Foolproof Instant Pot Chicken Thighs: Juicy, Tender & Fast

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Ever wondered how to make chicken thighs truly shine? Dry, rubbery chicken is a common kitchen frustration. Achieving consistently juicy and tender instant pot chicken thighs can seem like a culinary puzzle. Instant Pot chicken thighs are known for their incredibly juicy and tender results, thanks to the high-pressure cooking environment that locks in moisture and drastically reduces cooking time. This method is foolproof, making it perfect for quick, delicious weeknight dinners. Drawing from comprehensive analysis of current data and proven methodologies, we’ve perfected the art of cooking chicken thighs in your Instant Pot. You’ll discover diverse recipes and expert troubleshooting to master this versatile kitchen appliance. Prepare to transform your dinner routine with effortlessly delicious results.

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7 Foolproof Instant Pot Chicken Thigh Recipes for Juicy, Tender & Fast Dinners

1. Classic Boneless, Skinless Instant Pot Chicken Thighs: The Weeknight Essential

Golden-Brown Seared Boneless Instant Pot Chicken Thighs Glistening With Juices On A Rustic Wooden Board With Parsley, Perfect For A Healthy Meal.

Pin this classic recipe to your “Easy Dinner Ideas” board for quick weeknight meals!

This section focuses on delivering easy instant pot chicken thighs, specifically boneless skinless chicken thighs in instant pot, for a quick weeknight meal. These fast instant pot chicken thighs are designed to be juicy and tender with minimal effort.

What You Need:

  • 1.5-2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
  • Instant Pot (6-quart or 8-quart)

Steps:

  1. Prepare chicken thighs: Pat dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, toss chicken thighs with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Sear (optional, but recommended): Press SAUTÉ on your Instant Pot and add 1 tbsp olive oil. Once hot, sear chicken thighs for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Deglaze inner pot: Pour in chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This prevents a “BURN” notice.
  4. Pressure Cook: Return seared chicken thighs (or unseared if skipping step 2) to the Instant Pot. Ensure they are not stacked too high above the max fill line.
  5. Seal and Cook: Secure the lid and set the vent to SEALING. Select MANUAL/PRESSURE COOK (High Pressure) for 8 minutes.
  6. Release Pressure: Once cooking is complete, allow a Natural Pressure Release (NPR) for 5 minutes, then quick release (QR) any remaining pressure by turning the vent to VENTING.
  7. Serve: Carefully remove chicken thighs. They should be perfectly tender and juicy. Rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving whole.

Pro-Tip: For maximum flavor and to achieve that desirable golden instant pot chicken thighs finish, don’t skip the searing step! The Maillard reaction (maillard reaction instant pot) adds incredible depth of flavor that pressure cooking alone cannot.

2. Juicy Bone-In, Skin-On Instant Pot Chicken Thighs with Crispy Skin Option

Crispy Golden-Brown Bone-In Instant Pot Chicken Thighs With Roasted Vegetables On A Ceramic Platter, Ideal For A Warm Family Dinner.

Save this recipe to your “Comfort Food Dinners” board for a satisfying meal!

For those who prefer a richer flavor, bone in instant pot chicken thighs deliver exceptional taste and fall off the bone instant pot chicken thighs tenderness. You can even get crispy skin instant pot chicken thighs with an extra step.

What You Need:

  • 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2-2.5 lbs total)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp poultry seasoning (or a blend of thyme, rosemary, garlic powder)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1.5 cups chicken broth (or water)
  • Instant Pot (6-quart or 8-quart)
  • Optional: Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid or oven for crisping

Steps:

  1. Prepare chicken: Pat chicken thighs thoroughly dry with paper towels. Season generously all over with olive oil, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  2. Sear skin: Press SAUTÉ (HIGH) on your Instant Pot. Add chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear for 5-7 minutes until the skin is deeply golden and crispy. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Deglaze: Add chicken broth to the pot and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
  4. Pressure Cook: Place the seared chicken thighs on a trivet (or directly in the pot, skin-side up) in the Instant Pot.
  5. Seal and Cook: Secure the lid, set vent to SEALING. Select MANUAL/PRESSURE COOK (High Pressure) for 12 minutes.
  6. Natural Release: Once cooking is done, allow a Natural Pressure Release (NPR) for 10 minutes, then quick release (QR) any remaining pressure.
  7. Crisp Skin (Optional): For crispy skin instant pot chicken thighs, transfer chicken to a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 3-5 minutes, or use an Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid at 400°F (200°C) for 5-8 minutes, until skin is desired crispiness.
  8. Serve: Rest chicken for 5 minutes before serving.

Pro-Tip: Bone-in chicken thighs yield collagen (entity_relationships_predicates) during pressure cooking, contributing to an incredibly rich and tender result. For the crispiest skin, ensure the thighs are completely dry before searing, and consider a post-pressure cook crisping step.

3. Instant Pot Chicken Thighs from Frozen: Your Emergency Dinner Solution

Juicy Instant Pot Chicken Thighs, Perfectly Cooked And Tender, Being Lifted With Tongs From The Pressure Cooker, Showcasing A Quick Meal.

Don’t let dinner delays stop you! Pin this frozen chicken thighs hack for later!

When you forget to thaw, instant pot frozen chicken thighs come to the rescue. The Instant Pot efficiently cooks frozen chicken thighs instant pot, providing a no thawing instant pot chicken thighs solution that is both quick and safe.

What You Need:

  • 1.5-2 lbs frozen boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or 4-6 frozen bone-in, skin-on thighs)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for searing if desired before freezing)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium) or water
  • Instant Pot (6-quart or 8-quart)
  • Trivet (recommended for better circulation)

Steps:

  1. Seasoning (Frozen): If chicken is frozen into a block, you can season it after cooking, or try to sprinkle seasoning over individual frozen thighs before placing in the pot.
  2. Add Liquid: Pour chicken broth into the inner pot. Place a trivet in the pot.
  3. Place Chicken: Carefully place frozen chicken thighs on the trivet. If they are a solid block, place the block.
  4. Pressure Cook: Secure the lid, set vent to SEALING.
    • Frozen Boneless, Skinless: Select MANUAL/PRESSURE COOK (High Pressure) for 12 minutes.
    • Frozen Bone-In, Skin-On: Select MANUAL/PRESSURE COOK (High Pressure) for 15 minutes.
  5. Natural Release: Once cooking is complete, allow a Natural Pressure Release (NPR) for 10 minutes, then quick release (QR) any remaining pressure.
  6. Check Doneness: Always check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken using a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C). If not, cook for another 2-3 minutes on high pressure.
  7. Serve: Shred or serve whole. If you couldn’t season before, do so now!

Pro-Tip: While Instant Pot defrost chicken thighs instant pot efficiently, it doesn’t allow for searing from frozen. If you prefer golden instant pot chicken thighs, you can pre-sear and freeze them, or quickly sear the cooked thighs in a hot pan or under a broiler after pressure cooking.

4. Flavorful Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs: A Sweet & Savory Delight

Glistening Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Coated In Rich Sauce With Sesame Seeds And Green Onions, Served With Rice For Dinner.

Sweet & savory perfection! Pin this honey garlic chicken recipe for your next dinner!

For a truly flavorful instant pot chicken thighs experience, look no further than honey garlic. Instant Pot chicken thighs with honey garlic sauce become a delicious and easy weeknight meal, delivering a sticky honey garlic sauce that’s hard to resist.

What You Need:

  • 1.5-2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
    • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
    • 1/4 cup honey
    • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
    • 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
    • 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger
    • 4 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
    • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water (for thickening)
  • Garnish: Sesame seeds, chopped green onions

Steps:

  1. Season & Sear: Pat chicken thighs dry, season with salt and pepper. Press SAUTÉ on Instant Pot, add olive oil. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden. Remove.
  2. Prepare Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar (if using), ginger, minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), and chicken broth.
  3. Pressure Cook: Pour sauce into the Instant Pot, scraping any browned bits. Return chicken thighs to the pot.
  4. Seal and Cook: Secure the lid, set vent to SEALING. Select MANUAL/PRESSURE COOK (High Pressure) for 8 minutes.
  5. Release Pressure: Once done, perform a Natural Pressure Release (NPR) for 5 minutes, then Quick Release (QR) any remaining pressure.
  6. Thicken Sauce: Carefully remove chicken. Press SAUTÉ (LESS). In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Stir slurry into the sauce in the pot. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens to desired consistency.
  7. Serve: Return chicken to the pot to coat with the sticky honey garlic sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve over rice or noodles.

Pro-Tip: The umami flavor development instant pot (topical_authority_advanced) from searing combined with the sweet and tangy pH balance in marinades (topical_authority_advanced) of the honey garlic sauce creates a truly irresistible meal. Don’t be afraid to adjust the sauce to your liking!

5. Shredded Instant Pot Chicken Thighs: Versatile Meal Prep Powerhouse

Finely Shredded, Moist Instant Pot Chicken Thighs In A Mixing Bowl With Forks, Perfect For Quick Meal Prep Or Healthy Weeknight Meals.

Meal prep made easy! Pin this shredded chicken recipe for delicious possibilities!

Shredded instant pot chicken thighs are a game-changer for meal prep. Learning how to shred chicken thighs in instant pot opens up possibilities for dishes like instant pot chicken thighs for tacos or healthy meal prep options.

READ ALSO :  The Ultimate Pumpkin Bread Recipe: Moist, Delicious, and Easy to Make

What You Need:

  • 2-3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (fresh or frozen)
  • 1.5 cups chicken broth or water
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Instant Pot (6-quart or 8-quart)
  • Optional: Stand mixer with paddle attachment for easy shredding

Steps:

  1. Season Chicken: Place chicken thighs (fresh or frozen) in the Instant Pot. Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Add Liquid: Pour chicken broth over the chicken.
  3. Pressure Cook: Secure the lid, set vent to SEALING.
    • Fresh Boneless, Skinless: Select MANUAL/PRESSURE COOK (High Pressure) for 10 minutes.
    • Frozen Boneless, Skinless: Select MANUAL/PRESSURE COOK (High Pressure) for 12 minutes.
  4. Natural Release: Allow a Natural Pressure Release (NPR) for 10 minutes, then Quick Release (QR) any remaining pressure.
  5. Shred Chicken: Carefully remove chicken thighs from the Instant Pot. Place them in a large bowl. Using two forks, shred the chicken to your desired consistency. Alternatively, for super easy shredding, place the cooked chicken in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment and mix on low speed for 30-60 seconds.
  6. Mix with Liquid: Return the shredded chicken to the Instant Pot with some of the cooking liquid to keep it moist and flavorful.
  7. Store: Use immediately in recipes like instant pot chicken thighs for tacos or store in meal prep containers for up to 3-4 days.

Pro-Tip: The Instant Pot denaturation of proteins instant pot (topical_authority_advanced) during pressure cooking makes chicken incredibly tender and easy to shred. Always return shredded chicken to some of the cooking liquid to keep it from drying out instant pot chicken thighs fix (problem_solution_keywords).

6. Creamy Instant Pot Chicken Thighs: Comfort Food in Minutes

Rich, Creamy Instant Pot Chicken Thighs With Mushrooms And Spinach In A Deep Ceramic Bowl, Served With Crusty Bread, A Comforting Meal.

Craving comfort? Pin this creamy Instant Pot chicken recipe for a quick fix!

For a delicious instant pot chicken thighs dinner, creamy instant pot chicken thighs offer a rich and satisfying meal. Options range from instant pot chicken thighs with cream of mushroom soup to those with a lemon garlic cream sauce.

What You Need:

  • 1.5-2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 onion, chopped
  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or 1 cup heavy cream + 2 tbsp flour + 1 cup chicken broth for homemade sauce)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 3-4 cups fresh spinach
  • Instant Pot (6-quart or 8-quart)

Steps:

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Press SAUTÉ on Instant Pot, add olive oil. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until lightly browned. Stir in garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  2. Add Chicken & Liquids: Place chicken thighs on top of the vegetables. Pour in cream of mushroom soup (or homemade cream sauce ingredients) and chicken broth. Do not stir.
  3. Pressure Cook: Secure the lid, set vent to SEALING. Select MANUAL/PRESSURE COOK (High Pressure) for 10 minutes.
  4. Natural Release: Once cooking is complete, allow a Natural Pressure Release (NPR) for 5 minutes, then Quick Release (QR) any remaining pressure.
  5. Stir in Spinach: Carefully open the lid. Stir in fresh spinach until wilted. The residual heat will cook it perfectly.
  6. Serve: Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.

Pro-Tip: For a lighter, fresher flavor, you can swap cream of mushroom soup for a blend of heavy cream, lemon juice, and fresh herbs. The pressure cooking kinetics (topical_authority_advanced) ensure the chicken is incredibly tender, even with a rich sauce.

7. Instant Pot Chicken Thighs Troubleshooting: Solving Common Challenges

Perfectly Cooked Versus Undercooked Instant Pot Chicken Thighs With A Meat Thermometer, Demonstrating Troubleshooting Cooking Techniques.

Don’t let dry chicken ruin dinner! Pin these Instant Pot troubleshooting tips!

Even with the best intentions, instant pot chicken thighs troubleshooting can be necessary. Common issues like why are my instant pot chicken thighs rubbery or dry chicken thighs instant pot fix can be easily resolved with expert tips.

What You Need:

  • (No specific ingredients, but general Instant Pot accessories are helpful)
  • Instant Pot with inner pot
  • Meat thermometer
  • Wooden spoon (for deglazing)
  • Sufficient cooking liquid (broth or water)

Steps:

  1. Problem: Dry or Tough Chicken Thighs
    • Cause: Overcooking or too little liquid during pressure cooking. Overcook chicken thighs in instant pot (question_based_all_types) is a common issue.
    • Solution: Reduce cooking time by 1-2 minutes for boneless, or 2-3 minutes for bone-in. Ensure at least 1 cup of liquid is always present. Use a Natural Pressure Release for longer for more tender results, as instant pot tenderizes chicken (entity_relationships_predicates) more gently during NPR.
  2. Problem: “BURN” Notice
    • Cause: Food stuck to the bottom of the inner pot, or insufficient thin liquid.
    • Solution: Always deglaze instant pot (semantic_bridge_supporting) thoroughly after searing by scraping up all browned bits with a wooden spoon and adding at least 1 cup of thin liquid (broth, water, juice). Avoid thick sauces or purees directly on the bottom.
  3. Problem: Chicken Thighs Stuck to the Pot
    • Cause: Not enough oil, searing for too long, or using a stainless steel pot with low moisture.
    • Solution: Use enough oil for searing (1 tbsp). Ensure the pot is hot before adding chicken. If using a stainless steel pot, consider a ceramic non-stick inner pot (best instant pot non-stick inner pot from product research query).
  4. Problem: Rubbery Skin (for Bone-In, Skin-On)
    • Cause: Pressure cooking moistens skin, preventing crispiness.
    • Solution: The Instant Pot cannot crisp skin instant pot chicken (process_action_keywords) on its own. After pressure cooking, remove chicken and either broil for 3-5 minutes or use an Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid for 5-8 minutes until golden and crispy.
  5. Problem: Underseasoned or Bland Chicken
    • Cause: Not enough seasoning, or seasoning applied only to the surface.
    • Solution: Be generous with your spices. For deeper flavor, marinate chicken thighs instant pot (process_action_keywords) for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) before cooking. Add aromatic vegetables like onions, garlic, and herbs to the pot for flavor molecule development (topical_authority_advanced).

Pro-Tip: Consistent results come from understanding your specific Instant Pot model and chicken thickness. Invest in a reliable meat thermometer to always confirm temperature control instant pot (topical_authority_advanced) and ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

FAQs About Instant Pot Chicken Thighs

How long does it take to cook chicken thighs in an Instant Pot?

Cooking times for Instant Pot chicken thighs vary based on type and state: boneless, skinless take 8-10 minutes; bone-in, skin-on require 12-15 minutes; and frozen thighs need 12-15 minutes on high pressure. Always include at least 5-10 minutes of natural pressure release for optimal tenderness.

Can you cook frozen boneless chicken thighs in Instant Pot without thawing?

Yes, the Instant Pot is excellent for cooking frozen boneless chicken thighs in instant pot directly from the freezer without any thawing required. Simply increase the high-pressure cooking time to 12 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural release, ensuring an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

How do you make Instant Pot chicken thighs not tough or dry?

To prevent dry chicken thighs instant pot fix or toughness, ensure you don’t overcook them and use at least one cup of liquid to generate steam. A 5-10 minute natural pressure release significantly helps tenderize the chicken by allowing the internal temperature to equalize gradually, preventing a sudden drop in moisture.

What is the best liquid to use for Instant Pot chicken thighs?

The best liquid for Instant Pot chicken thighs is typically chicken broth, as it adds flavor while providing the necessary moisture for pressure cooking. Water can be used, but broth enhances the overall taste. For richer results, consider a blend of broth and a little white wine or a tablespoon of soy sauce.

Should you sear chicken thighs before cooking them in the Instant Pot?

While optional, searing chicken thighs before pressure cooking in the Instant Pot is highly recommended to brown chicken thighs instant pot and deepen their flavor. This process, known as the Maillard reaction, creates a richer, more complex taste and can contribute to a more visually appealing dish.

How do you get crispy skin on Instant Pot chicken thighs?

The Instant Pot itself cannot achieve crispy skin instant pot chicken due to the moist pressure cooking environment, but you can finish them under a broiler or using an air fryer lid. After pressure cooking, transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes, or air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 5-8 minutes until golden and crispy.

Can you cook chicken thighs and potatoes together in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can cook chicken thighs and potatoes together in instant pot for a convenient one-pot meal. Add chopped potatoes to the Instant Pot along with the chicken thighs and liquid. Since potatoes cook quickly, ensure they are cut into larger chunks (approx. 1-inch) to prevent them from becoming mushy.

What is the ideal internal temperature for cooked chicken thighs?

According to USDA recommended cooking temps (eeat_authority_signals), chicken thighs are safely cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a reliable meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone, to confirm doneness.

Why does my Instant Pot sometimes give a “BURN” notice when cooking chicken?

A “BURN” notice typically means there isn’t enough thin liquid in the pot or food is stuck to the bottom, hindering proper pressure buildup. Always deglaze instant pot (semantic_bridge_supporting) thoroughly after searing and ensure at least 1 cup of thin cooking liquid before sealing the lid.

What are some good sides for Instant Pot chicken thighs?

Instant Pot chicken thighs go well with vegetables (entity_relationships_predicates) like steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a simple garden salad. Classic pairings also include mashed potatoes, rice, quinoa, or noodles, all of which can often be cooked alongside or shortly after the chicken.

Key Takeaways

You now have a complete, foolproof guide to mastering Instant Pot chicken thighs, transforming this humble cut of poultry into a weeknight superstar. We’ve explored everything from basic boneless skinless instant pot chicken thighs to the robust bone in instant pot chicken thighs, and even the emergency-ready instant pot frozen chicken thighs. With the precise cooking times, detailed steps, and essential troubleshooting tips provided, you’re equipped to achieve juicy instant pot chicken thighs and tender instant pot chicken thighs every single time.

Say goodbye to dry, bland chicken and hello to quick, flavorful meals that impress without the fuss. The Instant Pot truly simplifies cooking (entity_relationships_predicates) and enables quick cooking (entity_relationships_predicates), making it an invaluable tool for busy home cooks seeking easy instant pot chicken thighs for their dinner rotations.

Which Instant Pot chicken thigh recipe will you try first? Share your culinary adventures in the comments below!

Last update on 2025-12-17 at 04:51 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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Richard
Richard

Richard Charpentier is the CEO of Baking Innovation, a leading provider of baking solutions. He has over 20 years of experience in the baking industry and has been a driving force behind the company's success.

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