Have you recently purchased an instant pot wondering what delicious meals you can whip up? Look no further, as we introduce you to one of the most mouth-watering instant pot chicken recipes you'll ever come across - the Easy Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken! This dish combines the sweet and savory flavors of honey and garlic, creating an irresistible sauce that coats every inch of the tender, boneless goodness.
Using the best instant pot you have, this family loved dish is perfect for busy weeknights or even special occasions. The easy recipe guide will walk you through the simple steps to achieve a flavorful and satisfying meal that will leave everyone at the table asking for seconds.
What sets this instant pot recipe apart from others is its incredible versatility. You can serve it with rice, noodles, or your favorite side dish, ensuring that it adapts to your family's preferences with ease.
So, why wait any longer to make this recipe? Dive into the world of instant pot cooking and discover the great recipe that awaits you with the Easy Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken. Trust us, you'll want to read more and try it for yourself!
How to Make Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Step-by-Step Guide
Let's now dive into the step-by-step guide on how to make this scrumptious Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken. This guide will ensure you have a flavorful and delicious recipe that your family will love.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thigh or chicken breast
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Tools Needed
- Instant Pot
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs
- Whisk
- Forks for shredding
Instructions
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Prepare the chicken: Begin by cutting the chicken thigh or chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
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Mix the sauce: In a medium-sized bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, water, ketchup, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk until the ingredients are well combined.
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Saute the chicken: Turn your Instant Pot to the saute setting. Add olive oil to the bottom of the Instant Pot and allow it to heat up. Once heated, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side, until slightly browned. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your Instant Pot.
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Pressure cook: Pour the sauce mixture over the cooked chicken in the Instant Pot. Close the lid and set Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 10 minutes (for chicken thighs) or 8 minutes (for chicken breasts).
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Quick release: Once the cooking time is up, perform a quick release of the pressure by carefully turning the valve to the venting position. Make sure to use a towel or oven mitt to protect your hand from the steam.
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Remove and shred the chicken: Using tongs, remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and place it on a plate or cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into smaller pieces.
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Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water to create a slurry. Turn the Instant Pot back to the saute setting and slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens.
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Combine the chicken and sauce: Add the shredded chicken back into the Instant Pot, stirring it into the thickened sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure the chicken is well-coated and heated through.
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Garnish and serve: Turn off the Instant Pot and transfer the honey garlic chicken to a serving dish. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve with rice, noodles, or your favorite side dish.
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Useful Tips When Making Instant Pot Chicken Breast or Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
To create perfect Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken, whether using chicken breast or thighs, follow these useful tips that will ensure your dish is tender and juicy.
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Choose the right cut of chicken: Both boneless chicken breast and thighs work well for this recipe. Chicken breasts are leaner, while thighs are more flavorful and tender. Choose the cut that suits your preferences.
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Double the sauce: If you and your family loved this recipe and want more honey garlic sauce to serve over rice or noodles, consider doubling the sauce ingredients. This will give you extra sauce in the Instant Pot to drizzle over your dish.
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Brown the chicken: Use the Instant Pot's saute function to brown the chicken before pressure cooking. This adds an extra layer of flavor and helps to seal in the juices, ensuring tender and juicy chicken.
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Don't overcook: Be mindful of the cooking time, as overcooking can result in dry chicken. Follow the recommended cooking times for chicken breast (8 minutes) and thighs (10 minutes) to achieve perfectly cooked pressure cooker chicken.
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Remove the chicken before thickening the sauce: When it's time to thicken the honey garlic sauce, remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and set it aside. This prevents the chicken from overcooking and allows the sauce to thicken more effectively.
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Adjust the heat level: If you like your honey garlic chicken with a little kick, add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. Conversely, if you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
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Don't rush the natural release: Although this recipe calls for a quick release, if you opened the Instant Pot and didn't get to remove the chicken right away, don't worry. Allowing the chicken to sit in the sauce for a few extra minutes will only enhance its flavor.
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Experiment with different sides: This versatile dish pairs well with various side dishes. Try serving it over steamed vegetables, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
FAQs
Can you cook frozen chicken breast in the Instant Pot for this recipe?
Yes, you can cook frozen chicken breast in the Instant Pot for this Honey Garlic Chicken recipe. To do so, simply place the frozen chicken breasts directly into the Instant Pot and cook them with the sauce. You'll need to increase the cooking time to account for the frozen chicken. Set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 15 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, follow the rest of the recipe as written. Keep in mind that you won't be able to brown the frozen chicken using the saute function, but the dish will still be delicious.
What if you remove chicken and didn't shred it right away?
If you remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and didn't shred it right away, don't worry. The chicken will still be tender and flavorful. Simply cover the chicken with foil to keep it warm and shred it when you're ready. If the chicken has cooled down too much, you can add it back to the sauce in the pot and warm it up for a few minutes before serving.
Can I use whole chicken breasts or thighs instead of cutting them up?
Yes, you can use whole chicken breasts or thighs in this recipe instead of cutting them up. If using whole pieces, you'll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. For whole chicken breasts, set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 10 minutes. For whole chicken thighs, set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 12-15 minutes, depending on their size. After the cooking time is up, perform a quick release and follow the rest of the recipe as written. You may need to shred or cut up the chicken into smaller pieces before serving, depending on your preference.
How many chicken thighs should I use for this recipe?
This recipe calls for 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. If using chicken thighs, you'll need about 6 chicken thighs for this recipe, depending on their size. If the thighs are smaller, you may need to use 8 to reach the 2-pound mark. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of the chicken thighs, so adjust accordingly.
Conclusion
This Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is undoubtedly one of the best Instant Pot chicken thigh recipes you can try. The combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates a delicious and flavorful dish that's easy to prepare.
Cooking chicken in the Instant Pot ensures tender, juicy results that your family will love. This versatile and satisfying meal is a good recipe to enjoy with various side dishes, making it perfect for any occasion.
Related Articles
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- Easy to Make Instant Pot Pork Loin Recipe
Related Products You Might Like
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