Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner option that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare, look no further than Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken. This recipe combines tender chicken with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce that will have your taste buds dancing. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you just want a fuss-free meal, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
The beauty of using an Instant Pot is that it drastically cuts down on cooking time while locking in all the flavors. With just a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, you can create a mouthwatering meal in under 30 minutes. The honey and garlic blend perfectly with soy sauce and a hint of Italian seasoning, making a sauce that’s both rich and comforting.
One of the best parts about this Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is its versatility. You can use chicken strips, breasts, or thighs, depending on what you have on hand. Serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice or alongside some steamed veggies for a complete and satisfying meal. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead option—just prepare the sauce and chicken, then store them in the fridge or freezer for a quick dinner later in the week.
What You Will Love About This Recipe
Speed and Ease: Using an Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights. You can have a delicious, home-cooked meal on the table in under 30 minutes with minimal effort.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of Italian seasoning creates a rich, sweet, and savory sauce that coats the chicken perfectly. The flavors meld together beautifully during the pressure cooking process, resulting in tender, juicy chicken that’s bursting with taste.
Versatility: This recipe is flexible enough to accommodate different cuts of chicken, whether you prefer strips, breasts, or thighs. Additionally, it pairs well with various side dishes, from rice to vegetables, making it a versatile addition to your meal rotation. The make-ahead option also means you can prepare it in advance and enjoy a quick and flavorful dinner later.
Ingredients
- 8 -10 boneless skinless chicken strips (3 breasts, or 4 chicken thighs) Aprx 2 pounds of any of these
- 1/3 cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 TBSP Corn Starch
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix honey, garlic, soy sauce, ketchup, & Italian seasoning Whisk well.
- Heat the Instant Pot in sauté mode.
- Add 1 TBSP of oil (I use olive oil) to the pot. (If you love extra garlic, throw some in to saute with your meat)
- If using chicken strips or breasts, cut into bite sized pieces or slightly larger.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper; arrange in the instant pot and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Add the honey garlic sauce to the pot; cover and lock the lid.
- Pressure cook for 10 min (high pressure).
- Turn off the pot and allow it to release the pressure. A natural release. (Allow your pot to sit for at least 10 Minutes, than you can release the remaining pressure and remove your lid)
- Transfer chicken to a serving plate.
- Turn your pot to saute. Take 1/4 cup of the liquid from the pot. Add the corn starch to your liquid, mix to combine. Pour it back into your pot and allow it to thicken as you saute. Continue to thicken for a few minutes.
- Add your chicken back in and saute for a minute or two to coat all your chicken with the thicker sauce.
- Serve with white rice.
You Can Still Make This If You Do Not Have An Instant Pot
If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can still make delicious honey garlic chicken using a stovetop and oven method. Here’s how:
Stovetop and Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, mix together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, ketchup, and Italian seasoning. Whisk well to combine.
- Brown the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil (olive oil works well) in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips or pieces with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until browned.
- Add the sauce: Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken pieces evenly with the sauce.
- Bake the chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Thicken the sauce: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Place the skillet back on the stovetop over medium heat. Take 1/4 cup of the liquid from the skillet and mix it with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Pour the mixture back into the skillet and stir continuously until the sauce thickens.
- Combine and serve: Add the chicken back into the skillet, tossing it in the thickened sauce to coat. Let it cook for another minute or two. Serve the honey garlic chicken with white rice or your favorite side dish.
This stovetop and oven method replicates the tender, flavorful results you would get with an Instant Pot, making it easy to enjoy this dish even without a pressure cooker.
Tips & Tricks
- Choose the Right Cut of Chicken:
- For the best results, use boneless, skinless chicken strips, breasts, or thighs. Thighs tend to stay juicier and are more forgiving if overcooked.
- Sauté for Extra Flavor:
- Browning the chicken on the sauté setting before pressure cooking adds a depth of flavor. Make sure not to skip this step.
- Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste:
- You can tweak the sauce ingredients to suit your preferences. If you like it sweeter, add a bit more honey. For a tangier taste, increase the soy sauce or add a splash of rice vinegar.
- Prevent Burn Notice:
- Ensure the honey garlic sauce has enough liquid to prevent the Instant Pot from giving a burn notice. Adding a bit of chicken broth or water can help if needed.
- Thicken the Sauce:
- After pressure cooking, thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) for a glossy finish. Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode and stir until the sauce thickens.
- Natural Pressure Release:
- Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for at least 10 minutes before a quick release. This helps keep the chicken moist and tender.
- Double the Recipe:
- If you’re feeding a crowd, you can easily double the recipe. Just make sure not to fill the Instant Pot past the maximum fill line.
- Leftover Friendly:
- This dish reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the honey garlic chicken over white or brown rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an extra touch.
- Experiment with Add-Ins:
- You can add vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas to the pot for a one-pot meal. Just add them after pressure cooking when thickening the sauce to prevent overcooking.
FAQs
Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is such an easy weeknight dinner. Boneless chicken diced up, and smothered in a homemade honey garlic sauce. Serve over a bed of rice, cauliflower rice, or pair with your favorite side dish recipes.
Ingredients
- 8 -10 boneless skinless chicken strips (3 breasts, or 4 chicken thighs) Aprx 2 pounds of any of these
- 1/3 cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 TBSP Corn Starch
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix honey, garlic, soy sauce, ketchup, & Italian seasoning Whisk well.
- Heat the Instant Pot in sauté mode.
- Add 1 TBSP of oil (I use olive oil) to the pot. (If you love extra garlic, throw some in to saute with your meat)
- If using chicken strips or breasts, cut into bite sized pieces or slightly larger.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper; arrange in the instant pot and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Add the honey garlic sauce to the pot; cover and lock the lid.
- Pressure cook for 10 min (high pressure).
- Turn off the pot and allow it to release the pressure. A natural release. (Allow the pot to sit still for 10 minutes, then you can release the remaining pressure and remove the lid)
- Transfer chicken to a serving plate.
- Turn your pot to saute. Take 1/4 cup of the liquid from the pot. Add the corn starch to your liquid, mix to combine. Pour it back into your pot and allow it to thicken as you saute. Continue to thicken for a few minutes.
- Add your chicken back in and saute for a minute or two to coat all your chicken with the thicker sauce.
- Serve with white rice.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 540Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 208mgSodium: 1551mgCarbohydrates: 24gFiber: 0gSugar: 20gProtein: 70g
I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!
