30 Minute Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Craving tender, flavorful chicken with minimal effort? This Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in just 30 minutes.

The irresistible sauce is a perfect blend of sweet honey, aromatic garlic, and savory soy creates fall-apart chicken that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Master this simple recipe and add a guaranteed family favorite to your weeknight rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

This recipe stands out as a true keeper for busy households. The Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting, infusing the chicken with incredible flavor while you handle other tasks.

The sauce reduces to a glossy glaze that coats each piece perfectly. Best of all, it requires minimal prep work and creates fewer dishes than traditional methods.

Many home cooks struggle to find meals that please everyone at the table. This honey garlic chicken solves that problem with its universal appeal.

Kids love the sweet notes while adults appreciate the complex flavor profile. The recipe works with any chicken cut you have on hand – breasts, thighs, or a combination.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this simple yet delicious Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken, gather:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons water
• Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
• Cooked rice for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Sauce

1. Mix honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, tomato paste, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a bowl.
2. Stir until completely combined.

Cook the Chicken

1. Place chicken pieces in the Instant Pot.
2. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken.
3. Close the lid and set the valve to “Sealing.”
4. Cook on Manual/Pressure Cook for 8 minutes (for thighs) or 6 minutes (for breasts).
5. Allow natural release for 5 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release.

Thicken the Sauce

1. Remove chicken from the Instant Pot and set aside.
2. Turn on the Sauté function.
3. Mix cornstarch with water in a small bowl to create a slurry.
4. Pour the slurry into the sauce while stirring continuously.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy glaze.
6. Return chicken to the pot and coat with the sauce.

Serve and Enjoy

1. Transfer to a serving dish.
2. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
3. Serve hot over rice or with your favorite sides.

Expert Tips for Perfect Results

For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce mixture for 30 minutes before cooking. This extra step really enhances the taste but remains optional when time is tight.

Cut chicken into equal-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. This prevents some pieces from becoming overcooked while others remain undercooked.

Pat chicken dry with paper towels before adding to the Instant Pot. This helps the sauce cling better to the meat.

For a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch to 3 tablespoons. For a thinner consistency, use just 1 tablespoon.

Variations to Try

Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken

Add 1-2 tablespoons of sriracha or 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicy kick.

Orange Honey Garlic Chicken

Include the zest and juice of one orange to bring a citrus dimension to the dish.

Pineapple Honey Garlic Chicken

Add 1 cup of pineapple chunks and 2 tablespoons of pineapple juice for a tropical twist.

Honey Garlic Chicken and Vegetables

Toss in vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas after thickening the sauce. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.

Storage and Meal Prep

This Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken makes excellent leftovers. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavor actually improves overnight as the chicken continues to absorb the sauce.

For meal prep, portion the chicken and sauce with rice in individual containers. Refrigerate for grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.

Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile chicken pairs well with many sides:

• Steamed jasmine or brown rice
• Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
• Steamed broccoli or green beans
• Asian-style coleslaw
• Simple cucumber salad

FAQs About Honey Garlic Chicken

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes! Add 4 minutes to the cooking time if using frozen chicken pieces. Note that you won’t be able to cut frozen chicken into smaller pieces, so cooking time may need further adjustment.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. The cooking time remains the same, but make sure not to fill your Instant Pot beyond the maximum fill line.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.

What if I don’t have rice vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar make good substitutes.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, then thicken the sauce as directed.