How To Cook Chicken Thighs In The Instant Pot

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How to Cook Chicken Thighs in the Instant Pot~Easy Cooking

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Instant Pot Chicken Thighs Recipe

I like to serve this chicken with Crispy Sweet Potato Fries or my Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes.

I am so excited to share my recipe and tips on how to cook chicken thighs in the Instant Pot pressure cooker! Its my favorite way to cook chicken thighs in my IP. They are juicy, flavorful with golden brown buttery skin. Perfect served for main dish or meal prep chicken cooked ahead of time for other dishes.

Chicken Thigh Instant Pot Recipe

  • This is a great recipe if you love fall-off-the-bone tender meat chicken thighs stay super juicy in the instant pot and turn out incredibly tender.
  • If you forgot to defrost meat for dinner, no worries: You can easily prepare this recipe with fully frozen chicken thighs.
  • The juices and broth you need in the pot for cooking make a wonderful gravy just thicken with a cornstarch slurry in the end and you have a delicious sauce to serve with dinner.

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What You Will Need To Make This Recipe

To make this simple instant pot rice and chicken recipe, you would need the following Ingredients

Skinless bone in chicken thighs: I bought chicken thighs with skin and removed the skin myself

Uncooked rice: I used golden Sella basmati rice which cooks like long grain rice. You can also use pure basmati rice for this recipe. You do not need to soak the rice before cooking it.

Stock: I used chicken stock but feel free to use any type of stock of choice, beef or vegetables.

Herb de Provence: substitute this with Italian seasoning or any other herbs of choice

Paprika

Vegetable oil

Tips For Cooking Chicken Thighs In The Instant Pot:

Instant Pot Chicken Thighs
  • Use chicken thighs that are roughly the same size for even cooking. I also like to trim any excess fat and skin from the thighs.
  • Use combination of olive oil and butter for beautifully golden brown skin. That also means lots of flavor!
  • Brown the skin side first. Let it brown until you see a good amount of brown bits on the bottom of the IP insert. Again, we are working on flavor here. It will also make for a very flavorful gravy!
  • Twelve minutes was perfect for 4 good size chicken thighs. They came out absolutely perfect! If you want them more falling off the bone style, add 3 more minutes to cooking time.
  • Letting the pressure release naturally is the best here, because it will prevent the chicken from drying out and make the thighs super juicy! I recommend the same in my Instant Pot Turkey Breast recipe.
  • Let the chicken thighs rest for 10 minutes before serving. It will prevent the juices from escaping the meat.
  • Making gravy is as easy as just thickening the liquid remaining in the IP insert after cooking the chicken thighs. You can use flour but I always recommend cornstarch because it makes the smoothest sauces and gravy.
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    Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

    This easy recipe for Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is packed with so much flavor and requires very little effort. With just a handful of ingredients, this dish continues to be one of my go-tos because its low maintenance and its fall-off-the-bone amazing.

    Clearly, Im not talking just any old chicken here. Im talking about the kind of garlic chicken that hits that perfect spot between sweet and savory, tender and juicy. Also, it can be made in about 20 minutes and that just makes my heart sing for joy! Whats more is that I always make extra so that I have at least some leftovers for tomorrows lunch.

    Gosh There is not one single thing I dont love about this type of food.

    Variations On These Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs:

    • You can make this recipe dairy-free by omitting the cream or using your favorite non-dairy milk in its place. Keep in mind that this will affect the flavor.
    • This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to double check all of your ingredients.
    • To lighten up this recipe, substitute the heavy cream for half and half or light cream. You can also remove the skin before eating.
    • Feel free to add vegetables to this recipe! Mushrooms, broccoli or green beans would be great in here, but youll need to keep in mind that they could much more quickly and wont stand up well to a 8-15 minute cook time. Potatoes and carrots would also do well, and larger chunks or whole small potatoes should be fine to cook with the chicken.

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    How To Cook Chicken Legs In The Instant Pot

    Youll need the trivet that came with the Instant Pot. If you dont have one, you can set the chicken directly in the pot. I like the texture of the chicken more when its on the trivet. Its more tender and less water-logged, for lack of a better descriptor.

    Seasoning the chicken legs before cooking adds a ton of flavor. I season almost everything with my homemade dry rub. You can find the recipe at that link. Its fine to season with seasoning salt or just salt and pepper.

    Pour a cup of hot water into the base of the pot, along with the smashed garlic. Add the trivet. Then place the legs evenly on the trivet. This recipe is for just 2 servings, but you can make as many chicken legs as you need, just stack them up.

    Close the lid and seal the vent. Press the pressure cook button and set the time to 10 minutes. After this, allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then manually release the remaining pressure. You can also allow the pressure to release completely on its own, if you arent in a hurry. The extra few minutes wont hurt anything.

    Be sure to visit our Instant Pot Guide for more tips and great recipes!

    At this point, you can serve the chicken legs as is. They are nicely seasoned and tasty. Or you can brush them with BBQ sauce , buffalo sauce, or a glaze, like this delicious honey sriracha sauce.

    If you do want to crisp the skin, put it under the broiler for up to 5 minutes.

    Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Thighs

    The Best Instant Pot Chicken Thighs

    This Instant Pot shredded chicken thighs recipe will help you make quick and easy moist, tender and juicy chicken that you can serve any night of the week!

    Perfect for meal prep or bulk cooking, this shredded chicken can be used in so many ways throughout the week, you are going to love this simple gluten free, paleo, Whole30 and keto friendly recipe!

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    Tip : Use A Meat Thermometer

    Because cooking frozen food in the Instant Pot is more of an art than a science, the only way to really tell if the chicken is done is to check its temperature.

    While writing our cookbook, From Freezer to Cooker, we methodically tested chicken recipes by taking the internal temperature with our trusted meat thermometer at different points during the cooking time. We discovered that Instant Pot Freezer Meals have a mind of their own. This is why we provided a range of 17-22 minutes instead of a hard and fast number.

    Instant Pot Frozen Chicken Thighs Recipe

    This instant pot frozen chicken thighs recipe is quick, easy, and simply the best.

    The instant pot cooks food in less than half of the time it takes to cook on the stovetop or any other method and these pressure cooker frozen chicken thighs in instant pot are cooked in under 20 minutes. How quick is that from raw frozen to delicious chicken?

    This instant pot chicken thighs recipe make use of a few pantry ingredients and taste amazing.

    I own the Instant pot duo 6 liters and that’s what I’ve used for this recipe however you can use any other pressure cooker brand like pressure king pro, ninja foodi, etc but the cooking time may vary slightly.

    This recipe is for bone-in skin-on chicken thighs or boneless skinless chicken thighs.

    Olive oil

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    Can You Cook Frozen Chicken

    According to the USDA, yes, you can safely cook your frozen chicken, as long as you follow a couple general guidelines. In order to skip the thawing step and turn your frozen chicken into a fully-cooked, safe-to-eat dinner, use your oven or stove top and simply increase your cooking time by at least 50%.

    How To Cook Frozen Chicken Thighs In Instant Pot

    Easy Instant Pot Chicken Thighs Recipe (Juicy and Tender!)

    Add the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, parsley, black pepper, salt, and oil into a bowl. Mix till well combined.

    Brush the chicken thighs with the seasoning marinade.

    Add a cup of water into the instant pot and put the trivet inside the pot.

    Put the chicken thighs on the trivet then cover the instant pot with its lid.

    Turn the valve to sealing. Set instant pot to manual pressure cook on high for 15 minutes. After this time, do 5 minutes natural release.

    When the instant pot is depressurized, open the lid and bring out the chicken thighs.

    Arrange the chicken thighs on a baking tray then broil for 5-10 minutes for golden brown, crispy skin.

    Serve and enjoy.

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    If Your Chicken Thighs Are Frozen In A Block

    One issue I ran into while testing this recipe was that often my frozen chicken thighs were one big solid block. Unfortunately, cooking as directed above did not cook them evenly, and they were still raw in the middle after the cooking cycle had completed.

    The solution:

    1. Cook partially- Pressure cook for 5 minutes, then perform a quick pressure release.

    2. Pry chicken apart- Using tongs, gently pry apart the chicken thighs.

    3. Cook fully through- Return the lid to the Instant Pot, then pressure cook for the appropriate amount of time:

    • boneless skinless- 7 more minutes
    • bone-in, skin-on- 10 more minutes

    4. Check temperature- Remember to use an instant read thermometer to check that the chicken thighs have reached an internal temperature of 165°F.

    How Can I Make This A Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

    On the keto diet, most noodles are going to be out. However, you have some options for an Instant Pot chicken noodle soup. After the pressure has been released in step 5, and you have removed the lid, turn the pot back on to sauté, and add some low carb noodles.

    Cook the noodles in the hot liquid for 3-4 minutes, depending on the type you use. Options include zucchini zoodles, my homemade keto egg noodles, or shirataki noodles.

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    Step Four: Cook On High Pressure According To The Cook Times Below

    • The cook time will remain the same whether you have a small amount of chicken or a lot, but the time the Instant Pot takes to come to pressure will increase the more chicken you have. The time it takes to come to pressure will also be longer if youre cooking frozen chicken.

    The below cook times are based upon average weights. If your chicken is smaller, decrease the cook time by 1 to 2 minutes depending upon the extent of the size variation. If they are larger, increase the cook time by 1 to 2 minutes. When in doubt, error on the side of less time. You can always cook the chicken for longer, but once its overcooked , you cant reverse the process.

    Instant Pot Chicken Thighs Soup Recipe

    How to Cook Chicken Legs in the Instant Pot~Easy Cooking

    – This post may contain affiliate links. See Disclosure

    Need a simple yet savory instant pot chicken thighs soup recipe? Youre in luck. The best thing is that prep time is only 10 minutes. So youll be enjoying a hearty, delicious and nutritious hot meal before you know it.

    Lets get something out of the way first about this keto chicken soup instant pot

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    How Long Will Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Thighs Last In The Fridge

    Shredded chicken thighs can be stored in the fridge in a sealed glass container or Tupperware for up to 3 days once cooked.

    If you are trying to prep for the entire week, simply portion out half of the chicken in freezer bags and freeze immediately. On day 3, pull 1-2 freezer bags out of the freezer to defrost. Continue this for the rest of the week.

    How To Make Frozen Chicken Thighs In The Instant Pot:

  • Place the rack that came with theInstant Pot into the bottom.
  • Place frozen chicken on top of the rack. They will be on an angle if frozen together, thats just fine.
  • Pour broth over chicken.
  • Place the cover on theInstant Potand make sure it is set to sealing.
  • Cook on high pressure for 30 minutes.
  • You can do a natural release or a quick release.
  • For crispy skin, place chicken thighs onto a baking sheet, brush lightly with oil and broil for 3 minutes or until the skin crips and starts to brown. Serve immediately after broiling.
  • This frozen chicken thighs recipe can also be made in the crockpotby following the directions below:

  • Place chicken into the bottom of the crockpot.
  • Use 6 oz. of broth and sprinkle spices on top.
  • Cook on high heat for 4-6 hours or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
  • For crispy skin, place chicken thighs onto a baking sheet, brush lightly with oil and broil for 3 minutes or until the skin crips and starts to brown. Serve immediately after broiling.
  • Start by placing the rack that came with your Instant Pot in the bottom of the pot. Then, add your frozen chicken thighs.

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    PRO TIP: If the chicken thighs are frozen together, set them on an angle in the Instant Pot. They will cook just fine!

    Next, add the broth & spices.

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    Tip : Allow Extra Time To Come To Pressure And For Cooking Freezer Meals In The Instant Pot

    Ive found that Instant Pot Freezer Meals or a batch of frozen chicken thighs in the Instant Pot takes almost twice as long to come to pressure than a thawed meal does. Make sure you allow for that time when prepping or youll have a hangry family. I wish there was a one size fits all pattern to freezer meal cooking times in the Instant Pot but there just isnt.

    Can You Stack Chicken Thighs In An Instant Pot

    Instant Pot Balsamic Chicken

    You can absolutely stack chicken thighs in your Instant Pot, however, we only recommend doing this if you plan to shred the chicken.

    Stacking your thighs is going to reduce the crunchiness of the skin, which makes it perfect for shredding. However, if you want each thigh to have an amazing texture, make sure you do NOT stack them.

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    What To Serve With Chicken Legs

    I am a huge fan of serving grilled veggies like asparagus or zucchini with chicken lets. I also think this Classic Wedge Salad is a perfect pairing. You might also try these crispy oven-roasted potatoes.

    If youd rather add some carbs, try our creamy Stovetop Mac & Cheese, or this easy Black Bean & Corn Pasta Salad.

    Cant make up your mind? Check out this list of 10 great summer salads that all pair well with chicken.

    Using The Instant Pot

    If you have an Instant Pot, you know how quick the process is. If you dont yet have an Instant Pot, look over this post to see the benefits and reasons I think its the best tool in my kitchen.

    I often make chicken drumsticks and chicken breasts in the Instant Pot, as well. And believe it or not, you can actually cook a whole chicken in the Instant Pot. Give it a try!

    Chicken legs need to cook for at least 45 minutes in the oven at 400 degrees. During the summer thats just not something Im prepared to do. It heats up the house so much. No thanks.

    In the Instant Pot, it takes just 12 minutes, plus the pressurizing time. In just 25 minutes, dinner is ready and the house is still nice and cool.

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    Chicken Breast Instant Pot Cook Times

    BONELESS, SKINLESS CHICKEN BREASTS

    Fresh Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts

    • 8 minutes, vent immediately to release any remaining pressure
    • Based on 10-ounce boneless chicken breasts

    Frozen Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts

    • 12 minutes, vent immediately to release any remaining pressure
    • Based on 10-ounce boneless chicken breasts

    BONE-IN CHICKEN BREASTS

    Fresh Bone-In Chicken Breasts

    • 10 minutes, natural release for 5 minutes
    • Based on 12-ounce bone-in chicken breasts

    Frozen Bone-In Chicken Breasts

    • 25 minutes, vent immediately to release any remaining pressure
    • Based on 12-ounce bone-in chicken breasts

    Does Cook Time Change If I Have A Smaller Or Larger Instant Pot

    Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs in the Instant Pot
    • No matter which size model Instant Pot you have, the number of minutes you select on the Instant Pot remains the same.

    The capacity of each Instant Pot and the amount of time the differently sized pots take to come to pressure will vary, but youll always set it for the same number of minutes, regardless of its size.

    If you have a different brand other than Instant Pot and are wondering how long to cook chicken in a pressure cooker, the times listed above should still be accurate for other electric pressure cooker models.

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