This easy sticky chicken recipe makes tender, deliciously juicy, fall-off-the-bone chicken thighs. Prepared in the Instant Pot with a sweet and savory sticky sauce, it’s a delicious chicken recipe that tastes amazing!

If you’re a fan of chicken thighs, you’ve got to try my quick and uber-popular stovetop chicken thighs, delivering perfectly seared and juicy meat in no time. And if you’re looking for a healthier, crispy alternative, my air fryer chicken thighs are a must-try.

 

Everyone loves a delicious dish that combines convenience with unforgettable flavor. That’s precisely where the Instant Pot shines, transforming time-consuming recipes into quick, fuss-free meals. Our sticky chicken thighs recipe is a prime example. With minimal prep and even less cleanup, you can serve a dish that’s dripping in a rich, tangy sauce in under an hour. Whether you’re racing against a busy schedule or just want to simplify your dinner routine, this recipe is your ticket to a mouthwatering meal with none of the hassle.

This Instant Pot sticky chicken recipe produces tender meat complemented by crispy, succulent skin. Each piece is generously drizzled with an extra layer of sauce, achieving that perfect blend of sweet and savory. With a hint of spice from the hot sauce, these sticky chicken thighs are not only an easy weeknight dinner choice but also a crowd-pleaser. If you prefer a slower cooking method, my crockpot honey garlic chicken offers the same irresistible flavors.

Why I Love This Sticky Chicken Recipe

• Effortless & Quick: Thanks to the instant pot, this meal is all about ‘set it and forget it’. Perfect for those post-soccer or recital nights, just like our other favorite honey garlic chicken in the Instant pot.
• Flavorful: Every bite of this chicken thighs dinner offers a combo of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors.
• Versatile: Serve over teriyaki noodles, a vegetable stir fry, fluffy Jasmine rice, or with all of them. Your plate, your rules!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this easy sticky chicken recipe, you’ll need a few simple ingredients readily available at your local grocery store. Get ready to whip up this delicious Asian-inspired chicken recipe with minimal fuss. For the full recipe, scroll down to the recipe card.

For the chicken

• Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: For the juiciest and flavorful meat with a crispy skin, bone in chicken thighs are the best option. You can use boneless chicken thighs, too, but you will have to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Paprika: Adds a smoky flavor and vibrant color to the chicken.
• Fresh ground black pepper: The pepper will enhance the overall flavor with just a touch of heat.
• Olive oil: Used for browning the chicken. Vegetable oil or canola oil are okay to use.

For the sticky sauce

• White vinegar: Adds acidity to balance the sweetness of the sauce. Apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar are good substitutes.
• Brown sugar: Contributes to the caramelization and depth of flavor in the sauce.
• Honey: Adds sweetness and helps create a sticky texture.
• Low sodium soy sauce: Provides a savory umami flavor. For a gluten free option, tamari or coconut aminos are a great alternative.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds a tangy note to the sauce.
• Hot chili sauce (like Sriracha): Brings heat and an extra layer of flavor. Adjust the amount to taste. Any hot sauce of your choice can be used.
• Fresh Garlic: If you don’t have fresh cloves of garlic, garlic powder will work in a pinch.
• Ground ginger: Adds warmth and a hint of spice. Fresh ginger is fine to use.
• Toasted sesame seeds: Provides a nutty flavor and garnish.
• Chopped fresh cilantro (optional): Adds freshness and a burst of color. You could also use fresh parsley or thinly sliced green onions.

How To Make Sticky Chicken in the Instant Pot

It’s almost time to savor every bite of these tantalizingly tender chicken thighs. This recipe for sticky chicken is easy to make and even easier to devour, making it a dish your family will request again and again!

1. Prep the chicken. We start by seasoning the chicken thighs with sweet paprika and fresh ground pepper. Since we are using soy sauce and worcestershire sauce in this recipe, I advise to omit the salt.
2. Prep the Instant Pot. Set the IP to sauté mode and add olive oil. Heat it up and arrange three chicken thighs, skin side down, in the Instant Pot. Cook for 2 minutes on all sides. All 6 chicken thighs will not fit at once—use 3 to 4 at a time.
3. Prepare the sticky sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, minced garlic, and ground ginger.
4. Combine the chicken and sauce; Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken pieces and stir them around so they are coated on all sides.
5. Cook. Lock the lid and pressure cook on HIGH (OR Poultry Mode) for 20 minutes. Turn off the pot and allow to release the pressure, about 5 minutes.
6. Make a thicker sauce. To thicken the sauce, scoop out about 1/4 cup of the liquid and whisk a tablespoon of cornstarch in it. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and stir the cornstarch mixture into the pot; cook for 2 minutes or until thickened.
7. Serve. Transfer the chicken thighs to a serving plate and serve the sauce separately or pour it over the chicken. Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds and chopped cilantro over the chicken and enjoy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your sticky chicken over my absolute favorite garlic butter cauliflower rice or try it with spicy Thai rice for a flavorful twist. For a lighter option, pair it with stir fry zucchini noodles and a side of my amazing bok choy recipe.

Soba noodle soup also makes a fantastic accompaniment. And don’t forget the sweet potato wedges, oven-roasted to perfection with a hint of sweetness and crunch. My bright and zesty Vesuvio potatoes would also make a delicious pairing.

How To Store Leftovers

Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for 2 to 3 days.

More Great Chicken Recipes

• Garlic Sauce Chicken Thighs
• Cilantro Lime Chicken
• Honey Sriracha Chicken
• Grilled Chicken Thighs with Brown Sugar Glaze