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The Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is one of those magical dishes that combines sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors in a way that feels both comforting and exciting. It’s incredibly quick to prepare, making it the perfect weekday dinner for busy nights when you want to impress with minimal effort. Tender chicken pieces soak up a luscious honey and garlic sauce, giving each bite a mouthwatering balance of richness and zest. If you’re a fan of fuss-free meals that don’t skimp on flavor, this Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is about to become your new go-to dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple yet essential ingredients, each bringing something special to the table. From the natural sweetness of honey to the punch of fresh garlic, every component plays a vital role in creating that rich, balanced sauce and tender chicken texture.
- 3 chicken breasts (cut into 1″ pieces): Perfectly portioned and quick to cook for tender, juicy bites.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps brown the chicken for extra flavor.
- 1/3 cup honey: The star sweetener, giving the sauce a beautiful golden hue and natural sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Brings savory depth and umami to the dish, balancing the honey’s sweetness.
- 3/4 cup water: Keeps the chicken juicy and ensures just the right amount of sauce.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Adds a fresh, zesty pop that brightens the overall flavor.
- 6 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic punches up the savory element with its signature aromatic bite.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce to perfectly cling to the chicken.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasoning to enhance and balance all the flavors.
- Fresh chives or scallions (chopped, for garnish, optional): Adds a fresh herbal touch and appealing color contrast.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional): Offers a mild, fresh flavor and bright green pop for presentation.
How to Make Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce
Start by combining the honey, soy sauce, water, lemon juice, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Whisking these together lets all those flavors blend beautifully, setting the stage for that irresistible sauce that will coat the chicken.
Step 2: Start Your Side Dish
If you’re planning to serve this with rice, this is a great moment to get it cooking. For four hungry people, about 2 cups of uncooked rice is usually just right, but feel free to adjust portions based on appetite. Rice will soak up all that amazing honey garlic sauce later, so it’s worth the wait.
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken
Hit the sauté button on your Instant Pot, add the olive oil, and toss in the chicken pieces. Cook for roughly 3 minutes while stirring frequently so the chicken develops a light golden crust. This step builds flavor and texture that makes a big difference in the final dish.
Step 4: Pressure Cook with Sauce
Pour your prepared honey garlic sauce into the Instant Pot over the chicken. Give everything a good stir to coat the chicken evenly. Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to “high pressure” for 5 minutes. While it takes a few minutes to reach pressure, the flavor infusion is happening as you wait.
Step 5: Quick Release and Sauce Thickening
When cooking is complete, perform a quick release to let out the steam safely. Next, switch the Instant Pot back to “sauté” mode to thicken the sauce. Mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth and stir this slurry into the pot. Cook for a few more minutes until the sauce is silky and coats the chicken beautifully. Finish with salt and pepper to suit your taste.
How to Serve Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh chives or scallions brings a lovely burst of green color along with a mild onion flavor that complements the rich sauce. Parsley is another great choice, offering a fresh and slightly peppery note that brightens each bite visually and taste-wise.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs perfectly with fluffy white or jasmine rice, as it soaks up every drop of the luscious honey garlic sauce. For a low-carb option, steamed vegetables or cauliflower rice work beautifully too. Roasted broccoli or snap peas add a nice crunchy contrast that balances the tender chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken over a bed of quinoa or even noodles to switch up textures. You can also turn this into a lettuce wrap meal — spoon the chicken and sauce into crisp iceberg or butter lettuce leaves for a hand-held treat. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds can add an extra nutty crunch and visual appeal too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe leftovers store wonderfully in an airtight container placed in the fridge. They’ll keep well for 3 to 4 days, making this a great option for quick lunches or next-day dinners.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for longer, freezing is a smart move. Cool the chicken completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. It will last up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce seems too thick. Heating slowly helps keep the chicken moist and the sauce silky without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great in this recipe and often come out even more tender and juicy. Just adjust the cooking time if your pieces are larger to ensure they’re fully cooked.
How spicy is the Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe?
This dish isn’t spicy at all—it focuses on sweet, garlicky, and savory flavors. If you want to add heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha during the sauce preparation can add a pleasant kick.
Do I need to add extra sugar besides honey?
No need! The honey provides plenty of natural sweetness, balancing the garlic and soy sauce perfectly without any added sugar.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients and use a larger Instant Pot if you have one. Just make sure not to overfill your pot—follow the manufacturer’s max fill guidelines for pressure cooking.
Is this recipe healthy?
This Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is a wholesome option that’s packed with protein and uses simple, whole ingredients. Using fresh garlic and moderate amounts of honey keeps it flavorful and better balanced than many takeout versions.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a home-cooked dinner that’s fast, flavorful, and absolutely satisfying, don’t hesitate to give this Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe a try. It’s flexible, forgiving, and sure to bring smiles to your table every time. Trust me, once you taste the tender chicken bathed in that sweet-savory-garlicky sauce, you’ll wonder why you ever waited so long to make it.
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