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Instant Pot Chicken Thighs
How to cook perfect, juicy Instant Pot Chicken Thighs from fresh or frozen, bone-in or boneless.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 5
Calories: 266 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 2-3 lbs chicken thighs* , skin on, fresh or frozen
- 2 Tablespoons oil , canola or vegetable
- 1 cup liquid (water, chicken broth, apple, or pineapple juice)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- (Skip this step if using frozen thighs). Set instant pot to saute setting. Add oil. Season chicken with desired seasonings. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken, and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until skin is crispy brown. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Add 1 cup of liquid (water, chicken broth, pineapple or apple juice) to the bottom of the instant pot, scraping up any browned bites that have stuck from searing the skin.
- Place trivet inside and add chicken thighs on top. Secure lid on the instant pot and make sure the vent is set to “sealed”.
- For Boneless Thighs: Pressure cook on high for 8 minutes for fresh or 12 minutes for frozen thighs.
- For Bone-in Thighs: Pressure cook on high for 10 minutes for fresh, or 15 minutes for frozen thighs.
- Allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then turn the valve to “venting” to release any remaining steam.
- If desired, test chicken with a thermometer; it should reach 165 degrees. (If it’s just shy, place the lid back on and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. If the chicken is still not cooked secure the instant pot lid and cook for 1-3 minutes longer, on high pressure.)
- Allow the chicken to rest 5 minutes before serving.
- Store leftover cooked chicken in the fridge for 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Frozen skin-on thighs: You wont be able to sear the chicken skin when frozen, so just remove and discard it after the chicken has cooked.Skinless thighs: Use same cooking time.
Nutrition Information
Calories
266kcal
(13%)
Carbohydrates
1g
(0%)
Protein
35g
(70%)
Fat
13g
(20%)
Saturated Fat
2g
(10%)
Cholesterol
172mg
(57%)
Sodium
629mg
(26%)
Potassium
445mg
(13%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
1g
(2%)
Vitamin A
44IU
(1%)
Calcium
16mg
(2%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 5Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 266
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 266kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 35g | 70% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 172mg | 57% |
| Sodium | 629mg | 26% |
| Potassium | 445mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 44IU | 1% |
| Calcium | 16mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.