Instant Pot® Creamy Cajun Chicken Thighs

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.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 35 mins
• Total Time: 50 mins
• Calories: 436 Calories

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• 1 cup chopped roasted red peppers
• 6 leaves fresh basil, or to taste
• 1 ¼ cups chicken bone broth
• 3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

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.

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 7

Stir in heavy cream and roasted red peppers. Slice chicken thighs and return to the pot. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and basil leaves.