Citrus Herb Basque Chicken (Instant Pot)

Citrus Herb Basque Chicken is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines the zesty tang of citrus fruits with aromatic herbs and tender chicken. Cooked conveniently in an Instant Pot, this recipe delivers a Mediterranean-inspired meal in minimal time. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.

What Is Citrus Herb Basque Chicken?

This dish features juicy, bone-in chicken thighs infused with the bold flavors of smoked paprika, thyme, and oregano. The addition of fresh orange and lemon slices creates a zesty, fragrant sauce that’s both comforting and sophisticated. It’s a one-pot wonder with deep, satisfying flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: The Instant Pot makes this recipe a breeze to prepare, reducing cooking time while maximizing flavor.
• Vibrant Flavors: Citrus and herbs bring a bright, refreshing twist to classic chicken dishes.
• Perfect for Pairing: The flavorful sauce pairs wonderfully with bread, rice, or roasted vegetables.
• Meal Prep Friendly: The leftovers reheat beautifully, making it an ideal meal-prep option.

Ingredients

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 orange, sliced into rounds
• 1 lemon, sliced into rounds
• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
• ½ cup (120 ml) dry white wine
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

1. Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Heat olive oil and sear chicken thighs, skin-side down, for 3-4 minutes until golden. Flip and sear the other side for 2 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Sautéing the Vegetables

3. Add the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.

Building the Sauce

4. Arrange the orange and lemon slices over the sautéed vegetables.
5. Pour in chicken broth and white wine. Stir in thyme and oregano for a fragrant base.

Cooking in the Instant Pot

6. Return the chicken thighs to the pot, nestling them into the citrus-herb mixture.
7. Secure the Instant Pot lid and set to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode for 15 minutes.

Releasing Pressure

8. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.

Garnishing and Serving

9. Garnish the dish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Serving Suggestions

Citrus Herb Basque Chicken pairs wonderfully with:

• Crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
• Steamed white rice for a hearty base.
• Roasted potatoes for a comforting side.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Freezing Instructions

• Allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free: Substitute dry white wine with gluten-free chicken broth or apple cider vinegar diluted with water.
• Vegan Option: Replace chicken thighs with large portobello mushrooms or tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red chili flakes to the sauce for some heat.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless thighs work, but reduce the cooking time to 10 minutes in the Instant Pot.

What can I use instead of white wine?
You can substitute with additional chicken broth or diluted apple cider vinegar for a similar tangy flavor.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Sear the chicken on the stovetop first, then transfer all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Citrus Herb Basque Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s as easy to prepare as it is to enjoy. The Instant Pot brings all the ingredients together in a fragrant, zesty sauce perfect for soaking up with your favorite sides. Try this recipe today and bring a burst of Mediterranean sunshine to your table!

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