Experience the savory taste of chicken thighs cooked to perfection in an instant pot. This recipe, named 'Instant Pot Chicken Thigh Delight', uses a succulent blend of spices and herbs that seep into every inch of the chicken, providing a luscious and delicious meal for any night of the week.
Photos of Instant Pot Chicken Thigh Recipe
Most of these ingredients like chicken thighs, olive oil, garlic powder, and chicken broth are pantry staples. However, lemon pepper and rosemary may not be readily available in your kitchen. When you're at the supermarket, be sure to grab these two key ingredients to fully bring out the delightful flavor of this dish.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Chicken Thigh Delight
Chicken thighs: The main ingredient, adds a hearty and rich flavor to the dish.
Olive oil: Used to saute the chicken, it provides a mild flavor and helps to crisp the skin.
Lemon pepper: Adds a tangy and peppery flavor that enhances the overall taste of the chicken.
Rosemary: An aromatic herb that gives a pine-like fragrance and flavor to the dish.
Garlic powder: Adds a warm and subtle sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Pepper: Brings a mild heat to the dish, balancing the flavors.
Chicken broth: Used as a liquid for the instant pot, it infuses the chicken with a savory flavor.
Onion slices: Adds a sharp and sweet flavor profile.
One reader, Dougy Wheatley says:
This instant pot chicken thigh delight is a game-changer! The chicken comes out tender and flavorful, and the cooking process is so easy. The spices and broth create a delicious sauce, and the onions add a nice touch. It's a must-try for anyone looking for a hassle-free, tasty meal.
Techniques Required for Instant Pot Chicken Thigh Delight
How to season the chicken: Combine the spices in a small bowl and then season the chicken with the spice mixture.
How to sauté the chicken: Turn on the 6-quart Instant Pot to the sauté setting, add olive oil, and heat for 1 minute. Place half of the chicken skin side down in the Instant Pot and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it is crisp and releases easily from the pan. Repeat with the remaining chicken, adding more oil if needed. Turn off the Instant Pot.
How to deglaze the pot: Add chicken broth to the bottom of the pot and scrape off any brown bits. Add the onion slices to the pot.
How to pressure cook the chicken: Place the trivet in the Instant Pot and place the chicken thighs skin side up on the trivet. Select manual and cook on high pressure for 9 minutes. Allow the pressure to naturally release for 5 minutes, then release any remaining pressure.
How To Make Instant Pot Chicken Thighs
An easy chicken thigh recipe! Results in a beautifully browned thighs from the maillard reaction. Best shared among family and friends.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2lbchicken thighsbone-in, skin on
- 1tbspolive oil
- 1tsplemon pepper
- ½tsprosemary
- ½tspgarlic powder
- ½tsppepper
- 1¼cupschicken broth
- 3slicesonionthick
Instructions
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Combine spices in a small bowl. Season chicken with spice mixture.
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Turn a 6-quart Instant Pot onto saute. Add olive oil and heat 1 minute.
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Place ½ of the chicken skin side down in the instant pot and cook 3 to 4 minutes or until crisp and it releases easily from the pan. Repeat with remaining chicken adding more oil if needed. Turn Instant Pot off.
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Add chicken broth to the bottom of the pot and scrape any brown bits. Add onion slices.
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Place the trivet in the Instant Pot and place thighs skin side up on the trivet.
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Select manual and cook on high pressure for 9 minutes. Allow to naturally release for 5 minutes. Release any remaining pressure.
Recipe Notes
Optional: Place chicken on a foil-lined pan and place under the broiler for 3 to 4 minutes to crisp skin. Serve with juices from the Instant Pot.
Nutrition
- Calories: 378.95kcal
- Fat: 28.00g
- Saturated Fat: 7.33g
- Trans Fat: 0.13g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 12.43g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.60g
- Carbohydrates: 3.78g
- Fiber: 0.39g
- Sugar: 1.24g
- Protein: 26.47g
- Cholesterol: 149.67mg
- Sodium: 194.75mg
- Calcium: 18.10mg
- Potassium: 389.26mg
- Iron: 1.26mg
- Vitamin A: 35.56µg
- Vitamin C: 0.89mg
Helpful Technique for Perfecting Instant Pot Chicken Thighs
To ensure your chicken thighs are cooked to perfection in the instant pot, it's crucial to not skip the sauté step. This process not only gives the chicken a crispy skin but also locks in the flavors from the spice mixture. Additionally, using the chicken broth to deglaze the pot after sautéing helps to incorporate the flavorful brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pot into the broth, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, measure ingredients, and marinate meat the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Use kitchen gadgets: Utilize tools like food processors, blenders, and Instant Pots to streamline the cooking process and reduce prep time.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that can be cooked in a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup and save time on dishwashing.
Batch cooking: Prepare large quantities of food at once and freeze individual portions for quick and easy meals throughout the week.
Follow the recipe: Read through the entire recipe before starting to ensure you have all the ingredients and understand the steps, preventing any last-minute confusion.
Organized workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and clean as you cook to avoid wasting time searching for utensils or cleaning up spills.
Substitute Ingredients For Instant Pot Chicken Thigh Recipe
chicken thighs - Substitute with bone-in chicken drumsticks: Chicken drumsticks are a great alternative to chicken thighs, offering a similar rich and juicy flavor while being slightly leaner. They also work well in pressure cooking methods like the Instant Pot.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in this recipe. It also offers similar health benefits and works well for sautéing and cooking at high temperatures.
lemon pepper - Substitute with zest of 1 lemon and freshly ground black pepper: Using fresh lemon zest and black pepper can replicate the citrusy and peppery flavor of lemon pepper seasoning while adding a bright, fresh taste to the dish.
rosemary - Substitute with thyme: Thyme can be used as a substitute for rosemary, providing a similar earthy and slightly floral flavor that complements chicken well. It can withstand the pressure cooking process and infuse the dish with aromatic notes.
garlic powder - Substitute with minced fresh garlic: Fresh minced garlic can be used as a substitute for garlic powder, offering a more intense and aromatic flavor to the dish. It adds a delicious pungency and depth to the chicken delight.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth, providing a savory and flavorful base for the dish. It works well with the other ingredients and can enhance the overall taste of the chicken delight.
onion slices - Substitute with shallots, thinly sliced: Shallots can be used as a substitute for onion slices, offering a milder and slightly sweet flavor. They can caramelize beautifully in the Instant Pot, adding a delicious depth to the dish.
Presenting Your Instant Pot Chicken Thigh Delight
Elevate the plating: When presenting the Instant Pot Chicken Thigh Delight, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use fresh herbs and edible flowers to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Incorporate texture: Add a textural element to the dish by including a side of crispy kale chips or roasted root vegetables. This will provide a contrast to the tender chicken thighs and elevate the overall dining experience.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the main dish to take center stage. Arrange the chicken thighs strategically, leaving ample space between each component for a clean and sophisticated presentation.
Highlight the chicken broth: Serve the dish with a side of the flavorful chicken broth in a miniature carafe or small serving vessel. This allows the guests to appreciate the depth of flavor in the broth and adds a touch of refinement to the presentation.
Incorporate a finishing touch: Before serving, drizzle a small amount of truffle oil over the chicken thighs to impart a luxurious aroma and flavor. This subtle addition will elevate the dish and showcase attention to detail.
Essential Tools for Making Instant Pot Chicken Thighs
- Instant Pot: A multi-functional electric pressure cooker that can be used for pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, and more.
- Small bowl: Used for combining and mixing spices before seasoning the chicken thighs.
- Tongs: Used for flipping the chicken thighs while sautéing in the Instant Pot.
- Trivet: Placed in the Instant Pot to elevate the chicken thighs above the liquid during the pressure cooking process.
- Measuring cup: Used to measure and pour the chicken broth into the Instant Pot.
- Knife: Used for slicing the onion.
- Cutting board: Provides a surface for slicing the onion.
- Spatula: Used for scraping any brown bits from the bottom of the Instant Pot after sautéing the chicken thighs.
Storing and Freezing Instant Pot Chicken Thigh Delight
Allow the chicken thighs to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and maintain the quality of the meat.
For short-term storage, place the cooled chicken thighs in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To freeze the chicken thighs:
- Wrap each thigh individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, ensuring a tight seal to prevent freezer burn.
- Place the wrapped thighs in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal quality.
To reheat frozen chicken thighs:
- Thaw the desired number of thighs in the refrigerator overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the thawed thighs on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- For crispy skin, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of reheating.
Alternatively, you can reheat the thawed chicken thighs in the microwave:
- Place the thighs on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel.
- Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through, checking every 30 seconds to avoid overcooking.
How To Reheat Leftover Chicken Thighs
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Cover the chicken loosely with another piece of foil to prevent excessive browning. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating to crisp up the skin.
For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place the chicken thighs in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. This will help maintain moisture. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, depending on the number of thighs and your microwave's power. Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This method will help maintain the crispy skin texture.
For a stovetop method, place the chicken thighs in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to the pan to prevent the chicken from drying out. Cover the skillet with a lid and heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the lid for the last 2 minutes of reheating to crisp up the skin.
If you have leftover onions and broth from the original recipe, place them in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the liquid is simmering, add the chicken thighs and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This method will infuse the chicken with additional flavor from the onions and broth.
Interesting Fact About Instant Pot Chicken Thighs
The Instant Pot Chicken Thigh Delight recipe is a great option for a quick and flavorful meal. It's a convenient way to prepare a delicious chicken dish with minimal effort. The chicken thighs are seasoned with a blend of spices and cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot, resulting in tender and juicy meat. This recipe is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enjoy a hassle-free and satisfying meal.
Is Making Chicken Thigh Delight in an Instant Pot Cost-Effective?
This instant pot chicken thigh delight recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The use of chicken thighs and simple, affordable ingredients makes it a budget-friendly option. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$15, making it an economical choice. The dish offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, earning a solid 8/10 rating. It's a practical and wallet-friendly option for a satisfying meal.
Is This Chicken Thigh Recipe Healthy or Not?
The instant pot chicken thigh delight recipe is a relatively healthy dish, but there are a few aspects that could be improved upon:
- Chicken thighs are a good source of protein, but they are also higher in fat compared to chicken breasts. However, the fat content can contribute to flavor and juiciness.
- The recipe uses olive oil, which is a healthy fat, but the amount could be reduced to lower the overall calorie content.
- The seasoning blend includes garlic powder and lemon pepper, which can add flavor without significantly increasing the sodium content.
- The recipe incorporates onions, which provide some vegetables and additional flavor to the dish.
- Cooking the chicken in the instant pot can help retain moisture and nutrients compared to other cooking methods.
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs to reduce the overall fat content
- Use a reduced-sodium chicken broth to lower the salt intake
- Increase the amount of vegetables by adding carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the instant pot
- Serve the chicken with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables to boost the nutrient content of the meal
- If desired, remove the skin from the chicken thighs after cooking to reduce the fat content further, although this may impact the flavor and texture of the dish
Editor's Opinion on Instant Pot Chicken Thigh Delight
This Instant Pot Chicken Thigh Delight recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The use of lemon pepper, rosemary, and garlic powder creates a harmonious blend of aromas, while the chicken broth and onion slices infuse the dish with rich, savory notes. The cooking method ensures that the chicken thighs are tender and juicy, making for a satisfying and comforting meal. It's a simple yet impressive dish that is sure to please the palate of anyone who enjoys a delicious, home-cooked meal.
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Why trust this Instant Pot Chicken Thigh Recipe:
This recipe guarantees succulent chicken thighs infused with aromatic rosemary and zesty lemon pepper flavors. The use of chicken broth ensures a rich and savory taste, while the garlic powder adds a delightful depth of flavor. The instant pot method promises convenience and efficiency, making it a perfect choice for busy home cooks. The inclusion of onion slices further enhances the dish's complexity. Trust in this recipe for a hassle-free, delectable chicken thigh delight that will surely impress your taste buds.
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