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There is something incredibly comforting and downright addictive about the Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe. This dish delivers tender chicken pieces bathed in a luscious, sticky sauce that perfectly balances sweet honey, savory garlic, a splash of tangy lemon, and the umami kick from soy sauce. It’s a hands-off, quick meal that feels special enough for guests but easy enough for any weeknight. Once you try this recipe, it’s guaranteed to become a go-to comfort dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe lies not just in the cooking method but in keeping the ingredients simple and fresh. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating layers of flavor, texture, and visual appeal that make this dish so irresistible.
- Chicken breasts (3 pieces, cut into 1″ pieces): Tender, lean protein that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For sautéing the chicken and adding a subtle richness.
- Honey (1/3 cup): The star sweetener that lends a sticky, glossy finish.
- Soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds depth with its salty, umami flavor, balancing the honey’s sweetness.
- Water (3/4 cup): Helps create the perfect cooking environment and the base for the sauce.
- Lemon juice (1 teaspoon): Adds a fresh, tangy brightness that lifts the whole dish.
- Garlic cloves (6, minced): Provides a fragrant, savory punch essential for true honey garlic flavor.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Used to thicken the sauce until it’s irresistibly luscious.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): To season and enhance all the other flavors.
- Fresh chives or scallions (chopped, optional garnish): Adds a pop of color and fresh oniony notes.
- Fresh parsley (optional garnish): Brings a subtle herbal freshness and brightens the presentation.
How to Make Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce and Chicken
Begin by whisking honey, soy sauce, water, lemon juice, and minced garlic in a small bowl until well combined. This mixture will infuse the chicken with a perfect blend of sweet and savory notes. Meanwhile, cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized 1-inch pieces to ensure quick, even cooking.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Turn your Instant Pot to the “sauté” setting and heat the olive oil. Add the chicken pieces and cook them for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently. This step locks in the juices and gives the chicken a slight golden sear that adds great texture and flavor.
Step 3: Add the Honey Garlic Sauce
Pour the honey garlic mixture over the chicken in the Instant Pot and stir gently to coat everything evenly. Close the lid securely and set the valve to “sealing.” Select the “pressure cook” or “manual” setting on high pressure, and set the timer for 5 minutes. It will take a little while for the pot to reach pressure before the cooking time starts.
Step 4: Release and Thicken the Sauce
When the cooking cycle finishes, do a quick release of the pressure by turning the valve to “venting.” Open the lid carefully. Switch the Instant Pot back to “sauté” mode to thicken the sauce. Mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl until smooth, then stir it into the pot. Let it cook for several minutes until the sauce thickens to a gorgeous, syrupy texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
How to Serve Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped chives, scallions, or parsley make all the difference. They add a vibrant burst of green and a fresh flavor contrast to the rich honey garlic sauce. Don’t skip them—they elevate the dish both visually and in taste.
Side Dishes
This chicken is like a flavor bomb waiting to meet a perfect partner. Serve it over fluffy steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option. Roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots add welcome crunch and color.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual family dinner, spoon the honey garlic chicken over rice bowls topped with your favorite garnishes. Or try it wrapped in warm tortillas with some fresh greens for a fusion twist. For a dinner party, arrange the chicken on a platter adorned with herbs and lemon slices to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making the next-day meal even more delicious.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch, this dish freezes beautifully. Divide portions into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much to keep it saucy and luscious.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer a bit more fat and richness which pairs wonderfully with the honey garlic sauce. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
Is it possible to make this recipe without an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can make this on the stovetop by simmering the sauce with sautéed chicken until cooked through and thickened, but the Instant Pot makes it faster and fuss-free.
Can I adjust the honey or soy sauce to make it less sweet or salty?
Definitely. Feel free to tweak the amounts of honey and soy sauce to suit your taste preferences. Start with less and add more as you go.
What can I use instead of cornstarch to thicken the sauce?
You can use arrowroot powder or flour slurry as an alternative thickener, but cornstarch will give you the clearest, glossy sauce.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make this recipe gluten-free. The other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe combines all the best elements of a quick, comforting meal with incredible flavor and minimal effort. It’s the kind of recipe that makes dinner exciting on a busy night and always leaves everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try and trust me, it will become one of your cherished go-tos in the kitchen.
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Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American with Asian Influence
Description
This Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts are sautéed, then pressure-cooked in a sweet and tangy honey garlic sauce that thickens beautifully with a cornstarch slurry. Served best over rice and garnished with fresh herbs, this meal brings comforting and vibrant flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 3 chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh chives or scallions, chopped
- Fresh parsley, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the honey garlic sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, water, lemon juice, and minced garlic until well combined.
- Start rice if desired: If serving with rice, begin cooking about 2 cups of uncooked rice at this time to coordinate with the chicken’s preparation.
- Sauté the chicken: Press the “sauté” button on your Instant Pot. Add olive oil and the chicken pieces, cooking for 3 minutes while stirring frequently to brown the chicken slightly.
- Add the sauce and pressure cook: Pour the prepared honey garlic mixture into the Instant Pot with the chicken. Stir well, close the lid, set the valve to “sealing,” and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Allow the Instant Pot to come to pressure before timing begins.
- Release pressure: When the cooking time finishes, carefully perform a quick release of the pressure by switching the valve to “venting.” Open the lid once the pressure is fully released.
- Thicken the sauce: Turn the Instant Pot back to “sauté” mode. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to form a slurry, then stir it into the pot. Cook and stir for a few minutes until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Spoon the honey garlic chicken over cooked rice. Garnish with chopped fresh chives, scallions, or parsley if desired for added freshness and color.
Notes
- To prevent overcooking, cut chicken into uniform 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch to 1.5 tablespoons.
- Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts ensures quick and tender results in the Instant Pot.
- This recipe pairs perfectly with steamed white or brown rice.
- You can substitute soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Adjust garlic amount according to your taste preference.
