Why Make This Recipe

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is a quick and easy dish that is packed with flavor. It is a perfect meal for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. The tender chicken combined with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce makes for a satisfying dinner that your family will love. Plus, using the Instant Pot speeds up the cooking process, allowing you to enjoy your meal in a fraction of the time.

How to Make Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Ingredients:

1 1/2 lbs. (750g) chicken thighs (4 chicken thighs)
Salt
Ground black pepper
1 1/2 tablespoons cooking oil
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
3 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon sugar (or brown sugar)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons water (or chicken broth preferred)
3 dashes cayenne pepper

Directions:

Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Mix all the ingredients for the Honey Garlic Sauce together and stir until well combined. Ensure that the honey and sugar have fully dissolved. Set aside.
Turn on the Saute mode on your Instant Pot. Once heated, add 1 tablespoon of the cooking oil. Sear the chicken thighs, skin-side down first, until both sides are nicely browned.
Leave the chicken in the Instant Pot, add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of oil, and add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for a little bit.
Pour the sauce into the pot and cover the lid. Select Manual and set to High pressure for 10 minutes.
When it beeps, turn to Quick Release. When the valve drops, carefully remove the lid. Add the chopped parsley and serve the chicken with the honey garlic sauce immediately.

How to Serve Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

You can serve this dish over cooked rice, quinoa, or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce. Add some steamed vegetables on the side for a complete meal. It can also be delicious on its own or as part of a salad.

How to Store Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

If you have leftovers, store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

Tips to Make Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Always ensure that the chicken is well-coated with the honey garlic sauce for maximum flavor.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can set the Instant Pot to Saute mode again after cooking and let the sauce simmer until it thickens.
Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper based on your spice preference.

Variation

For a sweet and spicy twist, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs! Just increase the cooking time by a couple of minutes.

What can I use instead of honey?
If you want an alternative to honey, you can try maple syrup or agave syrup for a similar sweetness.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken makes excellent leftovers and is perfect for meal prepping. Just portion it out for the week!