instant pot chicken thigh recipe
- The Best instant pot chicken thigh recipe
- Instant Pot Chicken Thighs with Garlic Butter Sauce
- 🥘Ingredients
- 👨🍳Directions
- 🔧Equipment
- 📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- 📝Notes
- Watch Video Of How Instant Pot Chicken Thighs with Garlic Butter Sauce Works
- ❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Chicken Thighs with Garlic Butter Sauce
The Best instant pot chicken thigh recipe
Health-wise, chicken thighs are packed with protein and iron, and the Instant Pot keeps them tender without needing much oil. It’s a great way to get more nutrients in without sacrificing taste. My husband and I love how it’s versatile—we’ll eat it with rice one night, roasted potatoes the next, or even just with a simple green salad. It’s also a great way to use up leftovers for lunch the next day, and the kids always say it tastes better the second time around. Plus, it’s one of those meals that doesn’t require fancy ingredients, so it’s always a hit with budget-conscious families.
Instant Pot Chicken Thighs with Garlic Butter Sauce
Tender, flavorful chicken thighs cooked in an Instant Pot with a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
🥘Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
👨🍳Directions
-
1
Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. -
2
Place chicken thighs in the Instant Pot, skin-side up. -
3
Add olive oil to the Instant Pot, ensuring the chicken is coated. Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on High Pressure for 15 minutes. -
4
Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick-release the remaining pressure. -
5
In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in chicken broth, heavy cream, and thyme. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. -
6
Using a slotted spoon, transfer chicken thighs to a plate. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the chicken and serve immediately.
🔧Equipment
- Instant Pot
- Mixing bowls
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Fine-mesh strainer (optional)
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
- For extra tenderness, remove the skin from the chicken thighs before cooking.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and herbs to taste.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half the heavy cream with almond milk.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the Instant Pot with a splash of water for 3 minutes on high pressure.
Watch Video Of How Instant Pot Chicken Thighs with Garlic Butter Sauce Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Chicken Thighs with Garlic Butter Sauce
1. How long should I cook the chicken thighs in the Instant Pot for perfectly tender meat?
The ideal cook time for bone-in chicken thighs in an Instant Pot is 6-7 minutes on high pressure (with natural release). For boneless thighs, reduce to 5-6 minutes. Always check for doneness—thighs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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2. Can I add any seasonings or aromatics to the Instant Pot while cooking the chicken thighs?
Yes! You can enhance flavor by adding ingredients like garlic, onions, ginger, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or even a splash of vinegar while cooking. For extra juiciness, you can also include a little apple cider vinegar or lemon juice in the liquid. Just stir them in after pressure cooking and let them simmer for 1-2 minutes before serving.
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3. What’s the best liquid to use for cooking chicken thighs in the Instant Pot?
A good base liquid for Instant Pot chicken thighs is water, chicken broth, or a mix of both (1 cup total). For extra flavor, you can use low-sodium chicken broth or even a homemade broth. Avoid heavy cream or dairy-based liquids, as they can make the meat too greasy.
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4. Do I need to brown the chicken thighs before pressure cooking?
While browning isn’t strictly necessary for Instant Pot chicken thighs, it adds depth of flavor. If you prefer, you can sear the thighs in a hot pan (3-4 minutes per side) before adding them to the Instant Pot. If skipping browning, just ensure the liquid in the pot has a little fat for richness.
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5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time and reheat it?
Yes! Cooked chicken thighs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, transfer them to the Instant Pot with a splash of water or broth, cover, and cook on high pressure for 2-3 minutes, then natural release. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a little oil.
