Instant Pot Chicken Thighs
Here at Delish, we believe chicken thighs deserve more appreciation. With their higher fat content compared to chicken breasts, these thighs deliver robust flavor and develop a deliciously crispy skin when prepared correctly. Whether you’re new to cooking chicken thighs or seeking to refresh your dinner routine, this clever Instant Pot recipe is a great starting point. Forget about extra cookware—this recipe allows the Instant Pot to handle everything, creating tender, juicy chicken with a rich, savory gravy. When time is short, this recipe is your ideal solution for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons freshly chopped thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 cloves garlic thinly sliced
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Generously season the chicken thighs with chopped thyme, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Set the Instant Pot to the Sauté function.
- Sear the Thighs: Add the olive oil to the heated pot. Place the chicken thighs, skin-side down, into the pot. Cook until the skin turns golden and crispy, about 3 to 5 minutes. If necessary, cook in batches. Flip and sear for an additional 3 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Add Aromatics: Introduce the sliced garlic into the pot, stirring until it becomes fragrant, roughly 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth or water, adding the fresh thyme sprigs. Use a wooden spoon to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom.
- Pressure Cook the Chicken: Place the trivet into the Instant Pot and arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up on top. Secure the lid and select the manual setting, cooking on high pressure for 12 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally.
- Make the Gravy: Carefully take out the thighs and trivet. Return the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Create a slurry by mixing 3 tablespoons of the hot broth with the flour until smooth, then incorporate this mixture back into the pot. Let it simmer until the gravy slightly thickens, around 7 minutes. Discard the thyme sprigs, and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Serve the chicken thighs hot, drizzled with the prepared gravy. Enjoy this comforting dish with your favorite side.