Honey Garlic Chicken

A quick and delicious chicken dish made in the Instant Pot, featuring a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce that's perfect for busy weeknights.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Main ingredients

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts) Thighs provide juicier results.
1/3 cup honey
1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce Use low sodium to control sweetness.
5 to 6 cloves garlic, minced Yes, really.
2 tablespoons ketchup Helps round out the sauce.
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar) Adds balance to the sauce.
1/2 cup water or chicken broth
1 tablespoon cornstarch To thicken the sauce.
2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional) For a finishing touch.
salt and pepper To taste, depending on soy sauce.
green onions and sesame seeds (optional) For topping.

Method

Preparation

In a bowl, stir together honey, soy sauce, garlic, ketchup, vinegar, and water or broth. Taste for sweetness and tang.
Place the chicken in the Instant Pot and pour the sauce over it. Use tongs to flip the chicken to coat it.

Pressure Cooking

Put the lid on, set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 9 minutes for thighs or 7-8 minutes for breasts.

Thickening sauce

Carefully do a quick release when time is up. Remove chicken to a plate. Turn on sauté mode.
Mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry, then stir it into the sauce. It will thicken in 1 to 3 minutes.

Coating and Serving

Return the chicken to the pot and spoon the thickened sauce over it. Add sesame oil if desired, then top with green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

Use thighs for juiciness. Don't skip vinegar to enhance flavors. Thicken sauce after cooking for best consistency. For heat, add red pepper flakes or chili garlic sauce. Leftovers are better the next day!