A Weeknight Wonder: Sweet, Spicy, and Oh-So-Creamy Chicken Thighs!
Get ready to fall in love with your Instant Pot all over again! This recipe for Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs is the ultimate comfort food with a sophisticated twist. We’re talking incredibly tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken swimming in a luscious, fragrant sauce that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and savory notes. The secret ingredient? A creamy cauliflower puree that thickens the sauce beautifully while sneaking in extra veggies. It’s a rich, satisfying meal that tastes like it simmered for hours but comes together in just over one. Perfect for a busy weeknight when you’re craving something truly special without the fuss.
Ingredients
• For the Chicken & Sauce
• 2 lbs / 900g chicken thighs, bone-in or boneless
• 3 cups / 720ml chicken broth
• 2 green chilies, whole (e.g., jalapeño or serrano)
• 1 cup / 240ml full-fat unsweetened coconut milk
• 2 large onions, sliced
• 3 tbsp / 42g unsalted butter
• 2 cups / 200g cauliflower, cut into florets
• For the Spices
• 1 tbsp / 15g chili powder
• 2 tbsp / 30ml fresh lime juice
• 2 tsp / 8g stevia powder (or other sweetener, to taste)
• 2 tbsp / 30g cumin seeds
• 1 tsp / 2g curry powder
• 4-6 whole cloves
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Directions
2. Place the chicken thighs, sliced onions, and whole green chilies into the Instant Pot. Pour in the chicken broth. In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, lime juice, stevia, cumin seeds, curry powder, and whole cloves, then pour over the chicken.2. Secure the lid and set the steam release handle to the ‘Sealing’ position. Select the ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ function and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes.3. Once the timer finishes, perform a quick pressure release. Carefully open the lid and transfer the cooked chicken to a plate, leaving the liquid in the pot.4. Place a steam basket into the pot above the liquid. Add the cauliflower florets to the basket, secure the lid, and pressure cook on high for 5 minutes.5. When done, perform another quick release. Carefully transfer the steamed cauliflower to a blender with a splash of the cooking liquid from the pot. Blend until completely smooth.6. Remove the steam basket. Select the ‘Sauté’ function on the Instant Pot. Whisk the coconut milk and the cauliflower puree into the liquid in the pot until a smooth sauce forms.7. Return the chicken thighs to the pot, nestling them in the sauce. Allow it to simmer gently for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.8. Turn off the heat and stir in the butter until it melts. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, spooning the rich sauce over the chicken.
Nutritional Information
• Per Serving
• Calories: 478
• Total Fat: 27.3g
• Net Carbs: 6.4g
• Protein: 48.4g
• Fiber: 2.8g
Pro Tips
• for Perfect Chicken
• For a deeper flavor, use the ‘Sauté’ function to brown the chicken thighs in a little oil before adding the broth and spices.
• Control the spice level by using jalapeños with seeds removed for less heat, or serrano chilies for a bigger kick.
• If the sauce is too thin after simmering, continue to let it reduce on the ‘Sauté’ setting for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
FAQ
Q: Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe
A: Yes, you can definitely use boneless chicken thighs. Since they cook faster than bone-in, we recommend reducing the initial pressure cooking time to 20-25 minutes to ensure they stay tender and juicy.
Q: How can I make this chicken recipe less spicy
A: To control the heat level, use a milder chili like a jalapeño and make sure to remove all the seeds and white membranes before adding it to the Instant Pot. You can also start with half the amount of chili powder and adjust to your taste.
Q: Is this sweet chili chicken recipe keto-friendly
A: Absolutely! With only 6.4g of net carbs per serving, this is a fantastic keto and low-carb meal. The creamy sauce is thickened with a cauliflower puree instead of high-carb starches, and it uses stevia as a sweetener.
Q: What can I serve with these creamy chicken thighs
A: This dish pairs beautifully with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to keep it low-carb. For a non-keto option, it’s delicious served over steamed jasmine rice or with naan bread to soak up the incredible sauce.
