Effortless Gourmet: Creamy Garlic Paprika Instant Pot Chicken Thighs

Transform your weeknight dinner into a special occasion with these incredible Garlic Paprika Instant Pot Chicken Thighs. Succulent, seasoned boneless chicken thighs are bathed in a rich, flavorful cream sauce, creating a restaurant-quality meal perfect for any evening, especially a cozy date night in!

Craving a delightful chicken dish? You might also enjoy these Easy Lime Baked Chicken Thighs.

Discover the Magic of Instant Pot Cooking with Chicken Thighs

If you’re anything like me, your Instant Pot has become an indispensable kitchen appliance. From perfectly “hard-boiled” eggs to quick shredded chicken, it’s a true game-changer for busy cooks. Yet, I’ve realized I haven’t fully celebrated its potential for creating truly special main courses on my blog. Today, that changes! Prepare to elevate your dinner routine with these spectacular Garlic Paprika Instant Pot Chicken Thighs.

This recipe embodies the best of home cooking: it looks and tastes incredibly sophisticated, yet it’s surprisingly simple to prepare. Imagine tender, juicy chicken bursting with flavor, all enveloped in a decadent, creamy sauce. When served over a bed of pasta, it genuinely feels like a dish you’d enjoy at your favorite Italian restaurant – but in the comfort of your own home. My recent obsession with smoked paprika finds its perfect expression here, showcasing just how much depth and warmth this incredible spice can add to a dish.

Unlocking Rich Flavors: The Key Ingredients

Don’t let the sophisticated taste fool you; this recipe calls for a surprisingly short list of accessible ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building the incredible depth of flavor.

For the Perfectly Cooked Chicken Thighs:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: The star of our dish. Thighs are naturally more flavorful and forgiving than breasts, ensuring tender results every time.
• Smoked Paprika: This isn’t just any paprika! Smoked paprika infuses the chicken with a wonderful, earthy, and slightly smoky aroma that is truly distinctive. It’s the secret weapon for that “gourmet” touch.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the natural taste of the chicken and paprika.
• Butter: Used for browning the chicken, adding richness and a beautiful golden crust.

For the Luxuriously Creamy Sauce:

• Butter: The foundation of our sauce, contributing to its velvety texture.
• Garlic: Minced garlic provides an aromatic punch that complements the paprika beautifully.
• Chicken Broth: Forms the liquid base for pressure cooking and creates a flavorful foundation for the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: The ingredient that transforms our broth into a decadent, smooth, and rich sauce.
• Cornstarch: A simple thickening agent to give the sauce its perfect consistency.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, umami depth and an irresistible cheesiness to the cream sauce. Freshly grated is always best!
• Baby Spinach: Wilts into the hot sauce, adding a touch of vibrant color, freshness, and nutrients.

While I adore serving these chicken thighs over pasta for a truly complete and satisfying meal, they are equally delightful on their own, perhaps alongside a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that amazing sauce.

Mastering the Instant Pot: Perfect Chicken Thighs Every Time

The Instant Pot makes cooking chicken thighs incredibly straightforward, ensuring juicy and flavorful results. Here’s a quick guide to pressure cooking times:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Cook on high pressure for 7 minutes. After the cooking cycle, allow for a 3-minute natural release before carefully performing a manual quick release of any remaining pressure. This short natural release helps the chicken stay incredibly tender and juicy.
• Bone-In Chicken Thighs: If you prefer using bone-in thighs (which add even more flavor!), increase the high pressure cooking time to 10 minutes. Follow the same 3-minute natural release then quick release procedure.

Pro Tip: Always keep an instant-read thermometer handy to verify the internal temperature of your chicken. Poultry should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Choosing Your Chicken: Thighs vs. Breasts

As a passionate cook, I almost always lean towards chicken thighs over breasts – probably four out of five times! My reasoning is simple: chicken thighs possess a superior depth of flavor and are significantly harder to overcook and dry out, ensuring a consistently succulent result. Their slightly higher fat content contributes to a more tender and juicy texture, which is perfect for absorbing the rich flavors of this garlic paprika sauce.

However, if chicken breasts are your preference, you can certainly adapt this recipe. Use the same amount of meat. For boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cook on high pressure for approximately 10 minutes, followed by a 5-minute natural release. This slightly longer cooking time and natural release helps the thicker breast meat cook through evenly and retain moisture. All other steps, particularly the sauce preparation, will remain the same. Just be mindful not to overcook, as breasts can become dry more easily than thighs.

Tips for Success and Delicious Variations

Making this creamy garlic paprika chicken in your Instant Pot is already straightforward, but these additional tips and variations can help you customize it and achieve perfection every time.

Enhancing the Flavor Profile

• Spice Level: If you enjoy a touch of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes along with the smoked paprika.
• Aromatic Boost: A splash of dry white wine (like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio) deglazed after browning the chicken can add another layer of complexity to the sauce. Just be sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot before adding other liquids.
• Fresh Herbs: While parsley is suggested for garnish, consider stirring in other fresh herbs like chopped thyme or oregano with the spinach for a different aromatic twist.

Serving Suggestions Beyond Pasta

• Rice: Fluffy white rice or brown rice makes an excellent accompaniment, soaking up the rich sauce beautifully.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing for a comforting meal.
• Vegetable Sides: For a lighter meal, serve with steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a simple side salad.
• Low-Carb Options: Cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or steamed broccoli are fantastic low-carb alternatives that still complement the rich sauce.

Make Ahead & Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Leftovers store wonderfully! Transfer the chicken and sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, or in the microwave. If the sauce has thickened too much, you can add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it up.
• Freezing: While technically possible, dairy-based sauces can sometimes separate or become grainy when frozen and thawed. If you plan to freeze, it’s best to freeze the chicken without the sauce, or be prepared for a slight change in sauce texture upon reheating.

Common Questions About Instant Pot Chicken Thighs

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about making chicken thighs in the Instant Pot, especially for this recipe.

Can I use frozen chicken thighs?

Yes, you can use frozen boneless, skinless chicken thighs, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Increase the high pressure cooking time to 12-15 minutes, followed by a 5-minute natural release. Ensure the thighs are separated before cooking for even results. Browning frozen chicken is not recommended, so you might skip the initial sauté step and proceed directly to pressure cooking if starting from frozen.

My sauce is too thin, what can I do?

If your sauce isn’t as thick as you’d like after adding the cornstarch slurry and simmering, you can create a second, smaller slurry. Mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water, then whisk it into the simmering sauce. Continue to cook and whisk for another minute or two until it reaches your desired consistency. Remember, cornstarch thickens more as it cools.

Is smoked paprika spicy?

No, typically smoked paprika is not spicy. It’s known for its rich, smoky, and slightly sweet flavor rather than heat. There are different types of paprika, including sweet, semi-sweet, and hot. For this recipe, sweet or semi-sweet smoked paprika is recommended for its distinctive flavor profile without added heat.

Essential Tools for Your Instant Pot Culinary Adventures

Having the right tools can make your cooking experience even more enjoyable and efficient. Here are a few essentials for whipping up this garlic paprika chicken:

• Of course, the star appliance: a reliable Instant Pot! I find them incredibly user-friendly and quick to master.
• A good pair of tongs is invaluable in the kitchen, especially for flipping the chicken thighs as they brown in your Instant Pot.
• Don’t underestimate the power of a quality whisk. It’s crucial for ensuring your creamy sauce is perfectly smooth and lump-free.

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Garlic Paprika Instant Pot Chicken Thighs Recipe

Author: Deborah Harroun

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Pressure Cooker Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: Italian

Description:

Restaurant quality at home – these Garlic Paprika Instant Pot Chicken Thighs make even a weeknight special! Seasoned boneless chicken thighs are served in a delicious cream sauce – perfect for a date night in!

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

1. Season both sides of the chicken thighs generously with the smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Press “Sauté” on your Instant Pot and melt 2 tablespoons of the butter. Working in batches if necessary, place the chicken thighs in the Instant Pot and cook until beautifully browned on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. Remove the browned chicken to a plate.
3. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the pot and allow it to melt. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, approximately 30-45 seconds. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot (this is crucial to prevent a burn notice).
4. Return the browned chicken thighs to the Instant Pot. Secure the lid on the pot and lock it into place. Select “High Pressure” and set the cooking time for 7 minutes.
5. Once the timer signals the end of the cooking cycle, allow the pressure to naturally release for 3 minutes. After 3 minutes, carefully perform a quick release of any remaining pressure. Once the float valve drops, remove the lid. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked chicken thighs from the pot to a clean plate.
6. Press “Sauté” on the Instant Pot again. 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 liquid in the Instant Pot, then gradually whisk in the cornstarch mixture. Cook, whisking frequently, until the sauce begins to lightly thicken.
7. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it has completely melted into the sauce. Add the fresh baby spinach and stir until it wilts into the creamy mixture. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings with additional salt and pepper as needed.
8. Turn off the Instant Pot. Return the cooked chicken thighs to the pot, allowing them to warm through and become thoroughly coated in the luxurious sauce.
9. Serve the Garlic Paprika Instant Pot Chicken Thighs immediately, ideally over pasta or your favorite side dish. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving for a touch of freshness and color. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes:

Nutrition information provided is an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should only be used as a general guideline. For precise nutritional values, it is recommended to calculate them based on the specific ingredients used.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 674 kcal (34%), 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%)

Keywords: instant pot chicken, chicken thighs recipe, creamy chicken, garlic paprika chicken

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