Chicken Thighs in a Pressure Cooker

Come get the yummy, soft, and delicious chicken thighs in a Pressure Cooker. In this guide, I will give you tips and instructions for making them perfectly each time.

This is true whether you use your pressure cooker for cooking boneless or bone-in chicken thighs, skinless or skin-on, fresh or frozen.

The recipe for instant pot chicken thighs will be given in this guide, and in addition, you can make a simple and mouth-watering dressing.

This healthy chicken thighs in a pressure cooker recipe simplify meal preparation. Using an Instant Pot, you can cook about 8 or more chicken thighs at the same time.

The interesting part is that the end result is also very tasty: moist, flavorful, and crunchy buttery skin.

You can also use the juices from the chicken thighs to make a mouth-watering dressing.

This is so easy to make; all you need to do is take a few simple steps, and you are going to go, so let’s dive in and start this easy journey.

Instant Pot Chicken Thighs

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 5 servings
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American

This best pressure cooker chicken thigh recipe will be a hit with you. I will be giving you an easy way to perfectly cook moist and yummy chicken thighs in your pressure cooker.

And, you can use either bone-in or boneless chicken thighs. Cook from either frozen or fresh.

Ingredients

• 2 – 3 Ibs of chicken thighs, skin on (frozen or fresh)
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• ½ teaspoon of pepper
• 2 tablespoons of oil (canola or vegetable)
• 1 cup of liquid (water, chicken broth, pineapple, or apple juice)

Laid-Out Instructions

I will say you should skip this first step if you are using frozen thighs, but if not, then continue on the easy journey to the best recipe.

• For chicken thighs in a pressure cooker; first, you are to set the instant pot to the sauté setting. Then, proceed to add oil. Afterward, get your desired seasonings and relish the chicken thighs with them.
• With that being done, you are to add the chicken thighs immediately after the oil becomes hot and then proceed to cook for 3 to 4 minutes.
• And this should be done on each side until the skin of the chicken becomes crunchy brown. After that, you are to remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
• Now, add 1 cup of liquid (chicken broth, water, apple, or pineapple juice) to the bottom of the instant pot.
• Then, you are to start scraping any browned bits that got stuck while sizzling the skin. When that is done, you are to place the trivet inside, then proceed to add the chicken thighs on top.
• You are to close the lid of the instant pot and ensure that the vent is set to airtight (sealed).

For Boneless Thighs

For the fresh chicken thighs, you must pressure cook on high for 8 minutes. Whereas, for the frozen thighs, you are to pressure cook on high for 12 minutes.

For Bone-In Thighs

Well, for fresh thighs, you are to pressure cook on high for 10 minutes, and, on the other hand, for frozen thighs, go at it for 15 minutes, also on high.

• Before you switch the valve to venting to release any remaining steam, you are to let the pressure naturally release steam for 5 minutes.
• Based on your preference, you are to test the chicken using a thermometer. Make sure it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• You are to close the lid and let it cool off for 5 minutes if it is just diffused. But if the chicken thighs are yet to be done, then seal the lid of the instant pot and cook for an additional 1 to 3 minutes on high pressure.
• With that being done, allow the chicken to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

And, you can store the leftovers, if you have any, in the fridge, which will make them last for up to 3 to 4 days. Or, if you place it in the freezer, this will make it last for up to 3 months.

Notes

Frozen Skin-On Thighs

When frozen, you won’t be able to char the chicken skin, so what you can do is get rid of it after the chicken has been cooked.

Skinless Thighs

For skinless chicken thighs, you should use the same cooking time.

Tips To Make The Best Chicken Thighs in a Pressure Cooker

Allow the pressure to naturally release for at least 5 minutes.

As stated above, you are to allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes. Doing this will help prevent the meat from seizing up and becoming tough.

This will also allow the meat to finish cooking thoroughly and completely and take in more flavors.

Use Fresh Spices

You are to use the freshest spices possible, as this will result in the best flavor.

How Do You Make Gravy?

Well, to answer your question, you can actually make a simple gravy using the liquid in the Instant Pot.

However, this is after you’ve cooked the chicken. It is extremely pleasant when served with chicken. This makes it specifically moist and full of flavor.

Now, let’s get right to it. To begin making gravy, add a tablespoon of butter to the cooking liquid in the Instant Pot.

After that, you are to proceed by also mixing in a cornstarch ooze and bringing the gravy to a simmer with the sauté setting. With that being done, you are to cook the sauce until it thickens.

Can I Use Chicken Breast?

The short answer to this question is yes. You can use chicken breast for this easy chicken thigh pressure cooker recipe.

Although there are a few things you will need to consider. Even when overcooked in the Instant Pot for like 1 to 2 minutes, dark chicken meat is indulgent.

You can’t go wrong with it, as it is extremely soft. However, on the other hand, cooking chicken breast is not easy or undemanding.

Almost every time, it will taste dry. You should only use chicken breast when you have no other option.

Also, reduce the cooking time by 2 minutes, and I recommend shredding the cooked chicken into the sauce.

Final Thoughts on Chicken Thighs in a Pressure Cooker

Serve your healthy Instant Pot chicken thighs with rice. I’m sure you are looking for something to serve these easy chicken thighs with.

Well, I will give you a few suggestions. For a perfect meal, pair this delicious and yummy chicken with rice and gravy.

You can also prepare the white rice in the pressure cooker, or you can just serve this chicken with brown rice made in the Instant Pot.

Other serving options include turmeric rice, for a Middle Eastern spin; vermicelli rice, mushroom rice, or, for an Indian taste; jeera (cumin) rice.

You can also serve this chicken with buttered potatoes, steamed broccoli, corn on the cob, and green beans.

You can make all these using a pressure cooker. So, with all that being said, this will be the conclusion of this guide on “Chicken Thighs in a Pressure Cooker,” as you now have the easy and perfect way to make chicken thighs in a pressure cooker.