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Homemade Instant Pot Thai Lemongrass Chicken. recipe photo

Instant Pot Thai Lemongrass Chicken.

A fragrant Thai-inspired shredded chicken cooked in coconut milk with lemongrass, red curry, and fresh herbs.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can full-fat coconut milk 13.5 ounce
  • 1 small yellow onion quartered
  • 4 cloves garlic smashed
  • 1 inch fresh ginger piece
  • 1 tablespoon lemongrass paste
  • 1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • kosher salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 red bell pepper chopped
  • 1 red Fresno pepper or jalapeño seeds removed and chopped
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil roughly torn
  • 1 lime juice of 1 lime
  • peanuts for serving
  • shredded carrots for serving
  • green onions for serving
  • steamed rice for serving

Equipment

  • Instant Pot or pressure cooker
  • Blender
  • Tongs or forks for shredding
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cutting board and knife

Method
 

  1. Place the coconut milk, quartered onion, smashed garlic, 1-inch piece of ginger, lemongrass paste, Thai red curry paste, fish sauce, and a pinch of salt and black pepper in a blender and blend until smooth.
  2. Pour the blended coconut sauce into the Instant Pot. Add the chicken breasts, chopped red bell pepper, chopped Fresno pepper (or jalapeño), and the cinnamon stick.
  3. Seal the Instant Pot and cook on High Pressure/manual for 8 minutes.
  4. When the cook time is complete, use either a natural release or quick release according to your preference, then open the lid.
  5. Switch the Instant Pot to Sauté and bring the liquid to a boil; simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce reduces slightly. Remove and discard the cinnamon stick.
  6. Shred the chicken in the pot using two forks, stirring to coat it in the sauce.
  7. Stir in the chopped cilantro, torn basil, and lime juice. Taste and season with additional salt if needed.
  8. Serve the shredded chicken over steamed rice and top with peanuts, shredded carrots, and sliced green onions.

Notes

  • Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer sauce.
  • Remove seeds from the Fresno or jalapeño for less heat.
  • Discard the cinnamon stick before shredding.
  • Adjust fish sauce and salt to taste after cooking.