9 Tender & Juicy Instant Pot Frozen Chicken Thigh Recipes

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If you're looking for quick and flavorful dinner options, these nine Instant Pot frozen chicken thigh recipes are worth exploring. Each dish offers a unique taste experience, from the sweet notes of Honey Garlic Chicken to the warming spices of Coconut Curry Chicken. You'll find that preparing a delicious meal doesn't have to be time-consuming or complicated. Curious about how to bring these dishes to life? Let's take a closer look at what you can create.

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Key Takeaways

Instant Pot cooking allows frozen chicken thighs to be prepared quickly, typically in 15 minutes on high pressure for tender results.
Recipes like Honey Garlic Chicken and BBQ Chicken are perfect for busy weeknights, combining sweetness and savory flavors.
Enhance flavors by using marinades before freezing or adding ingredients like herbs, spices, and sauces during cooking.
Pair cooked chicken thighs with sides like rice, vegetables, or pasta to create a complete and satisfying meal.
Always ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.

Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are a delightful dish that combines the sweet and savory flavors of honey and garlic, making for a delicious meal that's both satisfying and easy to prepare.

With the help of your Instant Pot, you can take frozen chicken thighs straight from the freezer to a flavorful dinner in no time. This recipe not only simplifies the cooking process but also guarantees that the chicken remains tender and juicy, infused with a mouthwatering sauce that pairs perfectly with rice or vegetables.

Using the Instant Pot means you can have dinner ready in a fraction of the time it would take to cook using traditional methods. The pressure cooking feature locks in moisture and flavor, allowing the honey garlic sauce to penetrate the chicken thighs thoroughly.

Whether you're cooking for a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.

Ingredients:

2 lbs frozen chicken thighs
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)

Cooking Instructions:

Start by adding the frozen chicken thighs to the Instant Pot. In a separate bowl, mix together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, ground ginger, and black pepper to create the sauce. Pour this mixture over the chicken thighs, ensuring they're well-coated.
Close the lid of the Instant Pot, making sure the valve is set to sealing. Select the "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" function and set the timer for 15 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes before carefully turning the valve to release any remaining pressure.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken thighs and set them aside. Turn the Instant Pot to "Sauté" mode, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry, and stir it into the sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens, then return the chicken to the pot to coat with the sauce.

Extra Tips:

For the best results, try to use chicken thighs that are uniformly sized for even cooking.

If you want to enhance the flavor, consider marinating the chicken thighs in the honey and soy sauce mixture for a few hours before freezing them. This way, the flavors will meld even more by the time you cook them in the Instant Pot.

Additionally, feel free to add vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers during the last few minutes of cooking for a complete meal!

Creamy Mushroom Chicken

Creamy Mushroom Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of mushrooms with tender chicken thighs, all enveloped in a creamy sauce. Cooking this dish in an Instant Pot isn't only convenient but also guarantees that the chicken remains juicy and full of flavor.

Whether you're preparing a family dinner or a cozy meal for yourself, this recipe is sure to impress. Using frozen chicken thighs means you can have a delicious meal ready in no time, even when you're short on time or forgot to thaw your meat.

The Instant Pot makes it easy to infuse the chicken with the earthy taste of mushrooms, garlic, and herbs, all while creating a luscious sauce that can be served over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.

Ingredients:

4 frozen chicken thighs
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

Start by pressing the "Sauté" button on your Instant Pot and adding the olive oil. Once hot, add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic, sautéing until the mushrooms are tender and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Next, add the frozen chicken thighs to the pot, followed by the chicken broth, thyme, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.

After cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then do a quick release to release any remaining pressure. Carefully remove the chicken thighs and set them aside.

Switch the Instant Pot back to "Sauté" mode, and stir in the heavy cream, letting the sauce simmer until it thickens to your desired consistency. Return the chicken thighs to the pot, stirring to coat them in the creamy mushroom sauce.

For the best results, consider seasoning the chicken with a bit more salt and pepper to taste after cooking. Also, if you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce while it simmers.

Finally, don't forget to garnish with fresh parsley for an added touch of flavor and presentation! Enjoy your creamy mushroom chicken with your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.

BBQ Chicken Thighs

Cooking BBQ chicken thighs in your Instant Pot is a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The beauty of using frozen chicken thighs is that you can have a flavorful and tender dish ready in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected gatherings.

The combination of tangy BBQ sauce and succulent chicken creates a mouthwatering dish that everyone will love. This recipe isn't only quick but also incredibly easy, allowing you to customize the flavor to your liking. Whether you prefer a sweet, smoky, or spicy BBQ sauce, you can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste.

Once cooked, the chicken thighs can be served as is, or you can throw them on the grill for a few minutes to get that charred, caramelized finish that takes your BBQ chicken to the next level.

Ingredients:

2 pounds frozen chicken thighs
1 cup BBQ sauce (your choice of flavor)
1 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

Place the frozen chicken thighs in the Instant Pot. Pour the chicken broth over the thighs, making sure they're mostly submerged. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper over the chicken.
Seal the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to "Sealing." Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural release for 10 minutes before performing a quick release to release any remaining pressure. Carefully remove the lid.
Remove the chicken thighs from the pot and place them on a baking sheet. Brush generously with BBQ sauce and broil in the oven for 3-5 minutes to caramelize the sauce, or alternatively, use a grill to finish them off.

Extra Tips:

For an extra layer of flavor, marinate your chicken thighs in BBQ sauce the night before and freeze them. This will enhance the taste as they cook in the Instant Pot.

Additionally, always verify your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption. Adjust the cooking time if using bone-in chicken thighs, as they may require a few more minutes. Enjoy your BBQ chicken thighs with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw or cornbread, for a complete meal!

Lemon Herb Chicken

Lemon Herb Chicken is a delicious and invigorating dish that brings the bright flavors of citrus and herbs together to create a tasty meal. Cooking frozen chicken thighs in the Instant Pot allows for a tender and juicy result in a fraction of the time it would take to cook them traditionally. The tangy lemon combined with fragrant herbs enhances the overall flavor profile, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.

This recipe is incredibly simple and requires minimal preparation, plus the Instant Pot does most of the work for you. With just a few ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering lemon herb chicken that pairs well with a side of rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. Cooking chicken from frozen can be a game changer for busy individuals or families, allowing for a hearty meal with little effort.

Ingredients

4 frozen chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on or boneless)
1/4 cup chicken broth or water
Juice of 1 lemon
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Begin by adding the chicken broth or water to the Instant Pot. Place the frozen chicken thighs in the pot, arranging them in a single layer if possible.

In a separate bowl, mix together the lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the chicken thighs, making sure they're well coated.

2. Seal the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural release for 10 minutes before performing a quick release to release any remaining pressure.

Carefully remove the chicken thighs from the pot and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Extra Tips

For an even richer flavor, consider marinating the chicken thighs in the lemon herb mixture for a few hours before cooking, though this isn't necessary when starting from frozen.

Additionally, if you prefer crispy skin, you can place the cooked chicken thighs under a broiler for a few minutes after pressure cooking to achieve a beautiful golden brown finish. Always verify that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165°F for safe consumption. Enjoy your flavorful lemon herb chicken!

Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The Instant Pot locks in moisture and flavor, guaranteeing that your frozen chicken thighs are cooked to perfection.

Pair this dish with steamed rice and veggies for a complete meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients:

2 pounds frozen chicken thighs
1 cup teriyaki sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, minced
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Chopped green onions (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions:

Start by placing the frozen chicken thighs in the Instant Pot. In a separate bowl, mix together the teriyaki sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Pour this sauce over the chicken thighs, making sure they're well-coated.
Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural release for 10 minutes before carefully switching the valve to venting to release any remaining pressure.
Remove the chicken thighs from the pot and set them aside. If you want a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry, then turn the Instant Pot to the sauté setting and add the slurry to the sauce. Stir until the sauce thickens, then return the chicken to the pot to coat with the thickened sauce.

Extra Tips:

When cooking frozen chicken thighs in the Instant Pot, it's vital to verify that the thighs aren't stuck together, as this can lead to uneven cooking. If they're frozen together, try to separate them slightly before cooking.

Additionally, feel free to adjust the sweetness of your teriyaki sauce by adding more or less depending on your preference. For extra flavor, consider adding vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli to the pot during the last few minutes of cooking.

Enjoy your delicious teriyaki chicken thighs!

Spicy Chili Chicken

Spicy Chili Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that combines tender chicken thighs with a zesty, flavorful sauce that brings a kick to your dinner table. Cooking frozen chicken in an Instant Pot is a game-changer, making it easy to whip up delicious meals without the need for lengthy thawing times. The spicy chili sauce infuses the chicken with robust flavors, making certain each bite is packed with deliciousness.

This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you're in the mood for a little heat. This dish isn't only satisfying but also highly customizable. You can adjust the level of spiciness to suit your taste by adding more or fewer chili flakes or even incorporating fresh peppers. Serve it over rice or with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

With the Instant Pot's pressure cooking capabilities, you'll have a tender and juicy Spicy Chili Chicken ready in no time.

Ingredients:

2 lbs frozen chicken thighs
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon oregano
1-2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)

Cooking Instructions:

Begin by placing the frozen chicken thighs in the Instant Pot. Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper over the top. Make certain the chicken is well coated with the spices and other ingredients.
Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to sealing. Select the manual or pressure cook setting and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural release of pressure for about 10 minutes before performing a quick release to remove any remaining pressure.
Carefully open the lid, shred the chicken with two forks, and stir to mix it with the sauce.

Extra Tips:

For added depth of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the spice mixture for a few hours before cooking, even if it's frozen. If you like a thicker sauce, after shredding the chicken, you can use the sauté function for a few minutes to reduce the liquid.

Don't forget to taste and adjust the seasoning after cooking, as the flavors can intensify during the pressure cooking process. Enjoy your Spicy Chili Chicken with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness!

Italian Chicken Thighs

This dish features a blend of aromatic herbs, garlic, and tomatoes, giving it that classic Italian flair. The Instant Pot guarantees that the chicken remains tender and moist while infusing it with all the wonderful flavors.

Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients:

4 frozen chicken thighs
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Begin by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté mode. Add the olive oil and let it heat up. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent.

Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, making certain it doesn't burn.

2. Add the frozen chicken thighs to the pot, followed by the can of diced tomatoes (with juice), chicken broth, oregano, basil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, making sure the chicken is well coated with the sauce mixture.

Close the lid, set the vent to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Once the cooking time has elapsed, allow for a natural release for 5 minutes before switching the vent to quick release to release any remaining pressure.

Extra Tips:

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to the sauce before cooking.

You can also customize the recipe by adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives for additional texture and taste.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, after the chicken is done cooking, remove it from the pot and set the Instant Pot to sauté mode again. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes until it thickens to your liking before serving.

Enjoy your Italian Chicken Thighs with a side of pasta or a fresh salad!

Coconut Curry Chicken

Coconut Curry Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of coconut milk with aromatic spices, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. Cooking frozen chicken thighs in an Instant Pot not only saves time but also guarantees the chicken remains tender and juicy. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.

The combination of curry powder, ginger, and garlic infuses the coconut milk and chicken thighs with deep flavors, resulting in a dish that's both savory and slightly sweet. Serve it over rice or with naan to soak up the delicious sauce, making it a complete and satisfying meal.