Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

There’s something truly special about the aroma of Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs filling the kitchen. I remember the first time I made this dish; it was a rainy evening, and I wanted to create a warm, comforting meal that would wrap around us like a cozy blanket. The moment the chicken met that sweet and savory sauce, I knew I had stumbled upon a gem. Each bite was a delightful explosion of flavors, with the perfect balance of honey and garlic sticking to the tender thighs. This dish quickly became a family favorite, bringing everyone to the table with smiles and empty plates.

What You’ll Need for Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Cooking is all about the ingredients, and for the Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs, each component plays a vital role in creating that perfect harmony of flavors. The rich, hearty chicken thighs are the star of this dish, complemented by the sweetness of honey, the umami of soy sauce, and the warmth of garlic. Together, they create a mouthwatering sauce that soaks into the chicken, making every bite a taste sensation.

• 1 1/2 lbs chicken thighs (bone-in and skin-on) – The cut of choice for juicy and flavorful results.
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil – Adds a nutty flavor that deepens the sauce.
• 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce or gluten free tamari sauce – Provides the salty depth of flavor.
• 3/4 cup water – Helps create a sauce and steam the chicken.
• 1/2 cup honey – The sweetness that beautifully balances the saltiness.
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced – A must-have for savory depth.
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger – Adds warmth and a hint of spice.
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes – For a touch of heat.
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch – Used to thicken the sauce later on.
• 2 tablespoons water (for slurry) – For mixing with cornstarch.
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds – For garnishing and added crunch.
• Chopped green onion – Freshness to finish off the dish.

The Method for Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Cooking with the Instant Pot opens up a world of convenience and flavor, and this recipe is a perfect illustration of that. Follow these steps closely, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready before you know it!

1. Start by gathering all your ingredients. In a medium bowl, combine the sesame oil, soy sauce, water, honey, minced garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Whisk them together until well combined. You’ll want to ensure the honey is fully dissolved into the mixture.
2. Now, it’s time to marinate the chicken thighs. Place them in a large bowl or a ziplock bag and pour the sauce over them. Make sure every piece is well coated. Let it marinate for at least a few hours, or even overnight if you have time, to really let those flavors soak in.
3. When you’re ready to cook, open your Instant Pot and add the marinated chicken along with the sauce. Make sure the chicken is in a single layer on the bottom of the pot.
4. Close the lid of the Instant Pot and ensure the valve is sealed. Select the manual setting and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. This is where the magic happens; the chicken will become incredibly tender.
5. Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for about 10 to 15 minutes. This step is crucial for juicy chicken. Afterward, you can manually release any remaining pressure.
6. While the chicken is resting, preheat your oven broiler. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Carefully remove the chicken thighs from the Instant Pot and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Before broiling, brush the chicken with some of the sauce from the Instant Pot. Then, place the baking sheet under the broiler for 2 to 5 minutes on each side. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.
8. While the chicken is under the broiler, make a cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until smooth.
9. Turn the Instant Pot to the sauté function and pour in the cornstarch slurry. Stir it into the remaining sauce and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing it to thicken. You’ll see the sauce change from a thin texture to a luscious glaze.
10. Once thickened, serve your beautifully broiled chicken thighs over a bed of rice or noodles, drizzling the sauce generously on top. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Enjoy the delightful explosion of flavors!

Ways to Adapt This Recipe

Every recipe can be modified to fit your taste, and the Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs is no exception! Here are some fantastic ways to adapt this dish:

• Storage: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the marinated chicken before cooking. Just let it thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.
• Pairing: Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Variations: Try adding vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli into the pot along with the chicken for a one-pot meal.
• Spice it Up: Adjust the level of heat by increasing the red pepper flakes or adding Sriracha to the marinade.

Great Combinations for Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

When it comes to serving your Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs, there are endless options to elevate your meal. Here are some great ideas:

• Steamed Rice: Serve over fluffy white or brown rice to soak up that delicious sauce.
• Stir-Fried Vegetables: Pair with a side of stir-fried vegetables for a colorful and nutritious addition.
• Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the chicken.
• Wraps: Use leftovers to create wraps with lettuce, carrots, and cucumbers for a fun twist.
• Occasions: This dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even casual gatherings with friends.
• Seasonal Pairing: During the colder months, serve with roasted sweet potatoes or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
• Storage Tips: Leftovers can be enjoyed cold in a salad or warmed up with rice the next day.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs is truly a showstopper. Its combination of sweetness and savory depth makes it a dish that’s hard to resist. I encourage you to try it for your next family dinner or gathering; you won’t be disappointed!

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

The ultimate comfort food, Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are sweet, savory, and incredibly easy to make. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines tender chicken thighs with a rich honey garlic sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. You'll want to make it tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

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

Ingredients

  

• 1 1/2 lbs chicken thighs bone in and skin on
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce or gluten free Tamari sauce
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• chopped green onion

Instructions

 

• Start by gathering all your ingredients. In a medium bowl, combine the sesame oil, soy sauce, water, honey, minced garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Whisk them together until well combined. You’ll want to ensure the honey is fully dissolved into the mixture.
• Now, it's time to marinate the chicken thighs. Place them in a large bowl or a ziplock bag and pour the sauce over them. Make sure every piece is well coated. Let it marinate for at least a few hours, or even overnight if you have time, to really let those flavors soak in.
• When you’re ready to cook, open your Instant Pot and add the marinated chicken along with the sauce. Make sure the chicken is in a single layer on the bottom of the pot.
• Close the lid of the Instant Pot and ensure the valve is sealed. Select the manual setting and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. This is where the magic happens; the chicken will become incredibly tender.
• Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for about 10 to 15 minutes. This step is crucial for juicy chicken. Afterward, you can manually release any remaining pressure.
• While the chicken is resting, preheat your oven broiler. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Carefully remove the chicken thighs from the Instant Pot and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
• Before broiling, brush the chicken with some of the sauce from the Instant Pot. Then, place the baking sheet under the broiler for 2 to 5 minutes on each side. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.
• While the chicken is under the broiler, make a cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until smooth.
• Turn the Instant Pot to the sauté function and pour in the cornstarch slurry. Stir it into the remaining sauce and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing it to thicken. You’ll see the sauce change from a thin texture to a luscious glaze.
• Once thickened, serve your beautifully broiled chicken thighs over a bed of rice or noodles, drizzling the sauce generously on top. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Enjoy the delightful explosion of flavors!

Notes

• Tip 1: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• Tip 2: You can freeze the marinated chicken before cooking. Just let it thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.
• Tip 3: Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Tip 4: Try adding vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli into the pot along with the chicken for a one-pot meal.
• Tip 5: Adjust the level of heat by increasing the red pepper flakes or adding Sriracha to the marinade.

Keyword easy chicken dinner, honey garlic chicken, Instant Pot Chicken Recipes, Pressure Cooker Chicken

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Meet Maya Carlson

I believe that every dish tells a story through its colors and textures. I apply my artistic eye to everything we make. I love being hands-on with every recipe, helping to plate a savory stew just as beautifully as a dessert. I enjoy the challenge of making every single genre of food look as good as it tastes. If we are cooking, I am right there in the mix, styling and seasoning until it’s perfect.