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This Instant Pot Chicken Thigh recipe is one of those reliable low-effort recipes that earns a permanent spot in the dinner rotation. It works with fresh or frozen thighs, uses a simple spice blend, and delivers juicy, flavorful chicken without babysitting the stove.
After hours of hands-on testing, you can feel confident when it comes to cooking chicken in the Instant Pot. From chicken breast and these chicken thighs to a whole chicken and even chicken wings, my Instant Pot chicken recipes are trusted staples in millions of homes because they work every single time.
Kristen's Keys for Perfect Instant Pot Chicken Thighs
A few quick things to know that make this recipe shine and save you from common Instant Pot frustrations.
- You have options when it comes to the chicken thighs. This versatile recipe works with boneless, skinless chicken thighs or bone-in, skin-on thighs. Frozen chicken thighs? Not an issue when you are using the Instant Pot.
- Season generously. Chicken thighs can handle bold seasoning, so don't be afraid to use a heavy hand or get creative with your spice blends.
- Use manual pressure, not the poultry button. You'll get more reliable results when you control the time yourself.
- Natural release matters. Giving the chicken 10 minutes to rest under pressure helps to finish the cooking process.
5-Star Reader Review
One of the best (easiest, tastiest!) IP recipes for chicken thighs that I've used. Kids ate every bite (and one started licking the plate!) - definitely going into meal rotation. Thank you for sharing this recipe! -Stacy
How to Cook Chicken Thighs in the Instant Pot
Whether you are just learning to use your Instant pot, or are a seasoned pro, this section will guide you through the process of cooking fresh or frozen chicken thighs in the Instant Pot, giving you helpful tips along the way.
Step One: Season Chicken Thighs
For even flavor, combine the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika in a small bowl. Use that mixture to evenly sprinkle over both sides of the chicken thighs. If you aren't working with frozen chicken thighs, rub the spice blend into the meat.
👉🏻Vary the seasoning. Feel free to use any spice blend (like Cajun seasoning, Taco seasoning, or a dry rub) you like in place of the simple blend provided in this recipe.
Step Two: Sear Chicken (Skip if Frozen or Skinless)
If you are working with skin-on chicken thighs, a quick sauté adds deeper flavor and better texture.
- Add a bit of oil to the inner pot, turn to the sauté function, and heat for about 1 minute.
- Once heated, add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, in a single layer and sear for 4-5 minutes, or until golden.
- Remove the chicken to a clean plate and turn the saute function OFF.
Frozen Chicken? You MUST skip this step if you are preparing frozen chicken thighs. You can achieve crispy skin by popping under the broiler AFTER pressure cooking. If you are working with skinless thighs, the option is yours, but I typically skip for convenience.
Step Three: Place Chicken Thighs On Trivet
To keep the skin crispy and prevent diluting the spice blend, you will want to cook the chicken thighs on a trivet.
- Add in the water and if you seared the chicken thighs, be sure to use a spoon to scrape up any browned bits off the bottom of the inner pot. This prevents a burn notice.
- Add in a trivet or rack and place the seasoned chicken on top of the rack. It is okay if the pieces overlap.
Don't have a trivet? Use chicken broth in place of water and cook the seasoned thighs right in the broth. This works well for frozen or skinless chicken thighs that you aren't worrying about crispy skin.
Step Four: Pressure Cook
The amount of time you needed to cook chicken thighs in the Instant Pot will depend on the type of chicken thighs you used and whether or not you seared the thighs first.
- Bone-In Chicken Thighs: 8 Minutes on High Pressure (10 minutes if not seared first)
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: 6 minutes on High Pressure (8 minutes if not seared first)
- Frozen Chicken Thighs: 15 minutes on high pressure, for bone-in chicken thighs, or 10 minutes for boneless chicken thighs.
Step Five: Allow Natural Pressure Release
Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before opening the lid. This gives the chicken time to gently finish cooking and keeps the chicken juicy and tender.
What if the chicken isn't fully cooked? Check the internal temperature with a thermometer. You're aiming for between 180-190°F. If it's a little low, just put the lid back on and pressure cook for 1-2 more minutes.
Meal Prep + Serving Suggestions
Chicken thighs are incredibly versatile. They can be served as an entree, used in a recipe calling for cooked chicken, or prepped in bulk and added to salads or wraps throughout the week.
A Few More Helpful Suggestions:
- Save the Bones: Hang onto the bones and use them to make Instant Pot chicken stock in the Instant Pot. You can store the bones in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months in the freezer. It's one of those small habits that saves money and adds big flavor to future meals.
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: Marinate boneless, skinless or bone-in chicken thighs in my chicken thigh marinade as directed. Remove the chicken from the marinade, place on a trivet over water inside the inner pot, and cook as directed.
More Instant Pot Chicken Recipes
Love instant pot chicken recipes? Me too! Check out a few of my favorites that go beyond basic:
Instant Pot Chicken Thighs
Video
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, or regular paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves, not ground thyme
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in or boneless; skin-on or skinless
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1½ cups water
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves until well combined.
- Trim excess fat or grizzle off 4 chicken thighs if needed and then pat them dry with a paper towel. Sprinkle the spice rub evenly over the chicken thighs, rubbing the spice blend into the chicken to adhere. Be sure to season both sides of the chicken.
- To sear the chicken is optional and must be skipped if your chicken thighs are frozen. To saute the chicken, turn the saute function on the Instant pot and add in 1 tablespoon olive oil. Let the oil heat until glistening and then add the chicken thighs, skin-side down into the inner pot. Don't overcrowd the pot, you may need to work in batches to brown the chicken. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until both sides are golden brown. Remove the chicken to a clean plate and turn the saute function OFF.
- Pour 1½ cups water into the inner pot and scrape up any browned bits off the bottom of the inner pot (if needed.) Place the trivet inside the inner pot and then place your seared chicken thighs on top of the trivet (it is okay if they overlap).
- Place the lid on the inner pot, and be sure the venting knob is pointed towards sealed. To set the cooking time: Bone-In Chicken Thighs: 8 Minutes on High Pressure (10 minutes if not seared first)Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: 6 minutes on High Pressure (8 minutes if not seared first)Frozen Chicken Thighs: 15 minutes on high pressure, for bone-in chicken thighs, or 10 minutes for boneless chicken thighs.
- Once the cooking time has elapsed, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. Then remove the lid and use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 180-190°F.
- Serve as desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This post was originally published in 2018 and updated in 2026.
Great recipe! Easy to follow instructions and ingredients were all in my cupboard. The chicken was moist and flavorful.
I will be using this recipe again.
Love it! This is one of those recipes that is easy to turn to because it is so simple (and good!) Thanks for taking the time to leave a review.