Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a dinner that checks all the boxes—quick, flavorful, and family-approved—Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is about to become your secret weapon. Juicy, tender chicken meets a sticky, savory-sweet sauce that’s absolutely irresistible. The Instant Pot does most of the work, leaving you with a comforting, restaurant-quality dish in just 30 minutes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

I absolutely love recipes with short ingredient lists, and Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken delivers without skimping on flavor! Every ingredient in this dish is not only easy to find, but also plays an essential role—think juicy chicken, a sticky-sweet glaze, and plenty of aromatic garlic to pull it all together. Here’s how each part makes this dish shine:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Lean, tender, and perfect for soaking up all that saucy goodness. Chicken thighs work in a pinch, too!
• Salt and pepper: The basics! Makes sure the chicken is well-seasoned from the start.
• Honey: Provides a beautiful sweetness and that signature sticky finish.
• Soy sauce: Adds depth, umami, and the classic salty backbone of the sauce.
• Onion (diced): Gives subtle sweetness and savory flavor to the sauce base.
• Ketchup: Trust me—this is the secret ingredient for both color and tangy flavor.
• Vegetable oil: Helps everything come together smoothly and keeps the chicken juicy.
• Garlic (minced): Four cloves! This is where the magic happens—big, bold, irresistible garlic flavor.
• Cornstarch (dissolved in water): Thickens the sauce to the perfect, pourable consistency.
• Sesame seeds & green onion: Lovely for garnish and a pop of freshness.
• Rice (for serving): The essential bed for soaking up every drop of sauce. White, brown, or even cauliflower rice all work!

Variations

One of the joys of home cooking is making a recipe your own, and Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is perfect for playing with flavors and textures. Whether you have a dietary preference, want to use pantry staples, or just love to experiment, try these easy swaps:

• Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat that plays beautifully against the sweet sauce.
• Chicken Thighs: Swap the breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra-juicy, more flavorful bites—no extra cooking time needed!
• Low-Sugar Version: Substitute half the honey with sugar-free honey or agave to cut down on sweetness without sacrificing the sticky texture.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce to keep things safe for gluten-free eaters.

How to Make Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Season and Arrange the Chicken

Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts directly in the bottom of your Instant Pot insert. Generously season both sides with salt and pepper to really bring out the chicken’s natural flavor as it cooks.

Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, diced onion, ketchup, vegetable oil, and minced garlic. This sauce is where the sweet, savory, and garlicky magic happens—don’t be afraid to really pile in the garlic here! Pour this flavorful mixture evenly over the chicken in your Instant Pot.

Step 3: Cook Under Pressure

Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and set the valve to seal. Select the “Meat” setting, or set your cooker to HIGH pressure for 15 minutes. While the chicken cooks, the sauce infuses every bite, creating unbelievably juicy and flavorful results. Once the timer goes off, do a quick release to let the steam out safely.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Carefully remove the cooked chicken to a plate and leave the sauce in the pot. Mix the cornstarch with water until completely dissolved, then pour it into the remaining sauce. Press the “Sauté” function and let the sauce bubble for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens and turns beautifully glossy.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and return them to the thickened honey garlic sauce, tossing to coat each piece thoroughly. Serve over hot rice, and don’t forget a big sprinkle of sesame seeds and scallions for that signature finish. Enjoy!

How to Serve Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Garnishes

Don’t hold back on the toppings—the final flourish is what takes Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken from “yum” to “WOW!” Scatter plenty of toasted sesame seeds and thin-sliced green onions over the top just before serving to add freshness, crunch, and a pop of color that makes every plate Instagram-worthy.

Side Dishes

Fluffy steamed rice is the classic base, but you can change things up with brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter touch. Steamed broccoli, sautéed snow peas, or roasted carrots make perfect veggie partners for soaking up all that extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the honey garlic chicken in lettuce wraps for an interactive dinner, or pile it high on a grain bowl with veggies and extra sauce drizzled all over. For parties or potlucks, bring a big platter and let everyone make their own sticky-sauced rice bowls—it’s always a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is a dream for meal prep! Store cooled chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days. Keep the garnishes separate for best texture.

Freezing

This recipe freezes like a champ! Portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers, remove as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.

Reheating

For the juiciest reheated chicken, gently warm it on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce is too thick. The microwave works too—just cover to prevent drying out and heat in 30-second bursts until hot.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing better than a cozy, fuss-free meal that brings everyone to the table—and Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken never disappoints. I hope you give this recipe a try soon. It’s so easy, so comforting, and just might become your new favorite go-to dinner. Enjoy every saucy, garlicky bite!

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