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Let me tell you about an absolute game-changer for weeknight dinners: the Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe. This dish is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with tender chicken breasts bathing in a luscious honey garlic sauce that is bursting with flavor. Thanks to the Instant Pot, you get juicy, fall-apart chicken in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules without compromising on taste. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned pro, this recipe will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe lies in its simplicity and how every ingredient shines through. Each element contributes a crucial note—whether it’s the honey’s natural sweetness, the kick of soy sauce, or the warmth of garlic—to create a dish that’s rich, well-rounded, and incredibly inviting.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These provide the tender, juicy base of the dish; perfect for quick cooking in the Instant Pot.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.
- Honey: Adds a delightful sweetness that balances the savory ingredients flawlessly.
- Soy sauce: Brings depth and a touch of umami to the sauce.
- Diced onion: Adds subtle texture and a mild aromatic sweetness when cooked down.
- Ketchup: Provides a hint of tanginess and color to the sauce.
- Vegetable oil: Essential for bringing the flavors together and helping to sauté the garlic.
- Garlic cloves, minced: The star aromatics that infuse the chicken with irresistible flavor.
- Cornstarch dissolved in water: Used to thicken the sauce into a glossy, sticky coating.
- Sesame seeds and green onions: Perfect finishing touches that add crunch and a fresh burst of color.
- Rice: The classic side that soaks up all the savory, sweet sauce beautifully.
How to Make Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season and Load the Chicken
Start by placing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts right into the bottom of your Instant Pot. Make sure to season them generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor right from the start. This simple step sets the foundation for a truly delicious dish.
Step 2: Mix and Pour the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, diced onion, ketchup, vegetable oil, and minced garlic. This combination delivers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes. Pour this vibrant sauce over the chicken in the pot, ensuring every piece is generously coated. Seal the lid and get ready to work some Instant Pot magic.
Step 3: Pressure Cook for Tenderness
Set your Instant Pot to the Meat setting, or manually select high pressure for 15 minutes. This is where the chicken absorbs all the flavors while cooking to tender perfection. Once done, perform a quick release to stop the cooking immediately, preventing overcooking and keeping the chicken moist. Then carefully remove the chicken, leaving the delicious juices behind.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Now it’s time to transform that flavorful cooking liquid into a luxurious sauce. Dissolve the cornstarch in water and pour it into the pot with the remaining sauce. Stir everything well, then select the Sauté function and let the sauce thicken for about 5 minutes. You’ll notice it turning beautifully glossy—that’s the hallmark of a sauce you just want to dive right into.
Step 5: Combine and Final Touches
Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces before tossing it back into the thickened sauce. This step ensures every morsel is gloriously coated in the sticky honey garlic glaze. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for a delightful crunch and fresh aroma. Serve piping hot over cooked rice to soak up every last drop of that heavenly sauce.
How to Serve Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a generous amount of sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the finished dish. These simple garnishes bring a wonderful crunch and a pop of bright green that elevates both the look and taste of this honey garlic chicken.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with plain steamed rice, which acts as a perfect sponge for the sauce. You can also serve it with fluffy quinoa or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Steamed or roasted vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or carrots add freshness and vibrancy, making your meal feel complete.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or just shake things up, serve this honey garlic chicken on a bed of cooked noodles like soba or udon for an Asian-inspired twist. Adding a few thin slices of fresh chili or a drizzle of sriracha gives it a spicy kick that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness. A sprinkle of crushed peanuts can add even more texture and flavor complexity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The sauce tends to thicken as it sits, so just before serving again, give it a good stir and heat gently to restore that sticky, luscious texture.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to two months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating. The chicken remains tender and moist, and the sauce comes back to life with just a little care.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can be used and will result in an even juicier and more flavorful dish. Adjust the cooking time slightly if your thighs are very thick, but the Instant Pot handles thighs beautifully.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
If you use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, this Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe can easily be made gluten-free. Just be sure to double-check all labels of packaged ingredients.
Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can simmer the sauce and chicken on the stovetop, but it will require longer cooking times and more attention to prevent drying out. The Instant Pot, however, is the best tool to get tender, juicy chicken quickly.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe is mild and sweet by nature. If you like a bit of heat, feel free to add chili flakes, fresh chilies, or a drizzle of hot sauce when serving. It pairs perfectly with the honey garlic sweetness.
Can I double the recipe?
You can double the ingredients, just be mindful of your Instant Pot’s max fill line. Cooking times will remain roughly the same, but you might want to increase the sauce ingredients proportionally for the best flavor balance.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe enough—it’s truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Quick, easy, deeply flavorful, and perfect for sharing with family or friends. Keep this recipe handy the next time you want a fuss-free meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. You’re going to love how it comes together and how everyone will ask for seconds!
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Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American Asian Fusion
Description
This Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken recipe offers a deliciously sweet and savory meal cooked quickly in your pressure cooker. Tender chicken breasts are infused with a flavorful honey-soy garlic sauce, thickened to perfection and served over fluffy rice. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, this dish is both comforting and impressive with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup onion, diced
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
Thickening and Garnish
- 3 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- Sesame seeds for topping
- Green onion, sliced, for topping
Serving
- Rice for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the Instant Pot. Season them generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Make the sauce and combine: In a small bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, diced onion, ketchup, vegetable oil, and minced garlic. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken in the Instant Pot. Secure the lid, making sure the seal is set.
- Pressure cook the chicken: Select the Meat setting on the Instant Pot or manually set it to high pressure, and cook for 15 minutes. After cooking, perform a quick release to release pressure. Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the pot and set aside, leaving the flavorful sauce inside.
- Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, dissolve 3 teaspoons of cornstarch in 1/4 cup of water to create a slurry. Pour this into the Instant Pot with the sauce. Use the Sauté function to cook the sauce, stirring frequently for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Finish and serve: Cut the cooked chicken into bite-size pieces and return them to the pot, tossing them gently with the thickened sauce to coat evenly. Sprinkle the dish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish. Serve the honey garlic chicken hot over cooked rice.
Notes
- Adjust the soy sauce amount for lower sodium if needed.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- For added flavor, marinate chicken in the sauce mixture for 30 minutes before cooking.
- If you don’t have ketchup, tomato paste mixed with a little sugar and vinegar can be a substitute.
- Rice can be substituted with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a different texture.
