Imagine tender, juicy chicken infused with the vibrant flavors of Greece, prepared in just 25 minutes with minimal effort. This pressure cooker chicken recipe is about to transform your weeknight dinners from mundane to magnificent! Packed with zesty lemon, aromatic oregano, and perfectly crispy skin, this dish will transport your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean coastline without hours of complicated cooking.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, and dried oregano on both sides, ensuring even coverage.
- Set the pressure cooker to sauté mode and heat the olive oil. Once hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Flip the chicken thighs and sear the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes to develop a rich color and seal in the flavors.
- Pour the chicken broth into the pressure cooker, scraping the bottom to release any browned bits that will enhance the sauce's flavor.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken thighs, distributing it evenly.
- Close the pressure cooker lid, set the valve to sealing position, and cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
- Remove the chicken thighs and transfer to a serving platter. If desired, reduce the remaining liquid in sauté mode for a few minutes to concentrate the flavors.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot with your choice of side dishes like rice, roasted vegetables, or Greek salad.
Tips
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown sear that locks in maximum flavor.
- Don't rush the searing process - those beautiful brown bits at the bottom of the pressure cooker are flavor gold and will enhance your entire dish.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest, most authentic Greek flavor. Bottled juice simply can't compare.
- Allow for natural pressure release for the first 5 minutes to help keep the chicken incredibly moist and tender.
- If you want an extra flavor boost, try marinating the chicken in the oregano, lemon, and olive oil mixture for 30 minutes before cooking.
- The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption - a meat thermometer is your best friend here.
- Fresh parsley isn't just a garnish - it adds a bright, fresh finish that complements the rich chicken perfectly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 130mg
