How Long Should You Cook Chicken Thighs in Instant Pot? Ultimate Time Guide

Are you staring at those chicken thighs wondering exactly how long they should spend in your Instant Pot? You’re not alone! This is one of the most common questions I get from my cooking buddies. The good news is that chicken thighs are incredibly forgiving in the Instant Pot, making them perfect for beginners and busy weeknight dinners.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about cooking perfect, juicy chicken thighs in your Instant Pot No more guesswork – just delicious results every time!

Quick Answer: Chicken Thigh Cooking Times

For those of you who want just the facts here are the recommended cooking times

• Fresh boneless, skinless chicken thighs: 8-10 minutes
• Fresh bone-in chicken thighs: 10-12 minutes
• Frozen chicken thighs (any kind): 14-15 minutes

Always remember to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety!

Why Choose Chicken Thighs for Instant Pot Cooking?

Before we dive deeper into cooking times, let’s talk about why chicken thighs are actually the superior choice for Instant Pot cooking:

• More flavorful: Higher fat content means more taste
• Budget-friendly: Usually cheaper than chicken breasts
• Hard to overcook: The fat content keeps them moist and juicy
• Versatile: Works in countless recipes from different cuisines

Personally, I find chicken thighs to be way more forgiving than chicken breasts. As someone who’s definitely ruined plenty of meals, I appreciate that thighs don’t dry out easily!

Factors Affecting Cooking Time

Not all chicken thigh situations are created equal! Here’s what impacts how long your chicken thighs need to cook:

Fresh vs. Frozen

This makes a big difference in cooking time:

• Fresh chicken thighs: 8-12 minutes depending on type
• Frozen chicken thighs: Add about 4-5 minutes to fresh cooking time

When cooking frozen thighs, make sure they’re arranged in a single layer rather than clumped together for even cooking. I’ve made this mistake before and ended up with some pieces overcooked and others still raw in the middle – not a fun dinner surprise!

Bone-in vs. Boneless

The presence of bones affects heat distribution:

• Bone-in chicken thighs: 10-12 minutes
• Boneless chicken thighs: 8-10 minutes

The bones act as insulation and require a bit more cooking time. Other than the time adjustment, you can use bone-in and boneless interchangeably in most recipes.

Skin-on vs. Skinless

While the actual pressure cooking time remains the same for both:

• For skin-on thighs, you’ll want to sear them skin-side down for 2-4 minutes using the sauté function before pressure cooking
• Skinless thighs can skip the browning step

I personally love the extra flavor from browning skin-on thighs, but when I’m in a hurry, skinless is the way to go for simplicity.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Chicken Thighs in Instant Pot

Let me walk you through the process:

1. Season your chicken thighs as desired (salt, pepper, garlic powder, herbs, etc.)
2. Optional browning: If using skin-on thighs, set Instant Pot to sauté mode and brown skin-side down for 2-4 minutes
3. Add liquid: Pour in 1 cup of water or broth (4 cups if you want to make broth)
4. Arrange chicken: Place thighs in a single layer on the trivet or directly in the pot
5. Seal and cook: Close lid, set valve to “sealing,” and cook on high pressure for the appropriate time:
   • Boneless, skinless: 8-10 minutes
   • Bone-in: 10-12 minutes
   • Frozen: 14-15 minutes
6. Release pressure: Allow natural release for 5 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure
7. Check temperature: Verify internal temperature is 165°F
8. Rest briefly: Let rest for a few minutes before serving

How to Know When Chicken Thighs Are Done

Even with the recommended times, it’s important to check for doneness. Here are reliable methods:

1. Meat thermometer: The most accurate method – chicken is safely cooked at 165°F
2. Visual check: Make a small cut – meat should be opaque throughout with clear juices
3. Fork test: A fork should slide in easily and juices should run clear
4. Bone test: For bone-in thighs, the meat starts pulling away from the bone when fully cooked

If your chicken isn’t quite done, you can always seal the pot and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

My Favorite Simple Instant Pot Chicken Thigh Recipe

Here’s my go-to recipe when I need something quick and delicious:

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1-2 cups water or broth
• 1 tsp each: dried oregano, basil, thyme
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cover chicken thighs with water or broth in the Instant Pot
2. Sprinkle with all seasonings
3. Close lid and set valve to “sealing”
4. Cook on manual/high pressure for 10 minutes
5. Quick release pressure when done
6. Check temperature (should be 165°F)
7. Serve and enjoy!

This recipe is super versatile – you can shred the chicken for tacos, slice it for sandwiches, or serve whole with a side of veggies.

Chicken Thighs vs. Chicken Breasts: Nutritional Comparison

Many people wonder about the nutritional differences between thighs and breasts. Here’s a quick comparison per 3.5 oz serving:

While chicken thighs do have more fat and calories, they’re still a great protein source. And honestly, the flavor difference makes thighs worth it in my opinion!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I’ve definitely made my share of Instant Pot mistakes! Here are some common ones to avoid:

• Overcrowding the pot: Place thighs in a single layer for even cooking
• Not using enough liquid: Always use at least 1 cup of liquid to create pressure
• Skipping the natural release: A 5-minute natural release helps keep meat juicy
• Cooking directly from frozen: Make sure frozen thighs aren’t clumped together
• Not checking temperature: Always verify 165°F internal temperature for safety

Delicious Recipe Ideas for Instant Pot Chicken Thighs

Once you’ve mastered basic chicken thighs, try these flavor variations:

• BBQ Chicken Thighs: Cook with your favorite BBQ sauce for a sticky, sweet dish
• Lemon Garlic: Add lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for a bright flavor
• Chicken Cacciatore: Cook with tomatoes, bell peppers, and Italian herbs
• Chicken Adobo: Use soy sauce, vinegar, and bay leaves for Filipino-inspired thighs
• Buffalo Style: Toss with hot sauce after cooking for a spicy kick
• Creamy Tuscan: Add sun-dried tomatoes and spinach in a creamy sauce

FAQs About Cooking Chicken Thighs in Instant Pot

Q: How long does it take for the Instant Pot to come to pressure?
A: It typically takes 10-15 minutes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure, in addition to the cook time.

Q: Can I stack chicken thighs in the Instant Pot?
A: It’s best to arrange them in a single layer for even cooking, but if you must stack them, add 2-3 minutes to the cook time.

Q: Do I need to thaw frozen chicken thighs before cooking?
A: No! That’s one of the benefits of the Instant Pot – you can cook directly from frozen. Just add about 4-5 minutes to the cooking time.

Q: How much liquid should I add to the Instant Pot?
A: You need at least 1 cup of liquid for the Instant Pot to come to pressure. Use more if you want to create a broth or sauce.

Q: Can I use the poultry setting on my Instant Pot?
A: You can, but I prefer to use the manual/pressure cook setting as it gives you more control over the exact cooking time.

Final Thoughts

Cooking chicken thighs in an Instant Pot is truly one of the easiest ways to get a delicious protein on the table fast. With cooking times between 8-15 minutes (depending on your specific situation), you can have juicy, flavorful chicken ready in less time than it would take to preheat a traditional oven.

The key takeaways:

• Boneless thighs: 8-10 minutes
• Bone-in thighs: 10-12 minutes
• Frozen thighs: 14-15 minutes
• Always check for 165°F internal temperature
• Let pressure naturally release for 5 minutes before quick release

Once you’ve got these basics down, you’ll be making amazing Instant Pot chicken thigh meals in no time! What’s your favorite way to season chicken thighs? I’d love to hear about it!