Instant Pot Chicken Thighs
Are you in need of a quick weeknight meal? Are you looking for a quick and easy way to cook chicken thighs? If you have an Instant Pot, you’re in luck! Chicken thighs are one of the easiest things to cook in an Instant Pot and can help you get dinner on the table quickly. Today, I’ll share why I prefer chicken thighs over chicken breasts and my simple Instant Pot Chicken Thighs recipe.
Chicken thighs vs chicken breasts
Both chicken thighs and breasts are great sources of protein, but I personally like the extra flavor thighs produce. Chicken thighs are dark meat so they have a higher fat content, but this also means they tend to be moister than chicken breasts which can easily get dry if cooked too long.
According to the USDA, 3.5 oz of boneless skinless chicken thighs contain:
143 calories
20 grams of protein
7 grams of total fat
2 grams of saturated fat
In comparison, 3.5 oz of boneless skinless chicken breasts contain:
107 calories
22 grams of protein
2 grams of total fat
0.5 grams of saturated fat
As you can see, chicken thighs do contain a bit more total and saturated fat than chicken breasts, but it’s important to remember that fat is still a vital part of a healthy diet. Choosing whole food sources of saturated fat, such as chicken thighs, is a healthier alternative to the saturated fat found in packaged and processed foods. Check out one of my past blog posts for more information about saturated fats. Portion control is also important; a serving of chicken is 3-4 oz cooked, which is about the size of the palm of your hand or a deck of cards.
Instant Pot Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1-2 cups water or broth
- Seasonings of choice - I like to use a mix of dried herbs, like basil, rosemary, thyme, and oregano, but other good options include fresh herbs, garlic powder, and onion powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Place chicken thighs in the Instant Pot and cover with water or broth. I usually add just enough liquid to cover the chicken thighs.
- Sprinkle with seasonings of choice.
- Place lid on Instant Pot and turn to "sealing."
- Cook on "manual" mode for 7 minutes.
- Once finished cooking, release pressure ("quick-release"). Use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature of your chicken has reached 165 degrees F or 75 degrees C.
- Serve right away and enjoy!
A note about the broth
Don’t throw out the leftover broth or water once you’ve cooked your chicken. It will be nice and flavorful after having chicken cooked in it, so try saving it for your next batch of soup or stew! My dog loves the leftover broth as well; just make sure you don’t add onion or garlic to your broth if you plan on sharing it with your furry friend, as this can make dogs sick.
As you can see, cooking chicken thighs in an Instant Pot is a quick and easy way to get dinner on the table fast. Pair it with your favorite grain or starchy vegetable and other vegetables for a complete healthy meal! Feel free to get creative with your seasonings and spices as well. Stay tuned for more easy Instant Pot recipes in future posts!
