This Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is a fast, comforting dish with a sweet-savory honey garlic sauce and tender chicken thighs that practically fall off the bone. It’s an ideal weeknight dinner made in the Instant Pot.
Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is one of my favorite Instant Pot recipes. The combination of honey, garlic and soy creates a rich glaze that pairs perfectly with vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal ready in about 20 minutes.
How to Make Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
Making honey garlic chicken in the Instant Pot is straightforward and quick. Follow these simple steps for tender, flavorful results.
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Use the Sauté function on your Instant Pot. Add a little oil and place the chicken thighs skin-side down, searing for about 2 minutes per side until lightly browned. This step builds flavor before pressure cooking.
Step 2: Pressure Cook
After browning, add the minced garlic and sauté briefly (about 30 seconds). Pour in the potatoes, carrots and onions, then add the honey garlic sauce (honey, soy sauce, ketchup or tomato paste, and oregano). Secure the lid, set to Manual/High Pressure, and cook for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Release, Season and Serve
When cooking finishes, follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions and perform a Quick Release. Open the lid carefully, taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve.
Tips and Secrets for Success
- Choose the largest chicken thighs you can find; they shrink during cooking. Skinless thighs are a leaner option if you prefer.
- If adding broccoli or other quick-cooking greens, steam or blanch them separately and add at the end so they stay bright and crisp.
- Chopped fresh parsley adds color and freshness at the end.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to make it easier to control the final salt level.
Equipment
- Any Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker will work; a 6-quart model fits this recipe comfortably.
- Kitchen tongs are useful for handling browned chicken pieces.
Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken with Vegetables
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken thighs, bone-in, skin on
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 pound baby red potatoes, halved
- 2 large carrots, peeled
- 1 cup onions, chopped
- fresh parsley, chopped, for serving optional
- salt and pepper to taste
Honey Garlic Sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 cup soy sauce, low sodium recommended
- 1/4 cup ketchup , or tomato paste
- 2 tsp oregano
Instructions
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In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup (or tomato paste) and oregano. Set the sauce aside.
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Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. When hot, add the olive oil and place the chicken thighs skin-side down.
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Sauté for about 2 minutes per side until lightly browned.
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Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add the potatoes, carrots and onions, then pour in the reserved sauce.
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Cover and set the Instant Pot to Manual/High Pressure for 10 minutes.
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When the cycle finishes, follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions and use Quick Release. Wait a moment for the pressure to drop before opening.
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Carefully remove the lid. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with parsley if using, and serve.
Notes
Please read our nutrition disclaimer.
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- Chinese Lemon Chicken
- Creamy Chicken Marsala
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- Chicken Pad Thai Meal Prep
- Sheet Pan Chicken With Potatoes and Green Beans
- Easy 20 Minute Chicken Alfredo {copycat}