This Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is a fast, comforting meal that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Tender chicken thighs are lightly seared, then pressure-cooked in a glossy honey garlic sauce that balances sweet, savory, and a gentle warmth. It is a perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is quick, simple, and packed with flavor. Everything cooks in one pot, which means less cleanup and more time to relax. The chicken stays juicy and tender thanks to pressure cooking, while the honey garlic sauce becomes rich and sticky, coating every bite. It tastes like a takeout favorite but is made with simple, wholesome ingredients at home.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Honey garlic sauce
Honey: 3 tablespoons
Sugar or brown sugar: 1 teaspoon
Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons
Water or chicken broth: 3 tablespoons
Cayenne pepper: 3 small dashes
Directions
Season the chicken thighs evenly with salt and ground black pepper. Set aside.
In a small bowl, combine honey, sugar, soy sauce, water or chicken broth, and cayenne pepper. Stir well until the honey and sugar are fully dissolved. Set the sauce aside.
Turn on the sauté function of the Instant Pot and allow it to heat. Add 1 tablespoon of the cooking oil. Place the chicken thighs in the pot and sear them until both sides are nicely browned, about 3 minutes per side.
Add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of oil to the pot, followed by the minced garlic. Sauté briefly until fragrant, about 20 to 30 seconds.
Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce over the chicken. Secure the lid, set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure, and cook for 10 minutes.
Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release. Carefully open the lid, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve immediately with the sauce spooned over the chicken.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
You can use chicken breasts instead of thighs; reduce the pressure cooking time to 7–8 minutes to avoid drying them out.
Add a teaspoon of grated ginger to the sauce for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
For a spicier version, increase the cayenne pepper or add red chili flakes.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken after cooking and simmer the sauce on sauté mode for a few minutes until reduced.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover honey garlic chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Add a small splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken thighs?
Yes, you can cook frozen chicken thighs directly in the Instant Pot. Increase the pressure cooking time by 5 to 10 minutes.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts work well, but they cook faster. Reduce the cooking time slightly to keep them juicy.
Is this recipe very spicy?
No, it has only a mild warmth. You can adjust the cayenne pepper to your taste.
Can I make this recipe without sugar?
Yes, you can omit the sugar or replace it with a small amount of a preferred sweetener.
What can I serve with honey garlic chicken?
It pairs well with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
Can I double the sauce?
Yes, you can double the sauce ingredients without changing the cooking time.
Will the sauce burn in the Instant Pot?
As long as you scrape the bottom after sautéing and include the liquid, it should not burn.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well and is great for meal prep.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Use the sauté function after cooking and simmer until the sauce reduces to your desired consistency.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is straightforward and perfect for anyone new to using an Instant Pot.
Conclusion
Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is an easy, flavorful dish that fits perfectly into a busy schedule. With tender chicken, a rich sauce, and minimal prep, it is a dependable recipe you can turn to again and again. Whether for a quick family dinner or simple meal prep, this dish delivers comfort and taste in every bite.
Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken features tender chicken thighs cooked in a sweet-savory garlic sauce, made quickly and easily with minimal prep—perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
1.5 pounds (750 g) chicken thighs, boneless or bone-in
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 1/2 tablespoons cooking oil
4 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Honey Garlic Sauce:
3 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon sugar or brown sugar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons water or chicken broth
3 small dashes cayenne pepper
Instructions
Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Set aside.
In a small bowl, mix honey, sugar, soy sauce, water or broth, and cayenne. Stir until dissolved.
Turn on Instant Pot’s sauté mode. Add 1 tbsp oil and sear chicken 3 minutes per side until browned. Set aside in pot.
Add remaining 1/2 tbsp oil and minced garlic. Sauté for 20–30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour honey garlic sauce over chicken. Seal lid and pressure cook on high for 10 minutes.
Do a quick release. Open lid and spoon sauce over chicken. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
Use chicken breasts instead of thighs; reduce pressure time to 7–8 minutes.
