Creamy Lemon Chicken | Instant Pot Recipe

Some dinners are created with careful planning, long grocery lists, and fancy plating. Others are the delicious result of: “I need something quick, cozy, and crave-worthy…stat!” This Instant Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken is firmly in the second camp. It’s a five-minute prep, 30-minute miracle that feels like something you’d order at a bistro—but with far fewer dishes, and way more satisfaction.

If you’re craving something creamy, lemony, comforting, and rich without being heavy, this is the recipe. It’s one of those meals that tastes like it took all day, but comes together faster than your last grocery delivery.

Bonus? You can double it in a snap to serve four, making it a great option for family dinners or last-minute guests.

So grab your apron, fire up your Instant Pot, and let’s cook some magic.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Chicken Recipe

There are a few reasons this Creamy Lemon Chicken hits all the right notes:

• Fast and fuss-free. Just 5 minutes of prep, one pot, and you’re off.
• Rich and comforting, with a citrusy zing. That lemon juice + parmesan + heavy cream trio? Chef’s kiss.
• Flexible. Serve it with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or a crusty loaf of bread to soak up every bit of that dreamy sauce.
• Impressive enough for guests, easy enough for a Tuesday. You know the type.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s what you’ll need for this dinner-for-two (that easily scales to four):

Chicken and Broth

Dried Italian seasoning
Minced garlic (yes, that’s a lot—it’s glorious)
Red pepper flakes (just enough heat to perk things up)
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Chicken stock

Creamy Lemon Sauce

Lemon juice (fresh is best)
Parmesan cheese, freshly grated preferred
Heavy cream

Yup. That’s it. You probably have most of these on hand already!

How to Make Creamy Lemon Chicken

Let’s walk through this one-pan wonder together, step by creamy step.

1. Build Flavor from the Start

Add your Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, minced garlic, and chicken stock directly into your Instant Pot insert. Whisk it all together—this creates a flavorful base that will both season the chicken and lay the foundation for that silky sauce later.

Smells amazing already, right?

2. Coat the Chicken

Place your chicken breasts into the pot and flip them over once so they’re evenly coated in that herb-infused broth. This helps lock in flavor before the pressure cooking begins.

3. Pressure Cook to Perfection

Lock the lid, make sure your sealing valve is closed, and set your Instant Pot to high pressure for 12 minutes.

Once the timer goes off, do a quick release (move that sealing valve carefully toward you—use a spoon handle if you’re nervous about the steam!). The chicken should be tender, juicy, and ready for its final flavor bath.

4. Set the Chicken Aside

Using tongs, carefully remove the chicken and place it on a plate. You’ll return to it in a moment, but for now — give it a rest!

5. Sauté and Simmer That Dreamy Sauce

Switch your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and let it warm up for about two minutes.

Now add in the good stuff: heavy cream, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese.

Let the sauce simmer gently, reducing for about 7 minutes until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld into one another like old friends at a dinner party.

6. Bring It All Together

Slice or leave your chicken breasts whole—up to you! Spoon that luscious sauce over each piece and get ready to swoon.

What to Serve With Creamy Lemon Chicken

This dish pairs well with… well, just about anything. But here are some crowd-pleasers:

• Buttery mashed potatoes – it will soak up every drop of sauce.
• Angel hair pasta – toss it in the sauce and top with sliced chicken.
• Garlic green beans or steamed broccoli – for a pop of color and crunch.
• Crusty sourdough – when in doubt, dip it out.

You can also slice up leftover chicken for a rich sandwich or toss it into a salad the next day. Just saying.

Make It Yours: Variations & Tips

Love to riff in the kitchen? Here are a few ways to tweak the recipe to your taste:

• Add spinach to the sauce just before it finishes simmering. It wilts beautifully and adds a pop of green.
• Use thighs instead of breasts for an even juicier bite.
• Up the citrus by adding a bit of lemon zest for a stronger tang.
• Double it and store leftovers for lunch (they reheat like a dream).

Pro Tip: If your sauce looks too thin after 7 minutes, let it simmer a few minutes more. If it’s too thick, a splash of chicken stock will loosen it right up.

Storage and Reheating Lemon Chicken

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat:

• Microwave in 30-second bursts with a splash of cream or broth to keep it from drying out.
• Or reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat.

If you doubled the recipe, you’ll be very happy to have a serving waiting for you the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, but you’ll want to increase the cook time to about 15-17 minutes at high pressure. Just be aware that the extra moisture may thin out the sauce a bit.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Technically, yes, but it won’t be as rich or creamy, and may curdle with the lemon. Stick with heavy cream or half-and-half for best results.

Is this dish spicy?
Not really! The ¼ tsp of red pepper flakes gives it a subtle kick. Want it milder? Skip it. Want it spicier? Go wild.

Other Chicken Recipes to try:
Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders
One-Pot Chicken Pot Pie
Chinese Sticky Chicken Recipe
Cast Iron Skillet BBQ Drumsticks

Cozy, Creamy, Crave-Worthy Chicken Dinner

If your weeknight dinner routine is feeling a little blah, this Instant Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken is the answer. It’s fast, flavorful, and the kind of dish that makes you feel like a kitchen rockstar—even when you’re just throwing things together after a long day.

It’s also wildly versatile, so don’t be afraid to make it your own. Want to add mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or sundried tomatoes? Go for it! Think of this as your starting canvas for countless cozy meals.

So go ahead—bookmark this recipe, share it with a friend, and maybe even make a double batch tonight. Because trust me: when life hands you lemons… make Creamy Lemon Chicken.