Instant Pot Chicken Thighs
The ultimate comfort food, Instant Pot Chicken Thighs are juicy and flavorful, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. This dish combines tender chicken with rich seasonings, all made effortlessly in the Instant Pot. Why wait? Make it tonight!
Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 2-3 lbs chicken thighs skin on, fresh or frozen
- 2 Tablespoons oil canola or vegetable
- 1 cup liquid water, chicken broth, apple, or pineapple juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- 1. Start by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Add the oil and let it heat up for a minute. You want it hot enough that the chicken thighs will sizzle when they hit the pot.
- 2. While the oil is heating, season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. Feel free to add any other spices that you enjoy!
- 3. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken thighs to the pot, skin side down. Sear them for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until the skin is a deep golden brown. This step is crucial for flavor, so don’t rush it.
- 4. Carefully flip the thighs over and sear the other side for another 3 to 4 minutes. When they’re done, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
- 5. Now, add your cup of liquid to the pot, scraping up any browned bits that have stuck to the bottom. These bits add incredible flavor to your dish.
- 6. Place a trivet inside the pot and arrange the seared chicken thighs on top of it. This keeps the thighs from sitting directly in the liquid, allowing them to steam perfectly.
- 7. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and make sure the vent is set to “sealed”.
- 8. For boneless thighs, cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. If you’re using bone-in thighs, set it for 10 minutes. If you're using frozen chicken, increase the time to 12 minutes for boneless and 15 minutes for bone-in.
- 9. Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes. After that, turn the valve to “venting” to release any remaining steam.
- 10. Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a thermometer; it should reach 165 degrees. If it's a bit shy, place the lid back on and let it rest for an additional 5 minutes.
- 11. Finally, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute for maximum flavor.
Notes
- Tip 1: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove.
- Tip 2: These chicken thighs freeze beautifully. Place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Tip 3: Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or a refreshing salad for a well-rounded meal.
- Tip 4: Experiment with different spices or marinades to give your chicken a unique twist each time you make it.
- Tip 5: You can add veggies like carrots or potatoes to the pot for a complete meal.