Juicy Instant Pot Chicken Thighs (So Easy & Versatile!)
Looking for a simple, no-fuss way to get juicy, flavorful chicken thighs on the table fast? These Instant Pot Chicken Thighs are a total weeknight win. With minimal prep, a handful of seasonings, and your trusty Instant Pot, you’ll have tender, delicious chicken ready in about 30 minutes.
Whether you serve them right out of the pot with a side of veggies or use them as the base for wraps, salads, or bowls throughout the week, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again. Plus, it’s great for meal prepping!
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Equipment You’ll Need
- Instant Pot or Electric Pressure Cooker – I use a 6-quart Instant Pot, but this recipe works in any size.
- Tongs – For flipping the chicken thighs while searing.
- Small Bowl – To mix your spice blend.
- Measuring Spoons – To get the seasoning just right.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need for juicy, flavorful Instant Pot chicken thighs:
- 7–8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
(You can also use bone-in, skin-on thighs if you prefer—just adjust cooking time slightly.) - 2 tablespoons bacon grease (or your preferred cooking oil)
- 1 cup chicken broth or bone broth
(Bone broth adds extra richness!) - 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
(I recommend Redmond Real Salt—it’s unrefined, mineral-rich, and free from added sugars, microplastics, or the harsh additives found in many conventional table salts.)
Note: If you’re cooking more or fewer chicken thighs, you’ll want to adjust the seasoning amounts accordingly.
Instructions (Step-by-Step)
- Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode.
Add bacon grease or your preferred oil to the pot and let it heat up. - Mix up your spice blend.
In a small bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, pepper, and salt. - Season your chicken thighs.
Rub the spice mixture all over the thighs—make sure to coat both sides well. - Sear the chicken thighs in batches.
Place the thighs in a single layer at the bottom of the hot Instant Pot. Sear for about 2 minutes per side until lightly browned, then remove and set aside. Repeat until all the chicken is seared. - Deglaze the pot.
Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits on the bottom. This helps prevent a burn notice and adds flavor. - Add the chicken back to the pot.
It’s okay to stack the thighs at this point. - Pressure cook.
Secure the lid and set to Pressure Cook for 10 minutes. If you’re using larger thighs or more than 8, you might add 1–2 minutes. - Natural release for 5 minutes, then quick release.
Once the timer is up, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then carefully do a quick release to finish. - Serve and enjoy!
The chicken is ready to eat as-is, or let it cool slightly and shred it for meal prep.
Why I Love This Recipe
This method creates juicy, flavorful chicken that works beautifully as a main dish—or as a base for so many others. I often cook up a batch and use the leftovers for salads, rice bowls, sandwiches, or even quick soups.
And that sear before pressure cooking? It locks in flavor and makes a big difference. You can definitely skip it if you’re short on time, but it’s worth the extra few minutes if you can.
Tips & Variations
- Bacon grease gives amazing flavor, but avocado oil or olive oil work great too.
- Try adding a dash of smoked paprika or chili powder for a little extra kick.
- If you’re using bone-in chicken thighs, increase the pressure cooking time to 12 minutes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Thighs
- Over cauliflower rice or mashed potatoes
- In a wrap with lettuce and a tangy dressing
- Tossed into a soup or stir-fry
- On top of a green salad with a vinaigrette
- As a quick protein for your kiddo’s lunchbox
📌 Save This Easy Chicken Recipe for Later!
Perfect for busy nights, meal prep days, or when you just need a reliable dinner option. Don’t forget to pin or print this recipe to keep it handy!
Juicy Instant Pot Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 7-8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp bacon grease or cooking oil of choice
- 1 cup chicken broth or bone broth
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Turn Instant Pot on to Sauté mode and heat bacon grease or oil in the pot.
- Mix spices together in a small bowl.
- Rub spice mixture onto both sides of chicken thighs.
- Sear chicken thighs in batches, about 2 minutes per side and then set aside.
- Add broth to deglaze the pot.
- Turn off Sauté, return chicken to the pot (stacked is okay for this step).
- Seal lid and cook on Pressure Cook for 10 minutes.
- Let pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick release.
- Serve or shred for meal prep.
Video
Notes
- Servings: Makes 4–6 servings, depending on portion size.
- Calories per serving: Approximately 194 based on 6 servings.
- Storage Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
- Freezer-Friendly: Freeze cooked thighs for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Optional Swap: You can use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs if preferred. Just increase pressure cook time to 12 minutes.
Final Thoughts
These Juicy Instant Pot Chicken Thighs are a simple, stress-free way to get a delicious dinner on the table—fast. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or batch-cooking for easy lunches, this recipe is one you’ll find yourself turning to again and again.
I love how versatile these chicken thighs are. You can serve them fresh with your favorite sides, shred them for wraps or bowls, or store them in the fridge for an easy protein boost throughout the week. It’s the kind of real-life, mom-life recipe that works with your busy day, not against it!
Let’s Keep in Touch!
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below and let me know how you served your chicken thighs—or any fun tweaks you made.
Don’t forget to save this post on Pinterest so you can come back to it anytime you need an easy dinner idea. And if you’re looking for more recipes, be sure to check out the Meals section of my website for more inspiration.
Thanks for stopping by today, mama! 💛
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