Instant Pot Bone In Chicken Thighs with Peri Peri Sauce Recipe

This mouthwatering Instant Pot Bone In Chicken Thighs with Peri Peri Sauce delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 30 minutes! The juicy chicken thighs are pressure cooked to perfection in a vibrant, slightly spicy peri peri sauce that infuses every bite with Portuguese-inspired flavors. This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Weeknight Wonder: From prep to plate in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy evenings when time is precious but you still crave something delicious.
• Bold Flavors: The combination of citrus, garlic, and spices creates a sauce that’s tangy, slightly spicy, and incredibly aromatic – no bland chicken here!
• Foolproof Method: The Instant Pot ensures perfectly cooked, tender chicken thighs every single time – no more dry, overcooked chicken!
• Versatile: Works beautifully with various side dishes, making it easy to incorporate into your regular meal rotation.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken Thighs: Bone-in thighs stay incredibly juicy and flavorful during pressure cooking. The dark meat is more forgiving and won’t dry out like breast meat.
• All Purpose Seasoning: This provides a flavor foundation for the chicken. Use your favorite blend or make your own.
• Chicken Broth: Creates steam needed for pressure cooking while adding depth to the sauce.
• Lemon and Orange: Both the juice and zest bring brightness and acidity that balances the richness of the chicken thighs.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness to the sauce and helps carry the flavors of the spices.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is essential for that authentic peri peri flavor profile.
• Paprika: Provides beautiful color and a sweet, smoky depth to the sauce.
• Oregano: Adds an herbaceous note that complements the citrus flavors perfectly.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For that signature peri peri heat – adjust according to your spice preference.
• Fresh Parsley: Brightens up the finished dish visually and adds a fresh herbal note.

Variations

Heat Level Adjustments

Play with the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes. For serious heat lovers, incorporate some fresh hot peppers like bird’s eye chilis or add a splash of hot sauce to the finished sauce.

Herb Variations

Switch up the herbs by using cilantro instead of parsley for a different flavor profile, or add some fresh thyme or rosemary to the cooking liquid.

Protein Swap

This sauce works wonderfully with other proteins too! Try it with chicken breasts (reduce cooking time to 8-10 minutes), pork chops, or even firm white fish (though you’d want to cook fish separately and just pour the sauce over).

Lemon-Garlic Focus

For a more Mediterranean twist, double the lemon and garlic, skip the orange juice, and add a splash of white wine to the cooking liquid.

How to Make Instant Pot Bone In Chicken Thighs with Peri Peri Sauce

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Season both sides of the chicken thighs generously with all-purpose seasoning. Don’t be shy here – proper seasoning is key to flavorful chicken.

Step 2: Prepare the Peri Peri Sauce

In a bowl, combine chicken broth, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, orange juice, olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Whisk together until well combined.

Step 3: Pressure Cook

Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the Instant Pot and pour the prepared sauce over them. Secure the lid, set the valve to “sealing,” and cook on high pressure for 13 minutes.

Step 4: Natural Release

Once cooking is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 5 minutes. This resting period helps keep the chicken juicy. Then, carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.

Step 5: Reduce the Sauce

Remove the chicken thighs from the pot and set aside. Switch the Instant Pot to “sauté” mode and reduce the sauce for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

Step 6: Serve

Transfer the chicken to a serving platter, drizzle generously with the reduced sauce, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Skip the Searing: For even more flavor, consider searing the chicken thighs using the Sauté function before pressure cooking.
• Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and stir it into the sauce during the reduction step.
• Ingredient Prep: Zest the lemon before juicing it – it’s much easier this way!
• Rest the Chicken: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to help the juices redistribute for maximum tenderness.
• Check for Doneness: Chicken thighs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If they’re not quite there after pressure cooking, you can finish them in the sauce during the reduction step.

How to Serve

This vibrant peri peri chicken pairs beautifully with so many sides, making it incredibly versatile for any meal!

Perfect Pairings:

• Serve over fluffy white rice or with crusty bread to soak up the incredible sauce
• Pair with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a complete meal
• Add roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or Portuguese-style potatoes
• For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or steamed broccoli

Sauce Serving Suggestion:

Always spoon extra sauce over the chicken and sides – it’s too delicious to waste! Consider serving additional sauce in a small pitcher for those who want more.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the chicken and sauce together in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually continue to develop, making this dish sometimes even better the next day!

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! Place cooled chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze the sauce separately from the chicken.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth to keep things moist. Alternatively, microwave at 70% power, covered with a damp paper towel, stirring the sauce occasionally.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?
Absolutely! Boneless thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. Simply reduce the cooking time to 10 minutes at high pressure instead of 13, as boneless thighs cook more quickly than bone-in.

Is peri peri sauce very spicy?
This homemade version is moderately spicy with the amount of red pepper flakes specified. The beauty of making it yourself is that you can adjust the heat level to your preference. Start with less and add more to taste if you’re sensitive to spice.

Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?
Yes! You can adapt this for stovetop cooking by simmering the chicken thighs in the sauce in a covered skillet for about 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken reaches 165°F internally and the sauce has reduced.

What if my sauce is too thin after reducing?
If your sauce hasn’t thickened to your liking after the 5-minute reduction, you can create a slurry with 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water. Stir this into the simmering sauce and it will thicken within a minute or two.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Bone In Chicken Thighs with Peri Peri Sauce brings vibrant Portuguese-inspired flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort. The combination of juicy chicken and that tangy, slightly spicy sauce creates a meal that feels special enough for weekend entertaining but is quick enough for weeknight cooking. Once you try this recipe, I guarantee it will become a regular in your meal rotation – it’s that good!

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