Lemon Butter Garlic Chicken Thighs

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Why Make This Recipe

Lemon Butter Garlic Chicken Thighs is a dish that combines the rich flavor of chicken thighs with the bright, zesty taste of lemon and the delightful kick of garlic. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions when you want to impress family or friends without spending hours in the kitchen. Using an Instant Pot makes it even easier, allowing you to create a delicious meal in a fraction of the time.

The combination of butter, garlic, and lemon adds a touch of elegance and comfort to a simple chicken dish. Plus, chicken thighs are forgiving if you’re a little rushed—they stay juicy and flavorful even if cooked slightly longer. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip this up in no time, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to make a quick yet satisfying dinner.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or hosting a dinner party, this recipe will surely be a hit. The aroma of garlic and lemon will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist taking a bite before it even hits the table.

How to Make Lemon Butter Garlic Chicken Thighs

Making Lemon Butter Garlic Chicken Thighs is straightforward and doesn’t require fancy cooking techniques. Let’s gather the ingredients and go through the steps.

Ingredients

4 chicken thighs
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup chicken broth
Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

Season the Chicken Thighs: Start by seasoning the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. This creates a good flavor base for your dish. Rub the seasoning into the meat to ensure it is well coated.
Melt the Butter: Turn on your Instant Pot and set it to the sauté function. Add the butter to the pot. Allow it to melt fully. You can swirl it around to cover the bottom of the pot.
Sauté the Garlic: Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic. Stir it around for about 30 seconds, or until you start to smell that yummy garlic aroma. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
Sear the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the pot. Sear them for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. This step adds flavor and color to the chicken.
Add the Lemon Juice and Chicken Broth: After the chicken is nicely browned, pour in the juice of one lemon and the chicken broth. This will not only keep the chicken moist but also create a delicious sauce to accompany your dish.
Cook in the Instant Pot: Close the lid of the Instant Pot and make sure it’s sealed. Set it to cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
Release the Pressure: Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes. After that, perform a quick release to get rid of any remaining steam.
Garnish and Serve: Take the chicken out of the pot, and you might want to thicken the sauce by sautéing it again for a few minutes. Garnish your chicken with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy it with rice, potatoes, or a fresh salad to make a complete meal.

How to Serve Lemon Butter Garlic Chicken Thighs

Lemon Butter Garlic Chicken Thighs can be served in several tasty ways. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

With Rice or Quinoa: The sauce from the chicken will soak into the rice or quinoa, making a delightful pairing. Serve the chicken thighs on a bed of fluffy rice, drizzling plenty of sauce over the top.
With Vegetables: Steamed or roasted vegetables pair well. Try serving it with broccoli, green beans, or even a colorful medley for added nutrition.
On a Bed of Salad: For a lighter option, place the chicken on a mixed green salad. The lemon and garlic flavors will brighten up the greens, making it a fresh and tasty dish.
With Crusty Bread: Serve the chicken with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. This addition can make the meal even more satisfying and comforting.

Don’t shy away from experimenting! You can switch up the sides based on what you have on hand or what you feel like eating.

How to Store Lemon Butter Garlic Chicken Thighs

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare considering how flavorful this dish is), storing them properly will keep your meal fresh for future enjoyment.

Cool Down: Allow the chicken to cool down to room temperature before storing. This helps to preserve its texture and flavor.
Airtight Containers: Place the chicken in an airtight container. You can also include the sauce to keep it moist. If you want to separate the sauce or preferred side, you can use two containers.
Refrigerating: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to reheat thoroughly before serving.
Freezing: If you’d like to keep it for longer, you can freeze it. To do this, place the chicken in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. It can last in the freezer for up to 3-4 months.
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating in the microwave, oven, or stovetop is a good option. If frozen, allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tips to Make Lemon Butter Garlic Chicken Thighs

To get the best results from your Lemon Butter Garlic Chicken Thighs, consider the following tips:

Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic tends to have a more robust flavor compared to jarred or powdered garlic. It’s worth the extra effort when you can!
Marinate If You Have Time: For even more flavor, you can marinate your chicken thighs in lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper for a few hours (or overnight) before cooking.
Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to tweak the levels of lemon, salt, and pepper to match your personal preferences. If you love a strong lemon flavor, add more juice!
Check Chicken Temperature: Ensure your chicken is fully cooked by checking its internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safety.
Finishing Touch: Consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat or some grated Parmesan cheese for an extra flavor boost as you serve.

Variation (if any)

There are always ways to switch things up and add variety to your Lemon Butter Garlic Chicken Thighs. Here are a few suggestions:

Add Herbs: Experiment with different herbs! Thyme, rosemary, or oregano could bring new flavors to your dish.
Spicy Version: Incorporate some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño during the cooking process for a spicier kick.
Different Meats: While chicken thighs are fantastic, you can use chicken breasts, pork chops, or even fish fillets with similar results, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
Creamy Sauce: For a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or sour cream to the broth after cooking to incorporate into the sauce. This can elevate the dish and give it a new texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts. However, be aware that the cooking time may need to be adjusted since chicken breasts can cook faster and may dry out if overcooked. Aim for around 8 minutes of cooking time on high pressure if using breasts.
What sides go well with Lemon Butter Garlic Chicken Thighs?

Popular sides include rice, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with garlic bread to complement the garlic flavor in the dish.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked?

The best way to check the doneness of chicken is by using a meat thermometer. Chicken thighs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) when fully cooked. You can also cut into the thickest part of the chicken to check that the juices run clear and there’s no pink flesh visible.

This Lemon Butter Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe is not only simple and quick but also results in a mouthwatering meal that you and your loved ones will enjoy. As you continue to make this dish, you can add your twists and flavors, making it a staple in your weekly dinner rotation. Enjoy your cooking adventure!