Print

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken (20-Minute Dinner)

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken (20-Minute Dinner)
Print Recipe

This Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is a fast, flavorful weeknight recipe that tastes just like your favorite Chinese takeout—but made at home in only 20 minutes. Juicy boneless chicken thighs are lightly seared, then pressure-cooked in a sticky, sweet-and-savory honey garlic sauce. Simple ingredients, big flavor, and minimal cleanup make this a go-to dinner you’ll want to repeat.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1½ lbs (750 g) boneless chicken thighs (about 4 thighs)

  • Salt, to taste

  • Ground black pepper, to taste

  • 1½ tablespoons cooking oil

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)

Honey Garlic Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons honey

  • 1 teaspoon sugar or brown sugar

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

  • 3 tablespoons water or chicken broth (preferred)

  • 3 dashes cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken
    Season chicken thighs with salt and black pepper. Set aside.

  2. Make the sauce
    In a bowl, mix honey, sugar, soy sauce, water (or broth), and cayenne pepper. Stir well until the honey and sugar are fully dissolved.

  3. Sear the chicken (Sauté mode)
    Turn on Sauté on the Instant Pot. Once hot, add 1 tablespoon oil.
    Sear chicken thighs (skin-side down first if using skin-on) until both sides are nicely browned.

  4. Add garlic and sauce
    Leave the chicken in the pot. Add the remaining ½ tablespoon oil and minced garlic. Sauté briefly (about 30 seconds).
    Pour in the honey garlic sauce.

  5. Pressure cook
    Close the lid and set valve to Sealing.
    Select Manual / High Pressure and cook for 10 minutes.

  6. Quick release & serve
    When cooking is done, carefully Quick Release the pressure.
    Open the lid, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Sear first: Browning the chicken adds depth and takeout-style flavor.

  • Use chicken broth instead of water for a richer sauce.

  • Want a thicker sauce? After pressure cooking, turn on Sauté and simmer 2–3 minutes, or add a slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water).

  • Adjust heat by adding more or less cayenne pepper.

  • Use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching salt.

Find it online: https://biteseason.com/instant-pot-honey-garlic-chicken-20-minute-dinner-2/