Instant Pot Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken
Every now and then, I find myself craving something that perfectly balances sweet and savory, and that’s when I turn to my beloved Instant Pot Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken. This dish has become my go-to for busy weeknights when I want to impress my family with minimal effort. I remember the first time I made it; the aroma filled my kitchen, enticing everyone to gather around the table. The combination of garlic, brown sugar, and succulent chicken thighs creates an unforgettable flavor that has us all coming back for seconds. Whether it’s a chilly evening or just a regular Tuesday, there’s something comforting about this dish that warms my heart.
Recipe Snapshot
20 mins
5 mins
15 mins
Medium
420 kcal
35 g
Vegan, Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
22 g
Instant Pot
What Makes This Instant Pot Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken Special
Simple Yet Flavorful
One of the things I love most about the Instant Pot Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken is its simplicity. You won’t need a long list of complex ingredients or hours of prep time. Just a few staples and you’re well on your way to a delightful meal!
Perfectly Tender Chicken
Using the Instant Pot ensures that the chicken turns out incredibly tender and juicy. The pressure cooking process locks in all the flavors and moisture, leaving you with meat that practically falls off the bone.
Quick and Easy
Who doesn’t love a meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes? This recipe is perfect for those hectic evenings when time is of the essence but you don’t want to compromise on flavor.
Customizable Ingredients
While this recipe is delicious as is, it also offers room for creativity. You can easily add your favorite herbs or vegetables to the mix, making it versatile to suit your family’s tastes.
Great for Leftovers
Leftovers from the Instant Pot Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken are a blessing. The flavors deepen as they sit, making tomorrow’s lunch just as delicious, if not more so!
Ingredients Required for Instant Pot Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken
The ingredients for this dish come together in harmony, each one playing a vital role in creating a mouthwatering meal. The star of the show is definitely the chicken thighs, which soak up the sweet and savory flavors beautifully. Pairing them with garlic, brown sugar, and a hint of honey creates a sauce that’s simply irresistible. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need!
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil – For sautéing.
- 2 tablespoons butter – Adds richness and flavor.
- 4-6 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on) – The main protein that will absorb all the lovely flavors.
- ¾ teaspoon salt – Essential for seasoning.
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper – For some added spice.
- 3 cloves garlic (crushed) – The aromatic component that elevates this dish.
- 1 cup chicken stock – The base for your sauce.
- ¼ cup brown sugar – Adds sweetness and depth.
- 1 tablespoon honey – Enhances the flavor profile.
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano – For an herby touch.
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil – Another layer of flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme – Complements the chicken beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon chopped fresh parsley – For garnishing.
Step by Step Guide for Instant Pot Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken
Cooking the Instant Pot Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken is a breeze, and I can’t wait to walk you through the steps. This recipe is designed to be straightforward, so even if you’re new to cooking, you’ll be able to pull it off with flying colors. Let’s dive in!
Start by seasoning the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. This initial step is crucial for building flavor right from the start.
Next, turn your Instant Pot to the SAUTE function. Add the vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Allow the butter to melt completely before adding the chicken.
Carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the pot. Brown them for about five minutes until they are golden brown. Flip them over and repeat on the other side. This browning adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
Once browned, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside. It’s important to let the meat rest while you prepare the sauce.
In the same pot, melt the remaining butter and add the crushed garlic. Sauté for about one minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Pour in the chicken stock and use a wooden spoon to deglaze the bottom of the pot, scraping up any delicious bits stuck to the bottom.
Add in the honey, brown sugar, oregano, basil, and thyme. Season this mixture with a pinch of salt and stir to combine everything.
Return the browned chicken thighs to the pot, ensuring they’re submerged in the sauce. Secure the lid and set the vent to SEALING.
Select the PRESSURE COOK/MANUAL setting and set the timer for eight minutes at high pressure. The Instant Pot will take around six to seven minutes to come up to pressure before the cooking time starts.
When the cooking cycle ends, quickly release the steam. Carefully remove the lid and transfer the chicken to a serving plate.
If you want a thicker sauce, set the Instant Pot back to SAUTE mode. Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with one tablespoon of water and stir it into the sauce, whisking until it thickens. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Pour the delicious sauce over the chicken and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Things Worth Knowing
- Cooking Time: Always monitor the time to ensure the chicken stays moist and tender, as overcooking can lead to dry meat.
- Pressure Release: Use quick release carefully, as the steam can be very hot. Ensure to stand back when releasing pressure.
- Deglazing: This step is essential for flavor; don’t skip it! Scraping the bits off the pot enhances the sauce.
- Texture: Look for a golden brown color on the chicken for that perfect texture and flavor.
Recipe Notes about Instant Pot Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken
Here are some helpful tips for making the best Instant Pot Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken. Each tip will guide you towards perfecting your dish and ensuring a delightful experience!
- Storage: It’s best to store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
- Freezing: You can freeze cooked chicken thighs for up to three months. Make sure to label your containers with the date.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with basmati rice, brown rice, or even creamy mashed potatoes.
- Vegetables: Consider serving with a side of steamed broccoli or green beans for a balanced meal.
- Ingredient Swap: You can use chicken breasts instead, but know they might not caramelize as well as thighs.
- Batch Cooking: If you’re making this for a crowd, feel free to double the recipe. Just ensure your Instant Pot can handle the volume.
What to Serve Alongside Instant Pot Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken
When it comes to serving the Instant Pot Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken, the options are endless! This dish is perfect for a comforting family dinner or even for meal prep for the week. Here’s what I suggest to pair it with:
- Rice: Serve over fluffy basmati rice or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are an excellent side to balance the sweetness of the dish.
- Pasta: For a twist, you can serve the chicken over pasta as the sauce clings beautifully to it.
- Vegetables: A side of steamed broccoli or roasted green beans adds color and nutrients to your plate.
- Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette can complement the richness of the chicken.
- Bread: Freshly baked bread or rolls are perfect for dipping into the sauce!
- Occasions: This dish is great for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even festive occasions. It’s versatile enough to fit any dinner table!
FAQ
Conclusion
The Instant Pot Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth and satisfaction to the dinner table. With its perfect combination of flavors and quick preparation time, it stands out as a favorite in my household. I encourage you to try this recipe tonight—you won’t regret it!
Instant Pot Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken
Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons butter divided
- 4-6 chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic crushed
- 1 cup chicken stock
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon chopped fresh parsley for serving
Instructions
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. On the Instant Pot, press on SAUTE, add the vegetable oil and butter. Brown the chicken starting skin side down, flip and brown it from the other side. When the chicken is golden brown, remove it from the pot and set aside.
- Melt the remaining butter in the Instant Pot and add the garlic. Cook for a minute until it's fragrant.
- Add the chicken stock and deglaze, scraping off any stuck bits to the bottom of the pot.
- Add the honey, brown sugar, oregano, basil, and thyme. Season with a pinch of salt, and put the chicken back in the pot.
- Secure the lid and set the vent to SEALING. Select the PRESSURE COOK/MANUAL setting and set the cooking time for eight minutes at high pressure. The Instant Pot will take around six to seven minutes to come to pressure and start cooking. When the cooking program ends, quickly release the steam.
- Transfer chicken thighs to a serving plate, and to thicken the sauce (optional), set the Instant Pot to SAUTE mode, and add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water. Add that to the sauce and whisk until the sauce thickens. Taste and add more salt if needed.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken, and garnish with chopped parsley leaves.
Notes
- Tip 1: You can use chicken breasts instead of thighs, but you won’t get that caramelized flavor and the chicken breast meat is drier.
- Tip 2: When browning the chicken thighs, if the pot is crowded then work in batches.
- Tip 3: You need to make sure that you brown the chicken really well, starting skin side down. But also keep an eye on it so that it does not stick to the bottom of the pot, I like to use kitchen tongs to move the chicken around a little as they're being seared.
- Tip 4: Thickening the sauce is optional but HIGHLY recommended to get that awesome glaze and thick sauce.
- Tip 5: Serve this Instant Pot brown sugar chicken with any starch that you like! I usually serve this over basmati rice or brown rice, but mashed potatoes and pasta are also great options.
- Tip 6: And you might also want to serve some veg on the side. I recommend a portion of Instant Pot broccoli, or Instant Pot green beans.
- Tip 7: Storing – Fridge: Store the chicken in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave, or in the oven until it’s heated through.
- Tip 8: Freezer: These chicken thighs can last up to three months in the freezer, so be sure to write the date on the bag with a freezer-proof marker.
