Instant Pot® Creamy Cajun Chicken Thighs

Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Servings: 6
Yield: 6 servings

Description

Flavorful chicken thighs are cooked in the Instant Pot® in a creamy sauce that's not too hot or spicy, making it a good option to serve to the whole family over pasta.

Ingredients

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1/4 cups chicken bone broth
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chopped roasted red peppers
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
6 leaves fresh basil, or to taste

Directions

1 Turn on a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot®) and select Saute function. When the pot is hot, add 1 tablespoon butter and avocado oil to coat the bottom of the pot. Leave remaining 3 tablespoons butter out to soften.
2 Place chicken thighs in the pot and sprinkle with basil and garlic powder. Brown for 3 minutes on each side. Temporarily remove chicken to a plate.
3 Pour broth into the pot and bring to a boil while scraping the browned bits of food off the bottom with a wooden spoon. Stir in garlic, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and cayenne. Return chicken to the pot and cancel the Saute setting.
4 Close and lock the lid. Select high pressure according to manufacturer's instructions; set timer for 6 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.
5 Release pressure using the natural-release method according to manufacturer's instructions for 5 minutes. Release remaining pressure carefully using the quick-release method, about 5 minutes. Unlock and remove the lid and remove chicken thighs to a plate.
6 Mix softened butter and flour together in a small bowl. Select Saute function and when the sauce begins to simmer, whisk in the butter-flour mixture until sauce has thickened. Cancel Saute function.
7 Stir in heavy cream and roasted red peppers. Slice chicken thighs and return to the pot. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and basil leaves.