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Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken are sweet, savory, tender, and juicy chicken thighs prepared with the most amazing honey garlic sauce and cooked in an Instant Pot. Dinner, from start to finish, will be ready in 30 minutes!
If you love making Instant Pot chicken dishes, check out my Instant Pot Chicken Mole for a flavorful twist with a hint of chocolate and spices. Craving something comforting? This Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner.
My #1 recipe for honey garlic chicken has been revisited and updated with a new twist because an Instant Pot is all the rage these days.
I know it’s so hard to choose between crock pot honey garlic chicken and instant pot honey garlic chicken. One takes hours to cook, and the other is ready in minutes. Honestly, though, the Instant Pot might be my new favorite way to cook. I do love my Crock Pot, but this pressure cooker thingamajig is a game-changer. Or maybe you’re more into good ol’ boneless skinless chicken thigh recipes on the stovetop? I love that, too.
Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
This easy recipe for honey garlic chicken thighs is packed with so much flavor and requires very little effort. With just a handful of ingredients, this dish continues to be one of my go-to’s because it’s low maintenance and it’s fall-off-the-bone amazing.
Clearly, I’m not talking about just any old chicken here. I’m referring to that special kind of garlic chicken that finds the perfect balance between sweet and savory, tender and juicy, similar to how the best bourbon chicken recipe masters that blend. Also, it can be made in about 20 minutes and that just makes my heart sing for joy! What’s more is that I always make extra so that I have at least some leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch. Adding it over a green goddess salad is pure bliss!
Gosh… There is not one single thing I don’t love about this type of food. The flavors in this dish are so simple, yet when combined, they are SO GOOD and out-of-this-world fantastic. It’s one of those recipes that you make once, and then you make twice, and then suddenly you can’t wait to make it again.
Recipe Ingredients
No big deal – the following are just a handful of ingredients you probably have sitting around. But once you put them all together? GIRL! The magic happens. This blend of sweet, savory, and aromatic ingredients creates a sauce that will take your taste buds on a joyride. Trust me, there’s nah.thing better. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to make these honey garlic chicken thighs.
For the honey garlic sauce
- Honey – Adds sweetness and helps create a caramelized glaze. Maple syrup or agave nectar are good alternatives.
- Garlic—I love this sauce with tons of fresh garlic, but you can also use garlic powder. You’ll need about a teaspoon.
- Soy sauce – Contributes an umami flavor and balances the sweetness of the sauce. Tamari or coconut aminos will also work.
- Ketchup – Adds some tanginess and body to the sauce.
- Dried oregano – For a hint of herbal flavor. Italian seasoning or dried thyme are okay to use.
- Parsley – Fresh parsley provides freshness and a pop of color, but fresh cilantro or basil is a great substitute.
For the chicken
- Sesame seed oil – Adds a nutty flavor and aroma, perfect for sautéing. Olive oil or canola oil can also be used.
- Bone-in, skinless chicken thighs – Boneless chicken thighs or chicken breasts can be used, but you’ll have to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Salt and black pepper – Basic seasonings to enhance overall flavor.
- Toasted sesame seeds – These add a bit of crunch and pretty visual appeal. I have also used chopped cashews and it was delicious.
- Sliced green onions – I use these for a garnish and to add a mild onion flavor and freshness. Chives are a good alternative.
How To Make Honey Garlic Chicken in the Instant Pot
Whether you want to make this in the crock pot, as we have done up until now, or in the Instant Pot, trust me when I say that no matter what route you take, in the end you’ll just be super glad that you made it. Once you’ve prepared the sauce, you can move on to browning the chicken thighs right inside your Instant Pot – one pot means one meal and fewer dishes to wash. I used bone-in chicken thighs and could fit only 4 at a time, but if you choose boneless thighs, you can fit 6 to 8 at once.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small mixing bowl, combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, ketchup, oregano, and parsley. Mix until well combined and set aside.
- Heat the Instant Pot: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add sesame oil to the pot.
- Brown the chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs in the Instant Pot and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Browning the chicken adds depth of flavor and helps to lock in juices.
- Add the sauce: Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce over the chicken thighs.
- Cook in poultry mode: Cover and lock the lid of the Instant Pot, then cook in poultry mode for 20 minutes.
- Release the pressure: Turn off the Instant Pot and allow it to release the pressure naturally for about 5 minutes. This step is important for safely opening the pot and ensuring the chicken remains tender.
- Serve and garnish: Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving plate and spoon the sauce over the top. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions and enjoy.
Recipe Tips
- Chicken options. If you only have chicken breasts, don’t worry! Just use the same method, but cook on the poultry setting for 10 minutes.
- Soy sauce substitute. If you are allergic to soy sauce or can’t have soy for other reasons, feel free to use coconut aminos which is soy-free, gluten-free, and vegan.
- Thicken it. Want a thicker sauce? After cooking, remove the chicken and set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Simmer the sauce until it reduces to your desired consistency.
- Make it spicy. For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Make it with fish. I also have a seafood option with the same wonderful flavors Grab this recipe for honey garlic sauce salmon.
Serving Suggestions
To soak up all the delicious honey garlic sauce, I often serve honey garlic chicken over rice or with beef ramen (minus the beef). I like to add a side of my air fryer roasted broccoli and mashed potato pancakes for a complete meal. For dessert, a slice of German marble cake is the perfect finish!
Storing and Reheating
To store leftover chicken, let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
More Delicious Chicken Recipes
- Spicy Sweet Sticky Chicken Thighs
- Crock Pot Chicken Drumsticks
- Instant Pot Chicken Tinga
- Black Pepper Chicken
- Crock Pot Honey Lemon Chicken
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Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup low sodium soy sauce
- ½ cup ketchup, I use no-salt ketchup
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano, or any other dried herbs that you prefer
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon sesame seed oil, vegetable oil or olive oil can be used
- 4 to 6 bone-in skinless chicken thighs
- salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ tablespoon toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
- sliced green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Make the sauce. In a small mixing bowl combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, ketchup, oregano and parsley; mix until well combined and set aside.
- Prep and cook the chicken. Heat the Instant Pot in sauté mode. Add sesame oil to the pot to heat up. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper and cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes per side or until browned.
- Add the sauce. Add the prepared honey garlic sauce to the pot; cover and lock the lid.
- Cook. Set the IP on poultry mode (or pressure cook mode) and cook the chicken for 20 minutes. Turn off the pot and allow it to release the pressure, about 5 minutes.
- Serve. Transfer the chicken to a serving plate and spoon the remaining sauce from the pot over the top. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions, then serve.
Video
Notes
- Soy sauce alternatives. If you are allergic to soy sauce or can’t have soy for other reasons, feel free to use coconut aminos, which is soy-free, gluten-free, and vegan.
- Chicken. You can make this with boneless chicken thighs or chicken breasts, but you will have to adjust the cooking time because boneless meat cooks faster than bone-in.
- Burn notice. If you get a “burn notice” on your Instant Pot, it usually means there’s not enough liquid in the pot or that something is stuck to the bottom. To avoid this, you can deglaze the pot after browning the chicken by adding a bit of broth or water and scraping up any browned bits before adding the honey garlic sauce.
Nutrition
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.
Great recipe! I needed something relatively quick to prepare for my frozen boneless skinless chicken thighs (forgot to thaw night before) and this was perfect. I used Bragg’s liquid aminos which is quite salty so I know from past mistakes to reduce the amount, therefore I used 1/3 cup as my soy sauce replacement. I agree with some other reviewers that the sauce could use some dimension, so next time I’ll add a pinch of red pepper flakes as well as some ground ginger or fresh if I have it. I also added some cornstarch slurry at the end w/ saute setting on for 1.5 minutes to slightly thicken sauce. Thanks for the tasty, easy recipe!
More recent Instant Pots have discontinued the chicken setting. Please advise recommended temperature and time.
John1943, my Tayama brand pressure cooker is 140 degrees with low pressure for chicken setting.
John1943
Bone in thighs – 2 lbs (about 4) 12 minutes
If Frozen 20 minutes
5 minute natural release
I made this tonight and loved it. It will go in my regular rotation. I usually create my own recipes but decided to try your and am glad I did.
I’m very glad you enjoyed it, Susan! Thank YOU! 🙂
Thank you so much for this easy, delicious recipe. I was so stuck on what to cook and I really wanted to use my IP. So I searched for chicken thighs and IP and your recipe popped up. The only thing I didn’t have was sesame seed oil, so I substituted with canola oil. Also, I left out the sesame seeds because I didn’t have any. My children loved it too and they are so picky. I served this dish with white rice. I sent your recipe link to all my family and posted it on my FB page. Now I have a go to recipe when I don’t know what to cook. Awesome!!
Hi!
I am so happy you all loved it! Thank YOU! 😊
Wow — I am a 22 year old college student who has never posted a review before, but this was best thing I’ve cooked in my instant pot. Used bl / sl thighs for 20 minutes, and they were fall-apart tender. Thought it was restaurant quality. Could have used a slightly less salt, but then again was probably due to my soy sauce and ketchup. Great recipe, will definitely be revisiting the site
I am very happy you enjoyed this recipe!! THANK YOU! 🙂
I just got a pressure cooker yesterday, and this was the first recipe made in it. The whole family enjoyed it!
I am very happy you and your family enjoyed it! Thank YOU! 🙂
Once i sauté can I remove to sauté more, we have a large family and add all back in layered with sauce to cook?
If I want to serve with rice, can I come then at the same time, in the same pot?
Hi,
I suggest following this recipe on my other site for Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken with Rice: https://easyweeknightrecipes.com/instant-pot-honey-garlic-chicken-and-rice/
Recipe states skinless chicken thighs, but the video shows skin- on chicken. When sautéing, my skinless chicken stuck to pan….even when using more oil than stated in recipe. My sauce came out reddish due to amount of ketchup, nothing like the deep brown in the photos. I reduced it with some cornstarch, but it doesn’t taste of honey or garlic. It is more like sweet ketchup. I would not remake or recommend.
Stephanie,
If the sauce came out “reddish” you just may have used too much ketchup in the mix?
Double check the ingredient amounts and I’m sure you will have better luck.
This recipe could not be any easier or simpler.
Mine came out perfectly. I served it with a caesar salad, long grain white rice and steamed asparagus tips.
Hope that helps,
Sherman
I had the exact same experience with skinless chicken… it stuck to the pan – but i will try this again with skin on chicken to try and achieve the brown caramelization. I added red pepper flakes and ginger and the sauce was good.
I had EXACTLY the same results as Stephanie (boneless thighs stuck, red sweet sauce that had no garlic or honey taste… nothing like the sticky dark black of the photos). This was a major disappointment :(. It was tasty enough, but nothing like what I was expecting based on the photos and the reviews.
I have made this twice now . This was very good I did also add a few dashes of hot sauce red pepper flakes and teriyaki sauce as others recommended. Thanks for a great recipe!
I am very happy you enjoyed this recipe! Thank YOU! 🙂
You know those reviews that change up the ingredients? I’m here to tell you I didn’t change a thing, and this recipe is phenomenal! Definitely a keeper. Thank you Katerina!!
I love this recipe! I’ve made it in the past and it was fabulous. But with meat selection limited right now, I only have chicken legs in the freezer. Will this work? And if so, do you have recommendations on the cook time?
This was delicious! Also did not have sesame oil so used olive oil but added a Tbsp of tahini to the sauce since I wanted that sesame taste. Per others suggestions, I halved the ketchup and added a tbsp of sriracha as well as tsp of thai chili paste for a little zing. I used boneless skinless chicken thighs so reduced the cooking on the poultry setting to 15 minutes. I also found I needed to saute the chicken about 5 min per side. The sauce was a bit thin so I added a tbsp of cornstarch and simmered it in the instant pot to reduce it after removing the chicken. Defintely will make this again
I am SO happy you enjoyed it!! Thank YOU!! 🙂
Hi, I made this last night and it was amazing.
Thank you SO much! I am very happy you enjoyed it! 🙂