Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

There’s something about a sweet and savory sauce that instantly transforms a dish, and this Instant Pot honey garlic chicken is no exception. It’s the perfect balance of flavors—tender, juicy chicken thighs bathed in a sticky honey garlic glaze that’s just spicy enough to keep things interesting. Best of all, it’s a quick meal you can whip up on a busy weeknight without sacrificing any flavor. If you’ve ever found yourself scrambling for something that feels like a treat but doesn’t take hours to make, this recipe is for you. Trust me, you’ll want to make extra just for the leftovers (if there are any!).

I first stumbled across this dish during a frantic week where I was leaning on my trusty Instant Pot more than ever. I had chicken thighs, some honey, and garlic hanging around, and the rest just came together. Funny enough, the smell of garlic and honey sizzling in the pot transported me right back to a small café I visited years ago, where they served a similar sweet and savory dish over fluffy jasmine rice. The cozy aroma fills your kitchen, and the result is just as comforting as that memory.

Now, every time I make this honey garlic chicken, it feels like a little culinary escape—minus the plane ticket!

this RECIPE

🍗 Why this honey garlic chicken is a must-try

What makes this dish stand out is how simple it is without cutting corners on flavor. The sauce comes together with pantry staples—honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a little kick from cayenne pepper. You get this delightful interplay of sweet, salty, and slightly spicy. Plus, the Instant Pot takes care of most of the work, meaning you can have a rich, delicious meal on the table in under 30 minutes.

Chicken thighs are perfect for this recipe because they’re juicy and forgiving, even if you accidentally leave them in a little longer. And trust me, the sauce clinging to that crispy, golden skin is pure heaven.

The story behind honey garlic chicken

While honey garlic chicken has its roots in various Asian cuisines, it has become a staple in many households around the world. The combination of honey and garlic shows up in Chinese, Korean, and even Mediterranean dishes. Over time, recipes like this have evolved to suit different taste preferences, with the addition of soy sauce, cayenne pepper, or even a splash of vinegar for tang. What’s great about this version is how it takes all the beloved elements of those traditional flavors and simplifies them for an easy weeknight meal.

Let’s talk ingredients: simple, yet so flavorful

• Chicken thighs: These are the star of the dish, offering more flavor and moisture than chicken breasts. If you only have breasts on hand, you can substitute them, but they’ll need a bit less time under pressure. You could also use drumsticks if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Garlic: Minced garlic is key for that deep, aromatic base. Don’t skimp on it—it’s what gives the dish its signature flavor. If you ever run out of fresh garlic, a ½ teaspoon of garlic powder can work in a pinch.
• Honey: The sweetness of honey pairs perfectly with the savory soy sauce and garlic. You can swap it with maple syrup if needed, though honey gives a thicker, stickier glaze.
• Soy sauce: This brings in a salty, umami kick to balance out the sweetness. Tamari or coconut aminos are great gluten-free alternatives.
• Cayenne pepper: Just a pinch adds a subtle heat to the sauce. You can skip it if you’re serving kids or double it if you love spice!
• Parsley: While optional, parsley gives a fresh pop of color and mild flavor to the finished dish.

Kitchen gear: What you need (and what you can totally skip)

For this recipe, your Instant Pot is, of course, essential. If you don’t have one yet, I can’t recommend it enough for quick meals like this! But let’s talk about what else will make your life easier:

• Tongs: These are super helpful for turning your chicken while searing, especially when working with hot oil.
• A good garlic press or sharp knife: Minced garlic is key to this recipe’s flavor, so having a way to finely chop or press your garlic makes all the difference.
• A wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring the sauce and sautéing the garlic, it’s always good to have something that won’t scratch your Instant Pot’s surface.

If you don’t have an Instant Pot, a slow cooker could work too, though you’d have to adjust the time and possibly sear the chicken on the stovetop first.

Step-by-step: My foolproof method for Instant Pot honey garlic chicken

1. Season your chicken: Start by patting your chicken thighs dry with a paper towel, then season them generously with salt and pepper. Let them sit for a few minutes to absorb the seasoning while you prepare the sauce.
   • Tip: If you want extra-crispy skin, you can even lightly dust the chicken thighs with a bit of cornstarch before searing. It gives them a beautiful golden crust!
2. Prepare the honey garlic sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, sugar, water (or broth), and cayenne pepper. Make sure the honey and sugar dissolve fully. Set this aside so it’s ready to go when the time comes.
3. Sear the chicken: Turn your Instant Pot to Sauté mode, add 1 tablespoon of oil, and let it heat up. Place the chicken thighs in the pot, skin-side down, and let them brown for about 3-4 minutes per side. You want a nice golden color. This step locks in flavor!
   • Mistake I’ve made: Forgetting to wait until the oil is hot enough. The key is patience—let the pot heat up before adding the chicken to get that lovely sear.
4. Sauté the garlic: With the chicken still in the pot, add the remaining oil and garlic. Stir it around for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic (it can happen quickly if the heat’s too high).
5. Pressure cook: Pour the sauce over the chicken, lock the Instant Pot lid, and set it to Manual on High pressure for 10 minutes. Once it’s done, perform a Quick Release. The chicken will be perfectly tender, and the sauce will have thickened slightly.
6. Finish and serve: Stir in the chopped parsley, and you’re ready to serve! I love spooning some extra sauce over the chicken right before serving—it’s too good not to.

Variations: How to make this recipe your own

One of the best parts of cooking at home is experimenting! Here are a few fun ways you can tweak this honey garlic chicken:

• Gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and make sure your broth is gluten-free.
• Spicier: If you love heat, double the cayenne pepper, or add a squirt of sriracha to the sauce. I’ve even added red pepper flakes before for an extra kick.
• Vegan/vegetarian: You can use tofu instead of chicken! Just press the tofu to get rid of excess moisture and brown it as you would the chicken. It won’t need as much time in the Instant Pot, so reduce the cooking time to about 4-5 minutes.
• Seasonal ingredients: In the summer, I like to throw in a handful of fresh basil at the end for a fragrant finish. In winter, a pinch of cinnamon adds a cozy warmth to the dish.

Serving ideas: Make it a meal!

This Instant Pot honey garlic chicken is perfect served over a bed of steamed rice—it soaks up the sauce beautifully. You could also pair it with quinoa or mashed potatoes for a heartier option.

For a lighter meal, serve the chicken alongside sautéed green beans or a crisp cucumber salad. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some sesame seeds or green onions on top for garnish.

drink pairings

A refreshing drink can elevate this meal even further! I recommend something light and slightly sweet to balance out the savory sauce:

• Iced green tea: Its earthy notes cut through the richness of the chicken, and a squeeze of lemon brightens the whole meal.
• Lemonade: Sweet and tangy, lemonade complements the honey garlic glaze without overpowering it.
• Sparkling water with lime: A simple, fizzy drink to cleanse your palate between bites, especially if you’ve amped up the spice in the sauce.

Storing and reheating leftovers

If you have leftovers, they store beautifully! Place the chicken in an airtight container, and it’ll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. When reheating, I suggest using the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, but you can also warm it up in a skillet with a splash of water to revive the sauce.

• Tip: If freezing, let the chicken cool completely before placing it in the freezer. It’ll last up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as usual.

Scaling the recipe

If you’re cooking for a larger crowd, you can easily double the recipe. The Instant Pot can handle up to 8 thighs without needing to adjust the cooking time. If you’re making a smaller portion, say for one or two people, you can halve the recipe, but I’d keep the sauce quantities the same for extra flavor.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes! Boneless thighs will work perfectly, and you can reduce the pressure cooking time to 8 minutes.

What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?
No worries! You can make this on the stovetop in a Dutch oven. Sear the chicken, then simmer everything covered for about 25-30 minutes until cooked through.

How can I make this dish spicier?
You can increase the cayenne or add sriracha to the sauce for an extra kick. Red pepper flakes are also a nice touch.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time to 7 minutes under pressure to avoid overcooking the breasts.

What sides go best with honey garlic chicken?
Rice, mashed potatoes, or sautéed veggies like green beans or broccoli pair well with the sweet and savory sauce.

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