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If you’re following a keto diet and craving a delicious, low-carb meal that’s rich in flavor yet quick and easy to make, look no further than Instant Pot Keto Chicken Thighs in Lemon-Garlic Cream Sauce. This dish is the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory, all while being keto-friendly and packed with healthy fats and protein. The Instant Pot makes it easy to whip up a flavorful dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender chicken thighs, a luscious lemon-garlic cream sauce, and the speed of the Instant Pot is a game-changer for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

In this article, we will take a deep dive into the benefits of using chicken thighs for keto meals, why the Instant Pot is your best friend when preparing low-carb dishes, and how to make Keto Chicken Thighs in Lemon-Garlic Cream Sauce step by step.

Why Chicken Thighs Are Perfect for Keto

When following a keto diet, choosing the right cuts of meat is crucial for hitting your daily fat and protein goals. Chicken thighs are a fantastic option for keto recipes, and here’s why:

1. Higher Fat Content: Unlike chicken breasts, which are leaner, chicken thighs have a higher fat content, making them more suitable for a ketogenic diet. This makes them an excellent source of healthy fats that are essential for staying in ketosis, the metabolic state where your body burns fat for fuel.
2. Moisture and Flavor: Chicken thighs are naturally more moist and flavorful compared to chicken breasts, which can often turn dry if overcooked. This makes them perfect for slow cooking or pressure cooking, as they remain tender and juicy.
3. Cost-Effective: Chicken thighs are typically more affordable than chicken breasts, making them a budget-friendly option for keto meals without sacrificing taste or nutrition.
4. Versatility: Chicken thighs can easily absorb and complement a wide variety of flavors, making them ideal for a dish like Lemon-Garlic Cream Sauce, which requires a protein that can stand up to bold flavors while remaining succulent and tender.

The Instant Pot Advantage for Keto Cooking

The Instant Pot is a kitchen appliance that has revolutionized how we prepare meals. It’s an all-in-one pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, and more, allowing you to create tender, flavorful dishes in a fraction of the time. When you’re following a keto diet, the Instant Pot can be a huge time-saver, especially when you’re cooking cuts of meat like chicken thighs that require longer cooking times.

Here are some reasons why the Instant Pot is a must-have for keto cooking:

1. Faster Cooking: The Instant Pot speeds up the cooking process by using pressure cooking, which locks in moisture and flavors. This is particularly helpful when preparing meals like chicken thighs that would typically take longer to cook using traditional methods.
   
2. Tender Meat: The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking feature ensures that meats like chicken thighs become incredibly tender and juicy, breaking down the connective tissue and fat in a short amount of time. This results in a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s perfect for dishes like Lemon-Garlic Cream Chicken Thighs.
   
3. One-Pot Meal: The Instant Pot simplifies cleanup by allowing you to cook everything in one pot. This means fewer dishes and less mess, which is always a bonus, especially on busy nights.
   
4. Customizable Cooking: Whether you’re sautéing garlic for your cream sauce or simmering the chicken in its juices, the Instant Pot allows you to adjust the cooking settings and easily create layers of flavor.

The Benefits of a Lemon-Garlic Cream Sauce

The star of this recipe is the Lemon-Garlic Cream Sauce, which brings brightness, richness, and complexity to the dish. Let’s explore why this sauce is a perfect match for the keto chicken thighs:

1. Lemon: The citrusy kick from the lemon balances the richness of the cream and provides a refreshing contrast to the savory garlic. Lemon is also a great source of vitamin C, and it adds a touch of acidity to brighten the entire dish.
2. Garlic: Garlic is a keto-friendly ingredient packed with flavor. It’s a natural antioxidant with potential health benefits and plays an important role in adding depth to the sauce. The combination of garlic and lemon creates an aromatic and flavorful base for the cream sauce.
3. Cream: Heavy cream is a staple in keto recipes because it’s high in fat and low in carbs. It creates a silky, velvety texture for sauces, soups, and more. In this dish, the cream melds perfectly with the lemon and garlic, creating a rich sauce that complements the chicken thighs beautifully.
4. Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley can be added to the cream sauce for added flavor. They enhance the freshness of the dish and bring a layer of aromatic complexity that balances the richness of the sauce.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this easy and delicious Keto Chicken Thighs in Lemon-Garlic Cream Sauce in the Instant Pot, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 6 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (or boneless, skinless if preferred)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for sautéing)

For the Lemon-Garlic Cream Sauce:

• 1/4 cup butter (unsalted)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)

How to Make Instant Pot Keto Chicken Thighs in Lemon-Garlic Cream Sauce

Making Keto Chicken Thighs in Lemon-Garlic Cream Sauce in the Instant Pot is quick and straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a flavor-packed meal that the whole family will love.

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken Thighs

Start by seasoning your chicken thighs with salt and pepper. You can use bone-in, skinless thighs or boneless, skinless thighs depending on your preference. For extra flavor, you can also rub the chicken with a bit of garlic powder or onion powder.

Turn your Instant Pot to the Sauté function and add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken thighs into the pot. Sauté the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they develop a nice golden brown color. This step helps to lock in the juices and flavor before cooking under pressure.

Step 2: Prepare the Lemon-Garlic Cream Sauce

Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the Instant Pot and set it aside. Turn the Instant Pot off, then add the butter to the pot. Allow it to melt, then add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.

Next, add the chicken broth, heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and herbs (if using). Stir well to combine, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits of chicken. These bits are packed with flavor and will make your sauce even more delicious.

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. The sauce should have a perfect balance of tangy lemon, rich cream, and savory garlic.

Step 3: Pressure Cook the Chicken

Return the chicken thighs to the Instant Pot, nestling them into the sauce. Make sure the chicken is partially submerged in the liquid to ensure even cooking. Close the lid of the Instant Pot, making sure the vent is set to Sealing.

Set the Instant Pot to cook on Manual (or Pressure Cook) for 10 minutes on high pressure. If you’re using boneless thighs, you can reduce the cooking time to 8 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes before performing a quick release to let out the remaining pressure.

Step 4: Finish the Sauce

After releasing the pressure, remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and set it aside. Turn the Instant Pot back to Sauté and allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes to thicken. The sauce should become rich and creamy, with a velvety consistency.

Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, return the chicken to the pot and spoon the sauce over it. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a burst of color and freshness.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the Keto Chicken Thighs in Lemon-Garlic Cream Sauce over a bed of cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or any low-carb side of your choice. The rich, creamy sauce pairs perfectly with these sides, making for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With the Instant Pot, you can have a delicious, keto-friendly dinner ready in under 30 minutes.
• Full of Flavor: The combination of garlic, lemon, and cream creates a balanced sauce that complements the juicy chicken thighs perfectly.
• Keto-Friendly: This dish is low in carbs and high in healthy fats, making it a perfect fit for your ketogenic diet.
• Tender Chicken: The Instant Pot ensures that the chicken thighs remain juicy and tender, so you won’t have to worry about dry meat.
• One-Pot Meal: Fewer dishes to clean and more time to enjoy your meal—this recipe does it all.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Keto Chicken Thighs in Lemon-Garlic Cream Sauce is the ultimate low-carb comfort food that combines the richness of cream, the brightness of lemon, and the savory goodness of garlic—all brought together in one easy, flavorful dish. Thanks to the Instant Pot, you can enjoy a perfectly cooked keto meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Whether you’re following a keto diet or simply looking for a quick and delicious dinner, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your rotation. It’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights or for impressing guests with minimal effort. Give it a try today, and savor the creamy, tangy goodness of this mouthwatering chicken dish!