The ultimate time-saving dinner, these Maple BBQ Instant Pot Chicken Thighs combine crispy seared skin with the tender juiciness only pressure cooking can deliver. The sweet and tangy blend of maple syrup and barbecue sauce takes this dish to another level, making it irresistible for both kids and adults.
Perfect for busy weeknights or effortless meal prep, this recipe is both fast and flavorful. Serve it with mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or fluffy rice to complete a satisfying and comforting meal without the hassle. Whether you’re cooking for a family or just meal prepping for the week, this dish brings bold flavors with minimal effort.
Full Recipe:
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2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
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Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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⅓ cup pure maple syrup
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2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
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1½ tablespoons olive oil
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¼ cup water
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½ tablespoon cornstarch
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1 tablespoon water (for slurry)
Directions:
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Pat chicken thighs dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the garlic, maple syrup, and barbecue sauce.
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Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté.” Add olive oil. Once hot, place chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear for 4 minutes until golden brown. Flip and sear the other side. Remove and set aside.
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Pour in the ¼ cup water, scraping up any browned bits.
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Cancel “Sauté” and pour in the sauce mixture. Stir well.
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Return chicken to the pot, skin-side up. Lock lid, and pressure cook on HIGH for 5 minutes.
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Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
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Remove chicken. Turn Instant Pot to “Sauté” again. Mix cornstarch with 1 tbsp water, then stir into sauce. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until thickened.
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Serve sauce over the chicken thighs.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 376 kcal | Servings: 6
Recipe Overview
If there’s one dish that can balance sweet, savory, smoky, and juicy all in one bite—it’s these Maple BBQ Instant Pot Chicken Thighs. Perfect for weeknights when time is short but flavor is non-negotiable, this recipe delivers big taste with minimal fuss. By combining the bold, tangy depth of barbecue sauce with the gentle sweetness of maple syrup, this dish transforms humble chicken thighs into a crave-worthy comfort meal.
Best of all, it comes together in the Instant Pot in under 30 minutes—meaning dinner can be both effortless and unforgettable. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this dish has everything you love: crispy seared skin, tender meat, and a sauce so good you’ll want to drizzle it over everything.
History and Origin
While pressure cookers have existed since the 1600s, the rise of the modern Instant Pot has revolutionized home cooking over the past decade. With busy families seeking ways to make fast, healthy meals, the Instant Pot became a hero appliance—and recipes like this one emerged as staples in countless kitchens.
As for barbecue chicken, its roots run deep in American culinary tradition, especially in the South. Each region boasts its own take—vinegar-based sauces in the Carolinas, mustard in South Carolina, and sweet, smoky tomato-based BBQ sauces in Kansas City and Memphis. This particular version leans toward that rich, sweet Kansas City style, but with a twist: pure maple syrup. This addition borrows from Northeastern U.S. and Canadian kitchens, where maple syrup is a pantry staple. The fusion of smoky BBQ and golden maple syrup results in a sauce that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
Chicken thighs are also a culturally beloved cut of meat—especially in Asian, African, and Southern American cuisines—thanks to their tenderness, flavor, and versatility. Using them in a pressure cooker only intensifies their juiciness, making this a globally inspired comfort dish that’s firmly rooted in modern convenience.
Variations and Adaptations
One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is. The base—chicken thighs, pressure cooking, and a sauce—invites creativity.
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Sauce Variations: You can swap out the barbecue sauce for other favorites like teriyaki for an Asian-inspired twist, buffalo for heat lovers, or a honey mustard blend for a tangy finish. Even a creamy Alfredo or tikka masala can work beautifully in place of BBQ if you’re feeling adventurous.
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Spice It Up: Add crushed red pepper flakes, chipotle powder, or smoked paprika to deepen the complexity of the sauce. A dash of soy sauce or Worcestershire can also elevate the umami factor.
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Protein Swaps: While bone-in chicken thighs work best here for flavor and moisture retention, boneless thighs or even chicken breasts can be used with adjusted cook times. You could also substitute with turkey thighs or even tofu for a vegetarian take—though the sauce and searing will need tweaking.
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Cooking Methods: No Instant Pot? You can recreate this in a slow cooker (cook on low for 4–5 hours) or even in the oven (bake at 375°F for about 40–45 minutes, covered).
Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or spice enthusiasts, there’s a version of this dish to suit every taste.
Nutritional Information
Maple BBQ Instant Pot Chicken Thighs strike a good balance between flavor and nutrition—particularly when served with complementary sides like roasted vegetables or steamed grains.
Each serving (approximately ⅓ pound of chicken) comes in at around 376 calories and contains:
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Protein: 21g
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Fat: 25g (6g saturated, with a balance of mono- and polyunsaturated fats)
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Carbohydrates: 16g
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Sugar: 13g (primarily from the maple syrup and BBQ sauce)
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Cholesterol: 126mg
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Sodium: 549mg
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Fiber: Minimal
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Micronutrients: Includes small amounts of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, calcium, and iron.
While it’s not exactly a low-fat dish, the fat is largely derived from the chicken skin and olive oil. The high protein content makes it a satiating option, and using natural maple syrup instead of refined sugar keeps it a notch cleaner than other similar dishes.
For a lighter version, remove the chicken skin and use a lower-sugar BBQ sauce.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This dish is delicious on its own, but pairings can take it to the next level.
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Starches: Serve over fluffy mashed potatoes, buttery rice, or creamy polenta to soak up the sauce. Instant Pot mashed sweet potatoes make a perfect pairing for a sweet-and-savory vibe.
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Vegetables: Add a side of roasted Brussels sprouts, steamed green beans, or sautéed kale with garlic and lemon for balance. A cool, creamy coleslaw also contrasts nicely with the richness of the chicken.
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Bread: A warm cornbread muffin or slice of crusty artisan bread can help mop up every last bit of that sticky sauce.
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Drinks: Pair with a smoky bourbon cocktail, a cold lager, or a chilled glass of chardonnay. For non-alcoholic options, try sweet iced tea, ginger beer, or sparkling water with lime.
Leftovers make fantastic sandwiches, wraps, or even breakfast hash with eggs the next morning.
Tips and Tricks for Success
Here are a few pro tips to ensure this dish turns out beautifully every single time:
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Sear for Flavor: Don’t skip the initial sear. Getting the skin golden brown before pressure cooking locks in flavor and adds texture.
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Deglaze the Pot: After searing the chicken, use the ¼ cup of water to scrape up any browned bits. This not only prevents a burn warning but also adds depth to the sauce.
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Watch Cook Time: Chicken thighs are forgiving, but too much time in the Instant Pot will make them tough. Stick to 5 minutes on high pressure with a 10-minute natural release for best results.
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Thicken Sauce Separately: Use a cornstarch slurry and a quick sauté at the end to create a thick, glossy sauce.
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Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe stores beautifully in the fridge for 3 days or freezer for up to 3 months. Just reheat slowly to preserve moisture.
Potential Health Benefits
While indulgent in flavor, this dish does have some redeeming qualities:
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High Protein: With over 20 grams of protein per serving, this dish supports muscle repair, satiety, and energy.
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Maple Syrup as Natural Sweetener: Unlike refined sugars, pure maple syrup contains trace minerals like manganese and zinc, which support immune function and metabolic health.
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Garlic: A staple in this sauce, garlic is known for its anti-inflammatory and heart-health benefits.
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Olive Oil: A heart-healthy fat that adds richness while contributing monounsaturated fats that can help reduce cholesterol.
To boost health benefits even further, pair the dish with fiber-rich vegetables and opt for a lower-sugar barbecue sauce or make your own from scratch.
Conclusion
Maple BBQ Instant Pot Chicken Thighs are everything we love about home cooking: fast, flavorful, and full of soul. They take classic comfort food and elevate it with a few simple ingredients and modern techniques. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or a home cook looking to expand your repertoire, this dish deserves a place in your weekly rotation.
The richness of the seared chicken, the deep umami of the BBQ sauce, and the delicate sweetness of maple syrup come together in perfect harmony. Serve it with your favorite sides, pair it with a cool drink, and enjoy a dinner that’s both satisfying and surprisingly simple. So grab your Instant Pot, and let’s get cooking—you won’t regret it!