Braised Chicken Thighs with Tomatillos in the Instant Pot
Braised Chicken Thighs with Tomatillos in the Instant PotRecipe stepRecipe stepRecipe step
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Braised Chicken Thighs with Tomatillos in the Instant Pot

★★★★★ 4.9 (13 reviews)

This flavorful dish combines tender chicken thighs with tangy tomatillos, all cooked quickly in the Instant Pot for a delicious weeknight meal. It’s simple to make and packed with vibrant, zesty flavors you’ll love.

◷45 minTotal Time
♜4Servings
▥MediumDifficulty
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Ingredients

4servings

Instructions

1

Brown the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken thighs with cumin, salt, and pepper. Turn your Instant Pot to the sauté setting on high, and once it’s hot, add a bit of oil. Brown the chicken for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, then set it aside on a plate.

Step 1
2

Saut Onion and Garlic

Next, toss in the onion and garlic and sauté them for a minute or two until they’re soft. Pour in half of the chicken stock and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom—that adds great flavor. Turn off the sauté function.

Step 2
3

Add ingredients and cook

Add the tomatillos, jalapeño, and the rest of the chicken stock to the pot. Nestle the chicken thighs back on top. Lock the lid in place and set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. It will take about 10 to 15 minutes to reach pressure.

Step 3
4

Make Tangy Cilantro Sauce

While the chicken cooks, mix together mayonnaise, chopped cilantro, lime zest, and lime juice in a small bowl to make a quick, tangy sauce.

Step 4
5

Serve Chicken with Toppings

When the cooking time is up, carefully do a quick release of the pressure. Remove the lid, take the chicken out, and plate it. Spoon some of the tomatillo and onion mixture over the chicken, add a dollop of the mayo sauce, and finish with sliced avocado on top. Enjoy!

Step 5

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish combines tender, juicy chicken with the bright, tangy flavor of tomatillos. Cooking in the Instant Pot makes it quick and easy, while still allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. It’s a comforting meal that feels special without much effort.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this with warm tortillas or over fluffy rice to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of fresh avocado or a simple green salad pairs well to balance the tanginess. It also goes nicely with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to keep the chicken tender. This dish also freezes well; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.