Instant Pot Lemon Chicken

Step 1

Saute Garlic in Instant Pot: Use 'Sauté More' to heat up Instant Pot. Wait until it says 'HOT' on the screen. Add 1 tbsp (15ml) peanut oil in Instant Pot. Make sure you cover the whole bottom with oil. Add minced garlic, then sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2

Deglaze Instant Pot: Add 2 tbsp (30ml) Shaoxing wine in Instant Pot, then deglaze by scrubbing the flavorful brown bits off the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon.

Step 3

Pressure Cook Lemon Chicken: Add ¾ cup (188ml) unsalted chicken stock, 1 tbsp (15ml) regular soy sauce, 1 tbsp (15ml) lemon juice, lemon slices, and ¼ tsp (0.25g) rosemary. Give it a quick stir, then place 4 to 8 chicken thighs on top of the lemon slices.With Venting Knob in Venting Position, close the lid, then turn Venting Knob to Sealing Position. Pressure Cook at High Pressure for 5 minutes, then Natural Release for 10 minutes. Remove the lid.

Step 4

Thicken Chicken Gravy: Set aside chicken in a large mixing bowl. Press 'Cancel' button, then 'Sauté' button to heat up the gravy in Instant Pot. Stir 3 tbsp (63g) honey into the gravy. In a small mixing bowl, mix 2½ tbsp (22.5g) cornstarch with 3 tbsp (45ml) cold water. Mix it into the gravy one third at a time until desired thickness. Taste the gravy, then season it with more honey, salt, and black pepper if necessary.

Step 5

Optional Flavor-Boosting Step: Broil ChickenIf you like, you can brush more lemon sauce on the chicken before you broil. And continue to brush some sauce on the chicken during the caramelizing process.Option 1 - Oven or Toaster Oven: Place lemon chicken on an oven tray under 'Broil' function (or highest temperature setting) for a few minutes until the lemon sauce is caramelized.Option 2 - Air Fryer or Air Fryer Lid: Place air fryer basket with tray on the middle rack in Instant Pot. Layer chicken on air fryer tray in Instant Pot. Place Air Fryer Lid on Instant Pot. Press 'Airfry' button, set Temperature to 400°F and Cooking Time to 15 minutes. Then, air fry the second batch of lemon chicken in Instant Pot.Amy + Jacky's Tip: It takes roughly 7 to 11 minutes + preheat time to caramelize with Air Fryer Lid. You can open the lid to check the progress.

Step 6

Garnish and Serve: Drizzle some more honey lemon garlic sauce on the chicken. Garnish the juicy tender chicken with lemon slices, fresh rosemary, lemon zest, or finely sliced green onions. Enjoy~