This easy honey garlic chicken is a tasty treat! Cooked in the Instant Pot, it turns out juicy and full of sweet, garlicky flavor. Just toss in the ingredients and let the magic happen!
You can serve it over rice or noodles, and watch everyone ask for seconds. Trust me, the sauce is so good, you might find yourself licking the plate! 😂
I love how quick and simple it is to whip up this dish. It’s perfect for busy nights when I want something yummy without a lot of fuss. Enjoy the goodness, friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work well. Thighs are my favorite because they stay juicy and tender. If you’re looking for a lower-calorie option, consider using chicken breast.
Honey: It adds the sweetness to the dish. If you’re out of honey, maple syrup or agave syrup can be a great substitute, just keep in mind the flavor will be slightly different!
Soy Sauce: This ingredient gives depth to the flavor. For a gluten-free version, try using coconut aminos instead. It’s milder but still delicious!
Vinegar: Rice vinegar brings a mild tanginess, perfect for cutting through the sweetness. If you don’t have it, apple cider vinegar is also an excellent choice.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is best for flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder could work, just remember to use less as it’s more concentrated.
How Do I Achieve the Best Flavor with Garlic?
Minced garlic can easily burn if cooked too long. When sautéing, keep an eye on it! Here’s how to get the best flavor:
- Heat your pot to medium heat before adding oil and garlic.
- Only sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Don’t let it brown!
- This ensures that the garlic adds an aromatic base without bitterness.
What’s the Best Way to Thicken the Sauce?
If your sauce hasn’t thickened to your liking, using a cornstarch slurry can help. Here’s how:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water in a small bowl until smooth.
- Stir this mixture into the sauce when it’s simmering on “Sauté.”
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens, stirring constantly.
With these tips and insights, you’re more than ready to make a delicious honey garlic chicken that everyone will love. Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Honey Garlic Instant Pot Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons ketchup (optional, for tanginess and color)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup water or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon cold water
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions or chives for garnish
- Cooked white rice or jasmine rice, to serve
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes of cooking in the Instant Pot, including pressure build-up and release. In total, you can enjoy a delicious homemade meal in about 25-30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Ingredients:
Start by cutting your chicken into bite-size pieces. This helps it cook evenly and soak up that yummy sauce! Mince the garlic and have all your sauces ready for a smooth cooking process.
2. Sautéing the Garlic:
Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” mode and heat up the olive oil. Once it’s hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Just make sure not to burn it—nobody likes bitter garlic!
3. Browning the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the pot, seasoning them lightly with salt and pepper. Stir everything to coat the chicken in the garlic oil and cook for about 2-3 minutes until it’s lightly browned.
4. Mixing the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup (if using), vinegar, sesame oil, and water or chicken broth. This is the magic sauce that will make everything delicious!
5. Cooking the Chicken:
Pour the sauce over the chicken in the Instant Pot and stir to combine. Cancel the “Sauté” function, then secure the lid and seal the vent. Set it to manual pressure cook on high for 6 minutes.
6. Releasing the Pressure:
When the cooking time is done, do a quick pressure release by carefully turning the vent to release the steam. Watch out for the hot steam!
7. Thickening the Sauce:
Remove the lid and set the Instant Pot back to “Sauté.” In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the sauce in the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken beautifully.
8. Serving:
Turn off the Instant Pot. Serve the honey garlic chicken over your choice of white rice or jasmine rice. Garnish with chopped green onions or chives for a pop of color and flavor.
Enjoy your flavorful, tender honey garlic chicken with that gorgeous glossy sauce! It’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table!
FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking. Thaw it in the fridge overnight or use the quick method by submerging it in cold water in a sealed plastic bag.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just cook the chicken fresh when you’re ready to eat for the best texture and flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
What Can I Substitute for Soy Sauce?
If you need a gluten-free option, coconut aminos are a great substitute! You can also use tamari sauce for a gluten-free soy sauce option without losing flavor.
