Quick & Easy Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

This Instant Pot honey garlic chicken recipe delivers a delicious and convenient meal, smothered in a sweet and savory soy-honey-garlic sauce that’s incredibly easy to prepare in a pressure cooker. Say goodbye to dry chicken and hello to a flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Why This Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe Works

---

Honey garlic chicken is a beloved dish, and this Instant Pot version takes the classic flavors to a new level of convenience. Whether you prefer wings, breasts, or thighs, the sweet and savory combination is always a hit. This recipe simplifies the process with just a few ingredients and the magic of the Instant Pot.

The Instant Pot excels at creating tender and juicy chicken. The pressure cooker seals in the steam, ensuring the chicken stays moist and prevents it from drying out. The pre-set timer eliminates the risk of overcooking. This results in a delicious and satisfying meal every time. Enjoy the simplicity and incredible flavor of this recipe.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

---

For exact measurements, find the printable version of the recipe at the bottom of this post. Gathering all ingredients before starting ensures a smooth cooking process and prevents any last-minute scrambling.

Ingredient Information and Substitution Suggestions

---

Understanding the role of each ingredient and potential substitutions can help you customize the recipe to your preferences and dietary needs. This adaptability ensures a delicious outcome, regardless of ingredient availability or personal preferences.

Chicken: This recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They consistently deliver juicy and tender results. Be sure to trim any excess fat from the chicken before cooking. Save the trimmed fat to make homemade chicken stock.

Sauce: The magic of this recipe lies in the sauce. It’s a flavorful blend of soy sauce, white wine vinegar, minced garlic, brown sugar, honey, and garlic salt. This combination creates a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes.

Thickener: A simple cornstarch slurry is used to thicken the sauce to your desired consistency. This step is optional, so feel free to omit it if you prefer a thinner sauce. The cornstarch slurry allows for easy sauce consistency adjustment based on individual preferences.

How to Make Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken: Step-by-Step Guide

---

These step-by-step instructions and photos will guide you through the recipe. For a printable version, with complete measurements and instructions, Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this post.

1. Combine all sauce ingredients in an immersion blender and process until smooth. This ensures a uniform and flavorful sauce that coats the chicken evenly.
2. Trim chicken breasts of any excess fat. This step is important for achieving the best flavor and texture.
3. Place chicken breasts in the sauce. Marinating the chicken for a couple of hours enhances flavor. If you don’t have time, remove the chicken from the sauce and place it on a plate. Even a short marinating period adds depth to the chicken.
4. Add the sauce to the pressure cooker insert, then add the ½ cup of water. Adding water ensures that there is enough liquid in the Instant Pot for proper pressure cooking.
   

   

5. Place the rack inside the pressure cooker insert. Set chicken breasts on the rack. The rack prevents the chicken from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
   

   

6. Pressure cook on high for 15 minutes, then do a quick release. Quick release means manually releasing the pressure immediately after the cooking cycle ends. This prevents overcooking the chicken. Adjust cooking time based on chicken breast size.
7. Remove chicken breasts and cut them into bite-sized chunks. Cutting the chicken into chunks makes it easier to eat and allows the sauce to coat the chicken evenly.
   

   

8. Remove the rack and scrape down the sides of the insert to remove any honey crystals. Removing any crystallized honey helps to prevent burning when simmering the sauce.
9. Change the setting to “saute.” Bring the sauce to a boil. Boiling the sauce helps to reduce it and intensify the flavors.
   

   

10. Make a slurry from the cornstarch and water. Whisk the slurry into the sauce. Bring back to a boil until the sauce thickens. The cornstarch slurry thickens the sauce, giving it a glossy finish.
    

    

11. Add chicken chunks to the sauce and heat through. Heating the chicken in the sauce ensures that it is evenly coated and absorbs the flavors.
    

    

12. Remove the insert from the Instant Pot, as the appliance retains heat and the chicken will continue to cook. This prevents the chicken from becoming overcooked.

Frequently Asked Questions and Expert Tips

---

Serving Suggestions

---

Serve your Instant Pot honey garlic chicken over rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Pair with steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Serving over rice is a classic and satisfying way to enjoy this dish.

More Honey Garlic Recipes

---

• Honey Garlic Tofu
• Honey Garlic Shrimp
• Honey Garlic Chicken Marinade
• Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry

I love sharing my kitchen experiences with you! Subscribe to my newsletter to receive new recipes directly in your inbox. Subscribe here!