Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
This Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is a delightful dish that combines sweet and savory flavors, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for a quick weeknight meal, this recipe delivers delicious results in no time. With tender chicken infused with honey and garlic, it’s not only satisfying but also incredibly easy to make. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with rice for a complete meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Cooking Time: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates an irresistible sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
- Versatile Meal: Serve over rice or noodles, or even wrap in lettuce for a fun twist.
- Family-Friendly: The mild sweetness of the dish appeals to both kids and adults alike.
- One-Pot Wonder: Cooking everything in the Instant Pot means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare this Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure everything runs smoothly.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Instant Pot
- Small mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Instant Pot: This multi-cooker speeds up cooking time dramatically while infusing flavors.
- Small Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining sauces without cluttering your workspace.
- Sharp Knife: Ensures clean cuts for the chicken, which helps with even cooking.
Ingredients
This Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is a Chinese-style dish bursting with honey-garlic flavor, and is really quick to make.
For the Chicken
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup onion, diced
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
For Thickening the Sauce
- 3 teaspoons cornstarch dissolved in 1/4 cup water
For Serving
- Sesame seeds & green onion for topping
- Rice for serving
How to Make Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Start by placing your chicken in the bottom of the Instant Pot.
- Season well with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Make the Sauce Mixture
- In a small bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, onion, ketchup, vegetable oil, and minced garlic.
- Pour this mixture over the seasoned chicken in the pot.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Secure the Instant Pot lid and set it to seal.
- Cook on the Meat setting (or HIGH pressure) for 15 minutes.
- Once finished cooking, perform a quick release of pressure. Remove chicken from the pot but leave the sauce inside.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
- In a small bowl, dissolve cornstarch in 1/4 cup of water.
- Pour this mixture into your Instant Pot with the remaining sauce.
- Stir to combine and then push the Saute button; cook for about 5 minutes or until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
- Cut cooked chicken into bite-size pieces and return to the pot.
- Toss with sauce before serving.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Serve over rice for a hearty meal!
How to Serve Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
Serving Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken can elevate your meal experience. This dish pairs well with various sides, garnishes, and accompaniments that enhance its sweet and savory flavors.
Over Rice
- Serve the chicken over fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the delicious honey-garlic sauce.
With Steamed Vegetables
- Pair it with lightly steamed broccoli or carrots for a fresh and crunchy contrast.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Use crisp lettuce leaves as wraps filled with chicken and a drizzle of extra sauce for a fun twist.
Topped with Sesame Seeds
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top to add a nutty flavor and a touch of elegance.
With Green Onions
- Garnish with chopped green onions for an added layer of freshness and color.
As Part of a Stir-Fry
- Mix the chicken with colorful bell peppers and snap peas for a vibrant stir-fry option.
How to Perfect Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
Creating the perfect Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is easier than you think. Follow these tips to ensure your dish turns out tender and flavorful every time.
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Use fresh garlic – Freshly minced garlic provides a stronger flavor than garlic powder, enhancing the overall taste.
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Adjust sweetness – Feel free to modify the amount of honey based on your preference for sweetness; less honey will give it a more savory profile.
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Avoid overcrowding – If you’re making a larger batch, consider cooking in two separate rounds to ensure even cooking.
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Let it rest – Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking before cutting to retain juices and tenderness.
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Add acidity – A splash of rice vinegar or lime juice can brighten the flavors if you want more tanginess in your dish.
Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
To complement your Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken, consider serving it with these delightful side dishes. Each side adds unique flavors and textures that enhance your meal.
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Steamed Jasmine Rice – Fluffy jasmine rice absorbs the sauce beautifully, making each bite satisfying.
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Garlic Green Beans – Sautéed green beans with garlic add crunch and color while balancing the sweet flavors of the chicken.
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Crispy Fried Potatoes – Crispy potatoes provide a hearty contrast; try frying them until golden brown for extra texture.
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Asian Cucumber Salad – A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar offers bright flavors that cut through richness.
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Fried Rice – Leftover rice stir-fried with vegetables makes for a quick side that complements Asian-inspired meals perfectly.
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Miso Soup – A warm bowl of miso soup adds umami depth, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken, it’s easy to make simple mistakes that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
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Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning your chicken with salt and pepper can lead to blandness. Always ensure you season your chicken well before cooking.
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Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can make it tough. Stick to the recommended 15 minutes on high pressure for perfectly cooked chicken.
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Neglecting to thicken the sauce: Forgetting to add cornstarch can result in a watery sauce. Make sure to dissolve cornstarch in water and mix it into the sauce for a thick consistency.
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Not allowing time for natural release: Quick releasing right after cooking may dry out your chicken. Letting it rest for a few minutes helps retain moisture.
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Using low-quality ingredients: Poor quality honey or soy sauce can affect the dish’s overall flavor. Always opt for high-quality ingredients for the best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
- Allow it to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in a covered dish, heating until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container, cover loosely, and heat in short bursts until hot.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken that might help you achieve perfect results.
What is Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken?
Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is a quick and flavorful Chinese-style dish made with tender chicken simmered in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but increase the cooking time by about 5-10 minutes. Ensure they are arranged properly in the pot.
How do I customize this recipe?
You can customize this recipe by adding vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers. Adjust cooking times accordingly if using fresh veggies.
What should I serve with Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken?
This dish pairs well with rice or quinoa. You can also serve it alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Perfect for busy weeknights, you can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients or side dishes. Give this recipe a try and enjoy its comforting flavors!
Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish that brings together the perfect balance of sweet and savory. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, delivering tender chicken coated in a luscious honey-garlic sauce. With just 30 minutes in the Instant Pot, you’ll have a mouthwatering meal ready to serve over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Sesame seeds and green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Place seasoned chicken in the Instant Pot.
- In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, onion, ketchup, vegetable oil, and garlic; pour over chicken.
- Seal lid and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Release pressure quickly.
- Remove chicken; thicken sauce with cornstarch dissolved in water.
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces; combine with sauce and serve over rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
