Best 3 Instant Pot Chicken Thigh Recipes

INSTANT POT CHICKEN THIGHS

Steps:

• Trim any excess skin that stretches beyond the top of the chicken thighs.
• In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, paprika and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle all over both sides of the chicken thighs.
• Set your Instant Pot to the sauté setting and let the insert heat until very hot (it takes 2 to 3 minutes to heat up). Add the olive oil to the base of the pot, then 1/2 of the chicken thighs, skin-side down. Cook until golden brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the thighs to a plate. Repeat with the remaining chicken thighs, then transfer to a plate. Turn off the Instant Pot.
• Add the garlic, lemon slices, and chicken stock to the pot. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. Nestle the chicken thighs skin-side up in the pot (you may have to shingle them slightly).
• Cover the Instant Pot with the lid and lock into place. Seal the steam release handle. Select high pressure and set the timer for 15 minutes. When timer is up, let the pressure release naturally for 20 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure. Remove the lid and transfer the thighs to a plate. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
• Discard the lemon slices and garlic and return the Instant pot to the sauté setting. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of water and the cornstarch. Add this to the pot and cook, whisking occasionally, until the mixture comes to a boil. Let simmer, whisking frequently, for 1 minute, until thickened. Turn off the Instant Pot. Season with more salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve the chicken with a drizzle of the sauce, topped with chopped fresh herbs.

INSTANT POT® CHICKEN THIGHS AND VEGETABLES

Steps:

• Heat oil in a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot®) set to the Saute function. Add onion to the hot oil and saute until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add chicken and cook until browned, 3 to 5 minutes. Cancel Saute function.
• Add potatoes, carrots, chickpeas, both cans of diced tomatoes, water, bouillon cubes, curry powder, garlic powder, ginger, and salt. Close and lock the lid. Select high pressure according to manufacturer's instructions; set timer for 15 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.
• Release pressure using the natural-release method according to manufacturer's instructions, 10 to 40 minutes. Unlock and remove the lid. Stir in coconut milk.

INSTANT POT® CREAMY CAJUN CHICKEN THIGHS

Steps:

• Turn on a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot®) and select Saute function. When the pot is hot, add 1 tablespoon butter and avocado oil to coat the bottom of the pot. Leave remaining 3 tablespoons butter out to soften.
• Place chicken thighs in the pot and sprinkle with basil and garlic powder. Brown for 3 minutes on each side. Temporarily remove chicken to a plate.
• Pour broth into the pot and bring to a boil while scraping the browned bits of food off the bottom with a wooden spoon. Stir in garlic, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and cayenne. Return chicken to the pot and cancel the Saute setting.
• Close and lock the lid. Select high pressure according to manufacturer's instructions; set timer for 6 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.
• Release pressure using the natural-release method according to manufacturer's instructions for 5 minutes. Release remaining pressure carefully using the quick-release method, about 5 minutes. Unlock and remove the lid and remove chicken thighs to a plate.
• Mix softened butter and flour together in a small bowl. Select Saute function and when the sauce begins to simmer, whisk in the butter-flour mixture until sauce has thickened. Cancel Saute function.
• Stir in heavy cream and roasted red peppers. Slice chicken thighs and return to the pot. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and basil leaves.