Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

This Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the sweet and savory flavors of honey and garlic, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Quick to prepare, this recipe is designed for busy cooks who want to serve up something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced chef, this dish will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe requires minimal prep time and cooks quickly in the Instant Pot, making it perfect for weeknight meals.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of honey and garlic creates a rich sauce that elevates the chicken to a new level of deliciousness.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice or noodles, or pair it with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the sweet flavor, making it a great choice for family dinners that everyone can enjoy.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This dish is ideal for meal prep; simply cook a batch and store it in the fridge for easy lunches throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having everything ready will make preparing this Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken even easier.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Instant Pot: This multi-functional appliance allows you to cook the chicken quickly while infusing it with flavor.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the right balance of sweet and savory in your sauce.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients like onions and garlic.

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

To Thicken:

• 3 teaspoons cornstarch dissolved in 1/4 cup water

For Garnish:

• 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: Mix the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, onion, ketchup, oil, and garlic. Pour this mixture over the chicken. Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and set it to seal.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Cook on the Meat setting (or on HIGH pressure if using a different model) for 15 minutes. Once done, perform a quick release. Remove chicken from pot but leave the sauce inside.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Dissolve 3 teaspoons of cornstarch in 1/4 cup of water in another bowl. Pour this mixture into your Instant Pot with the sauce. Stir to combine. Press the Saute button and cook until slightly thickened (about 5 minutes).

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Cut the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return it to the pot and toss with sauce before serving. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve over rice for a fulfilling meal.

How to Serve Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Serving Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken can elevate your meal to new heights. This flavorful dish pairs well with various sides and garnishes, making it versatile for any occasion.

Over Rice

• Serve the chicken over steamed rice for a satisfying meal. The rice absorbs the delicious honey garlic sauce, enhancing every bite.

With Vegetables

• Add sautéed or steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas. This adds color and nutrients, balancing the sweetness of the chicken.

In Wraps

• Use lettuce leaves or tortillas to create wraps. Fill them with chicken and a drizzle of sauce for a fun and healthy option.

As Meal Prep

• Divide into containers for easy meal prep. It stays fresh in the fridge and is perfect for quick lunches throughout the week.

Topped with Sesame Seeds and Green Onions

• Garnish each serving with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. This adds crunch and enhances the dish’s presentation.

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How to Perfect Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

To achieve the best results with your Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality honey can significantly enhance the flavor.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Ensure there’s enough space between chicken pieces for even cooking.
• Adjust Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it cook longer during the sauté step.
• Marinate Ahead of Time: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the honey-soy mixture a few hours before cooking.
• Serve Hot: Enjoy the dish immediately after cooking for optimal taste and texture.
• Experiment with Spices: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick that complements the sweetness.

Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Pairing side dishes with your Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken enhances your dining experience. Here are some great options:

1. Steamed Broccoli: A classic side that adds nutrition and balances out sweetness.
2. Fried Rice: Cook up some fried rice for a heartier meal that absorbs all those tasty flavors.
3. Garlic Noodles: These flavorful noodles complement the honey garlic sauce perfectly.
4. Asian Slaw: A crunchy slaw provides freshness, contrasting nicely with the tender chicken.
5. Cucumber Salad: This light salad adds crispness and cuts through the richness of the dish.
6. Quinoa: A protein-packed alternative to rice that makes your meal more filling while being nutritious.
7. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their earthy flavor pairs well with sweet dishes like this one.
8. Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb option that soaks up flavors beautifully while keeping meals light.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken, it’s easy to overlook a few crucial details. Avoid these common mistakes to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

• Skipping the seasoning: Always season the chicken with salt and pepper. This enhances the flavor and brings out the best in your dish.
• Not sealing the Instant Pot properly: Ensure the lid is securely locked and the vent is set to seal. Otherwise, pressure won’t build, and cooking will be ineffective.
• Using too high a temperature for sautéing: When sautéing garlic, keep it at medium heat. High heat can burn garlic quickly, ruining the taste.
• Ignoring the quick release method: After cooking, use quick release for tender chicken. Letting it sit can overcook the meat, making it dry.
• Neglecting to thicken the sauce: Adding cornstarch is essential for a nice glaze. Skipping this step will result in a watery sauce that won’t cling to your chicken.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the chicken to cool before sealing to maintain freshness.

Freezing Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2-3 months.
• Label containers with date for easy identification later.

Reheating Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway through for even warming.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I serve with Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken?

This dish pairs well with rice, steamed vegetables, or noodles. You can also add a side salad for freshness.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes! You can cook frozen chicken in your Instant Pot. Just increase the cooking time by about 5 minutes.

How do I customize this recipe?

Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli during cooking. You can also adjust honey levels for sweetness preference.

Is Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken healthy?

Yes! It contains lean protein from chicken and can be made healthier by using low-sodium soy sauce and reducing honey.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to keep it gluten-free without compromising flavor.

Final Thoughts

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is not only quick and easy but also incredibly flavorful. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests at dinner. Feel free to customize it with different vegetables or spices based on your taste preferences!