11 Chicken Thigh Recipes for Your Instant Pot

For simple and reliable weeknight dinners, cook chicken thighs in the Instant Pot. The chicken cooks quickly and it stays flavorful and moist.

By
Virginia Willis
Virginia Willis
Virginia Willis
Virginia Willis is an award winning author of six cookbooks on Southern cooking and has written for publications such as Bon Appétit, CNN.com, and Country Living.
Learn about Simply Recipes' Editorial Process
Published October 12, 2021
Virginia Willis
11 Chicken Thigh Recipe Round Up

The popularity of the Instant Pot, a useful and efficient electric pressure cooker, has grown over the past few years. Its quirky name implies immediate satisfaction. A satisfying dish that would normally take an hour or more to cook can be on the table in 30 minutes or less. 

Chicken thighs are a perfect go-to for busy weeknight family meals. They will remain flavorful and tender even in a pressure cooker. Plus, chicken thighs are less likely to dry out compared to chicken breasts. If you cut them into smaller pieces before throwing them in the Instant Pot, they can cook in 10 minutes or less. 

The recipes here are as basic as cooking frozen chicken (yes, you can put frozen chicken in an Instant Pot and have dinner in less than 30) to a flavorful 60-minute chicken soup that would otherwise take all day to simmer.

Breakout your Instant Pot and try out any of the recipes on this list for weeknight dinner satisfaction.  

  • Instant Pot Chicken Soup

    Instant Pot Chicken Soup
    Coco Morante

    A bowl of soup is always satisfying. With the Instant Pot you can have classic chicken soup with carrots, onions, celery, and fresh thyme and parsley ready in 60 minutes. Need a boost? Just add some egg noodles. 

    Get Recipe

  • Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

    A white bowl of pressure cooker tortilla soup with a spoon and grey patterned linen napkin to the left. The top right corner has a partial view of a second bowl of the same soup.
    Coco Morante

    Loaded with shredded chicken, tomatoes, corn, and beans, and garnished with creamy avocado and zippy lime, this Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup is certain to become a family favorite. You can serve it with a simple mixed greens salad or match the Tex-Mex theme with a crispy, crunchy Nopalitos Cactus Salad! 

    Get Recipe

  • Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

    Pressure Cooker Chicken and Rice Casserole
    Coco Morante

    This is down home comfort food at its best! This recipe shows you how to layer the chicken and rice, so that they not only cook at the same rate but also allows for easy clean-up. No stuck-on burnt rice here.

    Get Recipe

  • Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings

    Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings
    Coco Morante

    This timeless chicken and dumplings recipe is quite possibly the best comfort food—hearty stewed chicken married with fluffy, tender dumplings.

    Get Recipe
    Continue to 5 of 11 below.

  • Pressure Cooker Shredded Chicken Taco Meat

    Pressure Cooker Shredded Taco Meat
    Coco Morante

    The Instant Pot makes quick work of seasoned chicken thighs. The rub spices—chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic and onion powder, cinnamon, allspice, and cayenne—add so much flavor to a sauce that is reduced to coat the shredded chicken. Wrap the chicken in these delicious homemade tortillas.

    Get Recipe

  • Instant Pot White Chicken Chili

    Pressure Cooker White Chili
    Coco Morante

    Tender, tasty, and good-for-you cannellini beans are paired with boneless pre-cooked chicken, jalapeños, bell peppers, and warm spices like cumin, oregano, and coriander. Use leftover shredded or diced chicken thighs to enjoy this savory chili in 5 minutes by cooking it in the Instant Pot. 

    Get Recipe

  • Pressure Cooker Moroccan Chicken

    Moroccan Chicken in the Pressure Cooker
    Coco Morante

    This satisfying savory dish is made with chicken thighs, olives, lemon, garlic, onions, and raisins. A Moroccan spice blend called ras el hanout really takes this recipe to the top. It’s a blend of sweet and savory spices including paprika, cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. A recipe for it is included in case you can’t find it at your local market. This Golden Beet and Pomegranate Salad would be perfect as a side. 

    Get Recipe

  • Instant Pot Paella with Chicken and Sausage

    Pressure Cooker Paella
    Coco Morante

    This weeknight version of paella is studded with tender chicken thighs and spicy sausage for a punch of flavor. Paella is an adaptable dish and well-suited for the Instant Pot! Control the spice level to your liking by using spicy to mild chorizo. What about serving it with a sangria? 

    Get Recipe
    Continue to 9 of 11 below.

  • Instant Pot Chipotle Chicken and Rice Bowl

    Pressure Cooker Chipotle Chicken and Rice Bowls
    Coco Morante

    This chicken and rice bowl tops takeout any day of the week! Boneless chicken thighs are simmered in a homemade chipotle sauce and the rice is punched up with jalapeño peppers, fresh cilantro, and green onions just before serving. Serve it with a side of Refried Beans for an equally satisfying side dish.

    Get Recipe

  • Instant Pot Chicken Adobo and Rice

    Pressure Cooker Chicken Adobo with Rice
    Coco Morante

    Adobo refers to marinades used in Spanish-influenced cuisines like the Philippines. The sauce is tangy, salty, and slightly sweet. Vinegar gives this dish a savory, pungent kick. Serve it this Persimmon Pomegranate Fruit Salad.

    Get Recipe

  • How to Cook Frozen Chicken in the Instant Pot

    Frozen Chicken Instant Pot
    Coco Morante

    We’ve all been there. It’s time to make dinner and your chicken is still frozen. You may be tempted to order takeout, but did you know that you can cook frozen chicken thighs (frozen breasts or wings work too!) in an Instant Pot? No need to thaw them first. Add the frozen chicken with water or stock, and let it go! Dinner is on the way.

    Get Recipe