Meal prep is made easy with this Instant Pot chicken thighs recipe! did you know that you can cook 8 or more chicken thighs at once in the Instant Pot? And they always turn out so moist, juicy, full of flavor, with a crispy buttery skin? And you can also use the juices to make a delicious gravy just like I do when I cook Instant Pot Turkey breast. It’s so easy – takes just a few simple steps, so let’s get started!
Seasoning the Chicken Thighs
Dark meat has more flavor than white meat, but seasoning is a must. You can simply season it with salt and pepper, but I recommend adding more flavors. In this recipe here I’ve used paprika, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. But feel free to use your favorite seasonings, I love this homemade fajita seasoning, Italian seasoning is also great, and if you’re feeling adventurous then go for Middle Eastern flavors with this easy shawarma seasoning recipe.
The Directions
Now I have to be honest with you, you’re not going to get crispy chicken skin in the Instant Pot. But do this simple step as it’s totally worth it, just transfer the chicken thighs onto a baking dish and crisp them in the oven under the broiler for a few minutes, or even easier, in the Air Fryer!
Cooking Time for Chicken Thighs in the Instant Pot
Depending on what type of chicken thighs you’re using, here’s how long you need to pressure cook the chicken thighs for:
Bone-in skin-on: 10 minutes high pressure, then 5 minutes natural release. Bone-in skinless: 10 minutes high pressure, then 5 minutes natural release. Boneless skinless: 8 minutes high pressure, then 5 minutes natural release. Frozen chicken thighs, frozen individually: 14 minutes high pressure, then 5 minutes natural release.
How to Make Gravy?
When you brown the chicken, then deglaze the pot, you get very taste flavorful liquid that can be used to make gravy. After pressure cooking, and removing the chicken thighs from the Instant Pot, press on the SAUTE setting and thicken the liquids with a cornstarch slurry (1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with room temperature water), whisk until the gravy is thickened and nice.
What to Serve With
Serve with rice! I love serving juicy chicken with rice and gravy and it’s also great for meal prep. You can make white rice in the Instant Pot, or serve with Instant Pot brown rice. For flavored rice recipes, check out my turmeric rice, mushroom rice, for Middle Eastern spin go for vermicelli rice, or jeera (cumin) rice for an Indian flavor. Love potatoes? These Instant Pot buttered potatoes are absolutely amazing and go so well with chicken! And it’s also a great idea to add more vegetables such as Instant Pot steamed broccoli, Instant Pot green beans, and even Instant Pot corn on the cob!
More Instant Pot Chicken Thighs Recipes
Below are a few favorites:
Instant Pot Brown Sugar Chicken Instant Pot Honey Mustard Chicken Instant Pot Butter Chicken and Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala If you’re looking for a quick one pot recipe that is made on the stovetop, try my Cranberry Chicken Thighs recipe!
© Little Sunny Kitchen
