Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and comforting flavors—all made quickly in one pot. This recipe transforms simple pantry staples like honey, soy sauce, and garlic into a glossy, flavorful sauce that coats tender, juicy chicken. Thanks to the Instant Pot, you get deep, slow-cooked flavor in a fraction of the time, making this dish ideal for busy weeknights when you still want a homemade, satisfying meal.

The balance of sweetness from honey and the bold punch of garlic makes this dish universally appealing, while the pressure cooker ensures the chicken stays moist and perfectly cooked. Served over rice, noodles, or vegetables, Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is a reliable, crowd-pleasing recipe you’ll want to keep in regular rotation.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it brings together bold, comforting flavors with incredible convenience. The sweetness of honey paired with the rich aroma of garlic creates a sauce that feels indulgent yet balanced, while the Instant Pot makes the entire process quick and stress-free. I especially enjoy how tender and juicy the chicken turns out every time, soaking up all that sweet-savory goodness. It’s one of those recipes that feels both cozy and impressive, even though it takes very little effort.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

This is a must-try dish because it delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal time and effort. The Instant Pot transforms simple, everyday ingredients into a rich, sticky honey garlic sauce that coats the chicken perfectly, giving you deep flavor in a fraction of the time. It’s incredibly versatile, pairing well with rice, noodles, or vegetables, and it suits both busy weeknights and make-ahead meals.

Recipe Overview

• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes (plus pressure release)
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 380 calories per serving

Ingredients

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• ⅓ cup honey
• ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• ½ cup chicken broth or water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional garnish: sesame seeds, chopped green onions

Cooking Directions

Prepare the Sauce
Mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, vinegar, sesame oil, and broth.

Pressure Cook
Add chicken and sauce to the Instant Pot and cook under high pressure.

Thicken the Sauce
Use sauté mode with a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.

Serve
Garnish and serve hot with your favorite sides.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add a small drizzle of oil. Lightly brown the chicken on both sides (optional but adds flavor). Remove and set aside.

Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ginger, vinegar, sesame oil, and chicken broth.

Step 3: Place the chicken back into the Instant Pot and pour the sauce over it.

Step 4: Secure the lid, set the valve to Sealing, and cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes.

Step 5: Allow a 5-minute natural pressure release, then carefully perform a quick release.

Step 6: Remove the chicken and set aside. Switch the Instant Pot to Sauté mode.

Step 7: Stir together cornstarch and water, then add it to the sauce. Cook for 2–3 minutes until thickened.

Step 8: Return the chicken to the pot and coat it evenly with the sauce.

Step 9: Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

How to Serve

Serve Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken over steamed white or brown rice, jasmine rice, or noodles. It also pairs well with stir-fried vegetables, roasted broccoli, or sautéed green beans.

Recipe Tips

• Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness and flavor.
• Always use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels.
• Brown the chicken first for deeper flavor, though it’s optional.
• Let the sauce simmer briefly after thickening for the best texture.
• Double the sauce if you like extra for drizzling over rice.

Variations

Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken
Add 1–2 teaspoons of sriracha or red pepper flakes for heat.

Honey Garlic Chicken with Vegetables
Stir in bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas after pressure cooking and sauté for a few minutes.

Orange Honey Garlic Chicken
Replace half the broth with fresh orange juice for a citrus twist.

Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken
After cooking, broil the chicken briefly in the oven for caramelized edges.

Low-Sugar Version
Substitute part of the honey with a sugar-free honey alternative.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing
Freeze cooked chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Special Equipment Needed

• Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Tongs or spoon

Conclusion

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is a fast, flavorful, and comforting meal that proves weeknight dinners don’t have to be boring. With tender chicken coated in a sticky, sweet-savory sauce, this recipe delivers maximum taste with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is a reliable favorite you’ll want to make again and again.