If you have been searching for a flavorful, effortless dinner that packs a punch, you have to try this Instant Pot Bone-In Chicken Thighs with Peri-Peri Sauce Recipe. It combines juicy, tender chicken with a zesty, spicy sauce that perfectly balances citrus brightness and smoky heat. Thanks to the Instant Pot, the spices and sauce seep into every bite in a fraction of the time it traditionally takes, making it a weeknight winner that feels like a special occasion. Once you experience this mouthwatering dish, it’s sure to become one of your go-to recipes whenever you crave something both comforting and exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, pantry-friendly, and each bring something special to this Instant Pot Bone-In Chicken Thighs with Peri-Peri Sauce Recipe. From the citrus juices adding a lively tang to the paprika and red pepper flakes delivering that signature peri-peri kick, every element plays a crucial role in the final flavor and texture.
- Chicken Thighs (1 pound, bone-in and skinless): The star protein, packed with flavor and more forgiving than breast meat when cooked under pressure.
- All-Purpose Seasoning (1 teaspoon): A simple seasoning boost to enhance the natural taste of the chicken.
- Chicken Broth (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and deepens the savory base of the sauce.
- Lemon (1, zested and juiced): Provides fresh citrus notes that brighten the sauce.
- Orange (1, juiced): Brings a subtle sweetness that balances the spice.
- Olive Oil (1/4 cup): Helps meld the flavors and adds a luscious texture to the sauce.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses aromatic depth and a touch of pungency.
- Paprika (2 teaspoons): Offers smoky warmth that is vital to peri-peri’s signature taste.
- Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon): Adds herbaceous notes that complement the citrus and spice.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 teaspoon): The perfect dose of heat without overpowering the palate.
- Fresh Parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): Brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh herbal finish.
How to Make Instant Pot Bone-In Chicken Thighs with Peri-Peri Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken Thighs
Patting the chicken thighs dry ensures that the seasoning will stick evenly and help develop flavor throughout the cooking process. Sprinkle the all-purpose seasoning over both sides for a simple but essential flavor foundation.
Step 2: Arrange Chicken in the Instant Pot
Placing the chicken thighs in a single layer at the bottom of the Instant Pot is key to even cooking and helps the peri-peri sauce to infuse properly during pressure cooking.
Step 3: Whisk the Peri-Peri Sauce Ingredients
Combine the chicken broth, lemon zest and juice, orange juice, olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes in a bowl. Whisking these together creates a vibrant sauce that’s bursting with layers of flavor.
Step 4: Pour Sauce Over Chicken and Pressure Cook
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken thighs. Secure the lid of the Instant Pot, make sure the valve is set to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 13 minutes. This step locks in all the juicy flavors while tenderizing the meat.
Step 5: Release Pressure Carefully
Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes – this gentle step helps keep the chicken moist. Follow with a quick pressure release to safely open the lid.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
Removing the chicken allows you to switch the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Let the peri-peri sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, concentrating its punchy flavors and thickening slightly to cling beautifully to the chicken.
Step 7: Serve With Fresh Parsley
Arrange the chicken on a serving platter and drizzle the thickened peri-peri sauce over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for color and a fresh taste that complements the spicy richness.
How to Serve Instant Pot Bone-In Chicken Thighs with Peri-Peri Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped fresh parsley is not only vibrant but adds a fresh herbal brightness that balances the bold peri-peri sauce perfectly. A wedge of lemon on the side offers an extra citrus boost that guests can squeeze on if desired.
Side Dishes
Because this dish carries a beautiful heat and zest, pairing it with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice is ideal to absorb the sauce. Roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad also bring freshness and a textural contrast to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the chicken thighs over a bed of warm couscous or quinoa tossed with fresh herbs for a Mediterranean twist. Another fun idea is to slice the cooked chicken and use it as a filling for soft pita pockets with extra sauce and crunchy pickled vegetables.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen, making for an even tastier next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken thighs and peri-peri sauce separately to preserve the texture best. Use freezer-safe containers or bags and consume within 2 months for optimal freshness.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken juicy and tender.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?
Yes! Boneless thighs cook even faster and stay moist, but bone-in versions bring additional flavor to the dish. Adjust cooking times accordingly – reduce pressure cooking by a few minutes.
How spicy is this Instant Pot Bone-In Chicken Thighs with Peri-Peri Sauce Recipe?
The spice level is moderate from the crushed red pepper flakes and paprika, offering a pleasant warmth without overwhelming heat. You can adjust the pepper flakes up or down based on your personal preference.
Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! You can simmer the sauce and chicken thighs covered on the stovetop for 30–40 minutes until cooked through, though the Instant Pot speeds up the process and intensifies flavor.
What can I substitute for peri-peri sauce ingredients?
This recipe recreates peri-peri flavors using spices and citrus. If you don’t have paprika or oregano, you can try smoked paprika or Italian seasoning as alternatives, but the classic combination is best for authenticity.
Is the sauce gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients in this version of Instant Pot Bone-In Chicken Thighs with Peri-Peri Sauce Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and tasty choice for those with gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Bone-In Chicken Thighs with Peri-Peri Sauce Recipe is truly a game-changer for busy nights or whenever you want a satisfying meal bursting with flavor in no time. It’s vibrant, spicy, and beautifully tender, proving that cooking with the Instant Pot can elevate simple ingredients to something extraordinary. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and add it to your regular lineup of family favorites.
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Instant Pot Bone-In Chicken Thighs with Peri-Peri Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Portuguese-inspired
Description
This Instant Pot Bone In Chicken Thighs with Peri Peri Sauce recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken infused with vibrant, zesty peri peri flavors. The dish combines aromatic spices, fresh citrus, and a hint of heat, cooked perfectly in the Instant Pot for a quick and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1 teaspoon all-purpose seasoning
Peri Peri Sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 orange, juiced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and evenly season both sides with the all-purpose seasoning to enhance the flavor.
- Arrange in Instant Pot: Place the seasoned chicken thighs into the bottom of the Instant Pot in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare peri peri sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, lemon juice and zest, orange juice, olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes until fully combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken in the Instant Pot.
- Pressure cook the chicken: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on manual/high pressure for 13 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the peri peri flavors.
- Release pressure: Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release to remove any remaining pressure before opening the lid.
- Reduce the sauce: Remove the cooked chicken and set aside. Switch the Instant Pot to the sauté function and simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes until it thickens and intensifies in flavor.
- Serve: Plate the chicken thighs, drizzle the reduced peri peri sauce over the top, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot for the best taste experience.
Notes
- You can substitute boneless skinless thighs with bone-in thighs if preferred; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to suit your preferred spice level.
- Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread to complement the spicy, tangy sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
