Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is a great choice for making dinner. They are affordable, tasty, and work well in simple recipes like this one, which can help you avoid stress when planning meals. That’s why it’s always a good idea to buy boneless, skinless chicken thighs when you go grocery shopping, even if you don’t know exactly what you’ll make with them. They are so versatile that you can turn them into a delicious meal anytime, making them a must-have in your kitchen.

The honey garlic sauce is packed with flavor, and using an Instant Pot helps save time, letting you focus on making delicious side dishes like roasted bok choy or coconut rice. You can also add some baby potatoes cut in half and sliced carrots to the pot, so they cook along with the chicken. These chicken thighs are sweet, savory, and a little salty, making them perfect to pair with almost anything. No matter what sides you choose, this dish is sure to be a favorite at the table.

Ingredients

Steps to Make It

01

Make sure you have all the ingredients ready before you start.

02

Take a medium-sized bowl and add the minced garlic, soy sauce, honey, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, mushroom powder (if you want to use it), and onion powder. Use a whisk to mix everything together well. Make sure all the ingredients are combined evenly, creating a smooth and flavorful sauce.

03

Turn on the sauté setting on your Instant Pot and let it heat up. Once it’s hot, add the canola oil and spread it around to cover the bottom of the pot. Then, put the chicken thighs in the pot and cook them for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn brown. After that, add 3 tablespoons of water to the pot to help loosen any bits of food that are stuck to the bottom. Use a spoon to gently scrape those bits off the pot. This helps add extra flavor and gets the pot ready for the next step.

04

Pour the honey garlic sauce into the Instant Pot, making sure the chicken is well covered. After adding the sauce, turn off the sauté setting. Next, put the lid on the pot and lock it securely so it’s ready for cooking under pressure.

05

Set your Instant Pot to the pressure cooker/manual setting and set the timer for 10 minutes. When the cooking time is done, let the pot sit for about 5 minutes to allow the pressure to release on its own. After 5 minutes, carefully release any remaining pressure by using the manual release valve, so you can safely open the lid.

06

Take the chicken out of the Instant Pot and place it on a serving plate. Pour the sauce over the chicken, or you can serve the sauce in a small dish on the side. Sprinkle some sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top as a garnish. Serve the chicken right away while it’s still warm and tasty.

Tips

Recipe Variations

How to Store

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

FAQs

Can frozen chicken thighs be used instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen chicken thighs work well in the Instant Pot. If you’re using frozen chicken, make sure the pieces aren’t stuck together before cooking. There’s no need to brown the chicken first, as you would with fresh. Just place the frozen thighs directly in the pot and add an extra 2 minutes to the pressure-cooking time. This will ensure the chicken cooks properly and stays tender.

What type of chicken works best for this dish?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal because they stay juicy and tender, even under high pressure. However, chicken breasts can also be used if you prefer leaner meat, though they may not be as moist. Bone-in chicken is another option but requires slightly longer cooking to ensure it is fully cooked through.

How do you ensure the chicken cooks evenly?

For even cooking, arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the Instant Pot. If you’re using frozen chicken, separate the pieces beforehand. Ensuring there’s enough liquid (such as water or broth) in the pot is also important, as it generates the steam needed for consistent pressure cooking.

Can I skip browning the chicken?

Yes, browning is an optional step. While browning adds a caramelized flavor to the chicken and enhances the overall taste, it isn’t necessary for the success of the dish. If time is short or if you’re using frozen chicken, you can skip this step without compromising the tenderness of the meat.

What substitutes can be used for soy sauce?

For those with dietary restrictions, soy sauce can be replaced with tamari (a gluten-free option) or coconut aminos (a soy-free alternative). Both options provide a similar savory and salty base to the sauce. Adjust the quantity slightly to suit your taste.

How can I thicken the sauce after cooking?

To thicken the sauce, use the Instant Pot’s sauté function after the chicken is cooked. Mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce. Heat until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency, stirring constantly.

How do I make the sauce tangier?

For a tangier sauce, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or lemon juice. These ingredients add a bright, acidic note to balance the sweetness of the honey and the saltiness of the soy sauce.

Can I add extra flavors or seasonings?

Absolutely! This recipe is highly customizable. Add fresh ginger for warmth, a drizzle of sesame oil for nuttiness, or a pinch of chili flakes for heat. These additional ingredients can enhance the overall depth and complexity of the dish.

How do I avoid the “burn” warning on the Instant Pot?

To prevent the burn warning, ensure there is enough liquid in the pot before pressure cooking. A minimum of 1/2 cup of liquid, such as water or chicken broth, is necessary. If you use the sauté function before pressure cooking, deglaze the bottom of the pot by scraping off any browned bits with a wooden spoon.

How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check after cooking. If you don’t have a thermometer, the chicken should be white and tender, with no pink in the center.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this dish is excellent for meal prep. You can make a large batch and store it in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator or freeze portions for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or sauce to keep the chicken moist.

Can rice or other grains be cooked alongside the chicken?

Yes, you can use the pot-in-pot method to cook grains like rice or quinoa while the chicken cooks. Place a trivet in the Instant Pot above the chicken and sauce, then set a heatproof bowl with rice and water on top. Cook as usual, and both components will be ready at the same time.

What vegetables can I add to this recipe?

You can add vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas. For tender vegetables, add them after pressure cooking and use the sauté function to cook them until they reach the desired texture. For sturdier vegetables like carrots, you can add them before pressure cooking.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe as long as you don’t exceed the maximum fill line of your Instant Pot. Doubling the ingredients does not require additional cooking time, as the pressure cooking process will ensure all the chicken is cooked evenly.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, the natural sweetness of the honey makes this dish appealing to children. You can reduce the amount of garlic or skip spicy ingredients like chili flakes to make it more suitable for younger palates.

How can leftovers be reheated?

To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a pan on low heat on the stovetop, or microwave in a covered dish to prevent drying out. Adding a small amount of water or extra sauce can help retain the dish’s moisture and flavor.

Is it safe to cook honey in the Instant Pot?

Yes, honey is safe to cook under pressure. It melds beautifully with the other ingredients, creating a rich and flavorful sauce. While cooking, the heat caramelizes the honey slightly, enhancing its sweetness.

What are some garnish options for serving?

For a finishing touch, garnish the dish with sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions. These add visual appeal and enhance the flavor with subtle nutty and fresh notes.

What are the best side dishes for this recipe?

This dish pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or noodles. For a healthier option, serve it with cauliflower rice or roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini.