Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Sticky sweet honey garlic chicken thighs made effortlessly in the Instant Pot with tender juicy meat and a rich glossy sauce that tastes like comfort food on a busy weeknight.
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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
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – 1 thigh with sauce)
Approximate values
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
Servings: 4 servings
