Name: Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American Asian Fusion
Ingredients: ⅓ cup honey; 4 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup low sodium soy sauce; ½ cup no-salt ketchup; ½ teaspoon dried oregano (or any preferred dried herbs); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 1 tablespoon sesame seed oil (or vegetable oil or olive oil); 4 to 6 bone-in skinless chicken thighs; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; ½ tablespoon toasted sesame seeds; Sliced green onions

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 11 reviews

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s bursting with flavor yet comes together in a flash, this Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Juicy chicken thighs soak up a rich blend of honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a hint of herbs, creating a sweet-savory glaze that’s utterly irresistible. Thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot, you get tender, perfectly cooked chicken with minimal effort and mess, making weeknights something to look forward to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl contains a dark reddish-brown sauce base. On top of the sauce, there is a layer of green chopped herbs spread across the middle, and a sprinkling of light-colored sesame seeds and small seasoning flakes scattered evenly over the surface. The bowl sits on a dark wooden surface with a textured pattern, and part of a white plate with pale pink sliced pieces is visible on the upper right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These simple ingredients are the backbone of this recipe, each adding its own unique touch to create a harmonious balance of taste, texture, and color. From the natural sweetness of honey to the aromatic punch of garlic and the subtle herbs, every element plays a vital role in making this dish shine.

Honey (⅓ cup): Adds a natural sweetness that complements the savory elements beautifully.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Provides a fragrant, robust depth that makes the sauce irresistible.
Low sodium soy sauce (½ cup): Brings a salty, umami richness without overpowering the other flavors.
Ketchup (½ cup): Adds tang and a subtle tomato backdrop; opting for no-salt ketchup helps control the sodium.
Dried oregano (½ teaspoon): Offers a gentle herbal note; feel free to swap with other dried herbs you love.
Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Adds a fresh, vibrant touch that brightens the sauce.
Sesame seed oil (1 tablespoon): Infuses a toasty nuttiness when sautéing the chicken; vegetable or olive oil work as well.
Bone-in skinless chicken thighs (4 to 6 pieces): Provide juicy, tender meat with plenty of flavor.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken just right.
Toasted sesame seeds (½ tablespoon): For garnish, adding a subtle crunch and visual appeal.
Sliced green onions: For a fresh, mild bite that complements the rich sauce.

How to Make Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Make the sauce

Start by combining honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, ketchup, dried oregano, and chopped parsley in a small bowl. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This sauce is where all the incredible flavors come together, packing a punch that transforms simple chicken into a mouthwatering dish.

Step 2: Prep and cook the chicken

Turn your Instant Pot on to the sauté setting and heat the sesame seed oil. While it warms, season your chicken thighs with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken pieces and brown them for about 2 to 3 minutes per side. This step locks in flavor and gives a lovely caramelized color that hints at the deliciousness to come.

Step 3: Add the sauce

Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce directly into the pot with the browned chicken. Make sure the pieces are nicely coated. Lock the Instant Pot lid in place and set the valve to sealing. This will ensure the sauce infuses the chicken perfectly during cooking.

Step 4: Cook

Select the poultry mode or pressure cook setting on your Instant Pot and set the timer for 20 minutes. Once the cooking time ends, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 5 minutes. This gentle release keeps the chicken tender and juicy without drying it out.

Step 5: Serve

Carefully remove the lid, then transfer the chicken thighs to a serving platter. Spoon the luscious sauce remaining in the pot over the top to maximize flavor. Finish by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for both taste and a visually stunning presentation.

How to Serve Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

A white bowl holds four pieces of dark golden brown glazed chicken thighs covered with a shiny, sticky sauce. The chicken is topped with white sesame seeds and chopped green onions, which add fresh green and white colors to the dish. Small bits of herbs also scatter on top, contrasting with the rich sauce. The bowl is placed on a dark surface with a hint of a round glass container below it. The whole image has a close-up, appetizing view. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a subtle nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth sauce, while sliced green onions bring fresh, crisp notes that cut through the richness effortlessly. These simple garnishes elevate the dish’s appearance and flavor profile amazingly.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy cauliflower rice to soak up every drop of that heavenly sauce. Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or snap peas, add texture and color, making your plate as vibrant as the flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, pile the chicken atop a bed of buttery mashed potatoes or creamy polenta. Alternatively, serve it wrapped in warm tortillas with crunchy slaw for an Asian-inspired chicken wrap. The rich sauce lends itself well to so many presentations, inviting creativity at every meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping the sauce alongside the chicken helps maintain moistness and flavor each time you reheat.

Freezing

This dish freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Frozen portions will stay delicious for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to warm the sauce evenly. Adding a splash of water or broth can revive the sauce’s silky texture if it thickens too much while stored.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?

Absolutely! Boneless thighs will cook faster, so reduce the Instant Pot cooking time by a few minutes to avoid overcooking and drying out the chicken. Keep an eye on the texture for perfect results.

Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?

Yes! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture or toss in some sliced fresh chili peppers. This gives a spicy kick that balances the honey’s sweetness wonderfully.

Can I make this recipe without ketchup?

Sure thing! You can substitute ketchup with tomato paste mixed with a bit of honey or a splash of vinegar for tanginess. The sauce will still have great flavor with a slightly different twist.

Do I need to brown the chicken before pressure cooking?

Browning is recommended because it adds texture and depth of flavor, but if you’re pressed for time, you can skip it. The dish will still be tasty, though the color and caramelized notes might be less pronounced.

What do I do if my sauce is too thin after cooking?

Simply remove the chicken and set your Instant Pot to sauté mode, then simmer the sauce for a few minutes until it reduces and thickens slightly. This intensifies the flavor and gives the sauce a lovely glaze consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is pure comfort food magic that brightens any dinner table with minimal effort. The balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors makes every bite a joy, and the ease of preparation means you can enjoy this deliciousness any night of the week. Trust me, once you try it, it will quickly become a beloved favorite in your recipe rotation.