If you’re on the hunt for a meal that’s bursting with flavor and comes together in a snap, the Instant Pot Chicken Thighs Recipe is an absolute game changer. This dish delivers tender, juicy chicken with a beautifully rich and savory sauce that’s ready in just minutes thanks to your trusty Instant Pot. Whether you’re cooking for a big family dinner or meal prepping for the week, these chicken thighs are supremely satisfying without the fuss. From the perfect sear to the luscious gravy, every bite feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients make this Instant Pot Chicken Thighs Recipe shine. Each one brings its own magic, creating layers of flavor and comforting textures that will make your kitchen smell incredible.
- 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: The star of the show; the bone keeps the meat juicy and skin crisps up beautifully when seared.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors and helps season the chicken perfectly.
- Black pepper (to taste): Adds a subtle kick and depth to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon oil: Needed for searing the chicken to a golden brown crust.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Infuses the meat with moisture and richness during pressure cooking.
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika: Gives a warm, smoky undertone and vibrant color.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds fragrant savory notes that complement the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Deepens the flavor profile with sweet and sharp aromas.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brightens up the overall taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar (optional): Balances the seasoning with a touch of sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional): Perfect for thickening the savory cooking juices into gravy.
How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Thighs Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by sprinkling your chicken thighs generously with salt and black pepper. This simple step is key to building that deep flavor foundation. Don’t be shy about seasoning well since it helps bring out the natural taste of the meat.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Set your Instant Pot to the “sauté” mode and add the oil. Once shimmering, carefully place the chicken thighs skin side down and brown them for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Browning is essential—it locks in juices and creates a fantastic golden crust that adds texture and flavor. Don’t worry about cooking through at this stage; just get that beautiful color. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 3: Deglaze and Prepare to Cook
Pour the chicken broth into the pot, scraping up all the browned bits stuck to the bottom. Those bits are pure flavor gold, so make sure to loosen them with a wooden spoon. Next, place the metal trivet inside the pot, then arrange the browned chicken on top. Seal the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “sealing” to prepare for pressure cooking.
Step 4: Pressure Cook the Chicken
Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. After the timer goes off, allow a natural release for 5 minutes—this means just leave the Instant Pot untouched so the pressure drops on its own. Then carefully do a quick release for any remaining pressure. Open the lid cautiously and use tongs to remove the chicken and trivet—they’ll be hot!
Step 5: Thicken the Gravy
This step is pure comfort in a spoon. If you want a rich, velvety gravy, whisk the cornstarch into two tablespoons of cool water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the cooking juices in the Instant Pot. Turn on the “sauté” setting and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens. Now you have a luscious gravy to drizzle over your chicken thighs.
How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Thighs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate your dish with a burst of color and an extra layer of flavor. Try sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or cilantro right before serving. A wedge of lemon on the side adds a refreshing citrus note that pairs wonderfully with the savory chicken.
Side Dishes
This recipe plays well with many sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice are perfect for soaking up the delicious gravy. Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or green beans add a lovely texture contrast and a pop of color on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style dinner, arrange the chicken thighs in a large serving platter and pour the gravy generously over the top. Alternatively, serve on individual plates atop a bed of creamy polenta or buttery noodles for a comforting, elegant presentation. Adding a sprinkle of toasted almonds or pine nuts can introduce a delightful crunch that surprises and delights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover chicken thighs along with the gravy in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy this flavorful dish again during the week.
Freezing
This Instant Pot Chicken Thighs Recipe freezes beautifully. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Keep the chicken and gravy together if possible to preserve the wonderful flavors upon thawing.
Reheating
For best results, thaw frozen chicken overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, spooning the gravy over the chicken to keep it moist. Warming slowly ensures the meat stays tender and juicy instead of drying out.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs cook even faster. Adjust cooking time to about 8 minutes on high pressure to avoid overcooking and drying out the meat.
What if I don’t have cornstarch for the gravy?
No worries — you can skip the gravy thickening or use an alternative like arrowroot powder or a flour slurry. The gravy will still be flavorful, just a bit thinner.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients, but make sure not to exceed the maximum fill line of your Instant Pot. You might need to cook in batches or increase cooking time slightly for larger quantities.
Is it important to brown the chicken first?
Browning is highly recommended as it adds incredible flavor and a delicious texture contrast, but if you’re short on time, you can skip it and still get tender chicken.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe is mild and comforting, but you can easily add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to your spice mix if you like a little heat.
Final Thoughts
Cooking the Instant Pot Chicken Thighs Recipe is like sending a warm, delicious hug from your kitchen to your dining table. Its simplicity, rich flavors, and tender texture make it a quick weeknight favorite or a weekend crowd-pleaser. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—you might just find your new go-to chicken recipe that everyone will ask for again and again.
Print
Instant Pot Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
Tender and juicy Instant Pot chicken thighs cooked to perfection with a flavorful blend of spices and a savory broth-based gravy, made quick and easy using your pressure cooker. This recipe delivers a satisfying meal in under 30 minutes with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt (more or less to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon oil
Seasoning & Broth
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar (optional)
Gravy Thickener (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cool water
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken thighs evenly with salt and black pepper according to your taste preferences to enhance flavor.
- Brown Chicken: Set the Instant Pot to the ‘sauté’ mode and heat the oil. Add the seasoned chicken thighs and brown them for 3-4 minutes on each side. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage. Remove and set aside on a plate.
- Deglaze and Prepare for Pressure Cooking: Pour the chicken broth into the Instant Pot, scraping the bottom with a spoon to lift any browned bits left from browning the chicken. Place the metal trivet inside the pot and arrange the browned chicken thighs on top.
- Pressure Cook Chicken: Close the Instant Pot lid securely and set the valve to ‘sealing’. Pressure cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. After cooking, allow a natural release for 5 minutes by switching off the Instant Pot, then carefully perform a manual release of any remaining pressure. Open the lid and carefully remove the chicken and trivet.
- Thicken Gravy: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cool water to create a slurry. Set the Instant Pot back to ‘sauté’ mode and stir the slurry into the cooking juices. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring regularly, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. Serve this savory gravy over the cooked chicken thighs.
Notes
- For skinless or boneless chicken thighs, reduce pressure cooking time to 8 minutes to prevent overcooking.
- The brown sugar is optional and adds a subtle sweetness to balance the spices.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, add an additional 1/2 tablespoon of cornstarch with water and simmer longer.
- Leftover chicken and gravy can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Make sure to properly seal the Instant Pot lid and check the valve position before pressure cooking.
