Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

This 20-minute Instant Pot honey garlic chicken recipe is the perfect addition to your weeknight staples. Juicy boneless chicken thighs are seared and pan-fried in the Instant Pot, then smothered in a sticky honey garlic sauce that tastes just like Chinese takeout! This dish is quick, flavorful, and ideal for busy evenings or family gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With only 20 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for those hectic weeknights.
• Flavorful Sauce: The combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates a rich, savory glaze that will delight your taste buds.
• Versatile Dish: Great as a main course or served over rice or noodles, making it suitable for various occasions.
• Healthier Option: Made with simple ingredients, this dish is healthier than takeout but still delivers on flavor.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike, this meal is sure to impress at any dinner table.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing your Instant Pot honey garlic chicken is seamless with the right tools. Gather these essential items to ensure success!

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring spoons
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Instant Pot: The star of the show! It speeds up cooking time while locking in flavors and moisture.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring without scratching your Instant Pot’s surface.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes prepping your ingredients easier and safer.
• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping your garlic and parsley.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 1/2 lbs. (750g) chicken thighs (4 chicken thighs)
• salt
• ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 tablespoons cooking oil

For the Honey Garlic Sauce

• 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

How to Make Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Set aside.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

1. In a bowl, mix all the ingredients for the honey garlic sauce together.
2. Stir well until the honey and sugar are completely dissolved. Set aside.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

1. Turn on the Saute mode on your Instant Pot.
2. Once heated, add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil.
3. Pan-sear the chicken thighs skin-side down first until both sides are nicely browned.

Step 4: Cook with Sauce

1. Leave the chicken in the Instant Pot.
2. Add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of oil along with minced garlic.
3. Sauté the garlic briefly until fragrant.
4. Pour in the prepared sauce and cover with the lid.
5. Select Manual mode and set to High pressure for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Release Pressure and Serve

1. When cooking time is complete, perform a Quick Release by turning the valve.
2. Once it drops, carefully remove the lid.
3. Add chopped parsley on top before serving.

Now you have a delicious serving of Instant Pot honey garlic chicken ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Instant Pot honey garlic chicken is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with various sides and garnishes. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or meal prep, these suggestions will enhance your meal.

Over Rice

• Steamed White Rice: The sticky honey garlic sauce complements plain steamed white rice perfectly.
• Brown Rice: For a healthier option, serve the chicken over nutty brown rice to add fiber.

With Vegetables

• Stir-Fried Broccoli: Quick stir-fried broccoli adds color and crunch, balancing the sweetness of the dish.
• Sautéed Spinach: Lightly sautéed spinach provides a nutritious green element that complements the flavors.

As Wraps

• Lettuce Wraps: Use large lettuce leaves to wrap pieces of chicken for a fresh, low-carb option.
• Tortilla Wraps: Add the chicken to tortillas with some veggies for a delicious handheld meal.

With Noodles

• Lo Mein: Toss the chicken with lo mein noodles and additional vegetables for an easy one-pan meal.
• Rice Noodles: Serve over rice noodles for a gluten-free alternative that soaks up the honey garlic sauce.

How to Perfect Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

To achieve the best results with your Instant Pot honey garlic chicken, follow these helpful tips:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and quality chicken make a noticeable difference in flavor.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Ensure there’s enough space for the chicken to cook evenly and absorb flavors.
• Adjust Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, use a cornstarch slurry after cooking to thicken it up.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest before slicing helps keep it juicy and tender.

Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Pairing side dishes with your Instant Pot honey garlic chicken can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Steamed Vegetables: A mix of colorful veggies like carrots and snap peas adds nutrition and crunch.
2. Quinoa Salad: Combine quinoa with diced cucumbers and tomatoes for a refreshing side.
3. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide rich comfort alongside the dish.
4. Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad dressed in vinegar adds freshness to balance out the sweetness.
5. Fried Rice: Use leftover rice sautéed with eggs and vegetables for a heartier option.
6. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can offer a nice contrast to the sweet honey garlic sauce.
7. Asian Slaw: Shredded cabbage with sesame dressing brings an Asian twist that complements the main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many home cooks make mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture of their Instant Pot honey garlic chicken. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping seasoning: Always season your chicken thighs with salt and pepper before cooking. This step enhances the flavor and ensures a delicious meal.
• Not dissolving sugar and honey: Make sure that both the honey and sugar are completely dissolved in the sauce. Undissolved sugar can lead to a gritty texture in your dish.
• Overcrowding the pot: Avoid placing too many chicken pieces in the Instant Pot at once. Overcrowding can prevent proper cooking and browning, resulting in unevenly cooked chicken.
• Ignoring pressure release methods: Familiarize yourself with Quick Release versus Natural Release. For this recipe, using Quick Release is essential for juicy, tender results.
• Neglecting to sauté garlic properly: Sautéing garlic briefly before adding it to the sauce adds depth of flavor. Don’t rush this step or skip it altogether.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Instant Pot honey garlic chicken in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

• Allow the chicken to cool completely before freezing.
• Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Frozen chicken can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely, and reheat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat; add a splash of water or broth, then add the chicken. Cover and cook until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken?

Instant Pot honey garlic chicken is a quick and easy dish featuring juicy chicken thighs cooked in a flavorful honey garlic sauce using an Instant Pot.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute boneless skinless chicken breasts for thighs, but adjust the cooking time since breasts may cook faster.

How can I customize this recipe?

You can add vegetables such as bell peppers or broccoli to the pot for added nutrition. Adjust the sauce ingredients if desired.

What should I serve with Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with rice or noodles, as well as steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for balance.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot honey garlic chicken recipe is not only quick but also bursting with flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying yet simple. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting the sweetness level to suit your taste preferences.