Bone In Chicken Thigh Instant Pot: 7 Flavors to Savor

Name: Bone In Chicken Thigh Instant Pot: 7 Flavors to Savor
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 bone-in chicken thighs; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 cup chicken broth; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

By:

Christina R. Jones

August 11, 2025

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

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Let me tell you, making bone-in chicken thighs in the Instant Pot is a game changer! It’s like having a personal chef who can whip up a delicious, tender meal in no time. I remember the first time I used my Instant Pot for chicken thighs; I was skeptical at first. But wow, the flavors that come out are just incredible! The meat becomes so juicy and falls off the bone, it’s hard not to go back for seconds (or thirds!).

The beauty of this recipe is how quickly it comes together. With just a few simple ingredients and about 35 minutes, you can have a full meal ready to impress your family or guests. Plus, the Instant Pot locks in all those savory flavors, making the chicken taste like it’s been marinating all day. I love serving it with a side of roasted vegetables or over rice to soak up that flavorful broth. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen! So, let’s get cooking!

bone in chicken thigh instant pot - detail 1

Ingredients for Bone in Chicken Thigh Instant Pot

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious dish. These ingredients are simple and easily accessible, making it a breeze to whip up a flavorful meal any night of the week!

4 bone-in chicken thighs: Choose thighs with skin-on for extra flavor and moisture.
1 tablespoon olive oil: This helps to brown the chicken and adds a nice richness.
1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing the flavors of the chicken.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Just the right amount of kick!
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic beautifully.
1 cup chicken broth: This will keep your chicken moist and flavorful while cooking.
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: For a fresh garnish that brightens up the dish.

Make sure to gather everything before you start; it makes the cooking process so much smoother!

How to Prepare Bone in Chicken Thigh Instant Pot

Let’s dive into the magic of cooking bone-in chicken thighs in your Instant Pot! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a flavorful and tender dish that’ll wow everyone at the table.

Season the chicken: Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. This helps them brown nicely! Then, season generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder on all sides. Don’t be shy with the spices – they really enhance the flavor!
Heat the pot: Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add the olive oil. Let it heat up for about 2 minutes until shimmering. This is crucial for getting that beautiful golden crust on the chicken!
Brown the chicken: Carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs in the pot, skin-side down. Let them brown for about 3-4 minutes without moving them around. You want that perfect sear! Flip them over and brown the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes.
Add the broth: Once the chicken is nicely browned, pour in the chicken broth. This will deglaze the pot, lifting all those flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Scrape gently with a spatula to mix everything together.
Seal it up: Close the lid of the Instant Pot and ensure the vent is sealed. Set it to manual high pressure for 15 minutes. It’ll take a few minutes to come to pressure, so don’t worry if it feels like it’s taking a bit!
Release the pressure: After the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. Then, switch to quick release for any remaining pressure. Be careful – steam can be hot!
Serve it up: Open the lid and sprinkle the chicken thighs with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve them hot, and don’t forget to spoon some of that delicious broth over the top!

And there you have it! In just a few simple steps, you’ve created a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: With just 35 minutes from start to finish, you can have a hearty meal ready in no time!
Tender Meat: Cooking in the Instant Pot ensures that the chicken thighs come out incredibly tender, practically falling off the bone.
Flavorful Results: The combination of spices and chicken broth creates a rich, savory flavor that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since everything is cooked in one pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Versatile: This recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, from rice to roasted veggies, making it adaptable for any meal.

Tips for Success

To ensure your bone-in chicken thighs turn out absolutely perfect, here are a few pro tips that I swear by!

Don’t rush the browning: This step is essential for flavor! Make sure your Instant Pot is hot enough before adding the chicken. A good sear will add depth to your dish.
Use homemade broth if possible: If you have the time, homemade chicken broth elevates the flavor to a whole new level. But store-bought works well too! Just choose a low-sodium option if you can.
Adjust seasoning to your taste: Feel free to play around with the spices! If you love a bit of heat, toss in some cayenne pepper or chili powder.
Let it rest: After cooking, let the chicken sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, making the meat even more succulent.
Save the leftovers: Use any leftover chicken and broth for soups or salads the next day. Trust me, those flavors just keep getting better!

Variations

If you want to switch things up with your bone-in chicken thighs in the Instant Pot, there are so many delicious variations to try! Here are a few of my favorites:

Spicy Kick: Add some cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the seasoning for a spicy version that’ll heat things up!
Herb-Infused: Try using fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme instead of parsley. These fragrant herbs give a lovely aroma and flavor to the dish.
Vegetable Medley: Toss in some chopped carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers into the pot with the chicken for a complete one-pot meal.
Asian Twist: Use soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil in place of the broth for an Asian-inspired dish that’s packed with flavor.

Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your own unique version! The possibilities are endless!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for this delicious bone-in chicken thigh recipe. Keep in mind that these figures are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes:

Calories: 300 per serving
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 0g
Sodium: 600mg
Cholesterol: 100mg
Sugar: 0g

This dish is not only satisfying but also packed with protein, making it a great choice for a hearty meal!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing leftovers from your bone-in chicken thighs is a breeze! Allow the chicken to cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the chicken; it’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just make sure to label the containers with the date!

When you’re ready to enjoy those tasty leftovers, reheating is simple. You can gently warm them in the microwave, or for the best flavor, place the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Just be careful not to dry it out! Adding a splash of chicken broth can help maintain moisture while reheating.

FAQ Section

Got questions about making bone-in chicken thighs in the Instant Pot? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear, along with my answers to help you out.

Can I use skinless chicken thighs? Absolutely! Skinless thighs will still turn out juicy, but the skin adds a nice crispy texture if you prefer it.
What if I don’t have chicken broth? No worries! You can use water instead, but I’d recommend adding a bit more seasoning to amp up the flavor.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the ingredients, but make sure not to exceed the Instant Pot’s maximum fill line. Adjust cooking time as needed.
How do I know when the chicken is done? The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check this.
Can I cook frozen chicken thighs in the Instant Pot? Yes, just increase the cooking time to about 20-25 minutes for frozen thighs. They’ll still come out tender and delicious!