Instant Pot Versatile Chicken Thighs

For the Chicken Thighs

• 6 medium chicken thighs fresh or frozen, bone-in or boneless; approximately 2-3 pounds total
• 1 teaspoon salt adjust to your preference
• ½ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground for best flavor
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder enhances savory notes
• 1 tablespoon neutral oil such as avocado oil or olive oil, for searing
• 1 cup chicken broth or water, for pressure cooking; see Notes for other options

For the Gravy (Optional)

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• ¼ cup dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio; or ¼ cup chicken broth, or ¼ cup milk for an alcohol-free option
• 1 cup chicken broth for the gravy base

For Fresh Chicken Thighs (Bone-in or Boneless)

• Begin by preparing your fresh chicken thighs. Place them on a clean cutting board, a large plate, or a flat surface covered with parchment paper to maintain hygiene and simplify cleanup.
• In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix these spices thoroughly to create a uniform seasoning blend. Sprinkle this mixture generously over one side of the chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Flip the chicken thighs over and repeat the seasoning process on the other side. Once seasoned, set the chicken aside, allowing the flavors to meld slightly.
• Activate the Sauté mode on your Instant Pot. Once the pot is hot, add the neutral oil and gently swirl it to distribute evenly across the bottom of the Instant Pot insert. This step is crucial for achieving that desirable crispy skin and building flavor.
• When the oil is visibly hot and shimmery, carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs into the Instant Pot, skin-side down. Sear the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the skin turns a rich golden brown and easily releases from the pot. Avoid overcrowding the pot; if necessary, sear in batches. This searing step locks in flavor and begins the crisping process.
• Using tongs, flip the thighs over and sear the other sides for an additional 3 minutes, or until the meat is just no longer pink on the exterior. Transfer the seared chicken thighs to a clean plate and set them aside.
• Pour the chicken broth (or water) into the Instant Pot insert. Use a large wooden spoon to gently scrape up any browned bits of chicken (known as “fond”) that may be stuck to the bottom of the insert. This process, called deglazing, is vital as it prevents a “burn” error and incorporates incredible flavor into your cooking liquid.
• Carefully place the Instant Pot trivet into the bottom of the insert. Arrange the seared chicken thighs on top of the trivet in a single layer, ensuring they are elevated above the liquid. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and ensure the steam release vent is set to the Sealing position.
• For Bone-in Thighs: Set the Instant Pot to Manual High Pressure for 9 minutes. The pot will take some time to come to pressure, after which the 9-minute cooking cycle will automatically begin.
• For Boneless Thighs: Set the Instant Pot to Manual High Pressure for 8 minutes. The pot will pressurize, and then the 8-minute cook time will commence. Boneless thighs cook slightly faster due to their uniform thickness.
• Once the cook time is complete, allow the pressure to Natural Release for 5 minutes. This gentle release helps keep the chicken tender and juicy. After 5 minutes, carefully perform a Quick Release to vent any remaining pressure. Be sure to stand clear of the steam.
• Carefully open the lid, tilting it away from you to avoid steam. Transfer the cooked chicken thighs to a clean cutting board or serving platter. Let the chicken thighs rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This resting period is crucial for the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor.

For Frozen Chicken Thighs (Bone-in or Boneless)

• Place your frozen chicken thighs on a cutting board, large plate, or any flat surface covered with parchment paper. Working with frozen chicken is incredibly convenient in the Instant Pot!
  
• In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sprinkle this spice mixture over the frozen chicken thighs, ensuring they are evenly coated. Rub the spices into the frozen surface to help them adhere as best as possible. Flip the chicken thighs and repeat the seasoning on the other side. Set them aside for a moment.
• Pour the chicken broth (or water) into the Instant Pot. Place the trivet inside the pot. Carefully arrange the seasoned frozen chicken thighs on top of the trivet. It’s important to keep them elevated above the liquid for even cooking. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, making sure the steam release vent is in the Sealing position.
  
• For Bone-in Thighs (Frozen): Set your Instant Pot to Manual High Pressure for 13 minutes. The pot will take longer to pressurize with frozen contents. Once pressure is reached, the 13-minute cook time will begin.
• For Boneless Thighs (Frozen): Set your Instant Pot to Manual High Pressure for 10 minutes. After pressurizing, the 10-minute cooking cycle will start.
• Once the pressure cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to Natural Release pressure for 5 to 10 minutes. While the pressure is releasing, preheat your oven broiler to high. Adjust your oven racks so that the chicken thighs will sit approximately 10 to 12 inches below the broiler element. This distance is ideal for crisping without burning.
  
• After the Natural Release period, carefully perform a Quick Release for any remaining pressure. Once the pin drops, carefully remove the lid. Transfer the cooked chicken thighs to a large baking sheet. Using paper towels, thoroughly pat the chicken thighs dry on all sides, especially the skin. This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin under the broiler. If desired, sprinkle a little extra spice blend on top for added flavor.
• Place the baking sheet with the chicken thighs under the preheated broiler. Broil for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chicken skin is beautifully golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature of the thickest part of the meat reaches 160° Fahrenheit. Use an internal meat thermometer for accuracy. Note: Do not skip this broiling step for crispy skin, as the pressure cooking alone will not crisp the skin. Broiling is absolutely crucial for the final texture and flavor.
  
• Remove the baking sheet from the oven and set it aside. Allow the chicken thighs to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the meat to relax and reabsorb its juices, ensuring a tender and moist result.

For the Gravy (Optional)

• To make an optional gravy, heat a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Once the saucepan is warm, pour in 1 cup of chicken broth. Continue heating until the chicken broth begins to gently simmer or boil.
• While the chicken broth is coming to temperature, prepare your cornstarch slurry. In a medium bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with ¼ cup of dry white wine. Whisk these ingredients vigorously until you have a smooth, lump-free mixture. If you’re opting for an alcohol-free gravy, use chicken broth or milk instead of wine.
• As soon as the chicken broth in the saucepan begins to gently boil, remove the saucepan from the heat. Gradually add the cornstarch slurry to the saucepan, stirring constantly with a whisk to ensure it is fully incorporated and prevents any lumps.
• Return the saucepan to the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency. Stirring prevents the gravy from sticking to the bottom and burning. Once thickened, taste the gravy and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed to perfectly complement your chicken thighs.

To Serve

• Once the chicken thighs have rested for their full 5 minutes, transfer them to individual serving plates. Serve immediately with your desired side dishes, such as creamy mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or roasted root vegetables, and a generous drizzle of the optional savory gravy. Enjoy your perfectly cooked, crispy, and tender Instant Pot chicken thighs!

Nutrition Disclaimers

The number of total servings shown is an approximate estimate. The actual number of servings will vary based on your preferred portion sizes.