Savory Instant Pot Chicken Thighs

Savory Instant Pot Chicken Thighs: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Imagine having a meal ready in just a few minutes, with the kind of tender, fall-off-the-bone results you’d expect from slow-cooked dishes. This Instant Pot chicken thigh recipe delivers exactly that, combining the convenience of pressure cooking with the rich flavors of a homemade rub and gravy. It’s perfect for a quick yet satisfying dinner that impresses both in taste and presentation.

## How Many Chicken Thighs Can Fit in My Instant Pot?

When using an Instant Pot, the number of chicken thighs you can cook at once depends on the size of your appliance. For a 6-quart Instant Pot, you can comfortably sear about six bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs in two batches. If you have an 8-quart Instant Pot, you can increase the amount to about eight thighs, totaling around 3.5 pounds. It’s also important to adjust the seasoning and liquid accordingly; for example, you might add an extra half teaspoon of salt and increase the chicken stock to 1.5 cups for the larger batch.

## Cooking Time for Chicken Thighs in an Instant Pot

The cooking time for chicken thighs in the Instant Pot varies based on whether they are bone-in or boneless. For bone-in thighs, cooking at high pressure for 10 minutes is recommended after searing, followed by a natural pressure release of 5 minutes. For boneless, skinless thighs, the cooking time is slightly shorter, at 8 minutes, with a similar natural release. This method ensures that the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F while retaining its moisture and flavor.

## Ingredients for Instant Pot Chicken Thighs

Here are the ingredients needed for this recipe:

–

2.5 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

(about 4 to 6 thighs, depending on size)
–

1 tsp. salt

(plus more to taste)
–

1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

(plus more to taste)
–

1/2 tsp. paprika

–

1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning

–

1.5 Tbsp. olive oil

–

3 cloves garlic

, peeled and smashed
–

3 lemon slices

–

1 cup chicken stock

–

1 Tbsp. cornstarch

–

Chopped fresh herbs

(such as parsley, dill, or thyme) for serving

## Instructions for Cooking Instant Pot Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Thighs

1.

Trim Excess Skin

: Trim any excess skin that stretches beyond the top of the chicken thighs.

2.

Prepare the Rub

: In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle this spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken Thighs

1.

Heat the Instant Pot

: Set your Instant Pot to the sauté setting and let the insert heat until very hot (about 2 to 3 minutes).

2.

Brown the Chicken

: Add the olive oil to the base of the pot, then add half of the chicken thighs, skin-side down. Cook until golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the thighs to a plate and repeat with the remaining chicken. Turn off the Instant Pot.

Step 3: Pressure Cook the Chicken

1.

Add Aromatics and Stock

: Add the garlic, lemon slices, and chicken stock to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

2.

Nestle the Chicken

: Nestle the chicken thighs into the pot, skin side up. You may need to shingle them slightly to fit them in the pot.

3.

Cook Under Pressure

: Cover the Instant Pot with the lid, lock it into place, and set the steam release handle to the sealing position. Select high pressure and set the timer for 15 minutes. When the timer is up, let the pressure release naturally for 20 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.

4.

Transfer and Cover

: Remove the thighs from the pot and cover them loosely with foil to keep warm.

Step 4: Make Gravy

1.

Discard Aromatics

: Remove the lemon slices and garlic from the pot.

2.

Thicken the Broth

: Return the Instant Pot to the sauté setting. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Add this mixture to the pot and cook, whisking occasionally, until it comes to a boil. Let simmer for about 1 minute to thicken the sauce.

3.

Season Gravy

: Season the gravy with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Serve

1.

Serve with Gravy

: Serve the chicken thighs with a drizzle of the homemade gravy. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs.

2.

Optional: Crispy Skin

: For crispy skin, place the cooked chicken thighs on a foil-lined sheet pan, skin side up, and broil on high for about 3 minutes.

## Tips for Cooking with the Instant Pot

–

Searing for Flavor

: Searing the chicken before pressure cooking enhances the flavor and texture of the dish.
–

Adjust Seasonings

: Feel free to adjust the seasoning blend to suit your taste preferences.
–

Gravy Variations

: Experiment with different herbs or spices in the gravy for unique flavor profiles.

## FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen chicken thighs in this recipe?

A: Yes, frozen chicken thighs can be used. However, you will need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. For frozen bone-in thighs, cook at high pressure for about 15 minutes, and for boneless thighs, cook for about 12 minutes, followed by a natural release period.

Q: How do I achieve crispy skin on my chicken thighs?

A: To achieve crispy skin, broil the thighs on high for about 3 minutes after cooking in the Instant Pot. This step should be done after the chicken has been cooked and while it is still warm.

Q: Can I use this recipe for boneless, skinless chicken thighs?

A: Yes, you can use this recipe for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Adjust the cooking time to 8 minutes at high pressure, followed by a 5-minute natural release.

## Conclusion

This Instant Pot chicken thigh recipe is not only delicious but also versatile and easy to make. It offers a quick solution for weeknight dinners while still providing the satisfying flavors and textures that you would expect from a more labor-intensive meal. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner with the Instant Pot, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.