring vegetables but broccoli, zucchini or cauliflower would be delicious as well.

This Instant Pot Lemon Butter Chicken is quick and easy dish bursting with bright and fresh flavors. It’s also low in carbs, keto friendly and perfect for spring. For a paleo friendly version, use homemade chicken broth and swap out the butter with ghee or coconut oil instead.

5 from 27 votes

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Instant Pot Lemon Butter Chicken

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

12 mins

Total Time

22 mins

 

Instant Pot Lemon Butter Chicken – a flavorful one pot recipe made in the pressure cooker is the easiest meal for busy weeknights. This chicken recipe cooks up tender and juicy in a buttery lemon garlic sauce.

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: chicken dinner, easy chicken recipe, easy instant pot chicken recipe, easy instant pot recipe, garlic lemon chicken recipe, Instant Pot chicken recipe, instant pot lemon chicken, keto chicken recipe, lemon butter chicken, low carb, one pan chicken recipe

Servings: 6

Calories: 320 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 smoked paprika
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 3 Tablespoons butter , swap with ghee for paleo
• 1/2 small onion chopped
• 4 garlic cloves sliced or minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2-3 teaspoons Italian seasoning (I actually usually use 1 tablespoon but feel free to adjust to your liking)
• zest of half a lemon
• 1/3 cup homemade or low sodium chicken broth ***PLEASE SEE NOTES BELOW
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream OR coconut cream for paleo
• Chopped fresh parsley and lemon 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, paprika, and chili flakes.

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 butter in Instant Pot and stir in the onions and garlic. Add lemon juice to deglaze pan and cook for 1 minute. Add Italian seasoning, lemon zest, 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 cream (if using) into the Instant Pot. If you like your sauce thicker - you can thicken with a cornstarch slurry (if not low carb) or arrowroot starch slurry (or xanthan gum) 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 lemon 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 butter. Stir in onion and garlic. Add lemon juice to deglaze the pan and cook for 1 minute. Add Italian seasoning, lemon zest, and chicken broth. Stir in heavy cream [if you like your sauce thicker - you can thicken with a cornstarch slurry (if not low carb) or arrowroot starch slurry (or xanthan gum) 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 lemon 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 Lemon Butter Chicken

Amount Per Serving (1 g)

Calories 320 Calories from Fat 135

% Daily Value*

Fat 15g23%

Carbohydrates 2g1%

Protein 14g28%

* 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.