If you’re craving a delicious and flavorful chicken dish but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, then this Lemon Herb Chicken Recipe in a Pressure Cooker is perfect for you. With the help of a pressure cooker, you can achieve tender and juicy chicken infused with the vibrant flavors of lemon and herbs in no time. Say goodbye to bland and boring chicken dinners and get ready to impress your taste buds with this quick and easy recipe.
Ingredients
To make this delicious lemon herb chicken in a pressure cooker, gather the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 lemons
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparing the chicken:
First, take the boneless, skinless chicken breasts and trim any excess fat. Use paper towels to pat the chicken breasts dry, ensuring they are free from any excess moisture.
Lemons:
For this recipe, one lemon will be used for slicing, and the other will be used for its juice. Cut one of the lemons into slices and set them aside for later use. Squeeze the juice from the other lemon and set it aside.
Herb Mixture:
In a small bowl, combine the dried rosemary, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix them together thoroughly to ensure all the herbs and spices are evenly distributed.
Coating the chicken:
Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated. Then, take the herb mixture and coat each chicken breast with it, making sure to cover the entire surface of the chicken.
Preheating the pressure cooker:
Before you start cooking the chicken, it’s important to preheat the pressure cooker. By selecting the ‘Saute’ function, you can preheat the pressure cooker, ensuring even cooking throughout the chicken breasts.
Searing the chicken:
Once the pressure cooker is hot, add the chicken breasts to it and sear them on both sides until they are browned. This process usually takes around 2-3 minutes per side. Searing the chicken not only adds flavor but also helps to retain its moisture.
Removing the chicken:
After searing the chicken, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the pressure cooker and set them aside temporarily. This step allows you to deglaze the bottom of the pressure cooker and prevent any burnt bits from affecting the final flavor of the lemon herb chicken.
Deglazing and adding lemon slices:
Pour the lemon juice into the pressure cooker and use it to deglaze the bottom of the pot. This will help to lift any browned bits from the bottom, incorporating them into the flavors of the dish. Once the bottom is deglazed, place the chicken breasts back into the pressure cooker and add the lemon slices on top.
Cooking the chicken:
Close the lid of the pressure cooker and set the cooking time to 10 minutes on high pressure. This will ensure that the chicken breasts cook thoroughly and become tender and juicy.
Releasing the pressure:
Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 5 minutes. This helps to ensure that the chicken remains moist and retains its flavors. After the 5 minutes, manually release the remaining pressure by carefully opening the pressure release valve.
Serving the lemon herb chicken:
With the lid removed, transfer the cooked chicken breasts to a serving dish. The lemon herb chicken is best enjoyed when it is hot and fresh. Serve it alongside your favorite side dishes for a well-rounded meal.
Tips
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Marinating the chicken: For an added flavor boost, consider marinating the chicken breasts in the herb mixture for approximately 30 minutes before cooking. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat even further, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
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Fresh herbs: While the recipe calls for dried herbs, you can substitute them with fresh herbs if desired. Use 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs for every teaspoon of dried herbs. Fresh herbs can add a vibrant and aromatic touch to the dish.
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Adjusting seasoning: The amount of salt, pepper, and herbs can be adjusted according to your personal taste preferences. Feel free to add more or less seasoning to create a flavor profile that suits your palate.
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Thicker sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce with your lemon herb chicken, you can remove the chicken from the pressure cooker after cooking and thicken the sauce. This can be done by simmering it on the ‘Saute’ function for a few minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and become more concentrated.
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Side dishes: Lemon herb chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad to create a complete and satisfying meal.
Variations
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Extra kick of flavor: Add minced garlic to the herb mixture for an added kick of flavor. This will infuse the chicken breasts with a delicious garlic taste, enhancing the overall profile of the dish.
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Cheese topping: For cheese lovers, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken breasts before serving. This will create a delightful cheesy crust, adding a rich and creamy element to the dish.
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Favorite herb blend: Replace the specified dried herbs with your favorite herb blend or seasoning mix. This allows you to add a personal touch to the lemon herb chicken, tailoring it to your specific tastes.
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Mediterranean twist: To give your lemon herb chicken a Mediterranean twist, add sliced olives and cherry tomatoes to the pressure cooker along with the chicken. This will introduce tangy and briny flavors, reminiscent of Mediterranean cuisine.
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Spicy option: If you enjoy a bit of heat in your dishes, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the herb mixture. This will give the lemon herb chicken a subtle spicy kick, balancing out the citrusy and herbaceous flavors.
Benefits of Using a Pressure Cooker
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Faster cooking time: One of the main advantages of using a pressure cooker is its ability to significantly reduce cooking time. With the high pressure environment created inside the cooker, the chicken cooks in a fraction of the time compared to traditional cooking methods. This makes it an ideal option for individuals with busy schedules who don’t want to compromise on flavor and quality.
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Retained nutrients: The shorter cooking time in a pressure cooker helps to preserve the nutrients in the ingredients. Unlike boiling or simmering, which can lead to nutrient loss, pressure cooking minimizes the exposure to high temperatures, ensuring that the chicken retains its nutritional value.
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Tender and juicy results: The high pressure environment in the pressure cooker breaks down the fibers in the meat, resulting in tender and juicy chicken breasts. This makes them more enjoyable to eat and enhances the overall dining experience.
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One-pot cooking: Pressure cookers often have multiple functions, allowing you to sear, sauté, and cook the chicken all in one device. This saves time on preparation and reduces the number of dishes needed for cooking. With a pressure cooker, you can streamline your cooking process and minimize clean-up.
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Energy efficiency: Pressure cookers use less energy compared to traditional cooking methods. The combination of shorter cooking times and the design of the pressure cooker helps to optimize energy usage, making it an eco-friendly choice for cooking.
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Versatile cooking options: Pressure cookers are incredibly versatile and can be used to cook a wide range of dishes. From soups and stews to desserts and grains, a pressure cooker can handle it all. This versatility makes it a valuable kitchen tool for those looking to explore different cooking techniques and recipes.
Conclusion
Using a pressure cooker to make lemon herb chicken is a quick and easy way to enjoy a flavorful and tender dish. By following the simple instructions and adding your own personal touch, you can create a delicious meal that is sure to impress. The benefits of using a pressure cooker, such as faster cooking times and retained nutrients, make it a convenient and efficient cooking method. So why not give it a try and enjoy the delightful flavors of lemon and herbs infused into succulent chicken breasts? Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this lemon herb chicken recipe is a great choice that will leave everyone craving for more.