Instant Pot Chicken Thighs With Orzo is a true one-pot wonder that comes together in about 30 minutes. It's absolutely heavenly with a built-in mushroom sauce that is creamy and savory and divine.
The chicken is succulent and tender while the orzo and mushrooms become wonderfully velvety. This instant pot recipe is quick, with minimal prep, and has an easy clean up.
Try it once and I promise your family will be requesting it time and time again!
So, dust off that instant pot and let's get started!
Jump to:
A Love Letter To Chicken Bone Broth
Because we're making a chicken dish, we will need some chicken broth. In the past few years, I have gotten into the very good habit of saving all of my rotisserie chicken carcasses and making bone broth in my instant pot.
I cannot adequately put into words how wonderful it is. And, using the Instant Pot, it's ready in about an hour. The flavor is nothing like anything you can buy in the store and the amount of money you can save by making your own is astronomical.
I make my bone broth in large batches and keep it in the freezer. It's great for soups, for when people are under the weather, and for dishes just like this Instant Pot Chicken Thighs Recipe.
Bone Broth truly is a super food that taste amazing. Make some, make a habit of keeping it, and you and your entire family will benefit. It's a great, great thing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Instant Pot Chicken Thighs recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! All you need to do is substitute the regular orzo for a gluten-free orzo. Everything else in the recipe is gluten-free.
What about a dairy-free version?
For a dairy-free version of this Instant Pot Chicken Thighs recipe, I would recommend using an unsweetened coconut cream in place of the heavy cream. Nutritional yeast would also a great substitute for parmesan cheese! Just swap out those two ingredients and you'll have a wonderful end result!
Substitutions and Variations
- If you don't like chicken thighs, you can use a chicken breast. I recommend a bone-in, skin-on breast for the best result.
- Use any veggie you like. Mushrooms and spinach cook quickly, so keep that in mind.
- If you like spicy, add some red chili flakes or Calabrian chilis.
- If you don't have any orzo, any small pasta will work.
Tips and Tricks
- Give the chicken thighs time to sear. It creates an incredible layer of flavor with almost zero effort!
- Use a good quality chicken broth. You will be able to taste the difference.
Instant Pot Chicken Thighs With Orzo Recipe
Ingredients
- 2-2½ lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 1 med onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1½ cups orzo
- 8 oz cremini or baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- kosher salt
- fresh ground pepper
Instructions
- Set the instant pot to high sauté. Season the chicken thighs liberally with kosher salt and fresh ground pepper. Sear the chicken thighs in olive oil and butter on both sides, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Add diced onions and sauté 2-3 minutes. Add garlic and stir for about 30 seconds. Deglaze with 2 cups of the broth, scraping any brown bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Add the dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, dried thyme, dried oregano and stir to combine.
- Add the chicken thighs back into the instant pot, skin side up. Place and close the lid. Set to High Pressure for 10 minutes.
- After the 10 minute pressure cook, carefully and using the quick release on your instant pot, release the steam. Once the steam has released, open the lid and remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Turn the sauté function back on and add in the orzo, mushrooms, and remaining cup of broth. Stir often and cook until the orzo is al dente. Turn the sauté function off.
- Stir in the spinach, heavy cream, lemon juice and zest, and parmesan cheese. Season with kosher salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste.
- Serve chicken thighs over a base of the creamy orzo mixture and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftovers will stay good in an airtight container for up to 3 days. I do not recommend freezing leftovers due to the orzo. To reheat, simply cover with a damp paper towel and heat in the microwave in small increments until warmed through.
Thank you!
I am so incredibly happy that you are here! I hope you try my Instant Pot Chicken Thighs recipe and fall in love with it. If you make this recipe, please share and tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok!
If you guys make this Instant Pot Chicken Thighs recipe, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I absolutely love to hear from you all and always do my best to respond to each and every one of your comments!
-Rufus
Other Recipes You'll Love
Roasted Chicken Thighs - A weekly, meal-prep hero that's so good. It's simple ingredients and method and I use it all the time!
Instant Pot Taco Chicken - Perfect for nachos, burritos, and more! I love this one to make weeknight dinners a breeze!
One-Pot Chicken and Rice - A classic in comfort and ease, this family-favorite will be on repeat in no time!
Cajun Chicken Pasta - This one is so good. I can't even with how much I love it. It's quick and easy with creamy, Cajun flavors that is one of our favorites!
Ken says
Wow! The sauce for this is out of this world! I made this for the family on a busy night and it was demolished. Love the chicken and the orzo. Using the instant pot made it so fast. We don’t like spinach so left that out Will definitely be doing again!
Rufus says
I am so very glad to hear that you guys liked it! It means the world to me to hear from you! Have a wonderful day!