If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant and easy dish that packs a sweet, spicy, and tangy punch, the Instant Pot Honey Sriracha Chicken Recipe is an absolute winner. This recipe brings together juicy chicken breasts simmered in a luscious honey-sriracha sauce, all made effortlessly in your Instant Pot, making weeknight dinners exciting and stress-free. Each bite bursts with flavor, from the sticky sweetness of honey to the kick of sriracha, making it a favorite to add to your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Instant Pot Honey Sriracha Chicken Recipe is in its simplicity, relying on a handful of straightforward ingredients that effortlessly combine to create a beautiful balance of flavor, color, and texture. Every component plays a vital role — from the tender chicken breasts to the perfect sauce that coats them perfectly.
- Chicken breasts (4 boneless/skinless): They cook quickly and stay juicy in the Instant Pot.
- Ketchup (1/2 cup): Adds tangy sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Sriracha sauce (1/4 cup): Brings that signature spicy heat to elevate the dish.
- Honey (1/4 cup): Balances the heat with natural sweetness and gives the sauce a glossy finish.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds umami and saltiness; low sodium is great if you want to keep salt in check.
- Water (1/2 cup): Helps thin the sauce to the perfect consistency for cooking.
- Cornstarch (3 teaspoons) + cold water (1/4 cup): Used to thicken the sauce right at the end for that irresistibly sticky texture.
- Cooked rice: The ideal base to soak up every bit of the sauce.
- Chopped scallions: Freshness and a mild onion crunch to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Instant Pot Honey Sriracha Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken
Start by placing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts right into the Instant Pot — no extra prep needed here! This keeps things quick without losing any of the juiciness or flavor.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together ketchup, sriracha sauce, honey, soy sauce, and water until everything is smooth and perfectly blended. This vibrant sauce combo is going to soak into the chicken and create magic as it cooks.
Step 3: Combine and Cook
Pour that beautiful sauce mixture over the chicken in the Instant Pot. Seal the lid and make sure the valve is set to “sealing.” Set your Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. The pressure cooking locks in the moisture and helps the sauce infuse deep into the chicken.
Step 4: Quick Pressure Release
Once the cooking time is complete, perform a quick pressure release. This step ensures the chicken stays tender without overcooking — you want that perfect texture every time!
Step 5: Remove and Slice the Chicken
Carefully take the chicken out and place it on a cutting board. Slicing it into bite-sized pieces now helps the sauce coat every morsel evenly in the next step.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
Press the “sauté” function on your Instant Pot to bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water, then stir this mixture into the pot. Let it simmer a few minutes until the sauce thickens up with that perfect sticky glaze.
Step 7: Reintroduce the Chicken
Add the sliced chicken back to the thickened sauce and stir to coat all those tender pieces perfectly. This is where the layers of flavor really come together in harmony.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the honey sriracha chicken over fluffy cooked rice and sprinkle with chopped scallions for freshness. You’re ready to dig into a dish that’s spicy, sweet, and downright addictive!
How to Serve Instant Pot Honey Sriracha Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped scallions add a bright pop of color and gentle onion flavor that balances the spicy, sweet sauce beautifully. If you want a little extra crunch, try toasting some sesame seeds or adding thinly sliced fresh chili peppers for more heat.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple steamed rice or fragrant jasmine rice to soak up all the saucy goodness. You can also serve it alongside stir-fried vegetables or a crisp green salad to lighten up the meal and add contrasting textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, use this chicken recipe to top rice bowls with avocado slices, pickled carrots, and even a drizzle of creamy mayo or sour cream to mellow out the heat. Alternatively, stuff these tender chicken pieces and sauce into soft tortillas or lettuce wraps for handheld bites full of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Instant Pot Honey Sriracha Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even more delicious when reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this dish for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool it completely before transferring into freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to preserve its tenderness and avoid drying it out. Adding a splash of water or broth while reheating helps maintain that glossy, saucy texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in the Instant Pot Honey Sriracha Chicken Recipe, offering even more flavor and juiciness. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if the pieces are thick.
How spicy is this Instant Pot Honey Sriracha Chicken Recipe?
The recipe has a moderate kick of heat from the sriracha, balanced by the sweetness of honey and ketchup. You can easily adjust the spice level by using more or less sriracha depending on your taste.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Just be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, as regular soy sauce often contains gluten.
Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?
Definitely. While the Instant Pot speeds things up and locks in flavor, you can simmer the chicken and sauce on the stovetop in a covered pan until cooked through and then thicken the sauce as described.
What can I substitute if I don’t have cornstarch?
Arrowroot powder or potato starch are great thickening alternatives. Use the same quantity as cornstarch for a similar glossy finish.
Final Thoughts
If you want a straightforward but wildly flavorful dish that feels like a little celebration on your plate, the Instant Pot Honey Sriracha Chicken Recipe is just the thing to try next. It’s quick, delicious, and perfect for busy days when you want something heartwarming without fuss. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become one of your go-to recipes to impress both family and friends!
Print
Instant Pot Honey Sriracha Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Instant Pot Honey Sriracha Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a sweet and spicy honey-sriracha sauce. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner served over rice and garnished with fresh scallions.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup sriracha sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium optional)
- 1/2 cup water
Thickening mixture
- 3 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup cold water
To serve
- Cooked rice
- Chopped scallions (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the Instant Pot insert, laying them flat in a single layer.
- Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together ketchup, sriracha sauce, honey, soy sauce, and water until well combined and smooth. Pour this sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the Instant Pot.
- Pressure cook the chicken: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the high-pressure cooking setting and set the timer for 10 minutes to cook the chicken thoroughly.
- Release pressure carefully: When the cooking cycle completes, perform a quick pressure release by carefully turning the valve to venting to release steam and prevent overcooking.
- Remove and slice chicken: Open the lid, remove the chicken breasts onto a cutting board, and set aside briefly.
- Thicken the sauce: Press the sauté function on the Instant Pot. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the sauce in the pot and simmer for a few minutes until it thickens.
- Slice and return chicken: Cut the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and add them back into the thickened sauce. Stir gently to coat.
- Serve: Spoon the honey sriracha chicken over cooked rice and garnish with chopped scallions to taste. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Notes
- Use low sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content if desired.
- Adjust sriracha amount to control heat level.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a side salad for a balanced meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure soy sauce is gluten-free.
