Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
There are certain dinners that just feel like a win before you even sit down at the table. You know the kind. The house smells incredible, nobody asks what else there is to eat, and somehow everyone appears in the kitchen right when dinner is ready. This Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe is one of those meals in our house.
I started making this on one of those evenings when the day got away from me. Work ran long, homework needed checking, and by the time I looked at the clock I realized dinner needed to happen fast. Not cereal fast. Real dinner fast. Something warm, comforting, and filling enough to quiet hungry kids and tired adults alike.
That is when the Instant Pot earns its permanent spot on the counter.
There is something deeply satisfying about hearing that sauté button click on while chicken skins start sizzling. It feels like cooking even when life is busy. The smell of garlic hitting hot oil instantly changes the mood of the kitchen. Suddenly the day slows down just enough to breathe again.
What I love most about this recipe is how it turns simple pantry ingredients into something that tastes like you worked a whole lot harder than you actually did. Honey brings warmth and sweetness. Soy sauce adds that deep savory flavor that makes everyone reach for another bite. And those chicken thighs come out unbelievably tender while still keeping that golden seared texture we all crave.
This is the dinner I make when I want comfort without fuss. When it is raining outside. When everyone needs a little pick me up. When I want leftovers that somehow taste even better the next day.
It is cozy food. Dad kitchen food. The kind of meal that makes people wander back in asking if there is any sauce left for rice.
And honestly, there rarely is.
What Is Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs?
Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs is a quick pressure cooker chicken recipe where bone in chicken thighs are seared for flavor, then cooked in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce until perfectly tender. The sauce is finished into a glossy coating that clings beautifully to the chicken, making it ideal for serving over rice, noodles, or vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast weeknight dinner: This entire meal comes together in about 30 minutes without sacrificing flavor.
- Deep savory flavor: Searing the chicken first builds rich caramelized flavor that makes the sauce taste slow cooked.
- Family approved comfort food: Sweet honey and garlic create a flavor everyone at the table enjoys.
- Beginner friendly Instant Pot recipe: Simple steps make this perfect even if you are new to pressure cooking.
- Minimal ingredients: Pantry staples come together to create something impressive.
- Amazing leftovers: The sauce soaks deeper into the chicken overnight making next day meals incredible.
When to Serve This Recipe
- Busy weeknights: Perfect when you need real food quickly after a long day.
- Meal prep dinners: Chicken reheats beautifully for lunches or future dinners.
- Comfort food cravings: Ideal for chilly evenings when you want something warm and satisfying.
- Family gatherings: Easy to scale and always a crowd pleaser.
- Low effort entertaining: Feels special without keeping you stuck in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 4 large chicken thighs bone in skin on Great flavor and tenderness while staying juicy under pressure cooking
- Salt and pepper Essential for seasoning the chicken before searing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil Helps achieve that golden crispy sear
- 4 to 5 cloves garlic minced Fresh garlic gives the sauce its signature aroma
- 1 third cup honey Adds sweetness and helps create the sticky glaze
- 1 quarter cup soy sauce Brings balance with savory depth and saltiness
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch plus 1 tablespoon water Used only if thickening the sauce for a glossy finish
- 1 tablespoon butter optional Adds richness and restaurant style shine at the end
How to Make Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry using paper towels. This step matters because dry skin sears better. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Sear for Flavor
Set the Instant Pot to Sauté on High. Add olive oil and allow it to heat until shimmering.
Place the chicken thighs skin side down carefully into the pot. Let them cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for about 2 to 3 minutes.
Remove the chicken and set aside. Do not rush this step since the browning creates incredible flavor later.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Add minced garlic directly into the pot. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the honey and soy sauce. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Those little pieces are pure flavor and help prevent burn warnings.
Step 4: Pressure Cook
Return the chicken thighs to the Instant Pot skin side up.
Seal the lid and cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes. Once cooking finishes, allow a natural release for 5 minutes before carefully performing a quick release.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Remove the chicken and switch the Instant Pot back to Sauté.
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens into a glossy coating. Stir in butter if using for extra richness.
Return the chicken to the pot or spoon the sauce generously over the top before serving.
Substitutions
- Boneless chicken thighs: Reduce pressure cooking time to 6 minutes for tender results.
- Chicken breasts: Use thick breasts and cook 7 to 8 minutes with a short natural release.
- Low sodium soy sauce: A great option if you prefer less saltiness.
- Maple syrup instead of honey: Adds a slightly deeper sweetness while still working beautifully.
- Garlic powder in a pinch: Use one teaspoon if fresh garlic is unavailable.
Variations
- Spicy honey garlic chicken: Add red pepper flakes or chili paste for gentle heat.
- Ginger honey chicken: Stir in freshly grated ginger for extra warmth and depth.
- Vegetable loaded version: Add broccoli or snap peas after pressure cooking and simmer briefly.
- Sticky sesame chicken: Finish with toasted sesame oil and sesame seeds.
- Shredded chicken style: Shred the cooked thighs and toss back into the sauce for sandwiches or bowls.
Tips and Tricks
- Dry chicken thoroughly: Moisture prevents proper browning during searing.
- Do not skip scraping the pot: This prevents burn notices and boosts flavor.
- Let the natural release happen: Helps keep chicken tender and juicy.
- Taste the sauce before serving: Adjust sweetness or salt if needed.
- Use skin on thighs when possible: They stay more flavorful during pressure cooking.
FAQs
Can I use boneless skinless thighs?
Yes. Reduce pressure cook time to 6 minutes with a 5 minute natural release.
Can I use chicken breasts instead?
Yes, though they are leaner. Cook 7 to 8 minutes depending on thickness with a 5 minute natural release.
Do I have to sear first?
Technically no, but searing creates deeper flavor and better texture so it is highly recommended.
What if my sauce is too thin?
Simmer on Sauté a few extra minutes or add small amounts of additional cornstarch slurry.
What if my sauce is too thick?
Add one to two tablespoons of water or chicken broth to loosen.
Can this be made in a skillet instead?
Yes. After searing, add the sauce and simmer covered for 20 to 25 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internally.
Serving Ideas
- Steamed rice: The classic pairing that soaks up every drop of sauce.
- Buttery mashed potatoes: Turns this into serious comfort food.
- Roasted vegetables: Balances the sweetness with savory sides.
- Noodles or lo mein: Perfect for an easy takeout style dinner at home.
- Simple green salad: Adds freshness alongside the rich chicken.
Storage and Make Ahead Tips
- Refrigerator storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer friendly: Freeze chicken and sauce together for up to 3 months.
- Reheating tip: Warm gently on the stove or microwave to keep chicken tender.
- Make ahead sauce: Sauce ingredients can be mixed earlier in the day for faster cooking later.
- Meal prep option: Portion chicken with rice for ready to grab lunches.
Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 4 large chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on
- Salt & pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 –5 cloves garlic minced
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp butter optional, for gloss
- 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water if thickening
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken – Pat the chicken thighs dry using paper towels. This step matters because dry skin sears better. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Step 2: Sear for Flavor – Set the Instant Pot to Sauté on High. Add olive oil and allow it to heat until shimmering. Place the chicken thighs skin side down carefully into the pot. Let them cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside. Do not rush this step since the browning creates incredible flavor later.
- Step 3: Build the Sauce – Add minced garlic directly into the pot. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the honey and soy sauce. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Those little pieces are pure flavor and help prevent burn warnings.
- Step 4: Pressure Cook – Return the chicken thighs to the Instant Pot skin side up. Seal the lid and cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes. Once cooking finishes, allow a natural release for 5 minutes before carefully performing a quick release.
- Step 5: Thicken the Sauce – Remove the chicken and switch the Instant Pot back to Sauté. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens into a glossy coating. Stir in butter if using for extra richness. Return the chicken to the pot or spoon the sauce generously over the top before serving.
Notes
Approximate values
- Calories: 430–460
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 780–900mg
Substitutions
- Boneless chicken thighs: Reduce pressure cooking time to 6 minutes for tender results.
- Chicken breasts: Use thick breasts and cook 7 to 8 minutes with a short natural release.
- Low sodium soy sauce: A great option if you prefer less saltiness.
- Maple syrup instead of honey: Adds a slightly deeper sweetness while still working beautifully.
- Garlic powder in a pinch: Use one teaspoon if fresh garlic is unavailable.
Variations
- Spicy honey garlic chicken: Add red pepper flakes or chili paste for gentle heat.
- Ginger honey chicken: Stir in freshly grated ginger for extra warmth and depth.
- Vegetable loaded version: Add broccoli or snap peas after pressure cooking and simmer briefly.
- Sticky sesame chicken: Finish with toasted sesame oil and sesame seeds.
- Shredded chicken style: Shred the cooked thighs and toss back into the sauce for sandwiches or bowls.
Tips and Tricks
- Dry chicken thoroughly: Moisture prevents proper browning during searing.
- Do not skip scraping the pot: This prevents burn notices and boosts flavor.
- Let the natural release happen: Helps keep chicken tender and juicy.
- Taste the sauce before serving: Adjust sweetness or salt if needed.
- Use skin on thighs when possible: They stay more flavorful during pressure cooking.
Serving Ideas
- Steamed rice: The classic pairing that soaks up every drop of sauce.
- Buttery mashed potatoes: Turns this into serious comfort food.
- Roasted vegetables: Balances the sweetness with savory sides.
- Noodles or lo mein: Perfect for an easy takeout style dinner at home.
- Simple green salad: Adds freshness alongside the rich chicken.
Storage and Make Ahead Tips
- Refrigerator storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer friendly: Freeze chicken and sauce together for up to 3 months.
- Reheating tip: Warm gently on the stove or microwave to keep chicken tender.
- Make ahead sauce: Sauce ingredients can be mixed earlier in the day for faster cooking later.
- Meal prep option: Portion chicken with rice for ready to grab lunches.
Private Notes
Final Thoughts
There is something special about a dinner that asks very little from you but gives so much back. This Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe has become one of those dependable meals in our home. The kind you fall back on when life feels busy but you still want everyone gathered around the table eating something warm and homemade.
Cooking does not always need to be complicated to feel meaningful. Sometimes it is just chicken sizzling in a pot, garlic filling the kitchen, and knowing dinner is going to bring everyone together for a little while.
If you make this recipe, serve it generously. Spoon extra sauce. Let people go back for seconds. That is usually when the best conversations happen anyway.
And if someone asks when you are making it again, well, that is always the best compliment a cook can get.
