Transform your weeknight dinners into a gourmet experience with these incredible Garlic Paprika Instant Pot Chicken Thighs! Tender, seasoned boneless chicken thighs immersed in a rich, creamy sauce – this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor right in your own kitchen, perfect for a cozy date night in or a special family meal.
If you’re a fan of succulent chicken thighs, you might also enjoy these Easy Lime Baked Chicken Thighs, offering a different yet equally delicious flavor profile.
Unlock Culinary Magic with Your Instant Pot
Who else has been completely swept away by the convenience and power of the Instant Pot? This revolutionary kitchen gadget has certainly earned its place in my culinary arsenal. From effortlessly whipping up shredded chicken for tacos to perfecting “hard-boiled” eggs without the fuss, my Instant Pot is a true workhorse. However, I recently realized a glaring omission in my recipe collection here on Taste and Tell: a distinct lack of pressure cooker recipes! Today, that changes. Prepare to elevate your dinner game with this incredibly flavorful Garlic Paprika Instant Pot Chicken Thighs recipe, a dish that will quickly become a cherished family favorite.
Effortless Elegance: A Recipe That Impresses
This recipe for Instant Pot Garlic Paprika Chicken Thighs is a true gem. It’s one of those impressive dishes that looks and tastes like it required hours of meticulous cooking, yet it comes together with surprising ease thanks to the magic of pressure cooking. Imagine tender, juicy chicken bursting with flavor, all enveloped in a rich, velvety cream sauce. While it pairs beautifully with a bed of al dente pasta – a presentation I particularly love for that added touch of restaurant authenticity – it’s equally delightful served on its own or with other simple sides.
My recent culinary obsession with smoked paprika has reached new heights, and this recipe perfectly showcases its incredible depth. Smoked paprika isn’t just a spice; it’s a flavor enhancer that brings a subtle, smoky warmth and a beautiful vibrant hue to any dish. Combined with garlic and a creamy base, it creates an unforgettable taste experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Get ready to fall in love with your Instant Pot all over again!
Key Ingredients for Garlic Paprika Instant Pot Chicken Thighs
One of the many advantages of this recipe is its straightforward ingredient list. You won’t need to hunt for exotic items; most are likely staples in your pantry and refrigerator. Despite the simplicity, each component plays a crucial role in building the incredible layers of flavor in this dish.
For the Perfectly Seasoned Chicken:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: The star of our dish! Thighs are favored for their rich flavor and tendency to stay moist and tender, even under pressure.
- Smoked Paprika: This is the secret weapon! Opt for good quality smoked paprika for a deep, earthy, and subtly smoky flavor that regular paprika simply can’t replicate. It imparts a beautiful color as well.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance all the other flavors. Don’t skimp on a good initial seasoning.
- Butter: Used for browning the chicken and forming the base of our luxurious sauce, adding richness and a delightful nutty note.
For the Irresistibly Creamy Sauce:
- Butter: Another dose of butter helps to sauté the garlic and contribute to the sauce’s velvety texture.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable here, providing that aromatic punch that complements the paprika so well.
- Chicken Broth: The liquid base for pressure cooking, it also forms the foundation of our sauce, infusing the chicken with savory goodness.
- Heavy Cream: This is where the magic happens, transforming the broth into a luscious, restaurant-style cream sauce.
- Cornstarch: A crucial thickening agent, it helps achieve the perfect consistency for our sauce without making it too heavy.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the sauce, adding a salty, umami depth that is simply divine.
- Baby Spinach: For a touch of vibrant color, freshness, and a gentle earthy flavor, baby spinach wilts beautifully into the warm sauce.
While I adore serving this over pasta for a complete and satisfying meal, this flavorful chicken and its rich sauce are equally fantastic on their own, perhaps with a side of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
Instant Pot Cooking Times for Perfect Chicken Thighs
One of the most common questions when using a pressure cooker is about precise cooking times. Achieving perfectly tender, juicy chicken is key, and the Instant Pot makes it incredibly simple once you know the right duration.
For Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs:
You’ll cook boneless, skinless chicken thighs on high pressure for 7 minutes. After the cooking cycle completes, allow for a natural pressure release (NPR) for 3 minutes. This means you do nothing and let the pressure naturally decrease for three minutes before you manually release any remaining pressure. This brief natural release period is crucial; it helps the chicken reabsorb juices, ensuring it stays wonderfully moist and tender. After 3 minutes, carefully turn the venting knob to the “venting” position for a quick release (QR) of any remaining pressure.
For Bone-In Chicken Thighs:
If you prefer to use bone-in chicken thighs, the cooking time will be slightly longer. Cook them on high pressure for 10 minutes, followed by the same 3-minute natural pressure release before a quick release. The bone adds a bit more insulation, requiring those extra minutes to cook through thoroughly.
Pro Tip for Food Safety: I always highly recommend having an instant-read thermometer on hand. Regardless of the type of chicken thigh you use, it’s essential to check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches a safe 165°F (74°C). This guarantees your chicken is cooked through and safe to eat, giving you complete peace of mind.
Chicken Thighs vs. Chicken Breasts: A Quick Guide
As anyone who knows me can attest, I’ll reach for a chicken thigh over a chicken breast roughly four out of five times. My preference isn’t arbitrary; it stems from a few key reasons. Chicken thighs inherently possess more natural flavor and a higher fat content, which translates to a much more forgiving cooking experience. They are incredibly difficult to dry out, making them ideal for both stovetop and pressure cooking methods, and especially for dishes where you want maximum juiciness.
Substituting Chicken Breasts:
However, I understand that many people prefer chicken breasts, and this recipe can certainly be adapted! If you choose to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs, you can substitute the same amount of meat (approximately 2 pounds). The cooking method will be largely similar, but with a slight adjustment to the pressure cooking time to prevent dryness:
- Cook boneless, skinless chicken breasts on high pressure for about 10 minutes.
- Allow for a natural pressure release for 5 minutes before performing a quick release. This extra natural release time helps prevent the breasts from becoming tough or stringy.
Beyond this adjustment to the pressure cooking time, all other steps in the recipe – from seasoning to preparing the creamy paprika sauce – should remain the same. While chicken breasts might yield a slightly different texture, the rich garlic paprika cream sauce will still make this a truly delicious meal.
Serving Suggestions and Customizations
This Garlic Paprika Instant Pot Chicken Thighs recipe is incredibly versatile, making it easy to adapt to your taste or what you have on hand. While serving it over pasta is my absolute favorite, here are a few other delicious ideas:
- With Grains: Serve over fluffy white rice, brown rice, quinoa, or even creamy polenta for a comforting meal.
- Low-Carb Options: For a lighter meal, pair it with cauliflower rice, steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a simple side salad.
- Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes or crispy roasted potatoes would be a delightful accompaniment to soak up that incredible sauce.
- Bread: Don’t forget a side of crusty bread or warm dinner rolls to ensure no drop of the luscious sauce goes to waste!
Flavor Variations to Explore:
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes along with the paprika for an extra kick.
- Herbaceous Twist: While parsley is used for garnish, you could experiment with a touch of fresh thyme or rosemary added with the garlic for a different aromatic layer.
- Mushroom Magic: Sauté some sliced mushrooms with the garlic for an added earthy depth to the sauce.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in other quick-cooking vegetables like frozen peas or chopped bell peppers (added towards the end with the spinach) for extra nutrients and color.
More Delightful Instant Pot Recipes to Try:
If you’re loving the convenience and flavor power of your Instant Pot, here are some other fantastic recipes to expand your repertoire:
Pressure Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken – A sweet and savory delight.
Instant Pot Chipotle Shredded Beef – Perfect for tacos, burritos, or bowls.
Instant Pot Barbacoa Beef – Flavorful and fork-tender.
Pressure Cooker Cashew Chicken – A takeout favorite made easy at home.
Pressure Cooker Fudgy Brownies – Yes, you can even make dessert in your Instant Pot!
Essential Tools for Making This Garlic Paprika Instant Pot Chicken
Having the right tools can make all the difference in your cooking experience. For this particular recipe, a few key items will ensure smooth sailing from start to finish:
- The Instant Pot: Naturally, a pressure cooker is indispensable! I personally recommend the Instant Pot itself. Its user-friendly interface and reliable performance make it a joy to use, even for beginners.
- Kitchen Tongs: I honestly use my tongs more than almost any other utensil in my kitchen. They are incredibly handy for safely flipping the chicken thighs as you brown them in the Instant Pot, preventing any burns and ensuring even searing.
- A Good Whisk: To achieve that perfectly smooth, lump-free cream sauce, a reliable whisk is an absolute must-have. It makes quick work of incorporating the cornstarch slurry and ensuring everything is beautifully blended.
- Instant-Read Thermometer: As mentioned earlier, an instant-read thermometer is invaluable for confirming your chicken has reached the safe internal temperature of 165°F, providing peace of mind.
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Garlic Paprika Instant Pot Chicken Thighs
Deborah Harroun
10 minutes
30 minutes
20 minutes
1 hour
4 servings
Main Dish
Italian
Pin
Indulge in restaurant-quality dining at home with these Garlic Paprika Instant Pot Chicken Thighs! Succulent, seasoned boneless chicken thighs are cooked to perfection and served in a luscious cream sauce – an ideal choice for a romantic date night or an elevated weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Thoroughly season both sides of the boneless, skinless chicken thighs with the smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Ensure an even coating for maximum flavor.2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- Engage the sauté function on your Instant Pot. Once hot, add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and allow it to melt completely. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs into the pot. Sear until beautifully browned on both sides, typically about 3 minutes per side. Remove the browned chicken to a clean plate and set aside.3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the pot and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté briefly, for about 30-45 seconds, until wonderfully fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon – this is crucial for flavor and to prevent a “Burn” error.4 cloves garlic, 1 cup chicken broth
- Carefully return the browned chicken thighs to the Instant Pot. Secure the lid on the pot and ensure it is locked into place. Set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 7 minutes.
- Once the pressure cooking cycle is complete and the timer alerts you, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 3 minutes. After this brief natural release, carefully perform a quick release of any remaining pressure by turning the venting knob. Once the float valve drops, open the lid. Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked chicken thighs from the pot and set them aside.
- Return the Instant Pot to sauté mode. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of the heavy cream with the cornstarch to create a smooth slurry. Whisk the remaining heavy cream into the Instant Pot liquid, followed by the cornstarch mixture. Continue to cook, whisking frequently, until the sauce has lightly thickened to your desired consistency. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it has fully melted into the sauce, then add the fresh baby spinach and cook just until it wilts. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Turn off the Instant Pot and return the cooked chicken thighs to the pot, gently tossing to coat them thoroughly in the creamy sauce.1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 2 cups fresh baby spinach, Salt and pepper to taste
- Serve the tender, saucy chicken thighs immediately. For a truly satisfying meal, serve them over your favorite pasta, if desired. Garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Enjoy your gourmet meal!2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition information is provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can significantly change the counts. Any nutritional information should only be used as a general guideline and should not replace advice from a qualified health professional.
Storage and Reheating:
Store leftover Garlic Paprika Instant Pot Chicken Thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan on the stovetop over low heat, or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
Meal Prep Tips:
This recipe is excellent for meal prepping! Cook a larger batch and portion it out for quick and delicious lunches or dinners throughout the week. You can even chop the chicken and mix it into the sauce for easier serving.
Nutrition Information (Estimated Per Serving)
Carbohydrates: 6g (2%),
Protein: 65g (130%),
Fat: 42g (65%),
Saturated Fat: 23g (144%),
Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g,
Trans Fat: 0g,
Cholesterol: 292mg (97%),
Sodium: 1723mg (75%),
Fiber: 0g,
Sugar: 2g (2%)
Instant Pot chicken, chicken thighs, creamy sauce, garlic paprika, pressure cooker, easy dinner, weeknight meal, family recipe, date night