Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken: A Quick & Delicious Weeknight Meal

Are you looking for a simple, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further than this Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken! This recipe is a weeknight hero, perfect for busy families or anyone who wants a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The sweet and savory honey garlic sauce coats tender, juicy chicken, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. And the best part? The Instant Pot does most of the work!

This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of sides, from rice and noodles to steamed vegetables and salads. Plus, it’s easily customizable to suit your taste preferences. Want it spicier? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Prefer it tangier? A splash of rice vinegar will do the trick. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this effortless and flavorful Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken!

## Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

* **Quick and Easy:** The Instant Pot dramatically reduces cooking time, making this a perfect weeknight meal.
* **Flavorful:** The honey garlic sauce is a crowd-pleaser, offering a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
* **Tender and Juicy Chicken:** The Instant Pot ensures that the chicken is cooked to perfection, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy meat.
* **Versatile:** Serve it with rice, noodles, vegetables, or salad – the possibilities are endless!
* **Minimal Cleanup:** One-pot cooking means less mess to clean up after dinner.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adjusting the sweetness, spice level, or adding other ingredients.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Uses simple and affordable ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
* **Kid-Friendly:** The sweet and savory flavor is generally a hit with kids (and adults!).

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Chicken:** 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces. Chicken thighs are generally more forgiving in the Instant Pot and stay more moist, but breasts work well too. Adjust cooking time slightly if using larger or smaller pieces.
* **Soy Sauce:** 1/2 cup. This forms the base of the savory sauce. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness.
* **Honey:** 1/4 cup. Adds sweetness and contributes to the sticky glaze. You can substitute with maple syrup or agave nectar if preferred.
* **Garlic:** 4-6 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is essential for the best flavor. Adjust the amount to your liking.
* **Ginger:** 1 tablespoon, minced. Adds a warm, aromatic note. Fresh ginger is recommended, but you can use ginger paste as a substitute.
* **Rice Vinegar:** 2 tablespoons. Provides a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness and savory flavors. Apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute.
* **Sesame Oil:** 1 teaspoon. Adds a nutty aroma and enhances the overall flavor. Don’t skip this!
* **Cornstarch:** 1 tablespoon. Used to thicken the sauce at the end. You can also use arrowroot powder.
* **Water:** 2 tablespoons. Mix with the cornstarch to create a slurry.
* **Sesame Seeds and Green Onions (for garnish):** These add visual appeal and a final touch of flavor.
* **Cooking Oil:** 1 tablespoon (vegetable, canola, or olive oil) for searing the chicken.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Instant Pot:** A 6-quart or larger Instant Pot is recommended.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Knife and Cutting Board:** For prepping the chicken and vegetables.
* **Mixing Bowl:** For tossing the chicken with the sauce.
* **Whisk:** For combining the cornstarch and water.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**

* Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and quickly in the Instant Pot.
* In a large bowl, combine the chicken with soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, minced ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Toss well to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together and penetrate the chicken.

**Step 2: Sear the Chicken (Optional, but Recommended)**

* Turn on the Instant Pot and select the “Saute” function. Add cooking oil to the pot and let it heat up.
* Once the oil is hot, add the chicken in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. Searing the chicken adds depth of flavor and helps to create a beautiful crust. You may need to do this in batches.
* If you are short on time, you can skip the searing step. The chicken will still be delicious, but the flavor will be slightly less intense.

**Step 3: Pressure Cook the Chicken**

* Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken in the Instant Pot.
* Close the lid and make sure the pressure valve is set to “Sealing.”
* Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function and set the cooking time to 6 minutes for chicken thighs and 8 minutes for chicken breasts. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces and the Instant Pot model.

**Step 4: Natural Pressure Release (NPR)**

* Once the cooking time is complete, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. This helps to prevent the chicken from drying out.
* After 10 minutes, carefully release any remaining pressure by moving the pressure valve to the “Venting” position. Be careful as hot steam will be released.

**Step 5: Thicken the Sauce**

* Open the Instant Pot and remove the chicken to a serving dish, leaving the sauce in the pot.
* In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
* Turn on the “Saute” function again. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the sauce and stir continuously until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. This usually takes 1-2 minutes.

**Step 6: Combine and Serve**

* Return the chicken to the Instant Pot and toss to coat in the thickened sauce.
* Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
* Serve hot with rice, noodles, steamed vegetables, or your favorite side dish.

## Tips and Variations

* **Adjust the Sweetness:** If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of honey or add a splash of soy sauce to balance the flavors.
* **Add Spice:** For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
* **Vegetables:** Add vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas to the Instant Pot during the last few minutes of cooking for a complete meal.
* **Pineapple:** Add chunks of pineapple to the Instant Pot for a tropical twist.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
* **Storage:** Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooking the chicken can make it dry. Follow the recommended cooking times and use the natural pressure release for the best results.
* **Searing is Key (But Optional):** Searing the chicken adds a significant amount of flavor. If you have the time, don’t skip this step!
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh garlic and ginger will provide the best flavor. Avoid using powdered versions if possible.

## Serving Suggestions

This Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Rice:** Steamed white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice are classic pairings.
* **Noodles:** Lo mein noodles, chow mein noodles, or even spaghetti noodles work well.
* **Vegetables:** Steamed broccoli, stir-fried vegetables, or a simple salad are healthy and delicious options.
* **Quinoa:** For a healthier alternative to rice, serve with quinoa.
* **Asian Slaw:** A crunchy and refreshing Asian slaw complements the sweetness of the honey garlic sauce.
* **Spring Rolls:** Serve with fresh spring rolls for a complete Asian-inspired meal.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients and serving size.)

* Calories: Approximately 350-450 per serving
* Protein: 30-40 grams
* Fat: 15-25 grams
* Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams

## Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe Card

**Recipe Name:** Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes

**Cook Time:** 25 minutes

**Total Time:** 40 minutes

**Servings:** 4-6

**Ingredients:**

* 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1/2 cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
* 1/4 cup honey
* 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
* 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
* 1 teaspoon sesame oil
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 2 tablespoons water
* 1 tablespoon cooking oil (vegetable, canola, or olive oil)
* Sesame seeds and green onions, for garnish

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces. In a large bowl, combine the chicken with soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, minced ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Toss well to coat. Marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2. **Sear the Chicken (Optional):** Turn on the Instant Pot and select the “Saute” function. Add cooking oil and let it heat up. Sear the chicken in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. Remove chicken.
3. **Pressure Cook:** Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken in the Instant Pot. Close the lid and set the pressure valve to “Sealing.” Select “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” and set the cooking time to 6 minutes for chicken thighs and 8 minutes for chicken breasts.
4. **Natural Pressure Release:** Once the cooking time is complete, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. Then, carefully release any remaining pressure.
5. **Thicken the Sauce:** Open the Instant Pot and remove the chicken to a serving dish. Turn on the “Saute” function again. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the sauce and stir continuously until the sauce thickens.
6. **Combine and Serve:** Return the chicken to the Instant Pot and toss to coat in the thickened sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot with rice, noodles, or your favorite side dish.

**Enjoy this delicious and easy Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken!**

This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. The Instant Pot makes it incredibly quick and easy to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight meal option. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your Instant Pot, and get ready to enjoy a truly delicious and satisfying chicken dish!