Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken: A Flavorful Meal with Minimal Fuss

If you’re anything like me, finding a quick yet delicious dish to whip up for dinner can be a challenge. One recipe that never disappoints is Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken. This meal pairs tender chicken thighs bathed in a luscious honey garlic sauce with the convenience of the Instant Pot. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings, it’s a dish that brings warmth and delight to the table with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love Making It

What makes this dish truly special? The blend of sweet honey, robust garlic, and slight warmth from cayenne pepper creates a symphony of flavors that will please everyone from kids to adults. Not only is it quick to prepare, but it’s also budget-friendly, allowing you to enjoy a homemade gourmet meal without breaking the bank.

“This honey garlic chicken is a game changer! So quick to make and full of flavor. Even my picky eaters loved it!” – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This recipe deserves a spot on your table for many reasons. Here are a few:

• Speed: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for those busy evenings.
• One-pot wonder: The ease of cleanup makes it even attractive to home cooks.
• Kid-approved: With its sweet flavor, it’s a hit with the entire family.
• Versatile: Great for serving over rice, noodles, or alongside steamed veggies.

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Ready to dive in? Here’s a breakdown of how to bring your Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken to life. This dish requires some patience during the cooking process, but the hands-on steps are simple, making it approachable for even novice cooks.

What You’ll Need

• 1 ½ lbs. (750g) chicken thighs (about 4 thighs)
• Salt and ground black pepper
• 1 ½ 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 for enhanced flavor)
• 3 dashes cayenne pepper (to taste)

Feel free to swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts, but keep in mind that thighs tend to stay juicier during the cooking process.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Start by seasoning the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, setting them aside to let the flavors mingle.
2. In a medium bowl, combine honey, sugar, soy sauce, water (or broth), and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly until the honey and sugar dissolve completely.
3. Turn on the Saute mode on your Instant Pot. Once heated, add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil.
4. Sear the chicken thighs skin-side down first. Cook until both sides are beautifully browned.
5. With the chicken in the pot, pour in the remaining ½ tablespoon of oil and add the minced garlic. Sauté briefly until fragrant.
6. Pour in your specially prepared honey garlic sauce and secure the lid. Choose Manual mode and set for High pressure for 10 minutes.
7. Once the cooking time is complete, perform a Quick Release. Carefully remove the lid and sprinkle chopped parsley over the chicken before serving.

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Tips for Serving

This dish pairs exceptionally well with a variety of sides. Consider serving your Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken over fluffy steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce or alongside roasted vegetables for a nutritious balance. You might also enjoy it with a fresh salad or crispy fried noodles for added crunch.

Best Way to Store Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

If you find yourself with leftovers (though I doubt it!), storing your Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is straightforward. Keep any remaining chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To Reheat:

• Gently warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.

If you want to save it for later, consider freezing your chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Remember to always practice safe food handling.

Expert Advice

• Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings a stronger flavor compared to pre-minced varieties.
• Check your Instant Pot: Ensuring the seal is properly set can prevent leaks and improve cooking efficiency.
• Adjust spice levels: Not a fan of spice? Feel free to omit the cayenne pepper or reduce it for a milder taste.

Creative Twists

Looking to add your own flair? Here are some variations to consider:

• Add pineapple: For a tropical twist, include diced pineapple in the sauce for a tangy sweetness.
• Switch up the protein: Try using drumsticks or tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Herb it up: Incorporate fresh ginger or green onions for additional flavor depth.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to prepare this dish?

The total time, including preparation and cooking, is about 30 minutes.

Can I use frozen chicken thighs?

Yes, you can! If using frozen chicken, increase the cooking time slightly to ensure thorough cooking.

Is there a way to make this dish low-sodium?

Absolutely! Substitute soy sauce for a low-sodium version or use coconut aminos for a healthier alternative.

With this Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken recipe, you can create a mouthwatering meal that’s sure to become a regular favorite in your household. Enjoy the ease of preparation, bold flavors, and the joy of a dish that brings everyone together!

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free

Pin Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A quick and flavorful meal featuring tender chicken thighs in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, made effortlessly in the Instant Pot.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ lbs. (750g) chicken thighs (about 4 thighs)
• Salt and ground black pepper
• 1 ½ 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 for enhanced flavor)
• 3 dashes cayenne pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper and set them aside for the flavors to mingle.
2. In a bowl, mix together the honey, sugar, soy sauce, water (or broth), and cayenne pepper until thoroughly combined.
3. Turn on the Saute mode on your Instant Pot and heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil.
4. Sear the chicken thighs skin-side down until both sides are browned.
5. Add the remaining ½ tablespoon of oil and minced garlic, sautéing briefly until fragrant.
6. Pour in the honey garlic sauce, secure the lid, and set to High pressure for 10 minutes.
7. After cooking, perform a Quick Release, remove the lid, and sprinkle chopped parsley over the chicken before serving.

Notes

Pairs excellently with rice, noodles, or steamed veggies. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Instant Pot
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 16g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Instant Pot, honey garlic chicken, quick dinner, easy recipe, family meal