Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

The Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken has become one of my absolute favorite go-to recipes. It all started on a hectic weeknight when I was juggling work deadlines and family commitments. I found myself staring into the fridge, wondering how I could whip up something quick, delicious, and satisfying for dinner. That’s when I remembered the instant pot! With just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of time, I could create a meal that not only filled our bellies but also warmed our hearts.

The aroma of honey and garlic wafting through my kitchen while the chicken cooked was nothing short of intoxicating. As I gathered my ingredients, I felt excitement building. Who knew that something so simple could bring so much flavor? This is the magic of the Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken. It’s perfect for busy evenings, and the cleanup is a breeze, making it even easier to love. Plus, it’s one of those dishes you can customize based on what you have on hand. Rice, vegetables, or even a light salad make great companions for this mouth-watering meal.

Every time I serve this dish, I’m met with smiles and satisfied sighs. The sweetness of the honey balances beautifully with the savory garlic and soy sauce, creating a sticky glaze that makes the chicken utterly irresistible. Whether I’m entertaining guests or having a quiet family dinner, this recipe always hits the mark. It has quickly become a family favorite, and I’m sure it will become one of yours too, once you give it a try!

Ingredients for Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

When it comes to the ingredients for the Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken, each one plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of flavors. The key players—chicken, honey, and garlic—come together to create a dish that’s not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. Let’s break down these ingredients and see why they work so well together.

• 3 chicken breasts cut into 1″ pieces: The star of our dish. Chicken breasts are lean and cook quickly in the instant pot, soaking up all the delicious flavors.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: This adds richness and helps to brown the chicken, enhancing the flavor.
• 1/3 cup honey: The sweet element that balances the savory soy sauce and garlic, creating a sticky glaze.
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds saltiness and umami depth to the dish.
• 3/4 cup water: Helps to create steam in the instant pot, ensuring the chicken cooks perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Provides a touch of acidity to brighten the overall flavor.
• 6 cloves garlic minced: Garlic imparts a wonderful aroma and flavor that is hard to resist.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce at the end, giving it a nice glossy finish.
• Salt & pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors.
• Fresh chives or scallions chopped, for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, crisp touch to the dish.
• Fresh parsley to taste for garnish (optional): Another layer of freshness.

Step by Step Guide for Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Cooking the Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is a delightful and straightforward process. Let’s walk through the steps together to ensure you achieve the best results.

1. Start by preparing your chicken. Make sure to cut it into bite-sized pieces; this helps it cook evenly and absorb the flavors well.
2. In a small bowl, add the honey, soy sauce, water, lemon juice, and garlic. Whisk everything together until well combined.
3. If you’re planning to serve this with rice, now is a good time to start cooking it. I suggest using 2 cups of uncooked rice for a meal that serves four.
4. Now, it’s time to turn on your instant pot. Press the “sauté” button and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently. You want the chicken to be lightly browned.
5. Pour the honey garlic mixture into the instant pot over the chicken. Give everything a good stir to ensure the chicken is well coated.
6. Close the lid of the instant pot and set the valve to “sealing”. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Remember, it will take a few moments for the pot to come up to pressure before the cooking time starts counting down.
7. Once the cooking time is up, do a quick release of the pressure by turning the valve to “venting”. Be careful of the steam!
8. After the pressure is released, open the lid and set your instant pot back to “sauté”. You’ll want to thicken the sauce now.
9. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water together until smooth. Add this mixture to your instant pot and stir well.
10. Continue cooking for a few minutes until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
11. Once thickened, serve the Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken over rice and garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired.

Tips for Success

To ensure your Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.
• Cooking Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of protein, like shrimp or tofu, for a different twist on the recipe.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve the chicken with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
• Adjusting Flavor: If you like it spicier, consider adding a splash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Serve This Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken With

When it comes to serving the Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken, you have plenty of delicious options to make it a complete meal. Here are some great ideas:

• Steamed Rice: A classic pairing, serve this chicken over fluffy steamed white or brown rice to soak up all that tasty sauce.
• Vegetable Stir-Fry: For a colorful and nutritious side, pair it with a stir-fry of your favorite veggies.
• Crisp Salad: A light salad with crunchy greens, cucumbers, and a tangy dressing balances the meal beautifully.
• Quinoa: For a healthy alternative to rice, serve the chicken over quinoa for a boost of protein and fiber.
• Wraps or Tacos: Use leftovers to create wraps or tacos for a fun twist, adding fresh toppings like lettuce and avocado.
• Occasions: This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even meal prep for lunches to take to work.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is a deliciously sweet and savory dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to any meal. With its easy preparation and amazing flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. So why not give it a try tonight? Your family will love it, and you’ll appreciate how simple it is to prepare.

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is an easy weeknight dinner that will satisfy your cravings with its sweet and savory flavors. Perfectly cooked chicken in a sticky honey garlic glaze, this dish is a must-try tonight!

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 17 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Skillet
• Whisk
• Mixing Bowl
• Wooden Spoon
• Chef's Knife

Ingredients

  

• 3 pieces chicken breasts cut into 1" pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 6 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Fresh chives or scallions chopped, for garnish (optional)
• Fresh parsley to taste for garnish (optional)

Instructions

 

• Start by preparing your chicken. Make sure to cut it into bite-sized pieces; this helps it cook evenly and absorb the flavors well.
• In a small bowl, add the honey, soy sauce, water, lemon juice, and garlic. Whisk everything together until well combined.
• If you're planning to serve this with rice, now is a good time to start cooking it. I suggest using 2 cups of uncooked rice for a meal that serves four.
• Now, it's time to turn on your instant pot. Press the "sauté" button and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently. You want the chicken to be lightly browned.
• Pour the honey garlic mixture into the instant pot over the chicken. Give everything a good stir to ensure the chicken is well coated.
• Close the lid of the instant pot and set the valve to "sealing". Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Remember, it will take a few moments for the pot to come up to pressure before the cooking time starts counting down.
• Once the cooking time is up, do a quick release of the pressure by turning the valve to "venting". Be careful of the steam!
• After the pressure is released, open the lid and set your instant pot back to "sauté". You’ll want to thicken the sauce now.
• In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water together until smooth. Add this mixture to your instant pot and stir well.
• Continue cooking for a few minutes until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Once thickened, serve the Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken over rice and garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired.

Notes

• Tip 1: You could also cook this on the stovetop - I would do it in a large skillet. Sauté like the recipe states, then cover the pan with a lid until the chicken is cooked. Finish off by stirring in the cornstarch mixture at the end.
• Tip 2: I use this 6-quart Instant Pot.
• Tip 3: Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Salt & Lavender makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.

Keyword Easy Chicken Recipes, honey garlic chicken, Instant Pot Chicken, quick weeknight dinner

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Meet Bella Banks

I’m the one who makes sure we’re having fun while we work. I love the communal aspect of cooking seven friends in a kitchen can be chaotic, but it’s the best kind of chaos! I cook everything alongside the girls, and I’m often the one setting the table and making sure the “vibe” is right for our photos. I believe that any recipe, no matter how simple or complex, is a celebration.