Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

When it comes to weeknight dinners, finding that perfect balance between flavor, simplicity, and speed is crucial. Enter the Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs. This dish is a glorious combination of tender chicken thighs bathed in a rich, sweet, and savory sauce that will have your family asking for seconds. With the convenience of the Instant Pot, you can whip up this delightful meal in no time, making it perfect for busy schedules or even a cozy weekend dinner. Let’s dive into why this recipe is a must-try!

Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing

There’s something universally appealing about honey garlic chicken. The sweet and savory notes meld beautifully, creating a dish that is not only delicious but also comforting. Chicken thighs, known for their juiciness and flavor, take center stage in this recipe, delivering a satisfying bite every time. Plus, the Instant Pot ensures that the chicken is cooked to perfection, making it incredibly tender and infused with the sauce. Serve it over rice or noodles, and you have a meal that’s bound to impress everyone at the table!

Ingredient List

• 1 1/2 lbs chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce or gluten-free Tamari sauce
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Chopped green onion (for garnish)

Hardware & Gadgets

• Instant Pot: The star of the show! Essential for making this recipe quickly and easily.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precision when measuring ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: To stir and mix the ingredients.
• Serving Dish: To present your delicious chicken thighs once they are cooked.

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Made Stepwise

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken Thighs

Begin by setting your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Once it’s hot, add the sesame oil. Carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the skin is golden brown. This step adds a depth of flavor and texture to your chicken.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

While the chicken is sautéing, in a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce or Tamari, water, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. This sweet and spicy sauce will be the star of your dish.

Step 3: Combine and Cook

Once the chicken is browned, pour the sauce over the chicken thighs in the Instant Pot. Make sure to coat all the chicken pieces well. Close the lid, ensuring the valve is set to the sealing position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and adjust the timer to 10 minutes.

Step 4: Natural Release

After the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 5 minutes before carefully turning the valve to “venting” to release any remaining pressure. Open the lid and let the aroma envelop you!

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. With the Instant Pot still on the “Sauté” function, pour the slurry into the pot and stir well. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the chicken thighs to a serving dish, drizzle the sauce over the top, and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal that everyone will love!

What to Use Instead

• Chicken Thighs: You can substitute with chicken breasts, but adjust the cooking time to 8 minutes.
• Honey: Maple syrup can be used as a vegan alternative.
• Soy Sauce: Coconut aminos is a great gluten-free and soy-free alternative.
• Sesame Oil: Olive oil can be used if you don’t have sesame oil on hand, though it will alter the flavor slightly.

Mistakes Even Pros Make

• Not browning the chicken thighs: Skipping the sauté step can result in a less flavorful dish.
• Overcrowding the pot: Cooking too much chicken at once can lead to uneven cooking. Stick to the recipe amount for best results.
• Forgetting to release pressure naturally: Rushing the release can lead to tough chicken.
• Not checking the thickness of the sauce: If the sauce is too thin, it won’t cling to the chicken as well. Always use the cornstarch slurry!

Storage & Reheat Guide

The Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. If you want to enjoy the dish later, you can also freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it up on the stove or in the microwave.

Handy Q&A

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

Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs will cook faster, so adjust the cooking time to 8 minutes in the Instant Pot.

What’s the best way to serve these chicken thighs?

These chicken thighs are fantastic served over rice, quinoa, or even noodles. You can also pair them with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken in the sauce for a few hours or overnight before cooking for even more flavor. Just remember to adjust the cooking time if the chicken is chilled.

What can I do with leftovers?

Leftover chicken can be shredded and used in salads, wraps, or even in a stir-fry. It’s versatile and can elevate many dishes!

Weekend Projects

• Sally’s Baking Addiction – Explore delightful dessert recipes to balance your savory meals.
• Pinch of Yum – Discover more easy and delicious recipes for busy weeknights.
• Minimalist Baker – Check out simple plant-based recipes for a healthy twist.

Save & Share

If you enjoyed this Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe, be sure to save it for later and share it with your friends and family! This dish is sure to become a staple in your household, providing both flavor and convenience.

This recipe combines quick cooking and unforgettable flavors, making it a perfect weeknight meal. With the Instant Pot’s help, you can turn simple ingredients into a mouthwatering dish that everyone will love. Enjoy the delightful sweet and savory notes of honey and garlic while savoring tender, juicy chicken thighs that practically fall off the bone. Happy cooking!