Is there anything better than a dinner recipe that’s irresistibly sticky-sweet, savory, and ready in no time? Let me tell you, this Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is everything your busy weeknight craves. Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser—my kids always ask for seconds, and so do the grown-ups! Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, feeding the family, or just treating yourself to something special, this dish is pure magic.
If you love bold, well-balanced flavors and perfectly tender chicken, then this recipe is about to earn a permanent spot on your rotation!
### **Why You’ll Love This Recipe**
– **Simple Ingredients:** You probably already have everything you need in your pantry.
– **Quick & Easy:** Using the Instant Pot means this dish is ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
– **Versatile:** Serve it over rice, noodles, or even mashed potatoes—it pairs with just about anything.
– **Kid-Friendly:** The sweet honey glaze makes this dish a family favorite without any fuss.
### **Ingredients Breakdown**
#### **Essentials:**
– **Chicken Thighs or Breasts:** Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are my favorite for this recipe because they stay juicy and tender, but chicken breasts work just as well.
– **Honey:** The star of the glaze! Adds sweetness and a shiny caramelized finish.
– **Soy Sauce:** For that deep umami flavor to balance the sweetness.
– **Garlic:** Freshly minced for the best flavor—don’t skimp on this!
– **Ketchup:** Yes, ketchup! It adds a little tang and depth to the sauce.
– **Apple Cider Vinegar:** Brightens up the dish and balances the flavors perfectly.
– **Cornstarch:** For thickening the sauce to that deliciously sticky, glossy texture.
#### **Pro Tips:**
– For a gluten-free version, swap soy sauce for tamari.
– If you prefer darker, richer flavor, opt for a touch of molasses in place of some honey.
### **Step-by-Step Instructions**
1. **Prep the Chicken:** Season your chicken thighs gently with salt and pepper. You don’t need much since the sauce is packed with flavor.
2. **Sear the Chicken (Optional):** Using the sauté function on your Instant Pot, brown the chicken on each side. This adds a lovely caramelized layer, though you can skip this step if you’re short on time.
3. **Make the Sauce:** In a small bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ketchup, and apple cider vinegar. Pour this over the chicken in the Instant Pot.
4. **Pressure Cook:** Secure the lid, set the Instant Pot to “Sealing,” and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Once finished, allow for a quick pressure release.
5. **Thicken the Sauce:** Remove the chicken and set aside. In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry. Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode, stir in the slurry, and let the sauce thicken for 2-3 minutes.
6. **Combine & Serve:** Coat the chicken in the thickened sauce and serve hot over rice, noodles, or your favorite side dish.
### **Chef’s Tips and Tricks**
– **Don’t Skip the Searing:** If you have time, browning the chicken first gives it a deeper flavor.
– **Adjust Sweetness:** If you prefer it less sweet, scale back the honey slightly and add an extra teaspoon of vinegar.
– **Leftovers That Shine:** This dish reheats beautifully! Just store in an airtight container and microwave with some extra sauce for moisture.
### **Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions**
– **Kick it Up A Notch:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat or a drizzle of sriracha for a spicy twist.
– **Vegetarian Option:** Swap out the chicken for tofu or cauliflower to enjoy the sauce’s bold flavors.
– **Perfect Pairings:** Serve this with steamed jasmine rice, quinoa, or even a side of roasted veggies for a complete meal.
### **FAQs**
#### **How do I store leftovers?**
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or warm over low heat on the stove with some extra sauce to keep it moist.
#### **Can I use frozen chicken?**
Yes! You can skip the searing step and pressure-cook frozen chicken directly. Just add 2-3 extra minutes of cooking time.
#### **Can I double the recipe?**
Absolutely. Just ensure you don’t overcrowd the Instant Pot so the chicken cooks evenly, and you’re good to go.
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### **Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe Card**
**Prep Time:** 5 minutes
**Cook Time:** 20 minutes
**Servings:** 4
**Ingredients:**
– 1.5 lbs chicken thighs or breasts
– 1/3 cup honey
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 tbsp ketchup
– 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for slurry)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
**Instructions:**
1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. (Optional: Sear in the Instant Pot using sauté mode.)
2. In a bowl, whisk honey, soy sauce, garlic, ketchup, and apple cider vinegar. Pour over chicken.
3. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes; quick release.
4. Remove chicken. Stir cornstarch slurry into the sauce on sauté mode; cook until thickened.
5. Coat chicken with sauce and serve immediately.
**Enjoy your perfectly sweet, savory, and oh-so-satisfying meal! Don’t forget to share your creations on social with #TheKitchensAid so I can see your kitchen magic.**
