Juicy Bone in Chicken Thigh Instant Pot Recipe in Just 5 Steps

Name: Juicy Bone in Chicken Thigh Instant Pot Recipe in Just 5 Steps
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 bone-in chicken thighs; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/2 cup chicken broth

By:

Christina R. Jones

July 18, 2025

This image was generated using artificial intelligence to illustrate the appearance of the recipe.

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Listen, I know what you’re thinking—another chicken recipe? But trust me, this bone-in chicken thigh Instant Pot method is a total game-changer. I’ve burned my fair share of dry chicken fillets in my day (oops!), but when I discovered how foolproof thighs are in the pressure cooker? Wow. Juicy every single time, with barely any hands-on work. The bone keeps things flavorful, and that skin? Crispy perfection if you follow my little broiling trick. Whether you’re a busy parent or just someone who wants dinner ready fast, this recipe has saved my weeknight dinners more times than I can count.

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Why You’ll Love This Bone in Chicken Thigh Instant Pot Recipe

Here’s why this recipe has become my weeknight hero:

Juicy-every-time results (seriously, even my overcooking-prone husband can’t mess this up)
Five minutes of prep max – just pat, season, and sear
Hands-off cooking while the Instant Pot does all the work
Crispy skin that’ll make you forget all about boring chicken fillets
One-pot wonder – minimal cleanup!

It’s chicken that actually tastes like chicken should – flavorful and fall-off-the-bone tender.

Ingredients for Bone in Chicken Thigh Instant Pot

Here’s all you need for the juiciest chicken thighs:

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (trust me, the skin makes all the difference!)
1 tbsp olive oil (for that perfect sear)
1 tsp salt (I use kosher for better flavor distribution)
1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly ground if you’ve got it)
1/2 tsp garlic powder (or fresh minced garlic if you’re feeling fancy)
1/2 tsp paprika (smoked paprika adds amazing depth)
1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium lets you control the salt)

That’s it! Simple ingredients for maximum flavor.

How to Make Bone in Chicken Thigh in Instant Pot

Okay, let’s get cooking! This method is so simple, but these little tricks make all the difference.

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

First, grab those paper towels and pat those thighs dry – this is KEY for good browning. Don’t skip this! Then sprinkle your salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika all over both sides. Rub it in like you’re giving the chicken a little massage.

Step 2: Sear for Maximum Flavor

Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode (normal heat) and add the oil. Once it’s shimmering, carefully add the thighs skin-side down – don’t crowd them! Give each one some breathing room. Let them sizzle untouched for a full 3 minutes to get that gorgeous golden color, then flip for another 3 minutes. (Careful – that oil might splatter!)

Step 3: Pressure Cook to Perfection

Pour in your chicken broth – it’ll hiss and steam as it deglazes all those tasty browned bits from the bottom. Now pop on the lid, set to high pressure for 15 minutes. When time’s up, let it naturally release for 5 minutes (this keeps the juiciness in!), then quick release the rest. That’s it – perfect chicken every time!

Tips for the Best Bone in Chicken Thigh Instant Pot Meal

After making this recipe dozens of times, here are my can’t-live-without tips:

Broil for 2-3 minutes after cooking for insanely crispy skin (my secret weapon!)
Always use skin-on thighs – they stay juicier and pack way more flavor
Tweak the spices to your taste – I sometimes add cayenne for heat or rosemary for freshness
Don’t skip the natural release – those extra 5 minutes make all the difference in moisture
Use kitchen tongs to remove the thighs – they’ll be falling-apart tender!

These little tricks turn good chicken into amazing chicken.

Serving Suggestions for Bone in Chicken Thigh Instant Pot

Oh, the possibilities! These juicy thighs shine with simple sides: creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the juices, roasted carrots with a honey glaze, or my lazy-night favorite – microwave-steamed broccoli with a squeeze of lemon. For heartier meals, buttered egg noodles or a crisp green salad round it out perfectly. The best part? Dinner’s done before you know it!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

These thighs stay delicious for days! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. When reheating, I always use the oven (350°F for about 10 minutes) to keep that crispy skin – microwaving makes it rubbery. Pro tip: pour any leftover juices over the chicken before reheating for extra moisture!

Bone in Chicken Thigh Instant Pot FAQ

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here’s what readers ask me most about this recipe:

Can I use frozen chicken thighs?

Absolutely! Just add 5 extra minutes to the cook time. But honestly? I prefer thawed – the texture comes out better and you get that gorgeous sear. If using frozen, pat them extra dry before seasoning.

How do I avoid rubbery skin?

Two words: BROIL IT! After pressure cooking, pop those thighs under the broiler for 2-3 minutes. That quick blast of heat transforms the skin from flabby to crispy perfection. Just watch closely – it goes from golden to burnt fast!

Why bone-in thighs?

The bone adds so much flavor while cooking! Plus, they’re way more forgiving than fillets – nearly impossible to overcook. I promise, dealing with the bone is worth it for that juicy, restaurant-quality result.

Can I double the recipe?

You bet! Just don’t exceed your Instant Pot’s max fill line. Cook time stays the same, but you might need to sear in batches. Extra tip: make a double batch – these thighs taste even better reheated!

Nutritional Information

Just a heads up – these numbers are estimates (chicken thighs vary in size, ya know?). Per serving, you’re looking at about 250 calories, 27g protein, and 15g fat. Not too shabby for such flavorful chicken! As always, check with your nutritionist if you’re tracking closely.

Share Your Experience

Did this recipe save your weeknight? Snap a pic of those juicy thighs and tell me how it turned out – I love hearing your kitchen wins!