Instant Pot Bone In Chicken Thighs with Peri Peri Sauce Recipe
If you’re craving ridiculously juicy chicken with a bold punch of flavor, look no further than this Instant Pot Bone In Chicken Thighs with Peri Peri Sauce Recipe. Inspired by the fiery, zesty sauces of Portugal and Africa, it combines crispy-skinned, tender chicken thighs with a homemade Peri Peri sauce that’s both smoky and tangy. The Instant Pot makes it a breeze for busy weeknights or fun gatherings, bringing a taste explosion to your table in just over half an hour. This recipe is sure to become your new go-to when you want big flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s so wonderful about this Instant Pot Bone In Chicken Thighs with Peri Peri Sauce Recipe is the way simple, everyday ingredients transform into something unforgettable. Each element in this dish brings out the other’s best, from the foundational spices on the chicken to the show-stopping homemade sauce packed with fresh aromatics and just the right amount of heat.
- Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs become incredibly succulent and keep their flavor thanks to this quick pressure cooking method.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken for extra flavor and appealing texture.
- Salt & Pepper: The essential starting point for seasoning and enhancing every other flavor in the dish.
- Smoked Paprika: A subtle, smoky warmth that weaves through both the chicken and the Peri Peri sauce.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These pantry staples layer in savory depth, perfect for prepping the chicken thighs.
- Chicken Broth: Keeps everything moist in the pot and carries flavor into the meat as it cooks.
- Red Bell Pepper: The colorful backbone of the Peri Peri sauce, providing sweetness and body.
- Red Chili Peppers: Choose your adventure here—mild to fiery! They give the sauce its trademark kick.
- Fresh Garlic: Essential for that classic aromatic zing in every bite of Peri Peri.
- Lemon Juice: Brings a bright, citrusy pop that balances out the heat and richness.
- White Vinegar: Sharpens, preserves, and lifts all the other flavors in the sauce.
- More Olive Oil: Adds silkiness and helps meld all the Peri Peri ingredients together.
- More Smoked Paprika: Because some things are just too good not to double up.
- Salt: Crucial for seasoning the sauce and pulling every flavor toward perfection.
- Dried Oregano: Adds an herbal, earthy touch that rounds out the sauce with subtle complexity.
How to Make Instant Pot Bone In Chicken Thighs with Peri Peri Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Blend Up Your Peri Peri Sauce
In a blender or food processor, combine red bell pepper, red chili peppers, fresh garlic, lemon juice, white vinegar, olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and oregano. Blend until completely smooth and vibrant—don’t be shy about tasting and tinkering with the heat level to get it just how you like. Set your masterpiece aside; this sauce is about to make the whole dish shine.
Step 2: Season the Chicken Thighs
Pat your chicken thighs dry with paper towels (so crucial for that golden, crispy skin). Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. This simple combo soaks into the meat and lays the foundation for all the bold flavors to come.
Step 3: Sear for Serious Flavor
Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, lay each thigh skin-side down and let them sear for three to four minutes—don’t move them until deeply golden! Flip and cook the other side for another two to three minutes. This little extra effort adds a restaurant-quality texture and taste.
Step 4: Deglaze and Cook Under Pressure
Remove the seared chicken and set it aside for a moment. Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all those delicious browned bits on the bottom of the pot. Return the chicken thighs, skin-side up. Pour half of that irresistible Peri Peri sauce over everything, making sure each thigh gets coated with spicy, tangy goodness. Seal up the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
Step 5: Release, Crisp, and Serve
Let the pot naturally release pressure for five minutes, then do a quick release to let out the rest. Carefully take out your chicken (pro tip: tongs are your friend), and for extra crispy skin, give the thighs a quick broil in the oven for a couple of minutes. That’s it! Spoon over the remaining Peri Peri sauce and get ready for rave reviews.
How to Serve Instant Pot Bone In Chicken Thighs with Peri Peri Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or parsley adds a bright green pop that contrasts beautifully with the deep reds and golds of the dish. Lemon wedges on the side give folks the option to add extra zing, while a light dusting of smoked paprika over the top ensures every plate looks as impressive as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This dish is made for soaking up all that wonderful sauce. Serve the Instant Pot Bone In Chicken Thighs with Peri Peri Sauce Recipe with fluffy white rice, buttery couscous, or a pile of roasted vegetables to round out the meal. Crusty bread is also a great call for sopping up every last drop.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual weeknight, pile the chicken thighs and sauce right onto one big platter family-style. Entertaining? Serve individual portions on a bed of greens, or slice the chicken off the bone and use in wraps or grain bowls. You can even spoon extra Peri Peri sauce into tiny bowls for dipping, letting everyone customize their own heat level.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Instant Pot Bone In Chicken Thighs with Peri Peri Sauce Recipe cool completely before placing the chicken and extra sauce in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days, and don’t forget to save a little extra sauce to liven up leftovers!
Freezing
These chicken thighs freeze beautifully. Pack them (ideally with some sauce) in a freezer-safe bag or container, making sure to squeeze out excess air. Pop in the freezer and enjoy within three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture before reheating.
Reheating
Warm leftover chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep things moist. Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave on medium power, covering to prevent drying. Give the sauce a good stir and drizzle over the chicken once it’s hot.
FAQs
How spicy is the Peri Peri sauce in this recipe?
It packs noticeable heat, but you’re in control—remove the chili pepper seeds for less spice, or add an extra pepper for more fire! Taste the sauce as you go to adjust to your preference.
Can I use boneless thighs or chicken breasts instead?
While bone-in thighs deliver the most juicy, flavorful results, boneless cuts work in a pinch—just reduce pressure cooking time to about 8 minutes, and check for doneness.
Is this Instant Pot Bone In Chicken Thighs with Peri Peri Sauce Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your chicken broth is certified gluten-free, this dish is naturally free from gluten, making it great for a wide range of guests.
Can I prepare the Peri Peri sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The flavors get even better after a day in the fridge. Make a batch, store in a jar, and use throughout the week on all sorts of dishes.
What’s the best way to crisp up the chicken skin after pressure cooking?
A couple of minutes under a hot broiler does the trick—just keep a close eye and rotate the pan as needed for even, bubbly crispness.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Instant Pot Bone In Chicken Thighs with Peri Peri Sauce Recipe, you’ll find yourself craving its vibrant flavors on repeat. It’s quick, exciting, and truly delivers that wow factor with every bite. So gather your ingredients and give it a go—your taste buds (and your dinner guests) will thank you!
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Instant Pot Bone In Chicken Thighs with Peri Peri Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful and spicy Instant Pot recipe for bone-in chicken thighs with a zesty Peri Peri sauce. These tender and juicy chicken thighs are seared to perfection and then pressure cooked with a homemade Peri Peri sauce, resulting in a delicious and comforting meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Thighs:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
For the Peri Peri Sauce:
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2–3 red chili peppers (like Fresno or Thai, adjust to heat preference)
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Make the Peri Peri Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine all Peri Peri sauce ingredients and blend until smooth. Set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken Thighs: Pat the chicken thighs dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Sear the Chicken: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add olive oil. Sear the chicken thighs on both sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Pressure Cook: Deglaze the pot with chicken broth, then return the chicken to the pot. Pour half of the Peri Peri sauce over the chicken. Pressure cook for 10 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Allow pressure to naturally release for 5 minutes, then quick release. Optionally, broil the chicken for a crispy skin. Serve with remaining sauce on the side.
Notes
- For a spicier sauce, leave the seeds in the chili peppers or use hotter varieties.
- This dish pairs well with rice, couscous, or roasted vegetables.
- Store leftover sauce in the fridge for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: Portuguese, African
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
