If you are craving a dish that packs bold flavors and melts in your mouth, look no further than the Instant Pot Bone-In Chicken Thighs with Peri Peri Sauce Recipe. This recipe brings together juicy, tender chicken thighs infused with a vibrant, tangy peri peri sauce that’s bursting with smoky paprika and zesty citrus notes. What makes this dish truly special is how effortlessly you can achieve restaurant-quality flavor and perfect tenderness, all in just about 30 minutes using your Instant Pot. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or impressing your friends, this recipe is a surefire winner that combines convenience, spice, and comfort in one delicious package.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple, honest ingredients that each bring something unique to the table. From the rich, savory chicken thighs to the bright lemon and orange juices, every element has a distinct role in creating that irresistible peri peri flare.
- 1 pound bone-in chicken thighs: The star of the dish offering juicy, tender meat and extra flavor from the bones.
- 1 teaspoon all-purpose seasoning: Adds a foundational layer of spice and enhances the natural chicken flavor.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Creates a moist cooking environment and blends the peri peri sauce.
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced: Brings a bright, fresh acidity to balance the smoky spices.
- 1 orange, juiced: Offers a subtle sweetness that complements the heat in the sauce.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Infuses the chicken and sauce with richness and helps meld flavors.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds pungent savory notes that deepen the overall taste profile.
- 2 teaspoons paprika: Key to giving the peri peri sauce its signature smoky and slightly sweet backbone.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Introduces an herby touch that lifts the sauce perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Delivers just the right amount of heat to keep you coming back for more.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: A fresh, green garnish that adds color and a mild herbal note at the end.
How to Make Instant Pot Bone-In Chicken Thighs with Peri Peri Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by patting your bone-in chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to ensure a crispy texture once cooked. Then, sprinkle the all-purpose seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken. This helps lock in flavor and sets the foundation for the vibrant peri peri sauce you’ll add later.
Step 2: Arrange Chicken in Instant Pot
Place the seasoned chicken thighs directly into the Instant Pot, arranging them carefully in a single layer if you can. This setup promotes even cooking and lets the sauce flavors envelop every bit of chicken skin and meat.
Step 3: Mix and Add Sauce Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, lemon zest and juice, orange juice, olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes until fully combined. Pour this vibrant sauce mixture evenly over the chicken thighs in the Instant Pot, ensuring each piece is bathed in those rich flavors.
Step 4: Pressure Cook
Seal the Instant Pot lid securely and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the manual or high-pressure setting and cook the chicken for 13 minutes. This step lets the peri peri sauce deeply penetrate the meat while keeping it amazingly juicy and tender.
Step 5: Release Pressure
Once the cooking cycle ends, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes—this gentle finish helps the meat stay succulent. Afterward, carefully open the valve for a quick release of any remaining pressure, then remove the lid.
Step 6: Reduce the Sauce
Take the chicken out and set it aside on a warm plate. Switch the Instant Pot to the sauté function and simmer the peri peri sauce for about 5 minutes. This reduction thickens and intensifies the flavors, turning the sauce into a savory glaze that’s perfect for drizzling.
Step 7: Serve
Place your juicy chicken thighs on a serving platter, spoon the reduced peri peri sauce generously over the top, and finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
How to Serve Instant Pot Bone-In Chicken Thighs with Peri Peri Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic finish for this dish, but you can also add thin lemon slices or a few extra red pepper flakes if you want to amp up the visual appeal and flavor. These simple garnishes brighten the plate and add a fresh contrast to the smoky heat of the peri peri sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. For a lighter option, try a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers. The varied textures and mild flavors balance the boldness of the chicken and sauce perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun and informal meal, serve the chicken pieces in a large bowl with sauce ladled over and communal sides for dipping. Alternatively, carve the thighs and arrange them over a bed of steamed couscous with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a wedge of lemon for a colorful, Mediterranean-inspired presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooking, allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, the leftovers will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for an easy next-day meal.
Freezing
This Instant Pot Bone-In Chicken Thighs with Peri Peri Sauce Recipe freezes wonderfully. Place cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags and freeze for up to 2 months. This is a fantastic way to have a flavorful meal ready whenever you need it.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warm throughout. To revive the sauce’s richness, you can add a splash of broth or water while reheating and stir occasionally to keep the chicken tender and juicy.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs will cook a little faster and stay tender, but bone-in adds extra flavor and moisture, enhancing the peri peri experience.
How spicy is this peri peri sauce?
The sauce has a moderate heat level thanks to the crushed red pepper flakes, balanced by the citrus and sweet notes, making it flavorful without being overwhelming.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can mix the peri peri sauce ingredients ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This makes the cooking process even quicker!
What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?
You can adapt this recipe to a stovetop or slow cooker, but cooking times and liquid amounts will vary. The Instant Pot ensures quick, even cooking and tender results with less fuss.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this a safe and delicious choice for those avoiding gluten.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about juicy chicken thighs bathed in a smoky, vibrant peri peri sauce, and this Instant Pot Bone-In Chicken Thighs with Peri Peri Sauce Recipe captures that magic perfectly and effortlessly. Whether you’re whipping it up on a busy weeknight or craving something exciting for the weekend, this dish promises big flavor with minimal hassle. Give it a try and watch it become your new favorite go-to for delicious, fuss-free meals that feel special every time.
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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 Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Portuguese African (Peri Peri inspired)
Description
A flavorful Instant Pot recipe featuring juicy bone-in chicken thighs cooked in a zesty peri peri sauce made with citrus, garlic, and spices. This quick and easy pressure-cooked dish delivers tender chicken infused with spicy, tangy flavors topped with a rich, reduced sauce and fresh parsley for a perfect weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound bone-in chicken thighs
- 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 bone-in chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Evenly season both sides with the all-purpose seasoning to enhance the flavor of the meat.
- Arrange Chicken in Instant Pot: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer at the bottom of the Instant Pot for even cooking and optimal flavor infusion.
- 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. Pour this peri peri sauce mixture evenly over the chicken in the Instant Pot.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on manual/high pressure mode for 13 minutes to allow the chicken to cook through and absorb the spicy, citrus flavors of the sauce.
- Release Pressure: Let the pressure naturally release for 5 minutes before carefully performing a quick release for any remaining steam. Open the lid once safe to do so.
- Reduce the Sauce: Remove the cooked chicken thighs and set aside. Switch the Instant Pot to sauté mode and simmer the cooking liquid for about 5 minutes to thicken and intensify the peri peri sauce.
- Serve: Arrange the chicken on a serving platter, drizzle with the reduced peri peri sauce, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot for a delicious and vibrant meal.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase crushed red pepper flakes or add fresh chili.
- Serve with rice, crusty bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Bone-in chicken adds flavor, but skinless keeps it leaner.
- Adjust salt in seasoning blend depending on personal preference.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
