Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
User Reviews
4.5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
4 people
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Calories
484 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Chinese
Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
Description
This recipe starts by seasoning chicken thighs before searing them skin-side down in the Instant Pot to develop a golden crust. A honey garlic sauce made with honey, sugar, soy sauce, water or chicken broth, and cayenne pepper is prepared separately and added after sautéing garlic in the pot. Pressure cooking for 10 minutes efficiently cooks the chicken through while allowing it to absorb the sweet and savory sauce. The inclusion of cayenne pepper adds subtle heat balanced against the honey’s sweetness.
The chicken is finished with fresh chopped parsley for color and flavor, and is best served immediately while the sauce is warm. The method preserves moisture in the chicken, delivering tender, flavorful pieces with a glossy honey-garlic glaze.
This recipe can be modified by substituting sweeteners for low-carb versions, making it suitable for various dietary preferences. The flavor balance can be adjusted by adding acid like rice vinegar or lemon juice to cut sweetness. It can also be adapted for oven, slow cooker, or stovetop cooking, providing versatile preparation options beyond the Instant Pot.
Ingredients
Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon sugar or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons water or chicken broth (preferred)
- 3 dashes cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Mix all the ingredients in the Honey Garlic Sauce together and stir to mix well. Make sure the honey and sugar are completely dissolved. Set aside.
- Turn on the Saute mode on your Instant Pot. As soon as the pot is heated, add 1 tablespoon of the cooking oil. Pan-sear the chicken thighs (skin side down first) until both sides turn nicely brown.
- Leave the chicken thighs in the Instant Pot, add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of oil, and add the garlic. Saute the garlic a little bit. Pour in the sauce and cover the lid. Select Manual and set to High pressure for 10 minutes.
- When it beeps, turn to Quick Release. When the valve drops, remove the lid carefully, add the chopped parsley, and serve the Instant Pot chicken with honey garlic sauce immediately.
Notes
- After searing chicken thighs, scraping the browned bits from the bottom adds flavor and prevents a burn warning on the Instant Pot.
- The sauce quantity equals about 1/2 cup liquid, which meets the minimum needed for a 6-quart Instant Pot.
- For a keto-friendly version, replace honey and sugar with monk fruit or erythritol and soy sauce with coconut aminos.
- Balancing the sauce with a splash of rice vinegar or lemon juice can reduce sweetness without adding sourness.
- This recipe is adaptable for oven (375°F for 30-40 minutes), slow cooker (6-8 hours on low), or stovetop simmering after searing.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 484 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1g | |
| Calories | 484kcal | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | 16g | 5% |
| Protein | 29g | 58% |
| Fat | 34g | 52% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 7g | 41% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 15g | 75% |
| Trans Fat | 0.2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 167mg | 56% |
| Sodium | 677mg | 28% |
| Potassium | 411mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 0.4g | 2% |
| Sugar | 14g | 28% |
| Vitamin A | 529IU | 11% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 25mg | 3% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.5
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