How to Cook Chicken Thighs in Instant Pot
There are many ways to cook chicken thighs in Instant Pot and one of my favorite methods is to brown and saute the chicken thighs using the Saute function and then pressure cooked using Manual function.
There is no need to use trivet, but you will need at least 1/2 cup of liquid to create the steam to pressure cook the chicken thighs.
Other Instant Pot Chicken Recipes You Might Like
- Honey Garlic Chicken
- Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken
- Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
- Honey Mustard Chicken
- Honey Sesame Chicken
Instant Pot Chicken Thighs Time
The time you need to cook chicken thighs depends on whether or not the chicken is boneless or bone-in.
For organic boneless and skinless chicken thighs, I usually pressure cook on High for 5-6 minutes in the Instant Pot. Organic chicken thighs are smaller in size and 5 minutes is just perfect as you don’t want the chicken meat to be too tender. If your chicken thighs are bigger, increase the cook time by 1 minute.
For bone-in chicken thighs, I pressure cook on High for 6-8 minutes. The total time depends on the size of the chicken thighs as some chicken thighs can be very big so it takes longer time to become soft and tender.
Can I Cook Frozen Chicken in Instant Pot?
The answer is yes. If you use frozen chicken straight from the freezer, just add extra 2 minutes pressure cooking time. I must warn you that for the best texture and flavor of the chicken, it’s best you thaw them before pressure cooking.
Creamy Garlic Sauce
One of the best sauces to go with chicken in the Instant Pot is the creamy garlic sauce. You can’t go wrong with the rich and delicious garlic sauce, which is made with only 5 simple ingredients:
- Garlic
- Chicken broth
- Heavy whipping cream
- Bottled Grated Parmesan cheese such as Kraft
- Salt
This recipe is absolutely delicious, with a mouthwatering rich, creamy and savory sauce. The chicken thighs are so tender, juicy and moist. The rosemary infuses the sauce with intense aroma.
This is going to be the most delicious chicken dinner you’ll make in an Instant Pot!
What Dishes to Serve with This Recipe?
This meal is best served with a side of skillet garlic bread (use the bread to sop up the creamy sauce), easy spaghetti or cilantro lime rice. For a wholesome meal and easy weeknight dinner, I recommend the following recipes.
How Many Calories per Serving?
This recipe is only 366 calories per serving.
What Dishes to Serve with This Recipe?
For a wholesome meal and easy weeknight dinner, I recommend the following recipes.
Instant Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs
Skinless and boneless Instant Pot chicken thighs with a rich and creamy garlic sauce. This recipe takes only 5 minutes in the pressure cooker, so easy to make and delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs. skinless and boneless chicken thighs, trimmed off the fat
- salt
- ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 12 cloves garlic peeled
- 2 sprigs rosemary
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 teaspoon salt or more to taste
- 3 tablespoons Kraft grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
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1
Trim off the excess fat on the chicken thighs with a pair of kitchen scissors. Season both sides of the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
-
2
Turn on the Saute mode on your Instant Pot. As soon as the pot is fully heated (to make sure the chicken doesn’t stick to the pot), add the olive oil. Pan sear and brown the chicken thighs until both sides turn slightly brown. (You may pan-fry the chicken on a regular skillet or non-stick skillet.)
-
3
Add the garlic, rosemary and chicken broth to the Instant Pot. Sprinkle the paprika on the chicken thighs. Cover the pot and select Manual and set to High pressure for 5 minutes.
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4
When it beeps, turn to Quick Release. When the valve drops, remove the cover carefully, add the heavy whipping cream, salt and grated Parmesan cheese, stir to mix well. Turn to Saute mode for a few minutes to reduce the sauce to a thicker consistency. Add more salt to taste. Serve immediately.
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
I used a 6-quart Instant Pot.
After pressure cooking, the garlic will become soft and mushy, infusing the creamy sauce with amazing garlicky flavor.
You may use chicken breasts. If you use frozen chicken, increase the pressure cooking time by 2 minutes. If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can make this Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs on a stove top. Just pan-fry the chicken on a skillet and follow the same method above. Simmer on low heat until the chicken thighs are cooked through and the sauce is reduced.
