Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe
If you’re looking for a dinner that stuns with flavor but is a total breeze to whip up, Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs will become your new go-to. Imagine perfectly juicy chicken thighs, hugging every drop of a sweet, garlicky glaze that’s rich with soy, accented by a whiff of sesame and a spark of chili. This dish takes humble ingredients and, with the magic of the Instant Pot, delivers a meal so cozy and mouthwatering your family will beg for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs is how every ingredient pulls its weight in the flavor department. There’s not a single item here that doesn’t play a starring role—whether it’s golden honey, aromatic garlic, or savory soy sauce. Here’s what you’ll need to make this magic happen:
- Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on): These stay juicy and become beautifully tender under pressure—plus the skin adds extra flavor!
- Oil (canola or vegetable): Essential for browning the chicken and locking in the flavor at the start.
- Salt and pepper: Just a sprinkle is all you need to amplify the chicken’s natural taste.
- Honey: The key to that sweet, sticky glaze—use your favorite variety for best results.
- Sesame oil: Adds a delicious, nutty aroma that pairs perfectly with garlic and soy.
- Chili sauce: Just a teaspoon brings a subtle spark and depth without overpowering the dish.
- Soy sauce: Brings savory umami and that signature deep coloring to the glaze.
- Fresh garlic (smashed and minced): Nothing beats the punch of real garlic—don’t skimp!
- Toasted sesame seeds: For crunch and a lovely finish when serving.
- Green onions (sliced): The pop of color and freshness balances the whole plate.
How to Make Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by giving your chicken thighs a little TLC. Wash and trim off any excess fat, then pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. This isn’t just for neatness—it actually helps you get that irresistible golden brown sear! Once dried, season your thighs generously with salt and pepper on both sides so every bite is well flavored.
Step 2: Heat the Instant Pot
Turn on the SAUTE function and let a tablespoon of oil get hot for a couple of minutes. Waiting just a bit ensures the chicken won’t stick and will brown beautifully, deepening the final flavor of your Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs.
Step 3: Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce
While your oil is heating, it’s time to whisk together your showstopping sauce! In a small bowl, combine honey, sesame oil, chili sauce, soy sauce, and that pungent minced garlic. You’ll notice right away how fragrant it becomes—this is the backbone of the flavor so give it a good mix!
Step 4: Sear the Chicken Thighs
Lay your chicken thighs, skin side down, right into the hot Instant Pot. Let them cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes until they turn a glorious golden brown. This quick sear locks in the juices and sets you up for seriously good flavor later.
Step 5: Deglaze the Pot
Remove the chicken and set it aside for a moment. Pour a couple tablespoons of water into the pot and scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. This deglazing step ensures nothing burns and all those tasty bits make their way into the sauce!
Step 6: Add the Trivet and Chicken
Pop the metal trivet into your Instant Pot. Place the seared chicken thighs back on the trivet—this keeps them above the liquid for even cooking and easy removal later.
Step 7: Pour on the Sauce
Take your vibrant honey garlic sauce and pour it evenly over the thighs. It’ll run down and around, coating the chicken and pooling beneath to act as a base for that heavenly glaze.
Step 8: Pressure Cook
Lock on the lid, double-check the sealing ring and the pressure valve, and set your Instant Pot to Manual (or Pressure Cook), high pressure, for 12 minutes. Sit back and relax—the hard work is done!
Step 9: Quick Release
As soon as the timer dings, perform a quick pressure release. This keeps the chicken perfectly juicy and stops it from overcooking. Be cautious of the steam and open the lid when it’s safe to do so.
Step 10: Sauce and Serve
Gently lift the chicken thighs onto a serving platter. Give the sauce a quick stir—if you like it thicker, you can simmer it a few minutes on SAUTE. Then, generously spoon the luscious sauce over the chicken and get ready to garnish!
How to Serve Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Garnishes
Don’t skip the finishing touches! A generous showering of toasted sesame seeds and a handful of sliced green onions not only add crunch and color, but they bring an inviting freshness to the rich glaze of your Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs. It’s these tiny extras that make a home-cooked meal feel truly special.
Side Dishes
This dish practically begs for something to soak up that glorious sauce! Fluffy steamed rice, brown rice, or buttery mashed potatoes are all classics. For balance, think quick-stir fried greens like bok choy or snap peas. You could even try crisp cucumber salad for a cool, light contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, pile the chicken and sauce onto toasted buns for sweet and savory sliders, or shred the thighs and toss with extra sauce for an over-the-top grain bowl. Impress dinner guests by arranging the thighs on a platter, ringed with lemon slices and extra green onions for color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, pack any leftover Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs in an airtight container with their sauce. They’ll keep fresh in the fridge for up to four days—and the sweet garlicky sauce seems to get even tastier overnight!
Freezing
To freeze, simply portion the thighs and sauce into freezer-friendly containers or zip bags. Freeze for up to three months. For best results, let the chicken thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the microwave with a splash of water or additional sauce, or warm in a covered skillet over low heat until heated through. This helps keep the chicken moist and the sauce silky.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely! Boneless thighs will cook even faster—try reducing the pressure cook time to about 8–10 minutes so the meat stays tender and juicy.
What if I want a thicker sauce?
If you prefer a glaze, remove the cooked chicken and simmer the remaining sauce on SAUTE for a few minutes to reduce and thicken it. For even thicker results, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it in while simmering.
How spicy is this dish?
The chili sauce adds just a subtle warmth, not much heat. If you love things hot, add an extra dash of chili sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper. Want it milder? You can simply leave out the chili entirely.
Can I make Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs without the skin?
Yes, you can use skinless thighs if you prefer, though the skin gives extra flavor and helps lock in moisture. Just watch them during the searing step as they might stick a bit more without the skin.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
With one small tweak! Just swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative like tamari or coconut aminos, and Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs can easily fit a gluten-free diet.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving comfort food that’s as easy as it is crowd-pleasing, you owe it to yourself to try Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs. They’re weeknight friendly, irresistibly saucy, and bound to become a beloved part of your dinner rotation. Happy cooking, and enjoy every sweet, garlicky bite!
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Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Tender and flavorful Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs made with a sweet and savory sauce, perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Thighs:
- 4–6 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 1 tablespoon oil (canola or vegetable)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Honey Garlic Sauce:
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic (smashed and minced)
Garnish:
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Green onions (sliced)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Wash and trim excess fat from chicken thighs, pat dry, and season with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat oil in Instant Pot using the SAUTE function. Brown chicken thighs on both sides for 2-3 minutes each.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, combine honey, sesame oil, chili sauce, soy sauce, and garlic.
- Cook the Chicken: Pour sauce over browned chicken in the Instant Pot, close the lid, and cook on Manual, high pressure for 12 minutes.
- Release Pressure: Perform a quick pressure release once cooking is complete.
- Finish and Serve: Transfer chicken to a serving platter, garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, and pour the sauce on top before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of chili sauce to suit your taste.
- Ensure the sealing ring is properly in place before pressure cooking to prevent leaks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Instant Pot, Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs, Pressure Cooker Recipe, Easy Dinner, Asian-Inspired
