Best 3 Instant Pot Chicken Thigh Recipes

INSTANT POT CHICKEN THIGHS

Steps:

• Make Honey Garlic Sauce: Heat up Instant Pot using "Saute Normal" function. Wait until the indicator says "HOT". Melt 2 tbsp (28g) unsalted butter or vegetable oil in Instant Pot. Add in minced garlic, then saute for 45 seconds to 1 minute. Pour in 2 tbsp (30ml) regular soy sauce and ⅓ cup (113g) honey. Stir to reduce & thicken the honey garlic sauce a bit for 2 - 3 minutes. Add ¼ cup (60g) ketchup to a container, then mix in the honey garlic sauce. Taste and adjust the sauce accordingly. *For Reference: we added another 1 tbsp (15g) ketchup to the honey garlic sauce to fully balance the flavors. Set aside and let it cool to thicken a bit.
• Pressure Cook Chicken Thighs: Season the chicken with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Add 1 cup (250ml) of cold water and a trivet in Instant Pot. Place 6 - 8 chicken thighs on the trivet. *Note: Try not to overlap the chicken thighs too much. Close lid, then turn Venting Knob to Sealing position.For Smaller Bone-in Chicken Thighs (110g - 120g each): Pressure Cook at High Pressure for 7 minutes + Natural Release for 12 minutesFor Larger Bone-in Chicken Thighs (~200g each): Pressure Cook at High Pressure for 9 minutes + Natural Release for 12 minutesOpen the lid carefully.
• Apply Sauce & Broil in Oven or Air Fryer: Carefully set the chicken on an oven tray, then generously apply the honey garlic sauce all over the chicken. Option 1 - Oven or Toaster Oven: Place the chicken thighs on an oven tray under the "Broil" function (or the highest temperature setting) for a few minutes until the honey garlic sauce is beautifully caramelized.Option 2 - Duo Crisp or Air Fryer Lid: Place the air fryer basket with the tray on the middle rack in the Instant Pot. Layer the chicken thighs on the air fryer tray in Instant Pot. Place the air fryer lid on the Instant Pot. Press the "Air Fry or Broil" button, set temperature to 400°F, and cooking time to 20 minutes. *Pro Tip: It'll take roughly 7 - 11 minutes + preheat time. You can open the lid to check the progress.
• Serve: Garnish your delicious Honey Garlic Chicken with freshly chopped parsley.

INSTANT POT® BBQ CHICKEN THIGHS

Steps:

• Turn on a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot®) and select Saute function. Heat oil until hot. Add chicken thighs and cook until browned, about 3 minutes on each side. Transfer chicken to a plate.
• Pour chicken broth into the pot. Cook and scrape up brown bits with a wooden spoon to deglaze the pot, about 1 minute. Turn off Instant Pot®. Add celery, 1/2 cup barbecue sauce, and browned chicken thighs to the pot. Stir to combine.
• Close and lock the lid. Select high pressure according to manufacturer's instructions; set timer for 8 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.
• Set an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven's broiler to low.
• Release pressure carefully using the quick-release method according to manufacturer's instructions, about 5 minutes. Unlock and remove the lid. Transfer chicken to a baking sheet and baste with remaining 1/2 cup barbecue sauce.
• Broil for 5 minutes or until crisp.

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.