My Honey Garlic Chicken Secret
I love my Instant Pot honey garlic chicken. It feels like a magic trick. You get sweet and savory chicken in no time. It is the perfect easy Instant Pot chicken for a busy night.
My grandson calls it “sticky chicken.” He always asks for more sauce. I still laugh at that. The honey garlic sauce is what makes it special. It turns simple chicken thighs into a happy dinner.
Why Bone-In Chicken Thighs Matter
This honey garlic chicken recipe uses bone-in chicken thighs. They are my favorite for the pressure cooker. The bone keeps the meat juicy and full of flavor. It really matters for a tender bite.
Skinless is best here. The sauce clings to the meat so well. You get all that good flavor in every piece. *Fun fact: Chicken thighs stay moist better than breasts in pressure cooking.* That is a good lesson for any cook.
Making the Magic Sauce
Let’s talk about that honey garlic sauce. It is just a few things from your pantry. Honey, soy sauce, ketchup, and garlic. Doesn’t that smell amazing when you mix it?
I add a little oregano and fresh parsley. It makes the sauce smell like a garden. This mix of sweet and savory is why we love it. What is your favorite sauce to make at home? Is it sweet, or more tangy?
The Quick Weeknight Dance
This is a true 30 minute chicken dinner. You brown the chicken first. This step matters. It adds a rich flavor you can taste later. Then you let the pot do its work.
I remember one Tuesday, my book club surprised me. I had this meal ready in a flash. Everyone asked for the recipe. Quick weeknight dinner recipes like this save the day. Do you have a go-to meal for surprise guests?
Your Turn to Cook
Now you try these Instant Pot chicken thighs. Spoon that glossy sauce right over the top. Add the green onions and sesame seeds for a pretty finish. It looks like you worked for hours.
Pressure cooker chicken recipes build kitchen confidence. You learn how flavors work together. That is a wonderful thing. Will you try this sweet and savory chicken this week? Tell me what your family thinks!
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Honey | ⅓ cup | |
| Garlic | 4 cloves | minced |
| Soy Sauce | ½ cup | low sodium |
| Ketchup | ½ cup | |
| Dried Oregano | ½ teaspoon | |
| Fresh Parsley | 2 tablespoons | chopped |
| Sesame Seed Oil | 1 tablespoon | |
| Chicken Thighs | 4 to 6 | bone-in, skinless |
| Salt & Black Pepper | to taste | |
| Toasted Sesame Seeds | ½ tablespoon | for garnish |
| Green Onions | sliced | for garnish |
Instructions
Step 1: First, let’s make our sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. Mix honey, garlic, soy sauce, and ketchup in a bowl. Add the oregano and parsley too. Doesn’t that smell amazing already? This easy Instant Pot chicken starts with a great sauce.
Step 2: Now, prep your bone-in chicken thighs. Turn your Instant Pot to sauté. Heat the sesame oil. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Brown each piece for a few minutes per side. (Always pat chicken dry first for a better sear!)
Step 3: Pour your honey garlic sauce right over the chicken. The sauce will bubble up nicely. Now, lock the lid on your pressure cooker. This quick weeknight dinner is coming together fast. What’s your favorite part of cooking? Share below!
Step 4: Cook on poultry mode for 20 minutes. Let the pressure release for 5 minutes after. Be careful of the hot steam. Your Instant Pot chicken thighs will be so tender. The wait is the hardest part, I think.
Step 5: Finally, serve your honey garlic chicken. Spoon that glossy sauce all over. Top with sesame seeds and green onions. I still laugh at how fast this 30 minute chicken dinner disappears. Everyone always asks for this honey garlic chicken recipe.
Creative Twists
Add pineapple chunks for a sweet, tropical twist. Swap the ketchup for hoisin sauce for deeper flavor. Throw in some broccoli at the end for a full meal. Which one would you try first? Comment below!Serving & Pairing Ideas
This easy Instant Pot chicken loves fluffy white rice. The rice soaks up the extra honey garlic sauce perfectly. A simple cucumber salad on the side is so refreshing. You could also serve it over mashed potatoes for ultimate comfort. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Honey Garlic Chicken Happy
Let’s talk about storing this sweet and savory chicken. It keeps beautifully! Let the chicken and sauce cool first. Then, pop it in a sealed container in the fridge. It will be good for three or four days. You can also freeze it for up to three months.
I remember my first time batch-cooking this easy Instant Pot chicken. I made a double batch on a Sunday. It felt like a magic trick having dinner ready on a busy Wednesday. Reheating is simple. Warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water.
Batch cooking matters because it gives you back your time. A ready meal on a hectic night is a gift to yourself. It turns a quick weeknight dinner into an instant one. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Hiccups
Even easy recipes can have little bumps. Here are three common issues and their easy fixes. First, if your sauce seems too thin, don’t worry. Just remove the cooked chicken after pressure cooking. Turn the pot to sauté mode and let the sauce bubble for a few minutes. It will thicken right up.
Second, if you find the flavor too strong, you can balance it. A little splash of water or chicken broth will mellow it perfectly. I once added a bit too much soy sauce. A quick stir of water fixed everything! Third, always brown your bone-in chicken thighs first. This step matters so much for flavor.
That quick sear locks in delicious juices. It gives the chicken a wonderful color and taste. Fixing small problems builds your cooking confidence. You learn that most mistakes have a simple, tasty solution. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Questions, Answered
How long to cook chicken thighs in an Instant Pot?
For this honey garlic chicken recipe, cook for 20 minutes. Use the poultry setting or manual pressure cook mode. Always start with thawed, bone-in chicken thighs for the best result. After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for about 5 minutes. This keeps the chicken tender and juicy for your quick weeknight dinner.
Can I use frozen chicken thighs in this recipe?
I do not recommend starting with frozen chicken. It is important to brown the thighs first for flavor. Frozen chicken will not brown properly. It can also make your honey garlic sauce too watery. Thaw your chicken in the fridge overnight for the best easy Instant Pot chicken.
What are the best sides to serve with honey garlic chicken?
This sweet and savory chicken pairs with so many things! Try fluffy white rice or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Steamed broccoli or green beans are perfect for a fresh crunch. A simple cucumber salad also works wonderfully. These sides make your pressure cooker chicken recipes a complete meal.
How do I thicken the honey garlic sauce?
This is a common question. After cooking, remove the chicken from the pot. Turn your Instant Pot back to the sauté function. Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring often. It will reduce and thicken beautifully. Then, just spoon it over your Instant Pot chicken thighs. It’s a simple trick for a richer sauce.
Can I make this recipe with chicken breasts instead?
You can, but be careful. Chicken breasts cook faster and can dry out. If using boneless breasts, reduce the pressure cooking time to about 8 minutes. Bone-in chicken thighs stay juicier under pressure. They are my top pick for this honey garlic chicken recipe. Thighs are more forgiving for a 30 minute chicken dinner.
Is it possible to make this dish without honey?
Yes, you can try a substitute. Maple syrup or agave nectar will give a similar sweetness. The flavor will be a little different but still tasty. Remember, the honey helps create that classic sticky, sweet and savory chicken glaze. *Fun fact: Garlic and honey have been paired for centuries, both for taste and wellness!* Which tip will you try first?
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love this Instant Pot honey garlic chicken as much as we do. It’s a recipe that feels like a cozy hug. It proves that a delicious meal doesn’t have to be complicated. My kitchen is always open for more chat and recipe sharing.
I would love to hear about your cooking adventures. Tell me all about it in the comments. Your stories are my favorite thing to read with my morning tea. Have you tried this recipe? Let me know how it turned out for you and your family.
Happy cooking!
—Elena Rutherford
Honey Garlic Instant Pot Chicken Thighs
Description
Tender, juicy chicken thighs coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, cooked quickly and easily in the Instant Pot.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Make the sauce: In a small mixing bowl combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, ketchup, oregano and parsley; mix until well combined and set aside.
- Prep and cook the chicken: Heat the Instant Pot in sauté mode. Add sesame oil to the pot to heat up. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper and cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes per side or until browned.
- Add the sauce: Add the prepared honey garlic sauce to the pot; cover and lock the lid.
- Cook: Set the IP on poultry mode (or pressure cook mode) and cook the chicken for 20 minutes. Turn off the pot and allow it to release the pressure, about 5 minutes.
- Serve: Transfer the chicken to a serving plate and spoon the remaining sauce from the pot over the top. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions, then serve.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, you can remove the cooked chicken and simmer the sauce on sauté mode for a few minutes until it reduces to your desired consistency.