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If you are craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that comes together quickly without sacrificing any depth, the Instant Pot Bone-In Chicken Thighs with Peri Peri Sauce Recipe is your new go-to. This dish bursts with bold, tangy, and smoky notes thanks to the homemade Peri Peri sauce, perfectly complementing tender, juicy chicken thighs cooked right in the Instant Pot. Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe delivers the perfect combination of ease and excitement in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the first step to creating magic in the kitchen. Each item plays a crucial role in layering flavors and textures that make this dish so irresistible.
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: The star protein that stays juicy and flavorful under pressure cooking.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and perfect crispness to the chicken skin when seared.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance every bite.
- Smoked paprika: Imparts a gently smoky warmth to both the chicken and sauce.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: Build a savory depth in the chicken seasoning.
- Chicken broth: Keeps the chicken moist and infused with a gentle, comforting base flavor.
- Red bell pepper: Provides sweetness and vibrant color to the Peri Peri sauce.
- Red chili peppers (Fresno or Thai): Bring heat and a kick to the sauce, customizable to your taste.
- Garlic cloves: Bold aromatics that pack the sauce with pungent flavor.
- Lemon juice and white vinegar: Introduce the bright acidity that defines the Peri Peri experience.
- Olive oil (for the sauce): Ensures a smooth, luscious texture and brightness.
- Dried oregano: Adds a hint of earthiness to round out the sauce’s complex profile.
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 chopped red bell pepper, red chili peppers (adjust these depending on your heat tolerance), garlic cloves, lemon juice, white vinegar, olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and dried oregano until smooth. This vibrant sauce is the soul of the dish, balancing spicy, tangy, and smoky flavors in a silky texture you will love dipping your chicken into.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Pat each bone-in, skin-on chicken thigh dry to ensure crisp skin when searing. Generously season both sides with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. This seasoning mix brings out rich, savory layers that work beautifully with the Peri Peri sauce.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the olive oil until shimmering. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 3 to 4 minutes, until that golden crust forms. Flip and cook the other side for 2 to 3 minutes. This step locks in juice and adds irresistible texture.
Step 4: Deglaze and Pressure Cook
Remove the chicken and pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release all those delicious browned bits. Return the chicken to the pot, skin-side up, and spoon half the Peri Peri sauce over the top. Seal the Instant Pot and set it to high pressure for 10 minutes.
Step 5: Release and Finish
Allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes to let the chicken finish gently, then quick release any remaining pressure. Carefully remove the chicken thighs; if you love crispy skin even more, pop them under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes. Serve with the remaining Peri Peri sauce either drizzled on the chicken or served on the side for extra dipping pleasure.
How to Serve Instant Pot Bone-In Chicken Thighs with Peri Peri Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes pull this dish together beautifully. Brighten up the plate with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and freshness. A few lemon wedges on the side add a zesty touch for those who enjoy an extra citrus kick. Thinly sliced green onions sprinkled on top also add a subtle crunch and mild peppery flavor.
Side Dishes
This Instant Pot Bone-In Chicken Thighs with Peri Peri Sauce Recipe pairs perfectly with fluffy couscous, steamed rice, or even creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the spicy sauce. Roasted or grilled vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers provide a fresh, healthy contrast to the rich chicken. You can also serve with crusty bread for an informal, finger-licking meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual gathering, serve the chicken thighs family-style on a large platter with the sauce ladled over or off to the side for dipping. For a beautiful plated dinner, place the chicken atop a bed of vibrant couscous or sautéed greens, then artistically drizzle Peri Peri sauce in a circular pattern around the plate. Add microgreens or edible flowers for a fancy touch that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the Peri Peri sauce separate if possible to preserve the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
Both cooked chicken and Peri Peri sauce freeze well. Place chicken in freezer-safe containers and cover with a layer of sauce, or freeze sauce separately in labeled containers or ice cube trays for easy portioning. Frozen leftovers are best enjoyed within 2 months for optimal taste.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through to avoid drying it out. Warm the Peri Peri sauce on the stovetop or microwave separately and pour over after reheating. If you want to crisp up the skin again, a quick broil in the oven for a few minutes works wonders.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?
Boneless thighs can be used, but cooking times may vary slightly. Bone-in thighs offer more flavor and moisture retention, which makes this recipe shine.
How spicy is the Peri Peri sauce?
The heat level depends on the type and amount of chili peppers you use. Fresno or mild Thai chilies keep it approachable, while hotter varieties and leaving seeds intact will turn up the spice significantly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This Instant Pot Bone-In Chicken Thighs with Peri Peri Sauce Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and tasty choice for anyone avoiding gluten.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The Peri Peri sauce can be made up to a week in advance and refrigerated. This actually gives the flavors time to meld, enhancing the overall taste.
What can I do if I don’t have an Instant Pot?
You can adapt this recipe using a slow cooker or stovetop method, though cooking times will change. Sear the chicken in a skillet first, then cook covered with broth and sauce on low heat until tender.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about a dish that combines ease with bold flavors, and this Instant Pot Bone-In Chicken Thighs with Peri Peri Sauce Recipe certainly delivers on both counts. The marriage of juicy chicken and vibrant, zesty sauce will make this recipe a permanent favorite in your kitchen. I encourage you to try it soon—once you taste it, you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved, go-to dinner for days you want a bit of fire and a lot of comfort.
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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 delivers tender, juicy chicken infused with a flavorful, spicy sauce inspired by Portuguese and African cuisines. The chicken is perfectly seared then pressure cooked for quick preparation, and the homemade peri peri sauce adds a vibrant kick. Ideal for a weeknight dinner, this dish pairs wonderfully with rice, couscous, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 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 (like 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 smooth to create a vibrant, spicy peri peri sauce. Set it aside for later use.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crisp skin. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder for a well-rounded flavor profile.
- Sear the Chicken: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the olive oil. Once hot, place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the pot and sear for 3 to 4 minutes until the skin is browned and crispy. Flip the chicken and sear the other side for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the chicken thighs and set aside.
- Deglaze the Pot: Pour the chicken broth into the Instant Pot and use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. This action adds rich flavor and prevents burn warnings during pressure cooking.
- Pressure Cook the Chicken: Return the chicken thighs to the pot skin-side up. Pour half of the peri peri sauce over the chicken to infuse it with flavor. Secure the Instant Pot lid, set it to high pressure cooking for 10 minutes. After cooking, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
- Optional Broil for Crispiness: Carefully remove the chicken thighs from the Instant Pot. For an extra crispy skin, place the chicken under a broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until the skin crisps up to your liking.
- Serve: Serve the chicken thighs hot with the remaining peri peri sauce either drizzled over the top or on the side as a dipping sauce. Pair this flavorful dish with rice, couscous, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a spicier sauce, leave the seeds in the chili peppers or substitute with hotter varieties like bird’s eye chili.
- This dish pairs excellently with staples such as rice, couscous, or roasted vegetables to balance the bold flavors.
- Store leftover peri peri sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Ensure to pat chicken dry before searing to achieve crispy skin.
- Broiling is optional but recommended to enhance the texture of the chicken skin after pressure cooking.
