Looking for a quick and delicious dinner? This Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is your answer! With tender chicken thighs simmered in a sweet and savory sauce, you’ll savor every bite. Plus, it’s easy to make, even on busy nights. Follow my simple steps to whip up this flavorful meal in no time. Get ready to impress your family with this tasty dish!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
Additional Flavor Enhancers
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Optional Ingredients for Adding Texture and Garnish
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for thickening)
– 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
– Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Creating this dish is easy with these ingredients. The chicken thighs bring a juicy base. Honey adds sweet richness, while soy sauce gives depth. Garlic and ginger boost flavor with warmth. The sesame oil rounds out the taste with a nutty essence.
If you want a kick, add red pepper flakes. Adjust it based on your heat level. Salt and pepper help enhance all the flavors. If you like a thicker sauce, cornstarch is your friend. Finally, use green onions and sesame seeds for a beautiful finish.
For the full recipe, check the section above. Enjoy cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
– Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Make sure to coat both sides.
– Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add sesame oil. Wait until it’s hot.
– Add the seasoned chicken thighs. Sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side.
– Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
Creating the Sauce
– In the same pot, add minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds.
– Pour in the honey and soy sauce. Add red pepper flakes and stir well.
Cooking in the Instant Pot
– Return the chicken thighs to the pot. Ensure they are fully submerged in the sauce.
– Secure the lid and set the pressure release valve to Sealing.
– Choose the Manual or Pressure Cook function. Set the cooking time for 10 minutes.
– After cooking, do a quick release of the pressure. Open the lid and check doneness.
– The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
– If you want a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry.
– Stir the slurry into the pot, turn on Sauté mode, and simmer until thickened.
– Serve the honey garlic chicken over rice or veggies. Drizzle extra sauce on top.
– Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a nice touch.
For the complete cooking steps, refer to the Full Recipe.
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring Perfectly Cooked Chicken
To make sure your chicken is cooked just right, check its internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to reach 165°F (75°C). This ensures your chicken is safe to eat. Cooking times can differ based on the chicken type you choose. For boneless chicken thighs, set your Instant Pot for 10 minutes. If using chicken breasts, cook them for 8 minutes. Always let the pressure release naturally for a few minutes for the best results.
Thickening the Sauce
If you want a thicker sauce, making a cornstarch slurry is easy. Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with one tablespoon of water in a small bowl. Stir well until smooth. Add this mixture to the pot after cooking. Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and let it simmer for a few minutes. This will give you a nice, thick sauce. Adjust the thickness to your taste by adding more or less slurry.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your honey garlic chicken over fluffy rice or vibrant steamed vegetables. This dish pairs well with both. To make it look even better, garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. These small touches add flavor and color to your plate. For more ideas, try serving it with a side salad or some crusty bread. Check out the Full Recipe for more serving tips!
Variations
Different Protein Choices
You can switch up the main protein in this dish. Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful. However, you can use chicken breasts for a leaner option. Chicken breasts cook faster, so reduce the cooking time to about seven minutes. If you prefer plant-based options, try tofu. Firm tofu absorbs flavors well and adds protein. Shrimp is another great choice. It cooks quickly and becomes tender in the Instant Pot. For shrimp, set the time to just three minutes.
Flavor Profile Adjustments
You can change the flavor to suit your taste. Adding garlic powder or onion powder boosts the savory notes. If you love spice, increase the red pepper flakes. For a sweeter dish, add more honey. You can even swap honey for maple syrup if you want. Try adding a splash of rice vinegar for a tangy kick. This can brighten the dish and balance the sweetness.
Dietary Accommodations
For gluten-free diets, use gluten-free soy sauce. This keeps the rich flavor without the gluten. If you’re following a low-carb diet, reduce the amount of honey. You can replace it with a sugar substitute. Sweeteners like erythritol or stevia work well. Make sure any substitute you choose matches the sweetness of honey. This way, you keep the dish tasty and satisfying. For more ideas, check the Full Recipe for tips on making the dish fit your needs.
Storage Info
Refrigeration
To keep your honey garlic chicken fresh, cool it down quickly. Place leftovers in shallow containers. This helps the chicken cool faster, reducing the risk of bacteria. Use airtight containers to lock in moisture and flavor. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work best. They are durable and safe for food storage.
Freezing
If you want to freeze honey garlic chicken, allow it to cool first. Place it in freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the bags with the date. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave for quicker thawing. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stove until hot. Always check that it reaches 165°F (75°C) before serving.
Shelf Life
In the fridge, honey garlic chicken lasts about 3-4 days. If you freeze it, it can last for up to 3 months. Always check for signs of spoilage. If the chicken smells off or has an unusual color, it is best to discard it. Keeping track of how long it’s been stored helps you enjoy it at its best.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs in this recipe. The Instant Pot makes cooking frozen chicken easy. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Here are some tips for using frozen chicken:
– Increase cooking time: Add 2-3 extra minutes if the chicken is frozen.
– Use a steamer rack: This keeps the chicken above the liquid, helping it cook evenly.
– Check doneness: Make sure the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.
How do I adjust the recipe for a smaller or larger serving?
You can easily adjust this recipe for a smaller or larger group. Here’s how to scale the ingredients:
– For smaller servings: Halve the ingredients. This works well for 2 servings.
– For larger servings: Double the ingredients. This gives you enough for 8 servings, depending on your pot size.
– Cooking time remains the same: Just keep the pressure cooking time at 10 minutes, as the Instant Pot adjusts automatically.
What can I substitute for honey in this recipe?
If you need a substitute for honey, there are some great options. Here are a few alternatives:
– Maple syrup: This gives a similar sweetness and flavor.
– Agave nectar: It’s sweet and smooth, just like honey.
– Brown sugar: Mix it with a bit of water to mimic honey’s texture.
These options provide a tasty twist while keeping the dish balanced. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe].
You now know how to make Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken. We covered the main ingredients, flavors, and step-by-step cooking methods. You learned tips for perfect chicken and how to adjust the recipe to fit your taste. This dish is flexible, adaptable, and easy to store for later. I hope you feel inspired to try it out and share your tasty results. Cooking can be fun and rewarding!
