Effortless Instant Pot Chicken Thighs

You know those days when you’re super busy and just don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen? Well, I’ve got the perfect solution for you—Effortless Instant Pot Chicken Thighs. This recipe is a total game-changer. It’s super easy and quick to make, and the best part is, you only need a few ingredients.

I love how the Instant Pot does all the work. You just toss everything in, set it, and let it do its magic. The chicken comes out juicy and full of flavor every time. Plus, it’s perfect for any meal, whether it’s lunch or dinner. You can even make it for meal prep and have delicious chicken ready for the whole week.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s really flexible. You can add your favorite seasonings or veggies to switch things up. It’s also great with a side of rice or veggies. So, if you’re looking for a simple and tasty meal without all the fuss, give these Instant Pot Chicken Thighs a try. You won’t be disappointed!

Chef’s Notes – Effortless Instant Pot Chicken Thighs

• Prep Your Ingredients: Measure out and prepare all your ingredients before starting. This includes smashing garlic, slicing lemons, and chopping fresh herbs. It makes the cooking process smoother and ensures nothing is forgotten.
• Pat Chicken Dry: Before seasoning and browning, pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps to achieve a crisp, golden-brown skin.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: When browning the chicken, do it in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pot can lead to steaming rather than browning.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor profile significantly. Add them just before serving for a burst of freshness.
• Deglaze Properly: When adding the chicken stock, ensure you scrape up all the browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. These bits add depth and richness to the sauce.
• Natural Pressure Release: Allowing the pressure to release naturally for 20 minutes helps keep the chicken tender and juicy.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste the sauce after thickening and adjust the seasoning if needed. A bit more salt or a squeeze of lemon juice can enhance the overall flavor.
• Garnish with Care: Garnish the dish with fresh parsley, dill, or thyme right before serving to add color and freshness.

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Effortless Instant Pot Chicken Thighs

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: Main CourseCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

350

kcal

Resting Time

20

minutes

Total time

1

hour 

5

minutes

Explore the ease and efficiency of creating succulent chicken thighs using an Instant Pot. Perfect for a quick, flavor-packed dinner that will delight your taste buds!

Ingredients

• Chicken Thigh Ingredients

• 2 1/2 lb chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on

• 1 tsp salt plus extra for seasoning

• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper plus extra for seasoning

• 1/2 tsp paprika

• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil

• 3 garlic peeled and smashed

• 3 slices lemon

• 1 cup chicken stock

• 1 tbsp cornstarch

• Fresh Herbs

• as needed parsley, dill, thyme fresh, chopped for garnish

• Alternative Ingredients

• Use turkey thighs or chicken breasts as a substitute for chicken thighs.

• Vegetable broth can replace chicken stock for a lighter version.

• Arrowroot powder can substitute cornstarch for a gluten-free thickener.

Directions

• Prep & Season Chicken – Begin by tapering off any unwanted fat or skin from the chicken. Mix together salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning in a bowl, and ensure the chicken is evenly coated with this blend to enhance the flavors during cooking. Takes about 2-3 minutes.
• Browning the Chicken – Heat olive oil in the Instant Pot on ‘Sauté’ setting until shimmering (about 3 minutes). Lay the chicken skin-side down and cook until golden brown, approximately 5-7 minutes each side. Transfer chicken to a plate.
• Flavor Base – Lower the heat and add garlic and lemon slices into the same pot, letting them sauté briefly for 1 minute before adding chicken stock. Use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the pot, infusing the sauce with robust flavor, a process taking roughly 3 minutes.
• Pressure Cook – Return chicken to the pot, secure the lid, seal the valve, and set the pot to cook under high pressure for 15 minutes. Let pressure release naturally for 20 minutes. This method helps to lock in moisture and tenderize the chicken.
• Thicken Sauce – Remove the chicken, then whisk together cornstarch and a bit of water to create a slurry. Pour this mixture into the pot and simmer for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
• Garnishing & Serving – Slice chicken onto plates, spoon over the rich gravy from the pot, and sprinkle with freshly chopped herbs for added freshness and a burst of color.

Equipment

• instant pot
• Small Bowl
• Wooden Spoon
• Whisk

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 350kcal
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 120mg
• Sodium: 450mg
• Potassium: 300mg
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 1g
• Protein: 38g
• Vitamin A: 200IU
• Vitamin C: 6mg
• Calcium: 30mg
• Iron: 2mg

FAQ – Effortless Instant Pot Chicken Thighs