Instant Pot Chicken Thigh Recipe: Quick, Easy, and Delicious

Looking for a quick and easy dinner solution? Try this classic dinner recipe with a modern, faster twist – Instant Pot Chicken Thighs!

When it comes to satisfying family dinners, nothing beats the simplicity and comfort of a well-prepared chicken dish. Chicken thighs are an excellent choice for weeknight meals due to their affordability and versatility. They’re also more forgiving than chicken breasts, staying juicy and flavorful even if cooked slightly longer.

Thanks to the advent of electric pressure cookers like the Instant Pot and Ninja Foodi multicookers, a delicious and tender chicken dinner is now easier and faster to achieve than ever before! Say goodbye to long cooking times and hello to a hearty, flavorful meal in under an hour.

Craving more simple and delicious chicken recipes? Explore these Ninja Foodi Chicken Recipes for inspiration!

🌟 Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Instant Pot Chicken Thighs Recipe

This Instant Pot Chicken Thighs recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Versatile Ingredients: You can use chicken thighs straight from the fridge or even from the freezer! This recipe includes pressure cooking times for both fresh and frozen chicken. This adaptability makes it a lifesaver when you forget to thaw meat in advance.
• Pantry-Friendly: The ingredient list consists of common pantry staples – chicken thighs, chicken stock, oil, and a blend of classic spices. This means you likely have everything you need to whip up this flavorful dish without a trip to the grocery store.
• Quick and Easy: While the total cook time is around 40 minutes, most of that is hands-off pressure cooking. This allows you to focus on other tasks or simply relax while the Instant Pot works its magic.
• Flavorful and Juicy: While bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are highly recommended for their superior flavor and juiciness, you can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Delicious Gravy: The recipe includes a simple yet delicious gravy that perfectly complements the savory chicken. This gravy elevates the dish from simple to spectacular, adding a rich and comforting element to the meal.

🛒 Key Ingredient Notes for Perfect Instant Pot Chicken Thighs

To ensure the best possible results, here are a few important notes on the key ingredients:

Chicken Thighs: For optimal flavor and moisture, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are the ideal choice. The bone adds depth of flavor, while the skin renders and crisps (if desired), contributing to a richer overall experience. However, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs, or even bone-in, skinless thighs, depending on your preference. Keep in mind that cooking times will vary based on the type of chicken thigh you use; refer to the recipe card below for specific instructions.

Chicken Stock: Using high-quality chicken stock or broth will significantly enhance the flavor of your Instant Pot Chicken Thighs. You can use homemade chicken stock for an even more intense flavor, or opt for a store-bought variety. As a tip, don’t discard the bones from this recipe; save them to make your own flavorful chicken stock for future dishes!

✅ Step-by-Step Instructions for Instant Pot Chicken Thighs

Follow these simple step-by-step instructions to create juicy and flavorful Instant Pot Chicken Thighs:

Step 1: Season the Chicken. In a large bowl or a resealable bag, combine the chicken thighs with kosher salt, ground black pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and ground paprika. Ensure that the chicken is evenly coated with the spices for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic in Olive Oil. Turn your Instant Pot to the “SAUTE” setting and add olive oil. Once the oil is heated, add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately one minute, or until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly softened. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can impart a bitter taste to the dish.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken Thighs. Add the seasoned chicken thighs to the Instant Pot and sauté, browning them lightly on all sides. This step adds depth of flavor to the chicken and helps to create a richer sauce. If necessary, work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, ensuring that each thigh gets a good sear.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pot. Remove the browned chicken from the Instant Pot and set it aside on a plate. Pour the chicken broth into the pot while it’s still in “SAUTE” mode. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, ensuring that no flavorful residue is left behind. This process, known as deglazing, creates a flavorful base for the gravy.

Step 5: Cancel Sauté and Prepare for Pressure Cooking. Press the “CANCEL” button to stop the “SAUTE” function. Insert a trivet or rack into the Instant Pot to elevate the chicken above the liquid. This prevents the chicken from becoming soggy and allows it to cook more evenly.

Step 6: Arrange Chicken and Pressure Cook. You can either stack the chicken thighs in a single layer, leaning them slightly against each other, or place 3-4 pieces on the rack. Then, place another rack on top and arrange the remaining chicken on the second rack. This ensures even cooking.

Step 7: Set Cooking Time. Secure the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the pressure release valve is set to “SEALING”. Press the “PRESSURE COOK” (or “MANUAL” on some models) button, select “HIGH” pressure, and set the cooking time for 10 minutes. Allow the Instant Pot to come to pressure, which typically takes 6-8 minutes, before the timer begins counting down.

Step 8: Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry. While the chicken is pressure cooking, prepare the cornstarch slurry by whisking together cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth. This slurry will be used to thicken the gravy later.

Step 9: Natural Pressure Release. Once the 10-minute cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to undergo a “NATURAL PRESSURE RELEASE” for 5 minutes. This means letting the pressure dissipate naturally without intervention. After 5 minutes, carefully perform a “QUICK RELEASE” by flipping the pressure release valve to the “VENTING” position to release any remaining pressure. This process prevents the chicken from becoming dry and overcooked.

Step 10: Open and Check Chicken. Once the pressure has been fully released (the pressure release valve will drop), carefully open the Instant Pot lid and press “CANCEL”. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C). If the chicken is not fully cooked, reseal the lid and pressure cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Step 11: Make the Gravy. Select the “SAUTE” function on the Instant Pot once again. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the pot with the remaining chicken juices. Whisk continuously to prevent lumps from forming and allow the liquid to come to a gentle boil. Continue whisking and simmering until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency, typically about 2-5 minutes. Press “CANCEL” to end the “SAUTE” mode.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy! Serve the flavorful gravy generously over the Instant Pot Chicken Thighs. This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, such as rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Chicken Thighs

🥘 Essential Kitchen Tools and Equipment for Instant Pot Chicken Thighs

To make this recipe, you’ll need the following:

• Electric Pressure Cooker: A large electric pressure cooker is essential. An 8-quart Instant Pot Duo or a Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL Pressure Cooker are great options. You can also use a standard 6-quart electric pressure cooker, but you may need to cook the chicken in two batches. Do NOT attempt to cook this recipe in a small 3-quart electric pressure cooker.
• Trivet or Rack: A trivet or rack to elevate the chicken above the liquid in the pot.
• Mixing Bowl: For seasoning the chicken.
• Whisk: For preparing the cornstarch slurry.
• Wooden Spoon: For scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
• Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

🍽 Delicious Serving Ideas for Instant Pot Chicken Thighs

These easy Instant Pot Chicken Thighs are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving them over or alongside:

• Instant Pot Garlic Rice
• Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Paprika Noodles

For delicious vegetable side dishes, try:

• Air Fryer Broccoli
• Rosemary Garlic Roasted Carrots
• Creamy Confetti Corn Salad

🍷 The Best Wine Pairings for Instant Pot Chicken Thighs

Like most classic chicken dinners, this dish pairs beautifully with a crisp, refreshing white wine or a light-bodied red. Specifically, consider:

• Unoaked or Lightly Oaked Chardonnay: The buttery notes of Chardonnay complement the savory flavors of the chicken without overpowering the dish.
• Oregon Pinot Noir: The bright acidity and earthy notes of Pinot Noir provide a lovely contrast to the richness of the chicken and gravy.

Looking for More Instant Pot Chicken Recipes?

If you enjoyed this Instant Pot Chicken Thighs recipe, be sure to explore more of our Ninja Foodi Chicken Recipes! These recipes can be easily adapted for any electric pressure cooker, including the Instant Pot, offering a world of flavorful possibilities.

Did you make this delicious Instant Pot Chicken Thighs recipe? Don’t forget to leave a 5-Star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card below, and if you truly enjoyed it, please leave a comment with your feedback! Your input is greatly appreciated. Thank you!