In this mouthwatering article, you will discover how to make a delectable Lemon Garlic Chicken dish using a pressure cooker. With the perfect combination of tangy lemon and aromatic garlic, this recipe is bound to impress your family and friends. Fast and efficient, the pressure cooker will ensure that your chicken is tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this easy and delicious Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe.
Ingredients
To make this delicious lemon garlic chicken in a pressure cooker, you will need the following ingredients:
- Boneless chicken breast
- Lemon juice
- Minced garlic
- Chicken broth
- Salt and black pepper
- Olive oil
- Cornstarch
Preparation
Step 1: Season the chicken
Before starting to cook the chicken, it’s important to season it properly. Sprinkle salt and black pepper over both sides of the boneless chicken breast. This will help to enhance the flavors of the dish.
Step 2: Saute the chicken
In your pressure cooker, heat a bit of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breast. Sauté the chicken for a few minutes on each side until it turns golden brown. This step will add a delicious crispy texture to the chicken.
Step 3: Add lemon juice and garlic
After sautéing the chicken, it’s time to add the tangy lemon juice and aromatic minced garlic. Pour in the lemon juice and add the minced garlic to the pressure cooker. The combination of lemon and garlic will infuse the chicken with a bright and refreshing flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory taste of the chicken.
Step 4: Pressure cook the chicken
Now it’s time to pressure cook the chicken. Pour in the chicken broth, which will help to create a flavorful and moist chicken. Secure the lid of the pressure cooker and set it to cook for the appropriate amount of time. The pressure cooking method ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and becomes tender.
Step 5: Release pressure and thicken sauce
Once the pressure cooking time is complete, it’s important to release the pressure in a safe manner. Follow the instructions of your specific pressure cooker model. Once the pressure is released, remove the lid and carefully transfer the chicken to a plate. To thicken the sauce, mix cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the sauce in the pressure cooker and stir until it thickens up. This step will create a delicious sauce to drizzle over the chicken.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you know the basic steps of the recipe, let’s break it down further:
Step 1: Season the chicken
- Sprinkle salt and black pepper over both sides of the boneless chicken breast.
Step 2: Saute the chicken
- Heat a bit of olive oil in your pressure cooker.
- Add the seasoned chicken breast.
- Sauté the chicken for a few minutes on each side until it turns golden brown.
Step 3: Add lemon juice and garlic
- Pour in the lemon juice.
- Add the minced garlic to the pressure cooker.
Step 4: Pressure cook the chicken
- Pour in the chicken broth.
- Secure the lid of the pressure cooker and set it to cook for the appropriate amount of time.
Step 5: Release pressure and thicken sauce
- Release the pressure according to your pressure cooker’s instructions.
- Carefully transfer the chicken to a plate.
- Mix cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a slurry.
- Pour the slurry into the sauce in the pressure cooker and stir until it thickens up.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to consider when making lemon garlic chicken in a pressure cooker:
Marinate the chicken for extra flavor
For a more intense flavor, you can marinate the chicken breast in a mixture of lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper for a few hours before cooking. This will allow the flavors to penetrate into the meat and add an extra dimension to the dish.
Add vegetables for a complete meal
To make this dish more nutritious and well-rounded, consider adding a variety of vegetables. You can toss in some bell peppers, onions, or even broccoli during the sautéing step. This will not only enhance the flavor of the dish but also make it a complete and wholesome meal.
Serve over rice or pasta
Lemon garlic chicken pairs perfectly with rice or pasta. The savory chicken and tangy sauce complement the neutral flavors of rice or the tender texture of pasta. Serve the chicken on a bed of fluffy rice or toss it with your favorite pasta for a satisfying meal.
Adjust seasoning according to taste
Everyone’s taste preferences vary, so feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your liking. If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, add a bit more lemon juice. Likewise, if you’re a garlic lover, increase the amount of minced garlic. Remember to taste and adjust the seasoning as you go to create a dish tailored to your palate.
Cooking Time
To give you an idea of the expected cooking time for this recipe:
- Total preparation time: 10 minutes
- Pressure cooking time: 15 minutes
- Estimated total cooking time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information
Here is the nutritional information for one serving of lemon garlic chicken:
- Serving size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
Benefits of Pressure Cooking
Pressure cooking has gained popularity due to its numerous benefits. Here are a few reasons why you should consider using a pressure cooker:
Retains nutrients in food
Pressure cooking helps to retain the nutrients in food. With shorter cooking times and the ability to cook at higher temperatures, pressure cooking preserves more vitamins and minerals compared to other cooking methods.
Saves cooking time
One of the biggest advantages of pressure cooking is its ability to significantly reduce cooking time. The high-pressure environment and steam created inside the pressure cooker speeds up the cooking process, allowing you to prepare meals in a fraction of the time.
Enhances flavor
When you cook food under pressure, the flavors become more concentrated and intense. The pressure cooking method helps to infuse the flavors together, resulting in a more flavorful and delicious dish.
Why Choose Lemon Garlic Chicken?
There are several reasons why you should choose lemon garlic chicken as your next pressure cooker recipe:
Bright and refreshing flavors
The combination of lemon and garlic brings a bright and refreshing flavor to the chicken. The tanginess of lemon pairs perfectly with the savory taste of the chicken, creating a delicious contrast that will make your taste buds dance with delight.
Versatile for various dishes
Lemon garlic chicken is a versatile dish that can be used in various recipes. You can shred the cooked chicken and use it in sandwiches, wraps, or salads. It can also be added to stir-fries or served alongside roasted vegetables. The possibilities are endless!
Garlic and lemon provide health benefits
Both garlic and lemon have health benefits that make this dish even more appealing. Garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties and may help reduce the risk of certain diseases. Lemon, on the other hand, is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which can support a healthy immune system and help fight inflammation.
Equipment Required
To make lemon garlic chicken in a pressure cooker, you will need the following equipment:
- Pressure cooker
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Tongs
- Whisk or spoon for mixing
Conclusion
Lemon garlic chicken in a pressure cooker is a quick and delicious recipe that is perfect for busy weeknight dinners. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can enjoy flavorful and tender chicken with minimal effort. So why not give this recipe a try and savor the bright and refreshing flavors of lemon and garlic? Your taste buds will thank you!