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Lemon Herb Mediterranean Chicken recipe

Lemon Herb Mediterranean Chicken (Instant Pot)

Norah Kay
This Lemon Herb Mediterranean Chicken is a zesty, herbaceous dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The Instant Pot makes it quick and easy, while fresh ingredients like lemon and parsley add vibrant flavor. It’s a healthy, protein-packed meal your family will love.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

  • Equipment and Appliances
  • Instant Pot (Recommended: Instant Pot Duo 6 Qt.)
  • Zester or Microplane
  • Citrus juicer
  • Measuring spoons
  • Mixing bowl

Ingredients
  

Ingredients

Chicken:

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Sauté:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced

Liquid Base:

  • 1 cup chicken broth low-sodium preferred
  • Juice of 2 lemons
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Optional Garnish:

  • ½ cup pitted olives
  • ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • Fresh parsley chopped

Instructions
 

Instructions

    Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

    • Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel.
    • Season with some sea salt, black pepper, some dried oregano and ofcourse thyme.

    Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

    • Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add olive oil.
    • Sear the fresh chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes on each of the two sides until they acquire a light brown color. Remove chicken and set aside.

    Step 3: Deglaze the Pot

    • Add minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
    • Pour in chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to deglaze.

    Step 4: Add Lemon Flavor

    • Stir in the lemon juice and zest. Place the chicken breasts back into the Instant Pot, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid.

    Step 5: Pressure Cook

    • Secure the lid, set the valve to Sealing, and cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes.
    • Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then carefully quick-release the remaining pressure.

    Step 6: Garnish and Serve

    • Remove the chicken and drizzle with juices from the pot. Garnish with fresh parsley, olives, or crumbled feta.
    • Serve with your choice of rice, couscous, or a fresh salad.

    Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

    • Calories: 280
    • Protein: 28g
    • Carbohydrates: 4g
    • Fat: 16g
    • Sodium: 450mg
    • Fiber: 1g

    Notes

    Tips and Tricks
    For Best Results: Use fresh lemon juice and zest for a vibrant, tangy flavor.
    Make It a One-Pot Meal: Add chopped zucchini, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes before pressure cooking.
    Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days if need be or placed in the deef freezer for up to 3 months.
    Keyword Healthy weeknight meal, Instant Pot chicken breast, Lemon herb chicken, Mediterranean chicken recipe, Quick chicken dinner