Marianne Martinez
The Instant Pot is a versatile appliance that can cook chicken thighs in a variety of ways, including fresh, frozen, boneless, bone-in, skinless, or skin-on. The cooking time for chicken thighs in an Instant Pot depends on the number of chicken thighs being cooked, as a fuller Instant Pot will take longer to come to pressure. Bone-in chicken thighs are cooked for 10 minutes under pressure, while boneless thighs are cooked for 12 minutes. Frozen chicken thighs require a slightly longer cooking time of 14 minutes. It is important to note that overcooking chicken in the Instant Pot can result in dry and stringy meat, so it is recommended to cook chicken thighs for no more than 30 minutes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chicken Thigh Type | Fresh or frozen, boneless or bone-in, skinless or skin-on |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, dried oregano, garlic powder, paprika, or any other seasoning blend |
| Number of Chicken Thighs | 6-quart Instant Pot: up to 6 thighs; 8-quart Instant Pot: up to 8 thighs |
| Sear Chicken Thighs | Sear skin-side down for 5-7 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 10-12 minutes for fresh chicken thighs; 14 minutes for frozen thighs; 15 minutes for bone-in, skin-on thighs |
| Pressure Release | Natural release for 5 minutes, then turn the valve to "venting" |
| Temperature | 165 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Keep Warm | Up to 1 hour |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking times for fresh vs frozen chicken thighs
Chicken thighs can be cooked in an Insta Pot from fresh or frozen, with or without bones, and with or without skin. The cooking times vary depending on these factors.
For fresh, bone-in chicken thighs, pressure cook for 10 minutes at high pressure. Then, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes. Check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165° F. If it hasn't, secure the Insta Pot lid and cook for another 1-3 minutes on high pressure.
For frozen, bone-in chicken thighs, pressure cook on high for 15 minutes, followed by a 5-minute natural release. Check the internal temperature as above, and cook for longer if needed.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs take less time to cook. For fresh thighs, pressure cook on high for 8 minutes, followed by a 5-minute natural release. Frozen boneless thighs will take 13 minutes to cook, plus a 5-minute natural release.
It's worth noting that the fuller the Insta Pot, the longer it will take to come to pressure, so the overall cooking time will be longer. Additionally, if you use more water, the time for the Insta Pot to get pressurized will increase.
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Bone-in vs boneless
The Instant Pot can cook chicken thighs in a variety of ways, whether they are fresh or frozen, boneless or bone-in, and skinless or skin-on. The main difference between cooking bone-in and boneless chicken thighs in an Instant Pot is the cooking time.
Bone-in Chicken Thighs
Bone-in chicken thighs take longer to cook than boneless chicken thighs. They require about two more minutes of pressure cooking. For example, fresh bone-in chicken thighs are cooked for 10 minutes at high pressure, followed by a 5-minute natural release. Frozen bone-in chicken thighs are cooked on high pressure for 15 minutes, followed by a 5-minute natural pressure release.
Boneless Chicken Thighs
Boneless chicken thighs have shorter cooking times than bone-in chicken thighs. Fresh boneless chicken thighs are cooked on high pressure for 8 minutes, followed by a 5-minute natural release. Frozen boneless chicken thighs are cooked for 13 minutes, followed by a 5-minute natural release.
Other Factors Affecting Cooking Time
The number of chicken thighs being cooked can also affect the cooking time. For example, 6-8 fresh, bone-in chicken thighs are cooked for 12 minutes on high pressure, whereas 6-8 fresh, boneless chicken thighs are cooked for 10 minutes on high pressure.
Additionally, the fullness of the Instant Pot can impact the total cooking time, as a fuller pot will take longer to reach pressure.
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Skin-on vs skinless
Chicken thighs are a versatile cut of meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including in an Insta Pot. The Insta Pot is a great option for cooking chicken thighs as it results in juicy, tender, and flavorful meat that is quick and easy to prepare.
When it comes to choosing between skin-on or skinless chicken thighs for your Insta Pot meal, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is important to note that the cooking time will vary slightly depending on whether the skin is left on or removed. For example, bone-in skin-on chicken thighs should be cooked in the Insta Pot for 10 minutes at high pressure followed by a natural release for 5 minutes. In contrast, boneless skinless chicken thighs require only 8 minutes at high pressure with a 5-minute natural release.
The skin on chicken thighs can add an extra layer of flavor to the dish. Seasonings and spices can be rubbed onto the skin, and under it, to infuse the meat with flavor. However, it is worth noting that the skin will not become crispy when cooked in the Insta Pot alone. To achieve crispy skin, the chicken thighs can be transferred to a baking dish and placed under a broiler for a few minutes, or finished in an air fryer.
On the other hand, opting for skinless chicken thighs can be a healthier choice as it reduces the amount of fat in the dish. Skinless chicken thighs also require less preparation as there is no need to trim excess fat or season under the skin. Simply coat the meat with your chosen seasonings and follow the cooking instructions for juicy and tender results.
Ultimately, the decision between skin-on or skinless chicken thighs in the Insta Pot comes down to personal preference and the desired flavor and texture of the final dish. Both options can be delicious and it may be worth experimenting with both methods to find your favorite.
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Seasoning and spices
A simple and classic option is to season your chicken thighs with salt and pepper. You can also increase the salt in your spice mixture by 1/2 teaspoon if you're using an 8-quart Insta Pot. This will ensure that the flavour really penetrates the meat.
If you're looking for something a little more complex, you can create a spice rub mixture with dried oregano, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This combination will infuse your chicken with flavour. For an extra punch of flavour, you can also sear the chicken skin-side down in the Insta Pot before cooking. Aim for a golden brown colour, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
You can also add half an onion and some garlic cloves to the pot with the chicken, which will give the meat a delicious, savoury taste. If you're feeling adventurous, you can experiment with sauces like teriyaki, barbecue, or bacon-ranch.
Remember, the beauty of the Insta Pot is that you can customise the seasonings and spices to your liking, so don't be afraid to get creative and find your signature blend!
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How to avoid overcooking
Chicken thighs are a forgiving cut of meat, and cooking them in an Insta Pot is a quick and easy way to get juicy, tender, and flavourful meat. However, it is still possible to overcook chicken thighs in an Insta Pot, so here are some tips to avoid that:
Firstly, be aware that the fuller your Insta Pot, the longer it will take to come to pressure, so the overall cooking time will be longer. Therefore, it is important to avoid overcrowding the pot and to give the chicken enough space to cook evenly. A 6-quart Insta Pot can fit up to 6 chicken thighs, while an 8-quart pot can fit up to 8.
Secondly, avoid mixing different cuts of chicken, such as white and dark meat or bone-in and boneless chicken thighs. Chicken breasts, in particular, are more prone to overcooking than chicken thighs, so it is best to cook them separately. If you are using chicken breasts, consider cooking them whole and then cutting them into chunks after cooking to prevent overcooking.
Additionally, the cooking time will depend on the size and shape of the chicken thighs, with thicker pieces requiring more time. It is important to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it has reached a safe temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. However, be careful not to over-rely on the timer, as it is possible to overcook chicken even within the recommended time frame. Instead, use your senses to check on the chicken's progress and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Finally, you can quickly release the pressure and open the lid to check on the chicken's progress. If you are concerned about overcooking, avoid fully tightening the lid, so you can easily lift it off to check on the chicken. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your chicken thighs are cooked just right and avoid overcooking.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes 10-12 minutes to cook fresh chicken thighs and 14 minutes to cook frozen chicken thighs.
You can cook frozen chicken thighs straight from frozen, with no thawing required. Increase the cooking time to 14 minutes.
Test the chicken with a thermometer; it should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If it's just under, place the lid back on and leave to rest for 5 minutes. If it's still undercooked, cook for another 1-3 minutes on high pressure.
Yes, lean chicken cooked for too long in an Insta Pot will become rubbery and tough. Chicken thighs have a higher fat content and are more forgiving, but for best results, avoid cooking for longer than 30 minutes.
Yes, you can cook chicken thighs whether they are fresh or frozen, boneless or bone-in, skinless or skin-on. Bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs are preferable as the skin adds flavour.
