Chicken is always a favorite for dinner time because it is so versatile. These Asian chicken thighs are made with Asian-inspired ingredients and make a perfect dinner time meal. Let me show you how to make this easy Instant Pot dinner.

One thing that everyone in the house can agree on is chicken for dinner. There is never an argument when I say it’s dinner time and chicken is on the table.

My kids love Asian inspired recipes so these Asian chicken thighs are always a hit. If your family likes a little flavor to their chicken, this one will be a winner as well!

What is Instant Pot Asian chicken?

If you’re craving chicken, but want an oriental twist to it, then Asian chicken thighs are what’s for dinner. This chicken recipe made in the Instant Pot gives you a nice and thick glaze, that’s a little sweet and a little salty. It’s quick, it’s easy and it makes great leftovers!

Asian chicken ingredients

If you’re looking to use up thighs, then this is the recipe for you! Here is what you’ll need to make this dish:

• Sesame oil
• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• Chicken broth
• Sugar-free peanut butter
• Lime juice
• Soy sauce or coconut aminos 
• Honey
• Sriracha sauce 
• Fresh ginger
• Garlic powder

Sesame oil – The oil itself is taken straight from sesame seeds. It has a nice nutty flavor to it that is prominent in any dish you use it in.

Chicken – Don’t have chicken thighs on hand? No worries because you can easily use chicken breast. Use what you have on hand! Improvising is always a fun part of cooking.

Chicken broth – You can sub water if you don’t have broth on hand. Or use water plus bullion to add more flavor.

Peanut butter – My recipe calls for using sugar-free peanut butter. I’m trying to keep this dish as a healthy option for those who want a healthier Asian-type dish. Read the back of the peanut butter label to make

Soy sauce – This sauce also a ton of flavor to any dish that you use it in. You can use the low-sodium version or coconut aminos for a soy free version.

Honey – Local honey is always best, but whatever you have on hand is perfect.

Ginger – You can find ginger root in the produce section of the grocery store. You want to peel the ginger before adding it to the Instant Pot. You can also sub ginger powder if needed.

How to make chicken thighs in the Instant Pot

You are going to love instant pot chicken thighs and they’ll easily be an easy weeknight meal for you to make. Let me walk you through how to make them –

Step 1 – Add sesame oil to Instant Pot and set the “Sauté” setting to high. Working in batches, if necessary, brown the chicken thighs, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Repeat this process with remaining thighs. Remove and set aside on a platter. 

Step 2 – Pour chicken broth in and gently scrape up brown bits from the bottom. Add peanut butter to the hot liquid and stir until completed melted. Add soy sauce, lime juice, honey, Sriracha sauce, ginger, and garlic powder. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and stir to combine. 

Step 3 – Add a trivet or metal rack to the Instant Pot and place the browned chicken thighs on top. 

Step 4 – Add lid and lock it into place. Switch vent to “Sealing” position and set the “Manual” setting on high before adjusting the cook time to 10 minutes. After a brief pause, the Instant Pot will automatically start building pressure.

Step 5 – When finished, do a quick release (QR) to allow the pressure to escape. Unlock and carefully remove lid when finished and transfer the chicken to a platter. 

Step 6 – Optional: To thicken the sauce, select the “Sauté” setting and heat, stirring continually, until the excess liquid is reduced and the sauce reaches the desired consistency. 

Step 7 – Turn Instant Pot off and return the chicken thighs and the juices that accumulated on the platter to the sauce and turn to coat. 

Step 8 – Remove chicken and transfer to a serving tray. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, chopped peanuts, and green onions. Or slightly shred chicken and add them to lettuce cups. Enjoy! 

Side dishes to add

You can easily enjoy these chicken thighs as a whole meal by adding them to lettuce cups, or you can add a side dish. Some great side dishes would be –

• Sesame Cauliflower
• Loaded Broccoli Salad
• Easy rice
• Mashed potatoes

How to store leftovers 

If you’re going to make this dish, you need to know how to store the leftovers. Grab your favorite airtight container. From there, place the leftovers inside of it and store it in the fridge for 3-4 days. Just make sure the dish is cooled down BEFORE you put it in the fridge.

Other Instant Pot chicken recipes

• Chicken burrito bowls
• Chicken breasts
• Chicken lo mein

Be sure to PIN this recipe to your chicken or Instant Pot board.