Instant Pot Honey Mustard Chicken
One of my favorite weeknight meals is definitely Instant Pot Honey Mustard Chicken. I remember the first time I made it; I was rushing to prepare dinner after a long day at work. The delightful aroma of the honey and mustard wafted through the air, instantly making my house feel welcoming. My family gathered around the table, eager to dig in, and as soon as they tasted it, I knew this dish would become a staple in our home. It’s simple, quick, and the flavors are just amazing together.
Recipe Snapshot
25 mins
5 mins
20 mins
Easy
450 kcal
35 g
Keto, Paleo, Whole30
20 g
Instant Pot
The Beauty of This Instant Pot Honey Mustard Chicken
Quick and Easy Dinner
One of the best things about this recipe is how effortless it is to prepare. With just a few ingredients, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time. The Instant Pot takes the stress out of cooking, allowing you to enjoy more time with your loved ones, rather than slaving away in the kitchen.
Flavor Explosion
The combination of honey and Dijon mustard creates a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess that elevates the humble chicken to new heights. You’ll find that this dish is not only satisfying but also bursting with flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser every time.
Perfect for Meal Prep
Another reason I adore this recipe is its versatility. You can easily double the ingredients for leftovers or meal prep for the week. It stores beautifully and can be reheated without losing any of its deliciousness, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Kid-Friendly
Getting kids to eat can be a challenge, but they tend to love the sweet and savory notes of Instant Pot Honey Mustard Chicken. The baby potatoes and carrots cooked alongside the chicken make it a complete meal that appeals to even the pickiest eaters.
Healthy and Nutritious
This dish is not only tasty but also packed with wholesome ingredients. The chicken provides protein, while the veggies add vitamins and minerals. Plus, you can easily adjust the sweetness or mustard level according to your taste, ensuring a healthy meal for everyone.
What You Need for Instant Pot Honey Mustard Chicken
When it comes to crafting a fantastic dish, the ingredients play a vital role. Each component in this recipe has a purpose and works harmoniously together to create a delightful meal. The star of the show is, of course, the tender chicken, complemented by the rich flavors of honey and Dijon mustard. Add in some earthy potatoes and sweet carrots, and you’ve got a medley of flavors that’s hard to resist.
- 6 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on) – The chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, making them perfect for pressure cooking.
- 1 tablespoon oil (olive or vegetable) – Used to brown the chicken, adding depth to the flavor.
- salt and pepper to taste – Essential seasonings to enhance the natural flavors.
- ½ cup water – This helps to create steam for cooking in the Instant Pot.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced) – Adds an aromatic quality to the dish.
- ¼ cup honey – Provides sweetness that balances the mustard’s tartness.
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard – Offers a sharp, tangy flavor that permeates the dish.
- 3 tablespoons stone ground mustard or whole grain mustard (NOT ground mustard powder) – Adds texture and a more complex flavor.
- 1 pound (450g) baby potatoes (sliced in halves) – Hearty and absorb the delicious sauce.
- 3 carrots (peeled and sliced into 1-2 inch pieces) – Adds sweetness and color to the dish.
Instant Pot Honey Mustard Chicken Instructions
Cooking Instant Pot Honey Mustard Chicken is a breeze, thanks to the Instant Pot. With just a few straightforward steps, you will have a delicious meal ready to serve. Let’s dive into the instructions!
- Press on the SAUTE setting on your Instant Pot. Allow it to heat up before adding the oil. This step creates a nice sear on the chicken thighs. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, and place them skin-side down in the pot. Brown them well, which will take about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Once the chicken is nicely browned, carefully remove it from the pot and set it aside. Next, pour in the water to deglaze the pot. Using a wooden spoon, scrape any bits that are stuck to the bottom. This adds flavor to the dish.
- After deglazing, switch off the SAUTE setting. Now, it’s time to add the sauce ingredients. Mix in the garlic, honey, Dijon mustard, and stone ground mustard.
- Return the browned chicken to the pot, along with the baby potatoes and carrots. Sprinkle in more salt and pepper to taste. Make sure everything is well combined.
- Cover the Instant Pot with the lid and ensure that the valve is in the sealing position. This is crucial for the pressure cooking to work properly.
- Select the MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK setting and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. It’s amazing how quickly the Instant Pot works its magic!
- When the cooking time is complete, carefully perform a quick release of the steam. Be cautious of the hot steam as you open the lid.
- Once the lid is safely opened, garnish the chicken with some freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
- Serve hot and enjoy every bite of this wonderful meal!
Things Worth Knowing
- Chicken Size Matters: The cooking time depends on the size of the chicken thighs. Smaller thighs need only 6 minutes, while larger ones take about 10 minutes. Be mindful of the size you choose!
- Liquid Level: If you find yourself with too much liquid at the end, you can reduce it down on the SAUTE setting to create a thicker sauce.
- Don’t Rush the Browning: Take your time when browning the chicken. It adds depth of flavor that enhances the final dish.
- Leftovers are Gold: This dish stores well in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep or a quick reheating on busy days.
Tips for Success
Following these tips will help you create the best Instant Pot Honey Mustard Chicken experience possible. Let’s make sure everything goes smoothly!
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container.
- Pairing: Serve this dish with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Adjusting Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey according to your taste preference.
- Cooking Times: Always check the size of the chicken thighs to ensure they cook properly; larger pieces will need more time.
What Goes Well With This Instant Pot Honey Mustard Chicken
When it comes to serving Instant Pot Honey Mustard Chicken, the options are plentiful. Here’s how to create the perfect meal around this dish:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the sauce beautifully.
- Steamed Broccoli: Add a vibrant green side for a nutritious boost.
- Rice: Serve it over fluffy rice to soak up all the delicious sauce.
- Salad: A fresh garden salad can add crunch and balance to the meal.
- Family Gatherings: This dish is great for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
- Seasonal Pairings: Consider serving it with seasonal vegetables for added freshness.
FAQ
Conclusion
Instant Pot Honey Mustard Chicken is truly a standout recipe that combines convenience, flavor, and nutrition in one delicious package. The sweetness of honey paired with the tang of mustard creates a dish that’s comforting and satisfying. I encourage you to try making this meal for your family; it’s bound to become a beloved favorite!
Instant Pot Honey Mustard Chicken
Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 6 pieces chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 1 tablespoon oil (olive or vegetable)
- to taste salt and pepper
- ½ cup water
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons stone ground mustard or whole grain mustard (NOT ground mustard powder)
- 1 pound baby potatoes (sliced in halves)
- 3 carrots (peeled and sliced into 1-2 inch pieces)
Instructions
- Press on the SAUTE setting, then heat the oil, season the chicken thighs and brown them well. Start by chicken skin side down.
- Add water to deglaze the pot and with a wooden spoon remove any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Switch off the saute setting.
- Add the rest of the sauce ingredients; garlic, honey, and mustards. Followed by potatoes and carrots.
- Season with more salt and pepper, cover with the lid and make sure that the valve is in sealing position.
- Press on MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK on high, and cook for 8 minutes.
- When the cooking is finished, quickly release the steam and carefully open the lid. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve.
Notes
- Tip 1: The cooking time depends on the size of the chicken thighs you’re using. With smaller boneless thighs, pressure cook on high for 6 minutes. Medium size, 8 minutes, and large thighs will need around 10 minutes.
- Tip 2: If in the end, you feel like there’s too much liquid, you can reduce it down a little on the SAUTE setting.
