If you have been searching for a hearty, flavorful, and fuss-free dinner, look no further than this Instant Pot Chicken Thighs with Savory Gravy Recipe. It’s a wonderful blend of tender, juicy chicken thighs bathed in a rich, velvety gravy that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. What’s incredible about this dish is how the pressure cooker does all the hard work, turning simple ingredients into a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight supper or a dish to impress your guests, this Instant Pot Chicken Thighs with Savory Gravy Recipe will quickly become one of your go-to favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is wonderfully simple and calls for everyday ingredients that come together beautifully to create a crave-worthy dish. Each component plays a role in building layers of savory flavor and luscious texture.
- 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: The bones and skin add deep flavor and keep the meat succulent during cooking.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing the natural taste of the chicken.
- Black pepper to taste: Provides a subtle kick that balances the mildness of the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon oil: Used for browning the chicken to add a delightful color and extra flavor.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Forms the base of the savory gravy, enriching the sauce with savory depth.
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika: Adds a smoky, slightly sweet undertone that elevates the dish.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Packs in aromatic warmth and depth without overpowering other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Brings mellow sweetness and complements the garlic perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings in a bouquet of herbs giving the gravy enticing herbal notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar (optional): A touch of sweetness rounds out the savory spices for perfect balance.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional): Used to thicken the gravy into a smooth and silky consistency.
How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Thighs with Savory Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by generously seasoning your chicken thighs with salt and black pepper. This simple step ensures that every bite bursts with flavor. Don’t be shy with the seasoning—it’s the foundation for a deeply satisfying dish.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Set your Instant Pot to the “sauté” mode and add the oil. Once hot, carefully brown the chicken thighs on both sides for about 3 to 4 minutes each. Browning creates a beautiful golden crust and adds richness to the final dish. Remember, you don’t need to cook the chicken through at this stage, just focus on building that luscious color and flavor. Remove and set aside once done.
Step 3: Deglaze the Pot and Prepare for Cooking
Pour the chicken broth into the pot to deglaze it—scrape the bottom well with a wooden spoon to loosen all those delicious browned bits stuck to the surface. Those bits punch up your gravy with tremendous flavor! Place the metal trivet inside the pot, and arrange the browned chicken thighs on top, keeping them elevated above the liquid.
Step 4: Pressure Cook
Seal the Instant Pot lid and make sure the valve is set to “sealing.” Pressure cook on high for 10 minutes. After it finishes cooking, allow it to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes—this gentle step lets the chicken stay tender and juicy. Finally, carefully manually release any remaining pressure before opening the lid.
Step 5: Finish the Savory Gravy
Remove the chicken and trivet with care—they’ll be hot! If you want a thicker gravy, whisk the cornstarch into cold water and stir it into the juices left in the pot. Set the Instant Pot to “sauté” again and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens to a silky, rich consistency. Pour that glorious gravy over your chicken and get ready to dig in!
How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Thighs with Savory Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme can brighten the plate and add a fresh contrast to the rich gravy. For an inviting touch, a sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a few chili flakes can awaken the palate and add visual appeal. A little lemon zest on top can also provide a hint of citrusy zing that makes this dish pop.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up that savory gravy so well. Roasted vegetables such as carrots and Brussels sprouts offer a slightly sweet and crisp counterpoint to the tender chicken. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Set your chicken thighs atop a generous bed of buttered egg noodles or creamy polenta for a comforting, rustic feel. Alternatively, serve alongside fluffy rice dressed simply with a little butter and fresh herbs, letting the gravy be the star. For an elegant dinner, arrange the chicken on a platter, drizzle with gravy, and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover chicken and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken stays moist and flavorful for up to 4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze both the cooked chicken and gravy separately or together in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken thighs and gravy slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave over medium heat to avoid drying out the meat. Stir the gravy occasionally to keep it smooth and creamy. Add a splash of broth or water if it becomes too thick.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in for this Instant Pot Chicken Thighs with Savory Gravy Recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs will work; however, the bone-in variety tends to deliver juicier, more flavorful results, especially in pressure cooking where the bone adds depth to the gravy.
Is it necessary to brown the chicken before pressure cooking?
While not mandatory, browning the chicken adds fantastic color and depth of flavor to both the thighs and the gravy, making the dish much more delicious.
Can I skip the cornstarch when thickening the gravy?
If you prefer a thinner gravy, you can skip the cornstarch. The broth and cooking juices will still be flavorful, but the gravy won’t be as thick and silky without the thickener.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free chicken broth and cornstarch. Always double-check your seasoning blends to ensure they do not contain hidden gluten.
How spicy is this Instant Pot Chicken Thighs with Savory Gravy Recipe?
This recipe is mild and comforting, with no spicy heat included, making it perfect for all palates. You can always add chili flakes or hot sauce to taste if you like a bit of a kick.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about coming home to a dinner that’s both comforting and effortless, and this Instant Pot Chicken Thighs with Savory Gravy Recipe delivers exactly that. It’s a recipe that feels like a warm embrace, filled with rich flavors and tender textures that will have you coming back for more. I can’t wait for you to try it and watch it become a beloved staple in your home just as it is in mine.
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Instant Pot Chicken Thighs with Savory Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Instant Pot Chicken Thighs recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken with a flavorful homemade gravy made right in the pressure cooker. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal, the chicken is seared before pressure cooking to lock in flavor and finished with a rich paprika and garlic spiced gravy thickened with cornstarch for a comforting, delicious dish.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt (more or less to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar (optional)
Gravy Thickener (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cool water (for mixing with cornstarch)
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season the 2 pounds of bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs with salt and black pepper evenly on all sides to enhance flavor before cooking.
- Sear Chicken: Turn the Instant Pot to the ‘sauté’ setting and add 1 tablespoon of oil. Once hot, brown the chicken thighs for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. This step locks in flavor and color but does not fully cook the chicken. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
- Deglaze and Add Broth: Pour 1 cup of chicken broth into the pot, scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits. This prevents the burn notice and adds extra flavor to the gravy.
- Pressure Cook: Place the metal trivet inside the Instant Pot and arrange the seared chicken thighs on top. Close the lid and set the valve to the ‘sealing’ position. Pressure cook on high for 10 minutes, then allow for a natural pressure release of 5 minutes before carefully manually releasing any remaining pressure.
- Remove Chicken: Open the lid and carefully remove the chicken thighs and the trivet, as they will be hot. Set them aside on a serving dish.
- Make Gravy (optional): To thicken the cooking juices into gravy, whisk together 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cool water until smooth. Turn the Instant Pot back to ‘sauté’ and stir in the cornstarch slurry. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the gravy thickens to your liking.
- Serve: Pour the thickened gravy over the chicken thighs and serve immediately for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a splash of white wine when deglazing the pot before pressure cooking.
- The brown sugar is optional but adds a subtle sweetness balancing the spices.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken thighs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Leftover chicken and gravy can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- For a thicker gravy, increase cornstarch to 1.5 tablespoons mixed with cold water accordingly.
