“`html
If you’re craving a dish that brings together bold flavors and tender, juicy chicken with minimal fuss, you have to try this Instant Pot Bone-In Chicken Thighs with Peri Peri Sauce Recipe. The combination of zesty citrus, smoky paprika, and just the right kick of crushed red pepper transforms simple chicken thighs into a vibrant feast for your taste buds. Plus, using the Instant Pot means you get perfectly cooked, fall-off-the-bone chicken in under 30 minutes—making it a perfect weeknight hero that feels both special and surprisingly easy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building those unforgettable peri peri flavors. From the bright lemon zest to the rich olive oil, each element contributes depth and balance, making the dish bursting with color, spice, and aroma.
- 1 pound chicken thighs, bone-in and skinless: The star protein, packed with flavor and perfect for tender results under pressure.
- 1 teaspoon all-purpose seasoning: A simple way to add a foundation of savory notes that enhance the chicken.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Provides moisture and a rich base for the sauce to blend perfectly with the chicken.
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced: Adds bright, tangy citrus notes that lift the entire dish.
- 1 orange, juiced: Sweetness from the orange juice balances the heat and spices beautifully.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Helps meld the spices while keeping the chicken juicy and tender.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with savory warmth.
- 2 teaspoons paprika: The smoky foundation for that classic peri peri flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds herbal depth that complements the citrus and spice.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Gives the perfect fiery kick without overpowering the dish.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: A fresh, green garnish that brightens the final presentation.
How to Make Instant Pot Bone-In Chicken Thighs with Peri Peri Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Pat your bone-in chicken thighs dry with a paper towel, which helps the seasoning stick better and results in more flavorful meat. Sprinkle the all-purpose seasoning evenly on both sides, giving every bite a balanced, savory boost.
Step 2: Arrange Chicken in Instant Pot
Place the seasoned chicken thighs carefully into the bottom of the Instant Pot. Try to arrange them in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly and soak up the delicious peri peri sauce later on.
Step 3: Mix and Add Sauce Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, lemon zest and juice, orange juice, olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes until the sauce is unified and fragrant. Pour this vibrant mixture over the chicken in the pot, making sure each piece gets covered with those zesty, spicy flavors.
Step 4: Pressure Cook
Seal your Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Choose the manual or high-pressure setting and cook for 13 minutes. This step infuses the chicken with peri peri goodness while the pressure cooking keeps the meat amazingly tender and juicy.
Step 5: Release Pressure and Remove Chicken
After cooking, let the pressure naturally release for 5 minutes—this gentle finish helps the chicken stay moist—then carefully quick release any remaining pressure. Open your Instant Pot, and remove the perfectly cooked chicken, setting it aside to keep warm.
Step 6: Reduce the Sauce
Switch your Instant Pot to the sauté mode and simmer the leftover sauce for about 5 minutes. This reduction thickens the sauce and intensifies the peri peri flavors, turning it into the perfect glaze for your chicken.
Step 7: Serve
Plate your juicy chicken thighs, drizzle the thickened peri peri sauce on top, and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately for a meal that’s bursting with layers of flavor everyone will love.
How to Serve Instant Pot Bone-In Chicken Thighs with Peri Peri Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley chopped over the top adds a bright, herbal freshness that contrasts beautifully with the smoky heat of the peri peri sauce. A wedge of lemon on the side invites a squeeze of extra citrus for those who love an added tang.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy steamed rice or creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up every bit of the peri peri sauce. For a lighter option, try a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the spice with fresh, earthy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, shred some of the cooked chicken and serve it over warm pita bread or stuffed into soft tacos, drizzled with extra peri peri sauce and topped with crunchy slaw. It makes for a delicious casual meal that’s perfect for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow your leftovers to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, cooked chicken lasts up to 3 days, making it easy to reheat and enjoy again without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Freezing
Instant Pot Bone-In Chicken Thighs with Peri Peri Sauce Recipe freezes beautifully. Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When frozen, the flavors meld even further, giving you a quick meal option anytime.
Reheating
Thaw frozen chicken overnight in the fridge for best results. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce. This keeps your chicken juicy and avoids drying out the meat or sauce.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?
Absolutely, boneless thighs can be used and will cook a bit faster, but bone-in chicken tends to stay juicier and has more rich flavor in this recipe’s peri peri sauce.
Is the peri peri sauce very spicy?
The heat level is moderate thanks to the crushed red pepper flakes—you get a pleasant warming kick rather than overwhelming spice. You can always adjust the amount of pepper flakes to suit your taste.
Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?
While the Instant Pot speeds up the cooking and locks in moisture, you can also make this on the stovetop by simmering the chicken thighs in the sauce on low heat until cooked through and tender.
What can I substitute for dried oregano?
If you don’t have oregano on hand, dried thyme or Italian seasoning make excellent substitutes, each adding their own unique herbal note to the peri peri sauce.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The Instant Pot cooks chicken thighs thoroughly at 13 minutes on high pressure, but you can always check by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you make this Instant Pot Bone-In Chicken Thighs with Peri Peri Sauce Recipe, it will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation. It’s bursting with flavor, surprisingly simple, and perfect for those nights when you want something comforting yet exciting. So go ahead, give it a try—I promise your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you!
“`
Print
Instant Pot Bone-In Chicken Thighs with Peri Peri Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Portuguese-African
Description
This Instant Pot Bone-In Chicken Thighs with Peri Peri Sauce recipe offers a flavorful and tender chicken dish infused with a zesty, spicy peri peri marinade. Using the Instant Pot ensures the chicken cooks quickly while absorbing all the vibrant flavors, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that’s easy yet impressive.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound chicken thighs, bone-in 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. Evenly season both sides with all-purpose seasoning to maximize the flavor absorption.
- Arrange Chicken in Instant Pot: Place the seasoned chicken thighs at the bottom of the Instant Pot in a single layer if possible, to ensure even cooking.
- Mix and Add Sauce Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, lemon juice and zest, orange juice, olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken thighs inside the Instant Pot.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Select the manual or high-pressure setting and cook for 13 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook thoroughly and absorb the peri peri flavors.
- Release Pressure: Allow the pressure to naturally release for 5 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release of any remaining pressure before opening the lid.
- Reduce the Sauce: Remove the cooked chicken thighs and set them aside on a plate. Turn the Instant Pot to ‘sauté’ mode and simmer the remaining sauce for about 5 minutes to concentrate and thicken the flavors.
- Serve: Place the chicken on a serving dish, drizzle the thickened peri peri sauce over the top, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot for best taste.
Notes
- Bone-in chicken thighs are recommended for juicier, more flavorful results, but you may substitute with boneless if preferred.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to your spice tolerance for a milder or hotter sauce.
- Letting the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for a few minutes keeps the chicken moist and tender.
- The sauce can be used as a marinade or saved as a dipping sauce for extra zest.
- Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
