Delicious Instant Pot Chicken Thigh Ideas Made Simple

Chicken thighs are a versatile and affordable cut of meat that many people consider the perfect choice for cooking in the Instant Pot. Whether you’re cooking fresh, frozen, boneless, or bone-in thighs, the Instant Pot is capable of transforming them into juicy, tender, and flavorful dishes in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional methods.

This guide will explore Instant Pot chicken thighs recipes, provide tips on how to cook chicken thighs in the Instant Pot and answer many common questions about this popular cooking technique. We’ll also delve into cooking frozen chicken thighs, adjusting the cooking times for different chicken thighs, and sharing ideas for meal prep using this method.

Why Choose Chicken Thighs for Instant Pot Cooking?

Chicken thighs have a rich flavor and texture, making them a favorite in many kitchens, especially for busy cooks who want quick, reliable results. Unlike chicken breasts, which can dry out quickly when overcooked, chicken thighs contain more fat and connective tissue, which helps retain moisture and flavor even when cooked under pressure. This makes chicken thighs an excellent choice for Instant Pot recipes.

When cooking chicken thighs in the Instant Pot, you’ll also enjoy the flexibility of fresh and frozen chicken. Whether you have bone-in skinless chicken thighs, boneless skinless chicken thighs, or frozen chicken thighs, the Instant Pot can help you create juicy, flavorful dishes in just minutes. This cooking method is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or saving time without compromising on flavor.

How to Cook Chicken Thighs in the Instant Pot

The Instant Pot uses pressure cooking to infuse flavors and lock in moisture, making cooking chicken thighs faster and easier. However, the cooking time and method will vary depending on whether you’re using fresh or frozen chicken thighs, whether the thighs are boneless or bone-in, and the texture you’re aiming for (e.g., shredded chicken, crispy skin, etc.).

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Fresh Chicken Thighs

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to ensure the skin crisps better.
   • Season the thighs with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. If you’re using boneless, skinless chicken thighs, marinate them for extra flavor before cooking.
2. Sauté the Chicken (Optional):
   • Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add a tablespoon of oil (olive, avocado, or vegetable oil) to the pot. Once the oil is heated, place the chicken thighs in the pot skin-side down (if using bone-in). Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side to get a crispy, golden exterior. This step adds depth of flavor, but it’s optional. If you prefer a quicker cook, skip the searing.
3. Pressure Cook the Chicken:
   • Add 1 cup of liquid (water, broth, or a combination) to the Instant Pot. This is necessary for the Instant Pot to generate steam and come to pressure.
   • Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and select “Manual” or “Pressure Cook.” Cook on high pressure for 12-15 minutes for bone-in chicken thighs. For boneless chicken thighs, cook on high pressure for 7-8 minutes.
4. Natural Release:
   • After the cooking time is complete, let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally for about 10 minutes. Then, manually release any remaining pressure by turning the valve to venting.
5. Finish and Serve:
   • For crispy skin, transfer the chicken thighs to a baking sheet and broil them for 3-5 minutes.
   • You can serve the chicken thighs as is or use them in various recipes, such as chicken tacos, salads, or rice bowls.

How to Cook Frozen Chicken Thighs in the Instant Pot

One of the most significant advantages of cooking with the Instant Pot is cooking frozen chicken thighs directly without thawing. This game-changer is for busy cooks who must remember to thaw their meat or need a quick meal option. Cooking frozen chicken thighs in the Instant Pot is simple:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • No need to thaw! Remove the frozen chicken thighs from their packaging.
2. Add Liquid:
   • Pour 1 cup of water or broth into the Instant Pot. This helps create steam and ensures the chicken cooks evenly.
3. Pressure Cook the Chicken:
   • Place the frozen chicken thighs in the Instant Pot, and set the pressure cook time to 15-20 minutes for bone-in chicken thighs or 12-15 minutes for boneless chicken thighs. Increase the cooking time by about 5 minutes for frozen thighs.
4. Release the Pressure:
   • Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes before venting the rest.
5. Serve:
   • As with fresh chicken thighs, you can add a broil step for crispy skin or serve them as is.

Instant Pot Chicken Thighs Cooking Times

When cooking chicken thighs in the Instant Pot, timing is crucial. The pressure cooker makes it easy to cook chicken quickly, but the cooking time will depend on several factors:

• Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken Thighs: Bone-in thighs typically require more cooking time than boneless thighs. Thighs: Set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 12-15 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural release.
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: These cook faster because bone or skin insulates the meat. Set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 7-8 minutes, with a 5-minute natural release.
• Frozen Chicken Thighs: Increase the cooking time by 5 minutes when cooking frozen chicken thighs. For bone-in frozen chicken thighs, cook on high pressure for 17-20 minutes. For boneless frozen chicken thighs, cook for 12-15 minutes.
• Shredded Chicken Thighs: To make shredded chicken thighs for tacos, salads, or soups, cook on high pressure for 15-18 minutes. Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks.

Flavorful Instant Pot Chicken Thigh Recipes

Now that we’ve covered the basics of cooking chicken thighs in the Instant Pot let’s look at some delicious recipes you can try. These recipes cover a range of flavors and ingredients to suit every palate.

1. Instant Pot Honey Soy Chicken Thighs

Ingredients:

• 6-8 chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• Two cloves garlic, minced
• One tablespoon of rice vinegar
• One teaspoon of sesame oil

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
2. Add all the ingredients into the Instant Pot and stir to combine.
3. Cook on high pressure for 12-15 minutes (bone-in thighs) or 7-8 minutes (boneless thighs).
4. Use the natural release for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
5. Serve with steamed rice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
6. Instant Pot Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

Ingredients:

• 6-8 chicken thighs (bone-in)
• 1/4 cup butter
• Five garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode, melt the butter, and sauté the garlic for 1 minute.
2. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and thyme. Add the chicken to the Instant Pot and sauté for 3 minutes on each side.
3. Add chicken broth to the pot, close the lid, and cook on high pressure for 12 minutes.
4. Let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, then quickly release the remaining pressure.
5. Serve with mashed potatoes or vegetables.
6. Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Thighs

Ingredients:

• Six boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup chicken broth
• One tablespoon of taco seasoning

Instructions:

1. Add the chicken thighs, broth, and taco seasoning to the Instant Pot.
2. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, then allow the pressure to release for 10 minutes naturally.
3. Shred the chicken with two forks and served in tacos, burritos, or salads.

Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Chicken Thighs

While the Instant Pot makes cooking chicken thighs easier and faster, there are a few tips to ensure you get the best results:

1. Use Enough Liquid: Add 1 cup of liquid (broth, water, or a combination) to the Instant Pot to ensure it builds enough steam for pressure cooking.
2. Sear for Extra Flavor: Searing the chicken thighs before pressure cooking adds a rich, caramelized flavor. Take advantage of this step if you want deeper flavor.
3. Crispy Skin: If you prefer crispy skin, transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes. This will give the skin a nice crunch while keeping the meat tender and juicy.
4. Meal Prep: Shredded chicken thighs Instant Pot recipes are great for meal prep. Cook a big batch and use the shredded chicken for tacos, wraps, salads, or soups throughout the week.
5. Adjust for Frozen Chicken: Frozen chicken thighs take longer to cook, so always increase the cooking time by about 5 minutes for frozen pieces.

FAQs

Can I cook chicken thighs frozen in an instant pot?

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken thighs in the Instant Pot. Use the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting and increase the cooking time slightly. For bone-in frozen thighs, cook for 12–15 minutes, and for boneless frozen thighs, cook for 10–12 minutes. Allow for a natural pressure release for 5–10 minutes before opening the lid for the best results.

How much liquid do I need to add when cooking chicken thighs in the Instant Pot?

For most recipes, you’ll need at least 1 cup of liquid (such as water, chicken broth, or sauce). This is essential for the Instant Pot to create enough pressure for cooking. Adding more liquid is fine if you want extra sauce for serving, but avoid overfilling the pot.

How do I get crispy skin on chicken thighs cooked in the Instant Pot?

To get crispy skin-on chicken thighs, sear them in the Instant Pot in “Sauté” mode with some oil before pressure cooking. Alternatively, after pressure cooking, transfer the chicken thighs to a baking sheet and broil them in the oven for 3–5 minutes to achieve a crispy golden skin.

Conclusion

Cooking chicken thighs in the Instant Pot is quick and easy and guarantees juicy, tender results every time. Whether preparing fresh chicken thighs or cooking from frozen, the Instant Pot allows you to create various delicious dishes perfect for busy nights or meal prepping. From Instant Pot shredded chicken thighs to flavorful honey soy chicken, there’s no limit to the recipes you can try.

Following the Instant Pot chicken thighs cooking times and experimenting with different flavors will allow you to enjoy a wide range of quick and delicious chicken dishes. So, next time you’re looking for a tasty, satisfying meal, grab some chicken thighs and fire up your Instant Pot!