Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

There’s something wonderfully comforting about a dish that combines the sweetness of honey with the savory notes of garlic, especially when it’s prepared quickly in an Instant Pot. This Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken transforms simple ingredients into a family favorite in just a matter of minutes. Whether you’re chasing down a weeknight meal or preparing for a casual get-together, this recipe serves it all with ease. What makes it particularly special is how the aromatic garlic melds with the rich honey, creating a sticky glaze that’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s an ideal dish for both busy parents and home cooks who want to enjoy a homemade meal without the fuss.

Why you’ll love this dish

Busy lives often leave little room for elaborate cooking. That’s where this Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken shines! Imagine a dish that’s not just incredibly easy to whip up, but also brings delightful flavors that will please kids and adults alike. It’s perfect for those hurried weeknights or when you’re craving something delicious without spending all evening in the kitchen.

With its flavorful honey garlic sauce, this dish is a hit on the family dinner table and makes excellent leftovers for lunch. Plus, it’s a real crowd-pleaser for casual gatherings — just serve it up hot, and you’ll have friends and family asking for seconds!

"This dish is now a staple in our home! The flavor is incredible, and I love how easy it is to make. Instant Pot recipes have become my go-to!" – A happy home cook

The cooking process explained

Let’s get right into the nitty-gritty! Preparing this Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is a straightforward process that can be broken down into just a few essential steps. In under 30 minutes, you’ll go from raw ingredients to a savory meal ready for plating.

It all begins with seasoning the chicken and mixing the flavorful sauce, followed by quick sautéing and pressure cooking in the Instant Pot. This efficient cooking method locks in all the juices and flavors, ensuring a flavorful meal that everyone will enjoy.

What you’ll need

Here’s your grocery list for this delightful dish:

• 1 1/2 lbs. (750g) chicken thighs (approximately 4 thighs)
• Salt (to taste)
• Ground black pepper (to taste)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon sugar (or you can use brown sugar)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons water (or chicken broth for extra flavor)
• 3 dashes cayenne pepper (for a kick)

Feel free to experiment with some substitutions — for example, boneless chicken breasts work just as well, or you might opt for low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching sodium intake.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper to taste. Set them aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine honey, sugar, soy sauce, water (or chicken broth), and cayenne pepper. Ensure that the honey and sugar dissolve completely, then set the sauce aside.
3. Turn on the Sauté mode on your Instant Pot. Once hot, add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil and pan-sear the chicken thighs, starting with the skin side down, until they are nicely browned on both sides.
4. Once done browning, leave the chicken thighs in the pot, add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of oil, and sauté in the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken, secure the lid, and set the Instant Pot to Manual mode at High pressure for 10 minutes.
6. When the cooking time is up, carefully turn the valve for Quick Release. Once the steam is fully released, remove the lid, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve hot.

Best ways to enjoy it

This dish is incredibly versatile! Serve the Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the delicious sauce or with steamed vegetables for a healthy plate. You can also toss in some roasted potatoes or serve it alongside a fresh garden salad. The sweet and savory flavors complement various sides beautifully, making it an easy choice for any meal.

Storage and reheating tips

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is likely because this chicken is mouthwateringly good), they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. For longer storage, consider freezing the chicken in portions, which will last up to 3 months in the freezer. Make sure to defrost it overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.

Helpful cooking tips

Here are a few tips to elevate your cooking experience:

• For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in the honey garlic sauce for a couple of hours or overnight before cooking.
• Always ensure the chicken is fully cooked; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
• While you can use chicken thighs, this recipe adapts easily to chicken breasts or even wings! Just adjust your cooking time as needed.

Creative twists

Want to mix things up? Here are some variations you could try:

• Substitute the honey with maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness.
• Add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas right before sealing the Instant Pot for a one-pot meal full of nutrients.
• For a dieter-friendly version, swap the soy sauce for coconut aminos or reduce the amount of honey for a less sweet sauce.

Common questions

1. How long does it take to make Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken?
   This meal can be prepped and cooked in under 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner!

2. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
   Absolutely! Just adjust your cooking time to about 8-10 minutes to prevent overcooking.

3. What if I don’t have honey?
   You can substitute with another sweetener, like agave syrup or maple syrup, but it may slightly alter the flavor.

4. How do I ensure my chicken is moist and tender?
   Avoid overcooking and let the pressure release naturally after the cooking cycle for the best results.

This Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is genuinely a treasure to have in your recipe arsenal. Its ease of preparation, coupled with delicious flavors, makes it a perfect dish for any occasion, ensuring it will become a favorite among your family and friends.

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

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• Author: moudnib2022gmail-com
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Gluten-Free

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Description

A quick and savory dish that combines honey and garlic for a sticky glaze on chicken, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

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

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Instructions

1. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper to taste and set them aside.
2. In a bowl, combine honey, sugar, soy sauce, water or chicken broth, and cayenne pepper. Mix until honey and sugar are dissolved, then set aside.
3. Turn on the Sauté mode on your Instant Pot. Once hot, add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil and sear the chicken thighs skin side down until browned, about 4-5 minutes per side.
4. Add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of oil, and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken, secure the lid, and set to Manual mode at High pressure for 10 minutes.
6. When cooking time is up, turn the valve for Quick Release, remove the lid, sprinkle with parsley, and serve hot.

Notes

For additional flavor, marinate chicken in sauce for a few hours or overnight. Ensure chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Pressure Cooking
• Cuisine: Asian