If you are craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors and tender juiciness, the Instant Pot Bone-In Chicken Thighs with Peri Peri Sauce Recipe will become your new go-to! This recipe combines smoky, spicy, and tangy elements perfectly balanced in a vibrant peri peri sauce, all complimenting the rich, succulent chicken thighs cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a casual dinner, this recipe promises a satisfying, no-fuss experience with a flavorful punch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the vibrant ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable taste. Each ingredient plays a key role, from seasoning the chicken to crafting the zesty peri peri sauce that defines the dish.
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: These provide juicy, flavorful meat with crispy skin after finishing.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for searing the chicken to achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the spice in the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the chicken seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Imparts a delicious smoky undertone.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a gentle garlic aroma without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a hint of sweetness and complexity to the chicken rub.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Keeps the chicken moist while cooking in the Instant Pot.
- 1 red bell pepper (chopped): Forms the sweet and colorful base of the peri peri sauce.
- 2–3 red chili peppers: Customize heat levels with Fresnos or Thai chilies for the sauce’s signature kick.
- 3 cloves garlic: Fresh garlic intensifies the sauce’s vibrant flavor.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Adds bright acidity that lifts the entire dish.
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar: Balances flavors with a punch of tanginess.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Creates a smooth, rich texture for the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Deepens the smoky profile in the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Ensures the sauce is perfectly seasoned.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings an earthy herbal note to round out the peri peri sauce.
How to Make Instant Pot Bone-In Chicken Thighs with Peri Peri Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peri Peri Sauce
Start by blending together the red bell pepper, red chili peppers, garlic cloves, lemon juice, white vinegar, olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and dried oregano in a blender or food processor until the mixture is silky smooth. This sauce is the heart of the dish, offering layers of heat, tang, and smokiness that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
Step 2: Season the Chicken Thighs
Pat each chicken thigh dry to help the skin crisp up beautifully. Then generously season both sides with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. This combination forms a flavorful crust during searing which perfectly complements the tangy peri peri sauce.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and warm the olive oil. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip the thighs and sear the other side for 2 to 3 minutes. This step locks in juices and adds incredible texture.
Step 4: Deglaze and Pressure Cook
After removing the seared chicken, pour in the chicken broth and scrape the browned bits off the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon—this adds depth of flavor. Return the chicken, skin-side up, and spoon half of your peri peri sauce over each piece. Lock the lid, set to high pressure for 10 minutes, letting the Instant Pot work its magic to tenderize the chicken all the way through.
Step 5: Release Pressure and Finish
Once cooking is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 5 minutes, then quickly release any remaining pressure. Carefully remove the chicken. If you love the crunch of crispy skin just like I do, pop your chicken under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely to not burn. Serve with the remaining peri peri sauce drizzled over or on the side for dipping joy.
How to Serve Instant Pot Bone-In Chicken Thighs with Peri Peri Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten the dish with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro, which add a fresh, vibrant contrast to the smoky, spicy flavors. A few lemon wedges on the side not only complement the peri peri sauce but also allow guests to add a touch of citrus zing as they please.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs famously well with fluffy rice to soak up the sauce, couscous for a lightly textured grain option, or even roasted vegetables for a hearty, colorful plate full of contrasting flavors. Choose what suits your mood or occasion—the peri peri sauce brings everything together beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, arrange the chicken thighs on a rustic wooden board or vibrant serving platter with bowls of extra peri peri sauce and sides around them. For a casual meal, plate the chicken over a bed of couscous and drizzle liberally with sauce, adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a picture-perfect finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken and peri peri sauce can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors develop even further, making leftovers remarkably delicious as a quick lunch or dinner option.
Freezing
If you want to keep this meal on hand for longer, freeze cooked chicken thighs and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
Reheating
Gently reheat chicken in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep the skin from becoming soggy, or microwave on medium power, covered, adding a little broth if needed to retain moisture. Reheat peri peri sauce on the stovetop or microwave until warm, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely! While bone-in thighs are preferred for juiciness and flavor, boneless thighs will still work well—just reduce the pressure cooking time by a few minutes to avoid overcooking.
How spicy is this recipe?
The dish has a warm, smoky heat that you can adjust by choosing milder or hotter chili peppers. Leaving the seeds in the peppers intensifies the spice level. Feel free to tailor it to your taste!
Can I make the peri peri sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The peri peri sauce actually tastes better after sitting a day in the refrigerator as the flavors meld beautifully. You can make it up to a week in advance and store it in a sealed container.
Is the recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this entire recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for anyone with gluten sensitivities.
What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?
You can adapt this recipe for stovetop or oven methods by searing the chicken similarly and then braising it covered in the sauce and broth at low heat until tender, though cooking times will be longer.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Bone-In Chicken Thighs with Peri Peri Sauce Recipe is a celebration of bold flavors, speedy cooking, and simple ingredients coming together to create something truly spectacular. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how effortlessly you can bring a restaurant-quality meal to your table. Grab your Instant Pot and dive into this spicy, smoky, and utterly delicious dish—you’re going to fall in love with every bite!
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Instant Pot Bone-In Chicken Thighs with Peri Peri Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Portuguese, African
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Instant Pot Bone In Chicken Thighs with Peri Peri Sauce recipe offers a flavorful and spicy Portuguese-African inspired dish made tender and juicy with pressure cooking. The homemade Peri Peri sauce blends smoky, tangy, and fiery flavors that complement the seared chicken thighs perfectly. Ideal for an easy weeknight meal, this dish delivers a perfect balance of heat and richness with minimal hands-on cooking time.
Ingredients
Chicken Thighs
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Peri Peri Sauce
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2–3 red chili peppers (Fresno or Thai, adjust to heat preference)
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Make the Peri Peri Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine the chopped red bell pepper, red chili peppers, garlic cloves, lemon juice, white vinegar, olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and dried oregano. Blend until the mixture is smooth and emulsified. Set aside the sauce for later use.
- Prepare and Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to ensure deep flavor infusion.
- Sear the Chicken Thighs: Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the olive oil. Once hot, place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the pot. Sear the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook the other side for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
- Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This will add rich flavor to the cooking liquid and prevent burning during pressure cooking.
- Pressure Cook the Chicken: Return the seared chicken thighs to the Instant Pot skin-side up. Pour half of the prepared Peri Peri sauce evenly over the chicken. Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 10 minutes. After cooking, allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure carefully.
- Optional Broil for Crispier Skin: Remove the chicken carefully from the Instant Pot. To crisp the skin further, place the thighs under a broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until the skin is golden and crunchy. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve each chicken thigh with additional Peri Peri sauce either drizzled on top or on the side for dipping. This dish pairs beautifully with rice, couscous, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- For an extra spicy version, leave the seeds in the chili peppers or use hotter chili varieties like bird’s eye or habanero.
- This chicken dish pairs exceptionally well with grains like rice or couscous, or with a side of roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Store any leftover Peri Peri sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
