Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Thighs: Easy 45-Minute Weeknight Dinner Delight

Juicy Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Thighs Ready in Under 45 Minutes

Looking for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner? These instant pot bbq chicken thighs deliver incredible flavor and fall-off-the-bone tenderness without firing up the grill. Perfect for busy evenings or when the weather doesn’t cooperate with your barbecue plans!

Why You’ll Love These Pressure Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs

• Quick prep time – only 5 minutes of hands-on work
• Set-it-and-forget-it convenience – perfect for busy weeknights
• Tender, juicy results every time – the pressure cooking method keeps chicken moist
• Versatile main dish – pairs with countless side dishes
• Kid-friendly flavor – the sweet BBQ sauce is a family favorite

What You’ll Need for Perfect Instant Pot Chicken Thighs

• 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 6-8 thighs)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 cup barbecue sauce (use your favorite brand)
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Instant Pot or other electric pressure cooker
• Tongs for handling chicken
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl
• Basting brush (optional)

How to Make the Best Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Thighs

1. Season chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Turn on your Instant Pot and select the Sauté function. Add vegetable oil and heat until hot.
3. Working in batches if necessary, add chicken thighs skin-side down and cook until browned, about 3 minutes. Flip and brown the other side for an additional 3 minutes. Transfer browned chicken to a plate.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine chicken broth, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Stir until well combined.
5. Add sauce mixture to the Instant Pot, scraping any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon (this prevents the “burn” warning).
6. Return the chicken thighs to the Instant Pot, arranging them in a single layer if possible.
7. Secure the lid and set the pressure release valve to the sealing position. Select Manual or Pressure Cook setting and set the timer for 12 minutes on high pressure.
8. Once cooking is complete, allow for a 5-minute natural pressure release, then carefully turn the valve to the venting position to release remaining pressure.
9. Remove the chicken thighs and place them on a serving plate.
10. Select the Sauté function again and simmer the sauce for 3-5 minutes until it thickens. Pour the thickened sauce over the chicken thighs before serving.

Pro Tips for Succulent BBQ Chicken

• Don’t skip the searing step – This creates a flavor foundation and helps the skin crisp up
• For crispy skin – After pressure cooking, place chicken thighs under the broiler for 2-3 minutes
• Sauce variations – Add a splash of apple cider vinegar for tanginess or red pepper flakes for heat
• Check internal temperature – Chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part

Perfect Side Dishes for Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Thighs

These pressure cooker chicken thighs pair beautifully with classic barbecue sides:

• Creamy coleslaw
• Instant Pot corn on the cob
• Baked beans
• Macaroni and cheese
• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Fresh green salad

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Your leftover Instant Pot BBQ chicken thighs will taste amazing the next day! Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel, or in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?

Absolutely! Reduce the pressure cooking time to 8 minutes for boneless thighs.

Can I use frozen chicken thighs?

Yes! Skip the browning step and increase cooking time to 15 minutes. The chicken won’t be quite as flavorful but will still be delicious.

What if my sauce is too thin?

After pressure cooking, remove the chicken and use the Sauté function to reduce the sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.

Can I make this recipe with chicken breasts instead?

Yes, though chicken breasts tend to be drier than thighs. Reduce cooking time to 8 minutes for bone-in breasts or 6 minutes for boneless.

Can I double this recipe?

As long as you don’t exceed the maximum fill line of your Instant Pot, you can double the ingredients without changing the cooking time.

Whether you’re looking for a quick family dinner or meal prep solution, these instant pot bbq chicken thighs deliver incredible flavor with minimal effort. Try them tonight and watch them become a regular in your weeknight dinner rotation!