Instant Pot Chicken Thighs: Easy Recipes for Delicious Meals

Instant Pot Chicken Thighs is a quick and easy meal that’s made with onion, baby potatoes, chicken stock, and an oh-so wonderful honey, Dijon mustard, and spices glaze.

Instant Pot Chicken Thighs are a game changer in my kitchen. Cooking chicken thighs in the Instant Pot results in juicy, tender meat that really soaks up the flavor of a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce. This recipe is quick and easy, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

I love how the pressure cooker locks in moisture while allowing the chicken to cook alongside simple ingredients like baby potatoes, garlic, and onion.

The whole dish comes together in about 35 minutes, and the flavors are incredible.

You’ll find each bite bursting with the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, making this a meal the whole family will enjoy.

For more amazing Instant Pot dinners try: Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie, Instant Pot Coconut Curry Soup, Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken and Rice, and Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

I find that Instant Pot Chicken Thighs are a fantastic meal option for several reasons.

Flavorful and Juicy: The combination of honey and Dijon mustard creates a sweet and tangy sauce that makes the chicken truly irresistible. Every bite is moist and packed with flavor.

Easy to Prepare: This recipe is straightforward. It only requires a few minutes of active cooking, and then the Instant Pot does the rest. I enjoy how simple it is to put together.

Quick Cooking Time: In just about 30 minutes, I can have a delicious meal ready. This quick cooking method is perfect for busy weeknights.

Tender Result: Cooking chicken thighs in an Instant Pot keeps them tender. The pressure cooker locks in moisture, so the chicken stays juicy and satisfying.

Great for Meal Prep: I love that this recipe yields multiple servings. It’s perfect to make ahead for lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Complete Meal: With chicken and baby potatoes cooked together, I get a complete dish in one pot. This simplicity helps minimize cleanup time.

How To Make Perfect Instant Pot Chicken Thighs

To cook perfect Instant Pot chicken thighs, I start by gathering the ingredients.

You’ll need chicken thighs, butter, garlic, onion, baby potatoes, chicken stock, honey, Dijon mustard, and spices.

Tip: Using skin-on bone in thighs will add more flavor to the dish. If you prefer boneless and skinless, reduce the cooking time by a few minutes.

First, peel and chop the baby potatoes into 1-inch pieces. This ensures they cook evenly.

Next, mix honey, Dijon mustard, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This will be my flavorful glaze.

Then turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode.

Add 1 tablespoon of butter and sauté the sliced onion until it’s translucent. Then, add minced garlic for a minute.

After that, remove the onion and garlic.

Then add another tablespoon of butter and sear each chicken thigh skin-side down until golden brown. This step brings out the flavor.

Once the chicken is browned, brush it with the honey-mustard mixture.

After that, set the chicken aside.

TIP: At this point you can deglaze the pot, which means to scrape the pot to get off all of the browned bits which will add flavor to the sauce.

When your pot is deglazed, add the sautéed onion and chopped potatoes to the pot.

Place a trivet (the round metal stand) in the pot and arrange the chicken on top, skin side up.

Then, add 1 cup of chicken stock mixed with a tablespoon of cornstarch (This is called a slurry. Make sure to mix well.). Then set the valve to sealing.

For cooking, select pressure cooking mode on high and set the timer for 10 minutes.

After cooking, carefully release the pressure for about 10 minutes.

Serve the chicken garnished with chopped fresh parsley for added color and flavor. Enjoy this dish alongside the soft, tasty baby potatoes.

How to cook frozen chicken thighs in the Instant Pot

If you are using frozen chicken thighs, skip the searing step. Keep the potatoes out to start. Add 10-15 minutes of high pressure cook time. Then add the potatoes and cook on high pressure for another 10 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to make sure that your chicken is cooked through. The thighs should reach 165F.

Key Ingredients And Substitutions

When making Instant Pot chicken thighs, I focus on a few key ingredients to enhance flavor and ensure a satisfying meal. Here’s what I usually incorporate:

Chicken Thighs: I prefer bone-in, skin-on thighs for richer taste and moisture. For a lighter meal, boneless, skinless thighs work, but reduce the cooking time.

Garlic: Fresh or minced garlic adds a depth of flavor. I commonly use about 3 cloves.

Onion: Sliced yellow onion provides sweetness and texture.

Potatoes: Baby potatoes are my go-to. They cook evenly and soak up the sauce well. Larger potatoes should be cut into 1-inch pieces.

Chicken Stock: For moisture and flavor, I use 1 cup of chicken stock or broth.

Honey and Dijon Mustard: I mix 2 tablespoons of each for a sweet and tangy glaze.

Seasonings: I season with 1 teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon dry oregano, and 1 teaspoon dry thyme.

Cornstarch: For thickening, I add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with chicken stock.

Substitutions can easily be made:

Spices: You can add more spices like paprika or dried herbs for variety.

Vegetables: Use carrots or roasted vegetables for added nutrition.

These ingredients create a well-rounded dish full of flavor and can adapt to what I have on hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

I often get questions about cooking chicken thighs in an Instant Pot. Here are some details to help you get the best results.

How long should I cook chicken thighs in an Instant Pot?

For bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, the cooking time is about 10 minutes at high pressure. If the thighs are frozen, increase the cooking time to around 15-20 minutes. After cooking, allow for a natural release of pressure for about 10 minutes.

What settings should I use for cooking frozen chicken thighs in an Instant Pot?

When cooking frozen chicken thighs, set the Instant Pot to pressure cook at high pressure. Adjust the cooking time to 15-20 minutes depending on whether they are bone-in or boneless.

How do I ensure chicken thighs are tender and not tough when cooked in an Instant Pot?

To achieve tender chicken thighs, avoid overcooking. Follow the recommended cooking times and allow for natural pressure release. Using skin-on, bone-in thighs also helps keep the meat juicy and flavorful.

Can I cook chicken thighs with bones in the Instant Pot, and does it affect the cooking time?

Yes, you can cook bone-in chicken thighs in the Instant Pot. It slightly extends the cooking time compared to boneless thighs. Expect about 10 minutes of cooking time for bone-in thighs.

What are some recommended recipes for chicken thighs and rice in an Instant Pot?

For a simple meal, I suggest using a recipe that combines chicken thighs with rice and broth. Cooking them together allows the rice to absorb the flavors of the chicken. You can include spices like oregano and thyme for added flavor.

Should I use the pressure cook or slow cook setting for the best results with chicken thighs in an Instant Pot?

The pressure cook setting is generally best for chicken thighs. It cooks them quickly and keeps them moist.

On the other hand, the slow cook setting will take longer and may not yield the same juicy texture.