30-Minute Instant Pot Bone-In Chicken Thighs
Tender, juicy bone-in chicken thighs cooked in an Instant Pot with beer or broth and aromatic seasonings. This hands-off method delivers fall-off-the-bone meat in just 20 minutes of pressure cooking, with an optional broiling step for crispy skin. Perfect for weeknight dinners when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort. The beer adds subtle depth while the spice blend creates a well-rounded savory profile.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Place the rack into the bottom of the Instant Pot
- 2
Place chicken thighs on top of the rack
- 3
Pour beer or broth over chicken
- 4
Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper over chicken
- 5
Place cover on Instant Pot and set to sealing
- 6
Cook on high pressure for 20 minutes
- 7
Release pressure naturally or quickly
- 8
For crispy skin, place chicken thighs on baking sheet and brush lightly with oil
- 9
Broil for 3 minutes or until skin crisps and browns
- 10
Serve immediately
Tips
Use gluten-free beer if following a gluten-free diet, or substitute with chicken broth for alcohol-free version
Natural pressure release will keep chicken more tender, but quick release works if you're short on time
Pat chicken dry before broiling to achieve maximum crispiness on the skin
Good to Know
Refrigerate cooked chicken up to 3 days in airtight container
Can season chicken up to 24 hours ahead, store covered in refrigerator
Serve immediately after broiling for crispiest skin, or serve directly from Instant Pot
Common Mistakes
Don't skip the rack to avoid chicken sticking to bottom
Ensure valve is set to sealing to avoid steam loss during cooking
Substitutions
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
reduce cook time to 15 minutes
FAQ
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?
Yes, but reduce cooking time to 15 minutes on high pressure since boneless thighs cook faster than bone-in.
What if I don't have beer?
Substitute with equal amount of chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even water with extra seasonings.
How long will leftovers keep?
Cooked chicken will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.