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nstant Pot Apricot Glazed Chicken Thighs
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Irresistibly Juicy Instant Pot Apricot Glazed Chicken Thighs

This Instant Pot Apricot Glazed Chicken Thighs recipe balances sweet and savory flavors for a delicious weeknight meal.
Course Chicken Recipes
Cuisine American
Keyword apricot glaze, chicken thighs, gluten-free, healthy meal, Instant Pot, Quick Dinner
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Marinating Time 2 hours
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 thighs
Calories 320kcal

Equipment

  • Instant Pot

Ingredients

For the Marinade

  • 1 cup Apricot Preserves Can substitute with peach or mango preserves.
  • 1/4 cup Soy Sauce Use gluten-free soy sauce for gluten-free version.
  • 3 cloves Minced Garlic Fresh garlic is preferred.
  • 1 tablespoon Grated Ginger Ground ginger can substitute.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper Freshly ground is ideal.
  • 2 tablespoons Sesame Oil Can be swapped for another cooking oil.

For the Chicken

  • 4 pounds Chicken Thighs Bone-in thighs recommended for juiciness.

For Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons Green Onions Optional but recommended.
  • 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds Optional garnish.

Instructions

Cooking Steps

  • Mix the Marinade: In a bowl, combine apricot preserves, gluten-free soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and sesame oil. Whisk until well blended.
  • Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken thighs in a resealable bag or dish. Pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are well-coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
  • Sear the Chicken: Set your Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode. Add oil if desired, and arrange chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown, then flip and sear for another 2-3 minutes.
  • Deglaze the Pot: Remove the chicken and add the remaining marinade. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  • Pressure Cook: Place chicken thighs back into the pot (skin-side up). Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
  • Release the Pressure: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
  • Thicken the Sauce: Remove the chicken. If you'd like a thicker sauce, set the Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode again and let the sauce simmer until desired consistency.
  • Garnish and Serve: Drizzle the thickened glaze over the chicken thighs. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

For extra meal options, consider serving with quinoa or rice to soak up the glaze. Leftovers can be used in salads or wraps.

Nutrition

Serving: 1thigh | Calories: 320kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 100mg | Sodium: 700mg | Potassium: 400mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 500IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 2mg