This is less of a recipe and more of a method, because making chicken with a jarred sauce in the Instant Pot is so easy and so adaptable. In any guise, this meal is a workhorse. You need chicken, a sauce, and a starch to soak up the sauce. These quantities will serve 4 people.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups sauce (see options below)
• 1 to 1 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional)

Procedure

1. Pour the sauce into the Instant Pot or other multicooker. Add the chicken thighs and turn with a fork or tongs to coat. Lock the lid and set to cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.

2. When cooking is complete, press Cancel and let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. Carefully quick-release the remaining pressure and remove the lid. (The valve may have already floated down.) Transfer the chicken to a shallow dish.

3. If the sauce seems thin, set the Instant Pot to Sauté and let the sauce simmer for 5 to 10 minutes to thicken slightly. Press Cancel and stir in the butter, if using.

4. While the sauce is simmering, shred the chicken with 2 forks. When the sauce is ready, return the chicken to the pot and stir to combine. Serve with your choice of starch and toppers (see options below).

6 Ways with Instant Pot Saucy Chicken 

Looking for a little inspiration? Here are six of my favorite variations on this recipe. 

• Sauce: Indian simmer sauce (such as Maya Kaimal brand)
• Starch: Rice or naan
• Topper: Sliced scallions and/or chopped cilantro

• Sauce: Marinara sauce (such as Rao’s)
• Starch: Pasta, couscous, or crusty bread
• Topper: Grated Parmesan cheese

• Sauce: Tomatillo salsa (skip the optional butter)
• Starch: Rice, tortillas, or tortilla chips
• Topper: Slivered radishes and/or sliced scallions

• Sauce: Enchilada sauce (such as Frontera; skip the optional butter)
• Starch: Rice, tortillas, or tortilla chips
• Topper: Shredded cheddar cheese, cotija, and/or chopped red onion

• Sauce: 1 cup mango chutney and 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Starch: Rice or naan
• Topper: Chopped cilantro and/or mint

• Sauce: Barbecue sauce (such as Stubb’s; skip the optional butter)
• Starch: Sandwich rolls or buns
• Topper: Shredded cabbage or slaw