This honey garlic chicken is a simple and tasty dish cooked in an Instant Pot. Juicy chicken thighs swim in a sweet and garlicky sauce that makes your taste buds dance!
It’s seriously easy to whip up! Just toss everything in the pot and let it work its magic. I love serving it over rice; it’s a perfect combo for soaking up that yummy sauce!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. I love thighs for their juiciness, but breasts work just as well. If you’re looking for a lower-calorie option, you can use turkey breast pieces too!
Honey: Honey gives a beautiful sweetness. If you’re vegan or want a sugar alternative, maple syrup or agave nectar can be good substitutes.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness. You can replace it with tamari for a gluten-free option, or coconut aminos for a soy-free version.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings wonderful flavor, but if you’re short on time, garlic powder works too. Just use about 1 teaspoon for each clove.
Vinegar: Rice vinegar adds a nice touch, but apple cider vinegar will work, too. Lemon juice can also be a good substitute if you’re out of vinegar!
How Can I Avoid Getting a Burn Notice in the Instant Pot?
To avoid the dreaded burn notice, it’s crucial to deglaze the pot after sautéing the chicken. Here’s how:
- After browning the chicken, make sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to remove any stuck bits. This ensures nothing burns during pressure cooking.
- When you pour in the sauce mixture, do so gently and stir it well. This further helps to mix in any leftover bits.
Also, ensure the liquid in your recipe is enough, as the Instant Pot needs it to create steam and pressure. If you follow these tips, your honey garlic chicken will come out beautifully every time!
Easy Honey Garlic Instant Pot Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a mild kick)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley or green onions, for garnish
Time Needed:
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, and the Instant Pot will cook it in just 6 minutes under high pressure, plus a few minutes for pressure buildup and release. Overall, you should expect around 30 minutes from start to finish, including cooking and thickening the sauce!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Chicken:
Start by setting your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add the olive oil and let it heat for about a minute. Season the chicken pieces lightly with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the pot and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the pieces are lightly browned but not fully cooked. Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes. This mixture will create that delicious honey garlic sauce.
3. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Pour the sauce mixture into the Instant Pot, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom from browning the chicken—this prevents the burn warning. After that, return the browned chicken pieces to the pot and stir everything to coat the chicken in the sauce.
4. Cook in the Instant Pot:
Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to cook on high pressure for 6 minutes. Once the timer goes off, carefully perform a quick pressure release by turning the valve.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
Mix the cornstarch with the 1/4 cup water to create a slurry. Switch the Instant Pot back to sauté mode and stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook while stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Once thickened, turn off the Instant Pot. Garnish the chicken with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color. Serve the honey garlic chicken hot over steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
Enjoy your easy, flavorful honey garlic chicken made effortlessly in the Instant Pot!
FAQ About Easy Honey Garlic Instant Pot Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time. Cook the chicken under high pressure for about 10-12 minutes instead of 6 minutes. You may need to add a few extra minutes if the pieces are particularly large. Remember to consult your Instant Pot guidelines for cooking frozen meats for the best results!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this honey garlic chicken gluten-free, simply substitute regular soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Ensure the ketchup used is also gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the same delicious flavors without worrying about gluten.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or warm them on the stovetop over low heat. If the sauce thickens too much upon refrigeration, add a splash of water or chicken broth while reheating to restore the sauce’s consistency.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas right before sealing the lid. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and toss them in with the chicken and sauce. If you prefer firmer veggies, add them after cooking and let them sit for a few minutes in the hot sauce to steam them slightly.
