Instant Pot Honey Chicken Thighs

There’s something undeniably comforting about a dish like Instant Pot Honey Chicken Thighs. I still remember the first time I made it—my kitchen filled with the warm, sweet aroma of honey and spices, inviting everyone in the house to gather around the table. It was an overcast afternoon, the kind that makes you crave something hearty and satisfying. I decided to whip up this quick and easy recipe using my trusty Instant Pot. The chicken turned out so tender and flavorful that it quickly became a family favorite. Not only is it delicious, but it also allows me to spend more time with my loved ones instead of slaving away in the kitchen. If you’re looking for a dish that perfectly combines sweet and savory flavors while being incredibly easy to prepare, then Instant Pot Honey Chicken Thighs is the one for you!

What’s In This Instant Pot Honey Chicken Thighs

The ingredients for Instant Pot Honey Chicken Thighs are simple yet impactful. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating that delightful flavor profile we all crave. The key players include chicken thighs, which provide a juicy and rich base, and honey, which adds that irresistible sweetness. Let’s take a closer look at each ingredient:

• 1½ pounds (650g) chicken thighs – Bone-in and skin-on, these thighs are perfect for braising and become incredibly tender in the Instant Pot.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – A good source of healthy fats, olive oil is used to sauté the chicken, enhancing its flavor.
• 2 tablespoons butter – Adds richness and helps to create a luscious sauce.
• 1 teaspoon paprika – This spice adds color and a mild smokiness to the dish.
• ¾ teaspoon salt – Essential for enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper – Adds a mild heat to balance the sweetness of the honey.
• 2 cloves garlic (minced) – Provides an aromatic depth to the dish.
• ½ cup water – Helps to create steam in the Instant Pot for pressure cooking.
• ¼ cup honey – The star ingredient that gives this dish its signature sweetness.
• 1 pound (450g) baby potatoes – Halved for even cooking, these add heartiness to the meal.
• 1 pound (450g) green beans (trimmed and cut in half) – These add a pop of color and a fresh crunch to the dish.
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch – Used to thicken the sauce at the end for a glossy finish.
• 2 tablespoons water – Combined with cornstarch to create the slurry for thickening the sauce.

Directions for Instant Pot Honey Chicken Thighs

Cooking Instant Pot Honey Chicken Thighs is a breeze, making it perfect for any home cook. Follow these easy steps and watch how quickly a flavorful meal comes together.

1. Start by pressing the SAUTE button on your Instant Pot. Add olive oil and half of the butter. Allow the butter to melt, creating a flavorful base for your chicken.
2. Carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the pot. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Brown the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes, then flip it and cook for an additional minute. This step is crucial for developing a rich flavor.
3. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pot and set aside. Switch the Instant Pot OFF to begin the next stage.
4. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then pour in the water. Use a wooden spoon to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. This adds incredible flavor to your sauce.
5. Stir in the honey and the remaining butter. Return the browned chicken thighs to the pot, nestling them in the sauce.
6. Next, add the baby potatoes to the pot. Ensure everything is mixed well so the potatoes absorb the sauce’s flavor.
7. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot. Make sure the vent is set to SEALING. Select the PRESSURE COOK/MANUAL setting and set the cooking time for 8 to 10 minutes at high pressure. The Instant Pot will take around 6 to 7 minutes to come to pressure.
8. When the cooking program ends, quickly release the steam. Be careful during this step!
9. Once the steam has released and the pin drops, remove the lid. Add the green beans to the pot and secure the lid once again.
10. Repeat the PRESSURE COOK/MANUAL setting once more, this time setting the cooking time for 0 minutes at high pressure. The Instant Pot will come to pressure again and finish cooking the beans perfectly.
11. After the cooking cycle ends, quickly release the steam and remove the lid. Now, to thicken the sauce, move the vegetables to one side, exposing the sauce.
12. Press the SAUTE setting again and mix in a slurry made from the cornstarch and the additional water. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens, which should take about a minute.
13. Once thickened, switch OFF the sauté setting and gently mix all the ingredients together so the sauce coats everything well.
14. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Instant Pot Honey Chicken Thighs with family and friends!

Ways to Adapt This Recipe

There are countless ways to adapt Instant Pot Honey Chicken Thighs to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Storage: Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or the oven until heated through.
• Freezing: These chicken thighs can last up to three months in the freezer. Be sure to label your containers with the date.
• Variations: Feel free to mix and match vegetables! Try adding carrots or bell peppers for a different twist.
• Serving Suggestions: Pair with rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Spice it Up: Add some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Make it Sweet: Experiment with different types of honey, like lavender or orange blossom, to change the flavor profile.

Serving Options for Instant Pot Honey Chicken Thighs

When it comes to serving Instant Pot Honey Chicken Thighs, the options are endless. Here’s how to elevate your dining experience:

• Pair with Rice: Serve the chicken over fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the chicken perfectly.
• Roasted Vegetables: Consider serving alongside roasted seasonal vegetables for a colorful plate.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make a comforting side dish that pairs well with the sauce.
• Sandwich Option: Shred leftovers and serve on a bun for a tasty pulled chicken sandwich!
• Great for Gatherings: This dish is perfect for family dinners or potlucks. It’s sure to impress and feed a crowd.
• Seasonal Pairings: In the fall, consider adding roasted squash or Brussels sprouts for a seasonal touch.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Instant Pot Honey Chicken Thighs is truly a standout dish that brings together sweet and savory flavors beautifully. It’s perfect for those hectic weeknights when you want a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed. Your family will love it, and you might just find yourself making it again and again!

Instant Pot Honey Chicken Thighs

The ultimate comfort food, Instant Pot Honey Chicken Thighs is a delicious and easy weeknight dinner that satisfies cravings. Tender chicken thighs are coated in a sweet and savory honey sauce, making it a dish you'll want to make again and again. Perfect for busy families or gatherings, this recipe is sure to impress!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 3 servings

Calories 430 kcal

Equipment

• Instant Pot

Ingredients

  

• 1½ pounds pounds chicken thighs bone-in skin-on
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter divided
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• ½ cup water
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 pound baby potatoes halved, if the potatoes are small then leave whole
• 1 pound green beans trimmed and cut in half
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

 

• Start by pressing the SAUTE button on your Instant Pot. Add olive oil and half of the butter. Allow the butter to melt, creating a flavorful base for your chicken.
• Carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the pot. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Brown the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes, then flip it and cook for an additional minute. This step is crucial for developing a rich flavor.
• Once browned, remove the chicken from the pot and set aside. Switch the Instant Pot OFF to begin the next stage.
• Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then pour in the water. Use a wooden spoon to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. This adds incredible flavor to your sauce.
• Stir in the honey and the remaining butter. Return the browned chicken thighs to the pot, nestling them in the sauce.
• Next, add the baby potatoes to the pot. Ensure everything is mixed well so the potatoes absorb the sauce's flavor.
• Secure the lid on the Instant Pot. Make sure the vent is set to SEALING. Select the PRESSURE COOK/MANUAL setting and set the cooking time for 8 to 10 minutes at high pressure. The Instant Pot will take around 6 to 7 minutes to come to pressure.
• When the cooking program ends, quickly release the steam. Be careful during this step!
• Once the steam has released and the pin drops, remove the lid. Add the green beans to the pot and secure the lid once again.
• Repeat the PRESSURE COOK/MANUAL setting once more, this time setting the cooking time for 0 minutes at high pressure. The Instant Pot will come to pressure again and finish cooking the beans perfectly.
• After the cooking cycle ends, quickly release the steam and remove the lid. Now, to thicken the sauce, move the vegetables to one side, exposing the sauce.
• Press the SAUTE setting again and mix in a slurry made from the cornstarch and the additional water. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens, which should take about a minute.
• Once thickened, switch OFF the sauté setting and gently mix all the ingredients together so the sauce coats everything well.
• Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Instant Pot Honey Chicken Thighs with family and friends!

Notes

• Tip 1: Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or the oven until heated through.
• Tip 2: These chicken thighs can last up to three months in the freezer. Be sure to label your containers with the date.

Keyword easy chicken dinner, Honey Chicken Recipe, Instant Pot Chicken, Weeknight Dinner

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Meet Hanna Hart

I am obsessed with the “how” and “why” of cooking. It doesn’t matter if we are roasting a chicken or baking brownies; I am the one double-checking our measurements and cooking times. I love working on every type of cuisine and finding the absolute best method to get the results we want. I treat every recipe with the same level of care and dedication.