Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
This Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the rich flavors of Chinese cuisine right to your table. With its savory and sweet profile, this recipe is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests at gatherings. The convenience of the Instant Pot means you can whip up this delicious meal in just 30 minutes, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for those busy days.
- Flavorful: The combination of honey and garlic creates a mouthwatering sauce that elevates the chicken.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal, or on its own for a lighter option.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and flavor, it’s a great way to enjoy a balanced meal.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken, having the right tools will greatly enhance your cooking experience.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Instant Pot
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Instant Pot: This multi-functional appliance speeds up cooking time while ensuring tender and juicy chicken.
- Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining sauces and ingredients smoothly before adding them to the pot.
Ingredients
This Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is a Chinese-style dish bursting with honey-garlic flavor, and is really quick to make.
For the Chicken
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup onion, diced
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
For Thickening
- 3 teaspoons cornstarch dissolved in 1/4 cup water
Garnish
- Sesame seeds & green onion for topping
- Rice for serving
How to Make Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by placing your chicken in the bottom of the Instant Pot. Season well with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, onion, ketchup, oil, and garlic. Pour this mixture over the chicken. Close the Instant Pot lid and set it to seal.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Cook on the Meat setting (or on HIGH pressure if using another model) for 15 minutes. Once done, do a quick release of pressure. Carefully remove the chicken from the pot but leave the sauce inside.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
In another small bowl, dissolve 3 teaspoons of cornstarch in 1/4 cup of water. Pour this into your Instant Pot with the sauce. Stir well to combine. Select the Saute function and cook for about 5 minutes or until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Serve
Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces and return them to the pot. Toss with the sauce until well coated. Finally, sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions before serving over rice.
How to Serve Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
This delicious Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken can be served in various ways to enhance your meal. Whether you’re looking for a simple side or a full spread, these suggestions will elevate your dining experience.
Over Steamed Rice
- Steamed white or brown rice is a classic choice that soaks up the flavorful sauce from the chicken.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Use crisp lettuce leaves to create fresh wraps filled with chicken and sauce for a lighter option.
With Stir-Fried Vegetables
- Pair the chicken with colorful stir-fried veggies like bell peppers and broccoli for added nutrients and crunch.
Topped on Noodles
- Serve the chicken over cooked noodles, such as rice noodles or spaghetti, for a hearty twist on this dish.
As Part of a Rice Bowl
- Create a rice bowl by layering the chicken over rice and adding toppings like avocado, sesame seeds, and green onions.
In Tacos
- Use soft tortillas to make tasty tacos filled with shredded honey garlic chicken, topped with cilantro and lime.
How to Perfect Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
For those wanting to master this dish, here are some tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time.
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality honey can greatly enhance the flavor of the dish.
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Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey based on your preferred sweetness level.
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Sear the Chicken: For added depth of flavor, consider searing the chicken in the Instant Pot before adding other ingredients.
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Thicken Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer after adding cornstarch until it reaches your desired consistency.
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Rest Before Serving: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps retain its juices.
Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
Pairing your Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken with complementary sides can create a more satisfying meal. Here are some great options:
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Steamed Broccoli: A simple and nutritious side that adds vibrant color and balances the sweetness of the chicken.
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Fried Rice: Make fried rice with vegetables for an easy way to use leftovers while adding more flavor.
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Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad can provide a cool contrast to the warm, savory dish.
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Garlic Bread: Serve garlic bread for those who enjoy dipping into the sweet honey garlic sauce.
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Quinoa: This protein-packed grain is an excellent alternative to rice and adds a nutty flavor.
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Asian Slaw: A tangy slaw made with cabbage and carrots brings crunchiness and freshness to your plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking can sometimes lead to mishaps, especially when using a new appliance like the Instant Pot. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken before cooking can result in bland flavors. Always season your chicken well with salt and pepper for the best taste.
- Using cold ingredients: Adding cold ingredients can affect cooking times. Make sure your chicken and other ingredients are at room temperature for even cooking.
- Not sealing the lid properly: If the Instant Pot lid isn’t sealed correctly, it won’t build pressure. Double-check that the lid is locked and set to seal before starting.
- Ignoring natural release: Quick releasing pressure too soon can lead to unevenly cooked chicken. Follow recommended release methods for better results.
- Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken beyond 15 minutes may dry it out. Stick to the suggested cooking time for tender results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- The dish will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
- Place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until heated evenly.
- Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or broth. Stir occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken for Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you need to increase the cooking time by about 5-10 minutes.
What can I serve with Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken?
This dish pairs well with rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
How do I make this recipe healthier?
You can reduce sugar by using less honey or substituting with a sugar alternative while maintaining flavor.
Can I customize the sauce?
Absolutely! You can add spices like ginger or chili flakes for extra flavor or adjust soy sauce levels based on your taste preferences.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! The Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is great for meal prep as it stores well and reheats nicely throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is not only quick and easy but also packed with delightful flavors that everyone will love. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or spices, making it perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is a quick and delicious dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Chinese cuisine straight to your table. In just 30 minutes, you can create a savory-sweet meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or impressing guests. This recipe features tender chicken coated in a mouthwatering honey-garlic sauce, making it a sure hit for both kids and adults. Serve it over rice, in lettuce wraps, or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a well-rounded meal that’s packed with protein and flavor.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 teaspoons cornstarch (dissolved in water)
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt and pepper; place in Instant Pot.
- Mix honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, and pour over chicken. Close lid and seal.
- Cook on Meat setting for 15 minutes; quick release pressure.
- Remove chicken; thicken sauce with cornstarch mixture using the Saute function for about 5 minutes.
- Return sliced chicken to sauce; serve hot over rice or noodles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
