Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Honey garlic chicken has a special place in my heart—and stomach! There’s something about that combination of sweet honey, garlicky goodness, and a hint of spice that just hits all the right notes. And when it’s cooked in the Instant Pot? It’s a weeknight dream. You get juicy, fall-off-the-bone chicken thighs in just a fraction of the time it would take on the stovetop, all with minimal effort and cleanup.
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity. Just a handful of ingredients, many of which you probably already have in your pantry, come together to make a sauce that’s sticky, slightly spicy, and oh-so-addictive. Let me tell you, this recipe saved me on more than one chaotic evening when I wanted something satisfying but didn’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
A personal touch: the dinner that brought us all to the table
One evening, I had a fridge full of odds and ends and no dinner plan in sight (we’ve all been there, right?). I noticed I still had a pack of chicken thighs and thought, why not experiment? I threw together some honey, soy sauce, and garlic, popped it all in the Instant Pot, and hoped for the best. When that timer went off and I lifted the lid, I was hit with the most mouthwatering aroma. My family was drawn to the kitchen like moths to a flame, and let’s just say, not a single bite was left over. Ever since, this honey garlic chicken has become a regular in our rotation. It’s quick, satisfying, and guaranteed to bring everyone to the table.
A quick origin story
Honey garlic chicken isn’t specific to any one cuisine, but it borrows flavors from Asian-inspired cooking, where the combination of sweet, salty, and umami is the backbone of many dishes. Similar recipes appear in Chinese, Korean, and even American cuisines, each with their unique twist. The version we’re making here keeps things simple yet flavorful, with just a hint of spice from cayenne pepper. Over time, cooks have developed their own versions, adding different ingredients like ginger, sesame oil, or even a splash of vinegar for more complexity. But sometimes, the simplest version is the best—and that’s exactly what this recipe delivers.
Let’s talk ingredients: the essentials for flavor-packed chicken
- Chicken thighs: These are the star of the show. Thighs are perfect for this recipe because they stay juicy and tender under pressure. If you don’t have thighs, you could use chicken breasts, but they may end up a little drier. Try to go for bone-in, skin-on thighs if possible; the skin crisps up beautifully and adds extra flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential here. It gives the dish that irresistible aroma and depth of flavor. Don’t skimp!
- Honey: The sweetness of honey balances the saltiness of the soy sauce and makes the sauce wonderfully sticky. Maple syrup can be a decent substitute, but honey really has the best consistency for this sauce.
- Soy sauce: This is where the savory umami comes in. I like using low-sodium soy sauce so I can control the saltiness a bit better.
- Cayenne pepper: Just a few dashes add a subtle kick that really elevates the flavors. If you’re spice-averse, you can skip this, but even a little bit makes a difference.
- Parsley: Adds a fresh pop of color and brightness to the finished dish. You could swap in cilantro or green onions if that’s what you have on hand.
Kitchen gear you’ll need (don’t worry, it’s minimal!)
- Instant Pot: Obviously, this is the main tool here! If you don’t have one, you can adapt this recipe to a slow cooker or stovetop, but the cooking times and results may vary.
- Tongs: Tongs make it easy to flip and move the chicken around as you brown it. They’re also helpful for safely removing the chicken once it’s cooked.
- Small mixing bowl: This is where you’ll mix the honey garlic sauce. A whisk or even just a spoon will do to make sure everything is well-combined.
- Garlic press (optional): If you’re not a fan of mincing garlic by hand, a garlic press makes this job super fast and easy.
Step-by-step: how to make Instant Pot honey garlic chicken
1. Season the chicken
First things first, grab those chicken thighs and sprinkle them with salt and pepper on both sides. Don’t be shy here! This is the foundation of your flavor, so make sure they’re well seasoned.
2. Mix up the honey garlic sauce
In a small bowl, combine the honey, sugar, soy sauce, water (or chicken broth for a bit more depth), and a few dashes of cayenne pepper. Stir until the honey and sugar are fully dissolved. This step is key; you don’t want any sugar crystals sticking to the bottom of the Instant Pot and causing a burn notice!
3. Sauté the chicken
Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and let it heat up. Add a tablespoon of cooking oil, then place the chicken thighs in the pot, skin side down first. Let them sear for a few minutes until they’re golden brown. Flip them over and let the other side get a bit of color too. This browning step adds so much flavor, so don’t skip it!
4. Add garlic and the sauce
Once your chicken is nicely browned, add the remaining half tablespoon of oil and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds—just until the garlic starts to smell amazing. Then, pour in your honey garlic sauce over the chicken.
5. Pressure cook
Place the lid on your Instant Pot and set it to “Manual” on High pressure for 10 minutes. Once the timer goes off, do a quick release (carefully move the valve to release the pressure).
6. Finish and serve
After the pressure is released, carefully remove the lid. Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness, and serve your honey garlic chicken straight from the pot. Don’t forget to drizzle that extra sauce over everything!
Variations to try: make it your own!
- Add ginger: For a deeper, slightly spicy flavor, add a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger to the sauce. It pairs beautifully with the garlic.
- Make it gluten-free: Swap the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.
- Make it spicy: If you love heat, add a teaspoon of sriracha or a dash of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Vegan twist: You could swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh. Sauté as you would with the chicken, but reduce the pressure-cooking time to about 5 minutes.
- Seasonal variations: During summer, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end to brighten things up. In winter, add a bit of extra honey for a comforting sweetness.
Serving ideas: make it a meal
I love serving this honey garlic chicken over a bed of jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up all that delicious sauce. You could also try it with garlic mashed potatoes or a side of roasted veggies like broccoli, carrots, or green beans. For a pop of color, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top or add a handful of chopped green onions.
Drink pairings to complement the flavors
- White wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a semi-sweet Riesling pairs wonderfully with the honey and garlic flavors.
- Beer: A light lager or a pale ale keeps the meal feeling casual and refreshing.
- Non-alcoholic: A sparkling water with a twist of lemon or lime is perfect if you want to keep it alcohol-free but still refreshing.
Storing and reheating tips
Leftovers? No problem. Store any extra honey garlic chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop it in the microwave, or reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep the sauce from getting too thick. This dish actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld.
Scaling the recipe: feeding a crowd or just yourself
This recipe scales well, but keep in mind that the Instant Pot can only hold so much. If you’re doubling the recipe, make sure not to go over the “Max Fill” line. Cooking time remains the same for a larger batch, so no adjustments needed there. For smaller portions, you can halve the recipe but keep the cooking time consistent.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but keep in mind that breasts can dry out faster. You might want to reduce the cooking time by a minute or two.
2. How do I avoid the burn notice on my Instant Pot?
Make sure the honey and sugar are fully dissolved in the sauce, and deglaze the bottom of the pot after sautéing the chicken if there are any stuck bits.
3. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Just sear the chicken in a skillet, then transfer it to the slow cooker with the sauce and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
4. What can I serve with this dish?
Rice, quinoa, or roasted veggies are all excellent choices. The sauce pairs beautifully with anything that can soak it up!
5. How long will leftovers last?
Stored properly in the fridge, they’ll keep for up to 3 days.
Ready to try this Instant Pot honey garlic chicken?
This dish is easy, flavorful, and perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for family or just yourself, it’s bound to be a hit. So grab those ingredients, fire up your Instant Pot, and prepare to fall in love with a new favorite dinner!
PrintInstant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Sweet and savory Instant Pot honey garlic chicken that’s ready in minutes! Perfect for busy nights, this recipe is a family favorite.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
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
Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon sugar or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons water or chicken broth (preferred)
- 3 dashes cayenne pepper
Instructions
1. Season the chicken
First things first, grab those chicken thighs and sprinkle them with salt and pepper on both sides. Don’t be shy here! This is the foundation of your flavor, so make sure they’re well seasoned.
2. Mix up the honey garlic sauce
In a small bowl, combine the honey, sugar, soy sauce, water (or chicken broth for a bit more depth), and a few dashes of cayenne pepper. Stir until the honey and sugar are fully dissolved. This step is key; you don’t want any sugar crystals sticking to the bottom of the Instant Pot and causing a burn notice!
3. Sauté the chicken
Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and let it heat up. Add a tablespoon of cooking oil, then place the chicken thighs in the pot, skin side down first. Let them sear for a few minutes until they’re golden brown. Flip them over and let the other side get a bit of color too. This browning step adds so much flavor, so don’t skip it!
4. Add garlic and the sauce
Once your chicken is nicely browned, add the remaining half tablespoon of oil and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds—just until the garlic starts to smell amazing. Then, pour in your honey garlic sauce over the chicken.
5. Pressure cook
Place the lid on your Instant Pot and set it to “Manual” on High pressure for 10 minutes. Once the timer goes off, do a quick release (carefully move the valve to release the pressure).
6. Finish and serve
After the pressure is released, carefully remove the lid. Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness, and serve your honey garlic chicken straight from the pot. Don’t forget to drizzle that extra sauce over everything!
Notes
Serving ideas: make it a meal
I love serving this honey garlic chicken over a bed of jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up all that delicious sauce. You could also try it with garlic mashed potatoes or a side of roasted veggies like broccoli, carrots, or green beans. For a pop of color, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top or add a handful of chopped green onions.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner