Instant Pot Keto Chicken Thighs with Lemon, Olives and Capers

Instant Pot Keto Chicken Thighs with Lemon, Olives and Capers

Did you know that dishes combining chicken, olives, and citrus have been beloved for centuries across Mediterranean kitchens? 

From the tangy pollo al limón of Spain to the rich flavors of Moroccan tagine, the marriage of savory chicken with briny olives and zesty lemon has become a culinary classic. 

Historically, these dishes were slow-cooked, allowing the rich flavors to meld over time. But in today’s fast-paced world, we’ve found a way to bring that same depth of flavor to your table in just a fraction of the time.

Enter the Instant Pot Chicken Thighs with Olives, Capers, and Lemon—a modern, time-saving twist on an ancient flavor combination. 

Traditionally, you’d spend hours simmering ingredients for the perfect balance of tender, melt-in-your-mouth chicken and bold, savory flavors. With the Instant Pot, you can achieve this complex taste in under 30 minutes, without sacrificing any of the authenticity or richness that makes Mediterranean cuisine so irresistible.

And this version isn’t just fast; it’s better. Using pasture-raised chicken thighs ensures a higher nutrient density and a richer flavor. We’ve also elevated the dish by incorporating Castelvetrano olives—known for their buttery, mild taste—and grass-fed ghee, adding a luxurious depth while keeping it dairy-free. The lemon juice and capers cut through the richness with their fresh, tangy bite, creating a balanced, keto-friendly dish that’s perfect for any healthy lifestyle. 

Why settle for ordinary when you can experience extraordinary flavors in record time? This is a recipe that pays homage to Mediterranean tradition while embracing modern-day convenience—without compromising on taste or nutrition.

Key Ingredients: Why They Matter: 

• Pasture-Raised Chicken Thighs: These provide a higher fat content than breasts, which is ideal for keto. Plus, pasture-raised chicken is richer in omega-3s and antioxidants than conventionally raised poultry.
• Castelvetrano Olives: Known for their buttery, mild flavor, these olives add a unique depth to the dish while supplying heart-healthy fats and antioxidants.
• Grass-Fed Ghee: This clarified butter is perfect for sautéing, providing a rich, nutty flavor and is free of lactose for those sensitive to dairy.
• Lemon Juice: The acidity of lemon cuts through the richness of the chicken and olives, brightening the dish while adding a dose of vitamin C.
• Capers: These tiny powerhouses pack a briny punch and bring balance to the savory elements of the meal.

You can easily adjust the recipe by swapping the Castelvetrano olives for Kalamata or another variety, or by substituting ghee with avocado oil..

A Taste of the Mediterranean: Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is all about delivering bold flavors with minimal effort. The combination of buttery chicken thighs, rich olives, and tangy lemon will have your taste buds dancing. 

And thanks to the Instant Pot, you can achieve a melt-in-your-mouth texture in just minutes—without hours of simmering! It’s an effortless way to stay on track with a keto or grain-free diet while enjoying gourmet-quality flavors.

Original

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

30 mins

Total Time

40 mins

Servings

4

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Ingredients

• 8 pasture-raised chicken thighs
• 1 tsp sea salt
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 20 Castelvetrano olives + 1 Tbsp olive juice
• 2 tsp capers
• 1 whole lemon, cut into wedges for serving
• 1 cup organic chicken broth
• 1 oz grass-fed ghee
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

1. Pat chicken thighs dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper.
2. Add ghee to the Instant Pot and press “Sauté.”
3. Once hot, place chicken thighs skin-side down in batches, cooking until golden. Flip and cook for another minute, then transfer to a plate.
4. Add all seared chicken back to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth, olives, olive juice, capers, lemon juice, and minced garlic.
5. Close and lock the lid. Press “Manual,” set the pressure to “High,” and cook for 14 minutes.
6. Let the pressure release naturally.
7. Serve with lemon wedges and drizzle with olive oil for extra richness.

Nutrition & Macronutrient Ratio

561 calories, 45 g fat, 14 g saturated fat, 21 g monounsaturated fat, 8 g polyunsaturated fat, 176 mg cholesterol, 5 g carbohydrate, 3 g Net carbs,0.2 g sugar, 2 g fiber, 0 g sugar alcohols, 34 g protein, 1007 mg sodium, 470 mg potassium, 299 mg phosphorous

73% Fat | 25% Protein | 2% Carbohydrate

Serving & Storage Tips:

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side of steamed broccoli, roasted cauliflower, or a fresh cucumber salad. For meal prep, simply store the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat in the oven to preserve the crispy skin.

Variations and Similar Recipes:

If you love this recipe, try experimenting with different types of olives or using bone-in chicken breasts for a leaner option. You might also enjoy our Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Basil or Keto Lemon-Caper Salmon for more Mediterranean-inspired meals.

Share Your Success!

We’d love to hear how this recipe turned out for you! Share your culinary creations on social media, and don’t forget to tag us. Let us know in the comments how you customized your dish, and feel free to leave a review if you enjoyed this flavor-packed recipe!