How Long to Pressure Cook Chicken Thighs for Perfectly Tender Meat

Cooking chicken thighs in the Instant Pot or other electric pressure cooker is a quick and easy way to make incredibly moist, fall-off-the-bone chicken. But how long should you pressure cook chicken thighs to get the best results? In this guide, I’ll share my tips for cooking boneless, skinless chicken thighs in the pressure cooker along with timing guidelines so you can nail perfect chicken thighs every time.

Why Pressure Cook Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are one of my favorite cuts of chicken to cook in the Instant Pot They come out super juicy and tender with much more flavor compared to chicken breasts

Here are some of the benefits of pressure cooking chicken thighs:

• Quick cooking time – Chicken thighs cook much faster in the pressure cooker compared to oven baking or pan frying. You can have tender, cooked chicken thighs on the dinner table in less than 30 minutes.

• Incredibly moist meat – The pressurized environment helps chicken thighs retain moisture exceptionally well. No more dry, stringy chicken!

• Intensifies flavor – Pressure cooking draws out and concentrates the savory flavors of the chicken. Seasonings also penetrate the meat better.

• Makes tough cuts tender – Pressure cooking helps break down the collagen in chicken thighs, resulting in meat that is melt-in-your-mouth tender

• More nutrients preserved – Pressure cooking is gentler than high heat methods like frying. More vitamins and minerals are retained compared to other cooking methods.

So if you’re looking for an easy way to cook super juicy, fall-off-the-bone chicken thighs, using the Instant Pot is a great option!

How Long to Pressure Cook Chicken Thighs

The exact pressure cooking time for chicken thighs depends on a few factors:

• Amount of chicken – The more chicken you’re cooking, the longer it will take. For 1-2 pounds of boneless thighs, cook for 8-15 minutes. For 3-4 pounds, cook for 18-22 minutes.

• Bone-in vs boneless – Boneless thighs cook faster than bone-in. Reduce the cooking time by 5 minutes for boneless.

• Frozen vs thawed – Always thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator before pressure cooking. Add 5 minutes to the cook time for frozen chicken thighs.

• Level of doneness – For very soft, fall-off-the-bone meat, cook for the minimum time. For firmer texture, cook 2-3 minutes longer.

Here are general pressure cooking time guidelines based on the amount and type of chicken thighs:

• 1-2 pounds boneless, thawed – 8-10 minutes
• 1-2 pounds bone-in, thawed – 13-15 minutes
• 3-4 pounds boneless, thawed – 15-18 minutes
• 3-4 pounds bone-in, thawed – 20-22 minutes
• Add 5 minutes for frozen chicken thighs

The size of the chicken thighs also impacts cook times. Larger, meatier thighs may take a couple minutes longer than smaller thighs. Check for doneness and adjust cook time accordingly.

Tips for Pressure Cooking Chicken Thighs

Follow these tips for the best pressure cooked chicken thighs:

• Use boneless, skinless thighs – They cook faster and are easier to portion out for meals or shred for recipes like chicken tacos or casseroles.

• Season well – Chicken thighs benefit from bold, robust seasonings. Try garlic, onion, paprika, chili powder, cumin, oregano, thyme, etc.

• Brown first – Browning the chicken thighs before pressure cooking enhances flavor. Saute or brown the thighs for 2-3 minutes per side first.

• Add liquid – The liquid creates steam to cook the chicken. Use chicken broth, salsa, barbecue sauce, etc. Use 1/2 – 1 cup of liquid.

• Use natural release – Allow the pressure to come down naturally to prevent overcooking. Venting the steam release may cause thighs to overcook.

• Check for doneness – Chicken thighs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. The meat should look opaque throughout.

• Let rest before serving – Let the cooked chicken thighs rest for 5 minutes before slicing or shredding. This allows the juices to redistribute.

Chicken Thigh Instant Pot Recipe

This simple recipe yields super juicy, flavorful Instant Pot chicken thighs in only 15 minutes:

Ingredients:

• 1 1⁄2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
• 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon paprika
• 1⁄2 cup chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Pat the chicken thighs dry and season all over with salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika.
2. Select Saute on Instant Pot and add 1 tbsp oil. Brown chicken thighs for 3 minutes per side until golden brown.
3. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits on bottom of pot.
4. Secure the lid and make sure valve is set to sealing. Set to Manual/Pressure Cook on High for 10 minutes.
5. When cooking is complete, allow pressure to release naturally for 10-15 minutes. Then quick release any remaining pressure.
6. Use a meat thermometer to check temperature reaches 165°F.
7. Let chicken thighs rest for 5 minutes before serving.

The tender chicken thighs pair perfectly with rice or roasted veggies for a quick, healthy dinner! Adjust cook time as needed to reach your desired level of doneness.

Tips for Using Leftover Pressure Cooked Chicken Thighs

Leftover cooked chicken thighs keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days and can be used in a variety of recipes:

• Make chicken salads, wraps, or sandwiches
• Dice and add to soups, stews, pasta dishes
• Shred or chop and use in casseroles or enchiladas
• Heat and serve over fresh green salad
• Make chicken fried rice or stir fries
• Use for meal prep – easy protein for bowls or jars

Storing the cooked chicken thighs in the freezer is another great option. They will keep for 3-4 months in a freezer bag or airtight container. Defrost in the refrigerator before using in recipes.

Get Perfectly Cooked Chicken Thighs Every Time

Cooking chicken thighs in the Instant Pot results in super moist, fall-off-the-bone meat when you use the right cook times. For boneless thighs, start with 8-10 minutes then check for doneness. Bone-in thighs need 15-18 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally and the chicken will turn out perfectly cooked.

Adjust the time based on amount of chicken, if it’s frozen, and your desired level of doneness. Chicken thighs are so flavorful and make for quick, healthy meals when cooked in the pressure cooker. Give this easy Instant Pot chicken thigh recipe a try soon!