Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
If you’re looking for a quick and delicious recipe that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy, look no further than this Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken. This dish is not only simple to prepare but also packed with flavor, making it a perfect weeknight dinner. With tender chicken thighs bathed in a sweet and savory sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Plus, the Instant Pot makes it a breeze to whip up, cutting down your cooking time significantly.
Why You’ll Keep Making It
This Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is a game changer for busy weeknights. The combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates a mouthwatering glaze that perfectly complements the juicy chicken thighs. Not only is it quick to prepare, but the Instant Pot locks in all the flavors and moisture, ensuring that every bite is tender and delicious. Serve it over rice or with steamed vegetables for a complete meal that everyone will love. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Ingredient List
- 1 1/2 lbs. (750g) chicken thighs – Bone-in or boneless, skinless thighs work best for this recipe.
- Salt – To taste, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Ground black pepper – A touch of spice to elevate the dish.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cooking oil – For sautéing the chicken and garlic.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – The star ingredient for that aromatic flavor.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley – For garnish, adding a fresh touch.
- 3 tablespoons honey – The sweet element that balances the savory notes.
- 1 teaspoon sugar or brown sugar – Enhances the sweetness of the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce – Adds depth and umami flavor.
- 3 tablespoons water or chicken broth – For a richer sauce, opt for chicken broth.
- 3 dashes cayenne pepper – Just a hint of heat to round out the flavors.
Before You Start: Equipment
- Instant Pot – The star of the show for quick and efficient cooking.
- Cutting board and knife – For chopping garlic and parsley.
- Measuring spoons – To ensure accurate measurements of ingredients.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring and mixing the ingredients.
- Serving dish – To present your delicious chicken.
Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps to achieve a nice sear. Season both sides generously with salt and ground black pepper.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Turn your Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ mode and add the cooking oil. Once hot, carefully place the chicken thighs in the pot, skin side down if using skin-on thighs. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In the same pot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can turn bitter.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Add the honey, sugar, soy sauce, and water or chicken broth to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to enhance the flavor.
Step 5: Pressure Cook
Return the chicken thighs to the pot, making sure they are submerged in the sauce. Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to ‘Sealing.’ Pressure cook on high for 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the thighs.
Step 6: Release Pressure
Once the cooking time is up, carefully perform a quick release by switching the valve to ‘Venting.’ Once the pressure has fully released, open the lid and check the internal temperature of the chicken; it should read 165°F (75°C).
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove the chicken from the pot and place it on a serving dish. If desired, you can thicken the sauce by turning the Instant Pot back to ‘Sauté’ and letting it simmer for a few minutes until it reaches your desired consistency. Drizzle the sauce over the chicken, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve warm.
Allergy-Friendly Substitutes
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce.
- Vegetarian: Substitute chicken thighs with firm tofu or tempeh, adjusting cooking time as necessary.
- Low-Sugar: Use a sugar substitute suitable for cooking in place of honey and sugar.
- Spicy: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a splash of sriracha for extra heat.
Pro Tips & Notes
- For best results, use chicken thighs as they are more forgiving than chicken breasts and stay juicy.
- If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of honey or sugar based on your taste.
- Feel free to add vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers to the pot for a complete meal in one go.
- The sauce thickens nicely when simmered after cooking, adding a wonderful glaze to the chicken.
Cooling, Storing & Rewarming
Leftover Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in a microwave-safe dish and heat until warmed through. If you want to serve it again with that delicious sauce, consider reheating it in a saucepan on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Handy Q&A
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may turn out a bit drier than thighs. Adjust the cooking time to about 6-8 minutes, as breasts cook faster.
What can I serve with honey garlic chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables. You can also serve it with Saucy Peanut Noodles With Chicken for a delightful twist.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). A meat thermometer is a great tool to ensure your chicken is safely cooked.
Because You Liked This
- Honey Garlic Chicken – Another delicious rendition to try!
- Green Chili Chicken Soup – A hearty option for a cozy night in.
Final Thoughts
The Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is truly a standout dish that combines convenience and flavor in one fantastic recipe. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this dish is easy to master and will impress your family and friends alike. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a meal that feels gourmet. So, grab your Instant Pot and get cooking! This dish might just become your new go-to for busy weeknights. Enjoy every flavorful bite!
Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and ground black pepper.
- Turn your Instant Pot to the 'Sauté' mode and add the cooking oil. Once hot, carefully place the chicken thighs in the pot, skin side down if using skin-on thighs. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
- Add the honey, sugar, soy sauce, and water or chicken broth to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Return the chicken thighs to the pot, making sure they are submerged in the sauce. Close the lid and set the valve to 'Sealing.' Pressure cook on high for 8-10 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is up, carefully perform a quick release by switching the valve to 'Venting.' Check the internal temperature of the chicken; it should read 165°F (75°C).
- Remove the chicken from the pot and place it on a serving dish. If desired, thicken the sauce by returning the Instant Pot to 'Sauté' and simmering until desired consistency.
Notes
- For best results, use chicken thighs as they are more forgiving than chicken breasts.
- If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of honey or sugar.
- Add vegetables like broccoli for a complete meal in one go.
