Juicy Bone-In Chicken Thigh Instant Pot Recipe in 20 Minutes

Name: Juicy Bone-In Chicken Thigh Instant Pot Recipe in 20 Minutes
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 bone-in chicken thighs; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 cup chicken broth

By:

Christina R. Jones

June 9, 2025

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Let me tell you about my weeknight superhero—bone-in chicken thighs in the Instant Pot! When I need something hearty, juicy, and ready in a flash, this is my go-to. Picture this: golden chicken thighs so tender they practically fall off the bone, all done in under 20 minutes. The best part? You barely have to babysit it—just season, sear, and let the pressure cooker work its magic. I’ve made this after work, with kids hanging off my apron, and it never lets me down. Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with fussy oven recipes.

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

Let me count the ways this recipe will become your new best friend in the kitchen:

Speed demon: From fridge to table in 20 minutes flat—yes, even on those "what’s for dinner?!" panic nights
Flavor bomb: Juicy, fall-off-the-bone thighs with a crispy skin (if you’re team crispy—I always am)
One-pot wonder: Sauté right in the Instant Pot, so you’re only washing one dish—my kind of cleanup
Forgiving: Even if you forget to set a timer, the pressure cooker keeps things moist
Budget-friendly: Chicken thighs stay delicious even when other cuts get pricey

Seriously, this recipe is like having a magic wand for weeknight dinners. Just wait till you taste it!

Ingredients for Bone-In Chicken Thigh Instant Pot Recipe

Here’s the short but mighty list that makes magic happen. (Pro tip: I keep these pantry staples stocked for last-minute dinners!):

4 bone-in chicken thighs – skin-on for crispy goodness or skinless if you prefer (no judgement!)
1 tbsp olive oil – the slick that gets that golden sear going
1 tsp salt – because bland chicken is a crime
1/2 tsp black pepper – freshly ground if you’re feeling fancy
1 tsp garlic powder – my not-so-secret flavor booster
1 tsp paprika – for that subtle smoky sweetness
1/2 cup chicken broth – the steam that works the pressure cooker magic

That’s it! Now let’s turn these humble ingredients into something amazing.

How to Cook Bone-In Chicken Thighs in an Instant Pot

Okay, time for the fun part! Here’s exactly how I make those juicy thighs every single time. Follow these steps, and you’ll be amazed at how easy pressure cooking can be.

Step 1: Season the Chicken

First things first – pat those chicken thighs dry with paper towels (trust me, this helps the seasoning stick and gives you better browning). Now grab your salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. I like to mix them in a little bowl first, then really massage it into every nook and cranny of the chicken. Don’t be shy – get under the skin if you’re keeping it on! The seasoning blend should coat them evenly like a cozy spice blanket.

bone in chicken thigh instant pot - detail 1

Step 2: Sauté for Browning

Here’s where the magic starts! Hit the “Sauté” button on your Instant Pot and let it heat up for a minute. Pour in that olive oil – you’ll know it’s ready when it shimmers slightly. Carefully add the thighs skin-side down (listen for that satisfying sizzle!). Now resist the urge to poke them – let them brown undisturbed for a full 3 minutes per side. This builds incredible flavor and gives you that gorgeous golden color. Pro tip: Work in batches if all four thighs don’t fit comfortably.

Step 3: Pressure Cook

Once all thighs are beautifully browned, pour in that 1/2 cup of chicken broth – it’ll sizzle and steam (that’s normal!). Scrape up any tasty browned bits from the bottom – that’s flavor gold! Secure the lid, making sure the valve is set to “Sealing.” Select “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” on High pressure for 10 minutes. The pot will take a few minutes to come to pressure – perfect time to set the table!

Step 4: Release Pressure

When the timer beeps, here’s my favorite trick: Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes (this keeps the chicken super juicy). Then carefully do a quick release for any remaining pressure by turning the valve to “Venting” – stand back from that steam! The second that float valve drops, your perfectly cooked chicken thighs are ready. And oh, that aroma!

See? I told you it was easy. Now let’s talk about making it even better with some pro tips…

Tips for Perfect Bone-In Chicken Thigh Instant Pot Results

After making this recipe more times than I can count, here are my hard-earned secrets for chicken thigh perfection:

Temp check: Always verify thighs reach 165°F internally – I stick my thermometer right near the bone where it cooks slowest
Crispy skin hack: After pressure cooking, pop thighs under the broiler for 2-3 minutes – game changer!
Seasoning swap: Try smoked paprika or add a pinch of cayenne if you like a little heat
Broth boost: Replace half the broth with white wine for extra flavor depth
Rest time: Let thighs sit 5 minutes before serving – they’ll stay juicier

Remember – the Instant Pot is forgiving, but these tweaks take it from good to “wow!”

Serving Suggestions for Bone-In Chicken Thighs

Now for my favorite part—what to serve with these juicy thighs! I always pair them with creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious juices. Roasted Brussels sprouts or garlic green beans make perfect veggie sides. For busy nights? Just dump some quick-cook rice in the Instant Pot after removing the chicken—dinner done!

Bone-In Chicken Thigh Instant Pot FAQs

I get questions about this recipe all the time—here are the answers I give my friends when they text me in a chicken emergency!

Can I use skinless chicken thighs?

Absolutely! They’ll still be juicy, though you might miss that crispy skin. Try my broiler trick mentioned earlier if you want some texture.

How long do leftovers last?

Store cooled thighs in an airtight container for up to 4 days. They reheat beautifully in the microwave with a splash of broth to keep them moist.

Why natural pressure release?

Those 5 minutes make all the difference! It lets the juices redistribute so you don’t end up with dry chicken. Learned this the hard way after my first rushed attempt.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but don’t stack thighs—you want them in a single layer. Might need to brown in batches. Cooking time stays the same!

Nutritional Information for Bone-In Chicken Thighs

Okay, let’s talk numbers—but remember, these are estimates since chicken sizes vary (and who measures olive oil perfectly every time?). For one glorious bone-in thigh with skin, you’re looking at:

250 calories – most from that good protein
25g protein – hello, muscle fuel!
15g fat – 4g saturated, but mostly the heart-healthy unsaturated kind
1g carbs – basically none, perfect for low-carb days

Skinless? Knock off about 50 calories and 5g fat. Either way, it’s a nutrient-packed dinner!

Did You Make This Recipe?

I’d love to hear how your bone-in chicken thighs turned out! Leave a comment below or tag me on social—nothing makes me happier than seeing your Instant Pot creations. Happy cooking!