Cooking chicken thighs in an Instant Pot is a quick and easy way to make a delicious weeknight meal With the pressurized environment, the chicken cooks up moist and tender in a fraction of the time of traditional oven baking. But how long should you set the timer for perfect Instant Pot chicken thighs?
The cooking time can vary based on a few factors, including whether the thighs are frozen or fresh, bone-in or boneless, and with skin or without Following proper timing is key to ensuring the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature while maintaining a juicy texture.
Here is a guide to exactly how long to cook chicken thighs of all kinds in the Instant Pot.
Fresh vs. Frozen Chicken Thighs
One of the major benefits of using an Instant Pot is you can cook frozen chicken thighs with no need to thaw them first. However, frozen chicken does require a bit more time under pressure.
For fresh chicken thighs, the cooking time is typically 10-12 minutes on high pressure. Fresh bone-in and boneless thighs cooked together may need a couple extra minutes.
For frozen chicken thighs increase the cook time to 12-15 minutes to ensure the chicken fully cooks through. Going over 15 minutes risks drying out the chicken.
So for perfect results, always add 2-3 extra minutes when cooking frozen chicken thighs in the Instant Pot.
Bone-In vs. Boneless Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs can be purchased bone-in or boneless. How the bone affects cooking time in the Instant Pot is relatively small but worth factoring in.
Boneless chicken thighs cook faster, needing only 8-10 minutes under high pressure. The meat cooks quickly without the bone.
Bone-in chicken thighs require 10-12 minutes to become fall-off-the-bone tender. The bone partially shields the meat, slowing the cooking process slightly.
For a mix of boneless and bone-in thighs, add 2 extra minutes to ensure the bone-in pieces reach doneness. Removing the bones after cooking is also an option if you prefer boneless chicken.
Skin-On vs. Skinless Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs can also be purchased with the skin on or removed. But whether or not there is skin does not impact the Instant Pot cook times.
Skinless chicken thighs take the same amount of time as skin-on, typically 10-12 minutes for bone-in and 8-10 minutes for boneless.
Browning the skin first is recommended for better flavor and texture, but does not affect cooking time. Simply sauté the skin before pressure cooking.
So the presence of skin on the chicken thighs does not change how long to cook them in the Instant Pot. Use the same timing for skinless as you would for skin-on.
How Long to Cook Various Amounts of Chicken Thighs
- 2 chicken thighs (any kind) – 8-10 minutes
- 4 chicken thighs (any kind) – 10-12 minutes
- 6 chicken thighs (any kind) – 12-15 minutes
- 8 chicken thighs (any kind) – 15-18 minutes
The more chicken thighs you add to the Instant Pot, the longer it will take them all to cook through. For a family-sized batch, increase cook times.
For mixed batches with bone-in and boneless or frozen and fresh chicken, use the longer cook time to ensure even cooking. You can always simmer for a few extra minutes if needed.
Key Tips for Instant Pot Chicken Thighs
- Allow 5-10 minutes natural pressure release after cooking before quick-releasing remaining steam. This allows carryover cooking for extra tender meat.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
- Adjust cook times up or down a few minutes based on size of thighs and your model of Instant Pot.
- Don’t overload the pot. Chicken thighs should cook in a single layer.
- Brine chicken thighs in saltwater for added moisture and flavor.
Delicious Ways to Use Instant Pot Chicken Thighs
Once you’ve mastered the perfect Instant Pot chicken thigh cook times, you can start experimenting with exciting recipes:
- Buffalo chicken thighs – Toss cooked thighs in Buffalo sauce.
- Chicken thigh soup – Cook thighs in broth with veggies.
- Jerk chicken thighs – Use a Jamaican jerk seasoning marinade.
- Chicken tikka masala – Simmer in creamy Indian curry sauce.
- Chicken cacciatore – Braise thighs in a tomato-wine sauce.
- Chicken tortilla soup – Add thighs to this hearty Mexican soup.
- Teriyaki chicken thighs – Brush with sweet teriyaki glaze.
With the right cook times, Instant Pot chicken thighs turn out incredibly juicy and flavorful. Refer to this guide for ensuring your chicken cooks through without drying out. Then get creative with global flavors, sauces, and seasonings!
Can I cook chicken thighs with bones in the Instant Pot, and does it affect the cooking time?
Yes, you can cook bone-in chicken thighs in the Instant Pot. It slightly extends the cooking time compared to boneless thighs. Expect about 10 minutes of cooking time for bone-in thighs.
Key Ingredients And Substitutions
When making Instant Pot chicken thighs, I focus on a few key ingredients to enhance flavor and ensure a satisfying meal. Here’s what I usually incorporate:
Chicken Thighs: I prefer bone-in, skin-on thighs for richer taste and moisture. For a lighter meal, boneless, skinless thighs work, but reduce the cooking time.
Garlic: Fresh or minced garlic adds a depth of flavor. I commonly use about 3 cloves.
Onion: Sliced yellow onion provides sweetness and texture.
Potatoes: Baby potatoes are my go-to. They cook evenly and soak up the sauce well. Larger potatoes should be cut into 1-inch pieces.
Chicken Stock: For moisture and flavor, I use 1 cup of chicken stock or broth.
Honey and Dijon Mustard: I mix 2 tablespoons of each for a sweet and tangy glaze.
Seasonings: I season with 1 teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon dry oregano, and 1 teaspoon dry thyme.
Cornstarch: For thickening, I add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with chicken stock.
Substitutions can easily be made:
Spices: You can add more spices like paprika or dried herbs for variety.
Vegetables: Use carrots or roasted vegetables for added nutrition.
These ingredients create a well-rounded dish full of flavor and can adapt to what I have on hand.
I often get questions about cooking chicken thighs in an Instant Pot. Here are some details to help you get the best results.
Best Instant Pot Chicken Thighs Recipe Ever!
FAQ
How many minutes to cook chicken thighs in an instant pot?
- 6-8 Fresh, Bone-In Chicken Thighs (Skin-On or Skinless): 12 minutes on high pressure.
- 6-8 Fresh, Boneless Chicken Thighs (Skin-On or Skinless): 10 minutes on high pressure.
- 6-8 Frozen Chicken Thighs, Any Kind: 14 minutes on high pressure.
How long does chicken take in the instant pot?
Pour water or chicken broth into inner pot. Place chicken breasts in liquid or on trivet. Option 1 Fresh Chicken: Press Pressure Cook/Manual and use +/- buttons to set for 8 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, set the steam release to “venting” for quick release.
How much time to cook chicken thighs?
The USDA guidelines lists approximate cooking times of 40 to 50 minutes for 4-to-8-ounce chicken thighs roasted at 350 degrees. In our basic meal prep boneless chicken thighs recipe, they take about 25 to 30 minutes baked at 425 degrees F.Apr 21, 2022
How long to pressure cook chicken thighs reddit?
If you look at the Instant Pot’s recommended cooking times, it is 10 minutes per pound of chicken thighs not in amount of pieces.Mar 25, 2021
How long to cook chicken thighs in Instant Pot?
Seal the lid and cook at high pressure for 6 minutes. After it is ready, allow natural pressure release for at least 10 minutes before applying a quick release. After it is cooked in the Instant Pot, remove the chicken thighs from the pot (and optionally broil for crispy skin).
Can you cook bone-in chicken thighs in the Instant Pot?
Both bone-in and boneless chicken thighs will work great in the Instant Pot. The only difference you’ll need to make when using one versus the other is the cooking time. Bone-in chicken thighs will require about two more minutes of pressure cooking than boneless chicken thighs, so 12 minutes total. See below for exact cooking times.
How long to pressure cook chicken in Instant Pot?
Set the instant pot to pressure cook for 12 minutes. When cooking time is over you may use the quick release or natural release. Remove the chicken from the pot using tongs and place on a plate to rest.