Instant Pot Chicken Thighs

Why You’ll Love Instant Pot Chicken ThighsRecipe

This Instant Pot chicken thigh recipe is incredibly easy and quick, taking advantage of your pressure cooker to deliver juicy, fall‑off‑the‑bone chicken in under an hour. With a simple seasoning blend and straightforward steps, it’s great for beginners and busy cooks alike. Plus, it’s versatile—you can use bone‑in, boneless, or even frozen thighs.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 ½ pounds chicken thighs
½ teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup chicken broth

Directions

1. In a small bowl, combine paprika, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Rub this seasoning blend over both sides of the chicken thighs.

2. Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function and add the olive oil.

3. Place the chicken thighs in the hot oil, skin‑side down, and brown them for about 3 minutes. Flip and brown the other side for another 3 minutes.

4. Remove the partially cooked chicken from the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.

5. Place the trivet that comes with your Instant Pot inside the pot. Arrange the chicken thighs on top of the trivet, then seal the lid.

6. Pressure cook on high for 10 minutes. After cooking, allow a natural pressure release for about 7 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.

7. Remove the chicken and serve hot with your favorite sides.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4
Prep time: about 5 minutes
Cook time: 23 minutes
Total time: 28 minutes

Variations

• Boneless chicken: If using boneless, skinless thighs, reduce pressure‑cooking time slightly (about 8 minutes with 7 minutes natural release).
• Frozen chicken: Skip the searing step; simply season frozen thighs and cook under high pressure for about 14 minutes with a natural release.
• Crispier skin: After pressure cooking, broil the cooked chicken in the oven for 3–5 minutes to crisp the skin.
• Gravy: Use the flavorful liquid left in the pot to make a simple gravy by thickening with a cornstarch slurry after cooking.

Storage/Reheating

Store cooled leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can also chop cold leftover chicken for salads or sandwiches. For longer storage, freeze cooked chicken in a freezer‑safe bag; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

What kind of chicken thighs work best?

Both bone‑in and boneless chicken thighs work well. Bone‑in thighs are especially juicy, but adjust cooking time slightly for boneless.

Can I cook frozen chicken thighs in the Instant Pot?

Yes. If using frozen thighs, skip browning and increase pressure cooking time (about 14 minutes with natural release).

Do I need to brown the chicken first?

Browning adds flavor and better texture, but you can skip this step if you’re short on time or using frozen chicken.

How do I make gravy with this recipe?

After cooking, remove the chicken and set the pot to sauté. Mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry and whisk into the liquid until thickened.

Can I use water instead of chicken broth?

Yes, but broth adds more flavor. If using water, consider adding a bouillon cube or extra seasoning.

Is it safe to pressure cook chicken?

Yes, pressure cooking is safe and cooks chicken quickly while keeping it moist, as long as you follow the Instant Pot instructions for sealing and pressure release.

How can I get crispier skin?

After pressure cooking, broil the chicken in the oven for a few minutes to crisp the skin.

Can I double this recipe?

You can cook more chicken if it fits in a single layer without overcrowding the pot. For larger quantities, you may need to cook in batches.

What sides pair well with these chicken thighs?

Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Can I add extra spices?

Absolutely! Feel free to add herbs or spices like thyme, rosemary, or smoked paprika to customize flavor.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot chicken thigh recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken with very little effort—perfect for busy nights or easy meal prep. With simple ingredients and flexible options for bone‑in, boneless, or frozen chicken, it’s a versatile staple that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite.