Instant Pot Lemon Chicken with Basil is a bright and flavorful dish that combines the zesty freshness of lemon with the aromatic sweetness of basil. This quick and easy recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot, infused with a tangy lemon-basil sauce that’s both refreshing and savory. Ideal for busy weeknights, this dish is not only simple to prepare but also packed with vibrant flavors that the whole family will love. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with a side of vegetables for a light and satisfying meal that feels like a special treat.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Zest and juice of 2 lemons
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Lemon slices and extra basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Sear the Chicken:
- Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function and heat the olive oil.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Add the chicken breasts to the Instant Pot and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the Liquid:
- Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, and dried oregano. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Pressure Cook the Chicken:
- Return the seared chicken breasts to the Instant Pot, nestling them in the lemon-basil sauce.
- Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” on high pressure for 7 minutes.
- Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then perform a quick release.
- Finish the Sauce:
- Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and set aside.
- Stir in the chopped fresh basil and unsalted butter into the sauce, letting it melt and thicken slightly.
- Serve:
- Serve the chicken breasts with the lemon-basil sauce spooned over the top.
- Garnish with additional basil leaves and lemon slices if desired.
Enjoy your refreshing and savory Instant Pot Lemon Chicken with Basil, a perfect dish for a quick and delicious dinner!
