I absolutely love sharing this Instant Pot Chicken Osso Buco Recipe because it’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but comes together with surprisingly little fuss. When I first tried it, I was amazed at how the Instant Pot could transform simple chicken thighs into tender, melt-in-your-mouth goodness with a rich, flavorful sauce in just about 30 minutes. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a comforting, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
You’ll find that this recipe strikes a wonderful balance between robust, hearty flavors and the bright lift of fresh herbs and wine. Plus, if you’re like me, you’ll appreciate how the Instant Pot locks in all the moisture and infuses the chicken with all those lovely aromatics. I always keep this recipe in my rotation because it’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough to serve guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Yet Flavorful: Thanks to the Instant Pot, you get tender, rich chicken osso buco in under 30 minutes—no hours of slow cooking required.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh herbs, making it easy to shop for and prep without breaking a sweat.
- Versatile Serving Options: Delicious over risotto, pasta, or creamy mashed potatoes—perfect for any occasion.
- Family Friendly: My family goes crazy for this, and I bet yours will too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Instant Pot Chicken Osso Buco Recipe works in harmony to build deep, comforting flavors. Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs adds richness and moisture that’s simply unbeatable, and the fresh herbs bring brightness that keeps everything balanced.
- Chicken thighs: Bone-in and skin-on give you juicy, flavorful meat and a wonderful texture from the skin crisping during browning.
- Salt and black pepper: Basic, but essential to seasoning the chicken and vegetables properly.
- Flour: Just enough to coat the chicken for browning, which adds that beautiful color and flavor.
- Olive oil: A good-quality olive oil for sautéing helps develop flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Yellow onion: Adds a sweet, aromatic base once sautéed with the other veggies.
- Carrots: Peel and dice; they contribute natural sweetness and texture.
- Celery stalks: Adds subtle earthiness and supports the overall flavor profile.
- Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic offers that punchy, savory depth you want in this recipe.
- Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that enriches the sauce and adds a beautiful color.
- Dry white wine: Traditionally used here for acidity and complexity—look for something you’d enjoy sipping.
- Chicken broth: Adds umami and moisture to create that luscious braising liquid.
- Fresh rosemary and thyme: These fragrant herbs really elevate the dish with their herbal brightness.
Variations
I love experimenting with this Instant Pot Chicken Osso Buco Recipe to suit different tastes or dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to tweak it to your preferences—you’ll find it’s incredibly forgiving and versatile.
- Wine alternatives: If you want to skip wine, try using extra chicken broth with a splash of white wine vinegar or lemon juice for the acidity.
- Herb swaps: Fresh sage or oregano work beautifully if you want a slightly different herb profile.
- Vegetable add-ins: Adding mushrooms or bell peppers can add extra layers of flavor and texture.
- Spicy touch: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce gives a nice kick without overpowering the dish.
How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Osso Buco Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Dredge the Chicken
Start by mixing the salt, black pepper, and flour in a large bowl—this combo will season and help create a lovely crust on the chicken. Dip each chicken thigh in the flour mixture, coating all sides, then give it a good shake to remove excess flour. This step might seem small, but it’s so worth it because it locks in moisture and boosts flavor.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Set your Instant Pot to sauté on high and add the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering (but not smoking!), place the chicken thighs skin side down. Brown them for about 2 minutes per side until they develop that gorgeous golden crust. Don’t rush this part—browning adds depth and richness you’ll definitely notice. After browning, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables and Aromatics
Toss the diced onion, celery, and carrots into the pot and sprinkle with salt. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they soften and the onion turns translucent. Stir in the tomato paste and garlic, mixing well to combine everything. These aromatics build the flavor base, so don’t skip or shortchange this step. Then turn off the sauté function.
Step 4: Deglaze, Add Chicken and Liquids
Return the browned chicken thighs back to the Instant Pot. Pour in the white wine followed by the chicken broth. The wine helps lift all those browned bits off the bottom—don’t hesitate to give the pot a gentle scrape with a wooden spoon if needed. Nestle in the rosemary and thyme sprigs to infuse their lovely herbal notes during cooking.
Step 5: Pressure Cook and Serve
Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 20 minutes. Once the timer goes off, carefully quick-release the pressure according to your pot’s instructions. You’ll be greeted by tender chicken swimming in a savory, aromatic sauce. Serve each thigh with spoonfuls of the sauce, preferably over creamy mashed potatoes, risotto, or your favorite pasta. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh parsley to brighten things up!
Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot Chicken Osso Buco Recipe
- Don’t Overdo the Flour: Just a light dusting helps with browning and sauce texture—too much makes the crust gummy.
- Brown Chicken Thoroughly: I learned early that skipping this step results in a flatter flavor and less appetizing look.
- Use Quality Wine: Cooking with wine is about flavor depth, so pick something drinkable—you’ll taste it in the sauce!
- Quick Release Safely: Follow your Instant Pot’s manual carefully to avoid splattering when releasing pressure after cooking.
How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Osso Buco Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a big fan of finishing this dish with fresh parsley because it adds a bright, herbal pop that lifts the rich sauce beautifully. Sometimes, I also grate a little lemon zest on top for a subtle citrus hint that makes the flavors sing.
Side Dishes
My favorite way to serve Instant Pot Chicken Osso Buco Recipe is over creamy mashed potatoes or a bed of soft risotto to soak up all that delicious sauce. Sometimes, we do buttered egg noodles or wide pappardelle pasta for a heartier option. Roasted seasonal vegetables or a simple green salad round out the meal nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to present the chicken thighs nestled atop a swirl of saffron risotto, garnished with fresh herbs and a drizzle of extra sauce. It’s impressive-looking without extra effort, and guests always comment on how fancy it tastes. You could even serve individual portions in small ramekins—perfect for dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and find that the flavors deepen overnight. It reheats beautifully without drying out—just make sure to cover it while warming to keep moisture in. Leftovers are perfect for quick lunches or those “I don’t want to cook” evenings.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well, which is a lifesaver on busy weeks. I let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating
To keep the chicken tender and the sauce luscious when reheating, I warm it slowly over low heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of broth or water helps if the sauce thickened too much in the fridge. Avoid microwaving on high to prevent drying out.
FAQs
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Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in for this Instant Pot Chicken Osso Buco Recipe?
Absolutely, you can use boneless chicken thighs if that’s what you have on hand. Just know that bone-in thighs tend to be juicier and add extra flavor during cooking due to the marrow and connective tissue. The cooking time will remain mostly the same, but boneless pieces may cook a bit faster—keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
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What can I substitute for white wine in this recipe?
If you prefer not to cook with wine, you can substitute an additional cup of chicken broth with a splash of white wine vinegar, lemon juice, or even apple cider vinegar to add the necessary acidity and brightness. This keeps the sauce flavorful and balanced without altering the dish significantly.
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How do I avoid my Instant Pot Chicken Osso Buco from being too watery?
The key is to brown your chicken and sauté the veggies properly to develop flavor and help thicken the sauce naturally. Also, make sure to use the recommended amount of liquid—too much broth or wine can make it watery. If your sauce is thinner than you’d like after cooking, you can remove the chicken once done and switch the Instant Pot back to sauté to reduce the sauce until it thickens to your preference.
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Can I double this recipe in the Instant Pot?
You can double the ingredients, but be mindful of the maximum fill line on your Instant Pot to avoid overfilling. Also, cooking time usually stays the same since pressure cooking relies on building steam, but natural pressure release time might be longer. It’s important to layer ingredients well and avoid crowding to ensure even cooking.
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What should I serve with Instant Pot Chicken Osso Buco Recipe?
This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, risotto, buttered noodles, or even polenta. Don’t forget a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to round out your meal. The rich sauce is fantastic for soaking up, so choose something soft and comforting to enjoy alongside.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a way to elevate your weeknight dinners without spending hours, this Instant Pot Chicken Osso Buco Recipe is a total winner in my book. It’s comfort food that feels a little special—a dish I always feel proud to serve whether it’s family, friends, or just me enjoying a cozy meal. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do; once you try it, it might just become your new favorite go-to chicken recipe!
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Instant Pot Chicken Osso Buco Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Instant Pot Chicken Osso Buco is a flavorful twist on the classic Italian dish, featuring tender chicken thighs braised with aromatic vegetables, white wine, and fresh herbs. Perfectly browned and pressure-cooked to perfection, it’s a comforting and easy meal served over pasta, risotto, or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds bone-in, skin on chicken thighs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup flour
Sauté Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Liquids and Herbs
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1 sprig fresh thyme
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: In a large bowl, combine ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and flour. Dip each chicken thigh into the flour mixture, coating evenly and shaking off any excess flour.
- Brown the chicken: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode on high heat. Add olive oil and heat until shimmering. Add the chicken thighs and brown for about 2 minutes on each side until golden. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté vegetables: To the pot, add diced onion, celery, and carrots. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and cook for 2-3 minutes until vegetables start to soften. Stir in tomato paste and minced garlic and cook briefly to combine. Turn off sauté function.
- Add liquids and herbs: Return the browned chicken thighs to the pot. Pour in the white wine and chicken broth. Add the rosemary and thyme sprigs on top.
- Pressure cook: Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 20 minutes. Once cooking is complete, perform a quick pressure release.
- Serve: Plate the chicken thighs and spoon the aromatic sauce with vegetables over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve over pasta, risotto, or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
Notes
- Dredging the chicken in just enough flour helps achieve a flavorful crust and thickens the sauce. Shake off excess flour to prevent clumping.
- Don’t skip browning the chicken; it adds essential depth of flavor and texture to the dish.
- Dry white wine is traditional, but red wine can be an alternative if preferred.
- If avoiding alcohol, substitute the wine with an extra cup of chicken broth plus a splash of white or red wine vinegar or lemon juice for acidity.
