Looking for a quick, delicious, and foolproof dinner idea? These Instant Pot chicken thigh recipes are about to become your new go-to meal.
Perfectly juicy, tender, and packed with flavor, they’re ready in less than 30 minutes with minimal prep.
Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent needing weeknight dinners, or just craving something comforting, this recipe ticks all the boxes.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4
Let’s dive in and discover why Instant Pot chicken thighs are the ultimate dinner hack!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️
- Quick & Easy: From prep to plate in under 30 minutes.
- Juicy & Flavorful: Pressure cooking locks in moisture.
- Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults.
- Budget-Friendly: Chicken thighs are affordable and versatile.
- Meal-Prep Ready: Great for batch cooking and leftovers.
Ingredients Needed 🛒
Here’s everything you need to make the best Instant Pot chicken thighs:
- 6 chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless, skin-on for extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or oregano)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth (or water + bouillon cube)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- Optional: splash of soy sauce or lemon juice for added flavor
Substitutions:
- Swap chicken thighs for drumsticks or chicken breasts (adjust cooking time).
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Replace olive oil with avocado oil or butter.
How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Thigh Recipes 🍴
Follow these easy steps for juicy, fall-off-the-bone chicken thighs:
- Season the chicken: In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub evenly over chicken thighs.
- Sear the chicken: Set Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add olive oil, then sear chicken thighs for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: Add onion and garlic to the pot, sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Deglaze the pot: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the bottom.
- Pressure cook: Return chicken to the pot. Lock lid, set to Manual/High Pressure for 10 minutes (12 minutes if bone-in).
- Natural release: Allow 5 minutes of natural release, then quick release remaining pressure.
- Optional crisp: For crispy skin, broil chicken thighs in the oven for 3–5 minutes.
Recipe Tips & Variations 🔄
- Extra Flavor Boost: Add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce.
- Spicy Twist: Sprinkle in cayenne or chili powder.
- Creamy Version: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream after cooking.
- Swap Protein: Use turkey thighs, drumsticks, or even beef chunks.
- Avoid Overcooking: Don’t cook longer than 12 minutes—chicken may turn mushy.
What to Serve It With 🍽️
Pair your Instant Pot chicken thighs with:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Steamed rice or quinoa
- Roasted vegetables
- Garden salad with vinaigrette
- Buttered pasta noodles
Storage & Reheating Tips 🥡
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken thighs for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm gently in the microwave or skillet. Add a splash of broth to keep them juicy.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving, Approx.) 🥗
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 26g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbs: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
Printable Recipe Card 🖨️
Instant Pot Chicken Thigh Recipes
Ingredients:
- 6 chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
Instructions:
- Season chicken with spices.
- Sear thighs in Instant Pot.
- Sauté onion & garlic.
- Deglaze with broth.
- Add chicken back, cook on high pressure 10–12 minutes.
- Natural release 5 min, then quick release.
- Broil if crispy skin desired.
FAQs ❓
1. Can I make this with frozen chicken thighs?
Yes! Increase cook time to 15 minutes. No need to thaw first.
2. Do I need to sear the chicken first?
It’s optional, but searing adds flavor and better texture.
3. Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Absolutely! Reduce cook time to 8 minutes.
4. How do I make it spicy?
Add chili flakes, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper.
5. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, just double ingredients but keep the same cook time.
Conclusion
This Instant Pot chicken thigh recipe is fast, flavorful, and family-approved.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or impressing guests without the stress.
Try it once, and it’ll earn a permanent spot in your meal rotation!
Ava Grace is a passionate storyteller and content creator who believes in the power of words to inspire, entertain, and connect people. With a natural flair for writing and a love for creativity, Ava brings fresh perspectives to every piece of content she creates.
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When Ava isn’t writing, you’ll often find her exploring new ideas, sipping coffee , or enjoying the little moments that spark creativity. Her mission is simple: to create content that resonates, helps, and leaves a lasting impact.
