Are you in the mood for something flavorful but short on time? Look no further than this Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken recipe! This dish combines sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, making it a family favorite in no time. The beauty of the Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is how quickly you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort. If you’re new to cooking with an Instant Pot, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow.
Also check out >>> 25 Simple and Amazing Recipes for Busy Weeknights
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Thanks to the Instant Pot, this recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, including prep and cooking time.
- Minimal Ingredients: You’ll only need pantry staples like honey, soy sauce, and garlic.
- One-Pot recipe: Less cleanup! The Instant Pot does all the work in one pot.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: You can make extra servings and store them for the week ahead.
Now, let’s get into how to make this Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken recipe!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons ketchup (adds a rich tangy flavor)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger (fresh works too if you have it!)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional for extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (for thickening)
>>>> 75 Dinner Ideas for Picky Eaters
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Start by seasoning your chicken thighs with a bit of salt and pepper. You can use chicken breasts if you prefer, but chicken thighs tend to stay more tender in the Instant Pot.
2. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ketchup, vinegar, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). This sauce is the heart of the Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken recipe, giving it that signature sweet and savory taste.
3. Sauté the Chicken
- Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function and add the sesame oil (or use olive oil if you prefer). Brown the chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes on each side. This helps lock in the flavor and gives the chicken a nice texture. You’re not cooking the chicken fully at this point, just browning.
4. Pressure Cook the Chicken
- Once the chicken is browned, turn off the sauté mode. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken, and add the 1/4 cup of water. Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, making sure the valve is set to “sealing.” Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
5. Natural Release
- After the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to “venting” for a quick release of any remaining pressure.
6. Thicken the Sauce
- Open the lid and remove the chicken thighs, setting them aside. Hit the sauté function again. Mix the cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy, syrupy consistency. Return the chicken to the pot and coat it in the sauce.
7. Serve
- Your Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is ready to serve! Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a bit of extra flavor and color. Pair it with steamed rice, quinoa, or even some sautéed veggies for a complete meal.
Tips for the Best Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
- Substitutions: Feel free to swap soy sauce for tamari if you’re gluten-free, or chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat.
- Double the Recipe: This Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken recipe can easily be doubled if you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts:
This Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something easy, quick, and bursting with flavor. The Instant Pot truly shines here, cutting down on cooking time while locking in the rich, sweet, and savory goodness of the honey garlic sauce. Once you try this, it’ll surely become a go-to in your meal rotation.
Don’t forget to let me know how your Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken turned out—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Enjoy!
Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Description
Are you in the mood for something flavorful but short on time? Look no further than this Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken recipe! This dish combines sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, making it a family favorite in no time. The beauty of the Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is how quickly you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort. If you're new to cooking with an Instant Pot, don't worry—I've got you covered with step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow.
