Instant Pot Keto Chicken Thighs in Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce: A Flavorful and Easy Recipe

Are you looking for a quick, easy, and delicious keto-friendly meal? Look no further! This Instant Pot keto chicken thighs recipe, bathed in a luscious lemon garlic cream sauce, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s incredibly simple to make, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor. The Instant Pot makes the chicken unbelievably tender and juicy, while the creamy sauce elevates it to gourmet status. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

## Why This Recipe Works

* **Keto-Friendly:** This recipe is low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats, making it perfect for those following a ketogenic diet.
* **Quick and Easy:** The Instant Pot cooks the chicken quickly and efficiently, saving you time and effort.
* **Flavorful:** The lemon garlic cream sauce is bursting with bright, tangy, and savory flavors that complement the chicken perfectly.
* **Tender and Juicy Chicken:** The Instant Pot ensures that the chicken thighs are incredibly tender and juicy, never dry or overcooked.
* **Versatile:** This recipe can be easily customized to suit your preferences. Add different herbs, spices, or vegetables to create your own unique variation.
* **Meal Prep Friendly:** This recipe is perfect for meal prepping as it stores well and reheats beautifully.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather the following ingredients:

* **Chicken Thighs:** 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 6-8 thighs). Boneless, skinless thighs are recommended for their tenderness and faster cooking time. If you prefer bone-in, skin-on thighs, adjust the cooking time accordingly (see notes below).
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons. Used for searing the chicken thighs, adding flavor, and preventing sticking.
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves, minced. Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the sauce.
* **Chicken Broth:** 1 cup. Provides moisture for pressure cooking and forms the base of the sauce. Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
* **Heavy Cream:** 1 cup. Creates the rich and creamy texture of the sauce.
* **Lemon Juice:** 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed. Adds a bright and tangy flavor that balances the richness of the cream sauce.
* **Lemon Zest:** 1 teaspoon. Enhances the lemon flavor and adds a touch of aromatic zest.
* **Italian Seasoning:** 1 teaspoon. A blend of dried herbs that adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste. Season the chicken and sauce to your preference.
* **Optional Garnish:** Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish.

## Equipment

* **Instant Pot:** A 6-quart or larger Instant Pot is recommended.
* **Large Bowl:** For seasoning the chicken thighs.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measurement of ingredients.
* **Knife and Cutting Board:** For mincing the garlic and chopping the parsley.
* **Tongs:** For handling the chicken thighs.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Instant Pot keto chicken thighs in lemon garlic cream sauce:

**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**

1. In a large bowl, pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps them to brown better.
2. Season the chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Make sure to coat both sides evenly.

**Step 2: Sear the Chicken**

1. Turn on your Instant Pot and select the “Saute” function. Adjust the setting to “More” or “High” if your Instant Pot has these options. Allow the Instant Pot to heat up for a few minutes.
2. Add the olive oil to the Instant Pot. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken thighs in the Instant Pot in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pot, as this will prevent the chicken from browning properly. You may need to sear the chicken in batches.
3. Sear the chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown. This step adds flavor and texture to the dish. Remove the seared chicken thighs from the Instant Pot and set aside.

**Step 3: Sauté the Garlic**

1. Add the minced garlic to the Instant Pot. Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will make it bitter.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and deglaze the bottom of the Instant Pot by scraping up any browned bits with a wooden spoon or spatula. This adds flavor to the sauce and prevents the “Burn” notice.

**Step 4: Pressure Cook the Chicken**

1. Return the seared chicken thighs to the Instant Pot, arranging them in a single layer.
2. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and make sure the pressure release valve is in the “Sealing” position.
3. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function and set the cooking time to 8 minutes for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. If using bone-in, skin-on thighs, increase the cooking time to 12-15 minutes.
4. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully release any remaining pressure manually by moving the pressure release valve to the “Venting” position. Be careful of the hot steam.

**Step 5: Make the Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce**

1. Carefully remove the chicken thighs from the Instant Pot and set aside. Keep them warm.
2. Select the “Saute” function on the Instant Pot again. Bring the liquid in the Instant Pot to a simmer.
3. Pour in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir well to combine.
4. Continue to simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

**Step 6: Serve**

1. Return the chicken thighs to the Instant Pot and coat them with the lemon garlic cream sauce.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Serving Suggestions

This Instant Pot keto chicken thighs dish pairs perfectly with a variety of low-carb sides. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Cauliflower Rice:** A classic keto-friendly side dish that’s light and fluffy.
* **Steamed Broccoli or Asparagus:** Simple and healthy green vegetables that complement the rich sauce.
* **Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles):** A low-carb pasta alternative that’s perfect for soaking up the sauce.
* **Spinach Salad:** A refreshing salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
* **Mashed Cauliflower:** A creamy and comforting alternative to mashed potatoes.

## Tips and Tricks for Success

* **Don’t Overcrowd the Instant Pot:** Sear the chicken in batches to ensure proper browning.
* **Deglaze the Pot Thoroughly:** Scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot is crucial for adding flavor to the sauce and preventing the “Burn” notice.
* **Adjust the Cooking Time:** The cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken thighs. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
* **Don’t Overcook the Sauce:** Simmer the sauce gently to prevent it from curdling.
* **Add a Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes:** For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Freshly squeezed lemon juice and minced garlic will provide the best flavor.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Bone-in, Skin-on Chicken Thighs:** Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for extra flavor and richness. Increase the cooking time to 12-15 minutes.
* **Chicken Breast:** While chicken thighs are recommended for their tenderness, you can use chicken breast instead. Reduce the cooking time to 5-7 minutes.
* **Different Herbs and Spices:** Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as rosemary, thyme, oregano, or paprika.
* **Add Vegetables:** Add vegetables like mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers to the Instant Pot before adding the chicken broth.
* **Dairy-Free Version:** Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free option.
* **Add Parmesan Cheese:** Stir in some grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce for a richer, cheesier flavor.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

* **Serving Size:** 1 chicken thigh with sauce
* **Calories:** 350-400
* **Total Fat:** 25-30g
* **Saturated Fat:** 15-20g
* **Cholesterol:** 150-180mg
* **Sodium:** 300-400mg
* **Total Carbohydrates:** 5-7g
* **Net Carbohydrates:** 3-5g
* **Fiber:** 1-2g
* **Sugar:** 2-3g
* **Protein:** 30-35g

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Store leftover chicken thighs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the chicken thighs and sauce in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You may need to add a little extra chicken broth or water to prevent the sauce from drying out.

## Conclusion

This Instant Pot keto chicken thighs in lemon garlic cream sauce recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a healthy and satisfying meal. The Instant Pot makes the chicken incredibly tender and juicy, while the creamy sauce is bursting with flavor. Whether you’re following a ketogenic diet or simply looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your Instant Pot, and get ready to enjoy a truly unforgettable meal!