How long does it take to cook chicken legs and thighs in the Instant Pot?

For fresh bone-in chicken legs and thighs , the best Instant Pot cooking time is 12 minutes on high pressure , followed by a 5-minute natural release . If your pieces are large or thick, increase the time by 1–2 minutes. Always confirm the internal temperature hits 165°F to ensure your chicken leg and thigh Instant Pot meal is fully cooked and safe.

How long to cook boneless chicken thighs in the Instant Pot?

Boneless chicken thighs cook faster than bone-in cuts. Set your Instant Pot for 10 minutes on high pressure , then do a quick release . This timing delivers juicy, tender results in every chicken leg and thigh Instant Pot recipe using boneless thighs. It’s perfect for quick dinners when time is tight.

How many minutes to cook chicken drumsticks in the Instant Pot?

Chicken drumsticks typically need 12 minutes on high pressure with a 5-minute natural release in the Instant Pot. If cooking from frozen or using extra-large drumsticks, increase the time to 15–16 minutes . Browning them first helps enhance flavor and texture in any chicken leg and thigh Instant Pot dish.

Do chicken legs take longer to cook than chicken thighs?

Not usually. Chicken legs (drumsticks) and thighs both come from the dark meat portion and cook evenly in the same cycle. In the Instant Pot, both cuts usually cook perfectly in 12 minutes on high pressure. Just ensure sizes are consistent larger drumsticks might need a slight timing adjustment to match thigh doneness.

Chicken Leg and Thigh Instant Pot | 3 Easy Steps to Juicy Dinner Chicken Leg and Thigh Instant Pot Recipe

Name: Chicken Leg and Thigh Instant Pot – Juicy, Fast & Flavorful
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 4 chicken legs and thighs (bone-in, skin-on or boneless); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 lemon, sliced; Optional: fresh thyme or rosemary

Description

Juicy, fall-off-the-bone chicken legs and thighs made effortlessly in the Instant Pot. Quick, comforting, and full of flavor.

Ingredients

4 chicken legs and thighs (bone-in, skin-on or boneless)

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and black pepper to taste

1/2 cup chicken broth

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 lemon, sliced

Optional: fresh thyme or rosemary

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Set Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat olive oil.

2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika. Brown skin-side down for 2–3 minutes.

3. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.

4. Pour in chicken broth, soy sauce, and add lemon slices and herbs.

5. Cancel sauté mode. Secure lid and set to high pressure for 12 minutes (bone-in) or 10 minutes (boneless).

6. Allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then quick release.

7. Transfer chicken to baking sheet and broil for 3–5 minutes to crisp skin, if desired.

8. Serve with juices or reduce liquid in pot for sauce.

Notes

For frozen chicken, increase pressure cook time by 4–5 minutes.

Always check internal temperature it should be 165°F.

Pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Pressure Cooking
Cuisine: British

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 380
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 560mg
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 110mg