Irresistible Instant Pot Chicken Thighs

If you haven’t cooked chicken thighs in the Instant Pot, now is the time to try it! In just about 30 minutes, you’ll have an irresistible main dish that’s juicy, tender, and full of flavor – minimal work required! This recipe is a versatile staple that can be served with any of your favorite side dishes.  This recipe uses Member’s Mark™ Italian Seasoning as its main source of flavor, but feel free to switch up the seasonings on whatever you’re in the mood for!  Some suggestions are below.

Tips for Sautéing Chicken in the Instant Pot

Using the Sauté Function

1. Press Sauté and allow the inner pot to get fully hot before adding oil.
2. Add 1–2 tablespoons of a high-heat oil such as avocado, canola, or vegetable oil.
3. Place chicken thighs in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding—cook in batches if needed.
4. Let them cook undisturbed for 4–6 minutes on the first side. Moving them too soon prevents a good crust from forming.
5. Flip and cook another 3–5 minutes on the second side.

For Best Browning

• Boneless thighs typically brown faster than bone-in thighs.
• If the chicken sticks, it’s usually not ready to flip yet. Give it another minute.
• Don’t add sauces until after browning, as sugars can burn.

If You’re Pressure Cooking After Sautéing

• Remove the browned chicken temporarily.
• Add a splash of broth, wine, or water and scrape up the browned bits (deglaze thoroughly to avoid a “Burn” warning).
• Return the chicken and continue with pressure cooking.

Other Seasoning Options to Try

Garlic Herb

• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp onion powder

Great with potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Smoky BBQ

• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt

Finish with your favorite barbecue sauce after cooking.

Lemon Pepper

• 1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• Zest of 1 lemon

Excellent served with orzo, rice pilaf, or green beans.

Cajun

• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp cayenne (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp salt

Serve with dirty rice or corn on the cob.

Italian

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Add a little chicken broth and finish with grated Parmesan.

Honey Mustard

• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp honey

Brush on during the last few minutes of cooking or after pressure cooking.

Mediterranean

• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• Zest of 1 lemon

Serve with cucumber salad, tomatoes, and feta.

Southwest

• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt

Great for tacos, rice bowls, or salads.

Six-Pepper Steakhouse Style

• 1 tsp coarse black pepper
• ½ tsp white pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp smoked paprika

Pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes and grilled vegetables.

Greek-Inspired

• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• Juice of ½ lemon

Serve with roasted potatoes and a Greek salad.

Instant Pot Irresistible Chicken Thighs

If you haven't cooked chicken thighs in the Instant Pot, now is the time to try it! In just about 30 minutes, you'll have a main dish that's juicy, tender, and full of flavor - minimal work required! This recipe is a versatile staple that can be served with any of your favorite side dishes.

Servings 6

Total Time 25 minutes mins

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Equipment

• 1 Pressure cooker

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2-3 lbs Chicken thighs bone-in skin-on chicken thighs or skinless
• 2 tsp Member's Mark™ Italian Seasoning
• ½ tsp Member's Mark™ Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Member's Mark™ Sea Salt
• Member's Mark™ Fine Ground Black Pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 cup Chicken broth

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Instructions

 

• Set the Instant Pot to sauté setting. Season both sides of the chicken with the Member's Mark™ Italian Seasoning, Member's Mark™ Garlic Powder, Member's Mark™ Sea Salt, and Member's Mark™ Fine Ground Black Pepper. Once hot, add oil and place chicken thighs skin side down. Cook 5-6 minutes on medium heat or until brown. Flip and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes.
• Remove chicken from Instant Pot. If desired, add a tiny bit of water or broth and scrape up the caramelized bits on the bottom. Add trivet, pour chicken broth in the Instant Pot, and place chicken on top of trivet.
• Close lid, seal, and set at high pressure for 10-12 minutes.
• Natural pressure release for a few minutes and then set to venting. Use a meat thermometer to make sure internal temperature of the chicken hits 165℉.

Course: Main Course

Keyword: chicken thighs, garlic powder, Instant Pot, italian seasoning, member's mark