Honey Garlic Instant Pot Chicken Quick and Simple Recipe

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Looking for a quick and tasty meal? This Honey Garlic Instant Pot Chicken recipe is your answer! With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious dish that’s both sweet and savory. In no time, you’ll have tender chicken infused with rich flavors of honey and garlic. Follow my easy steps to impress your family or friends. Let’s dive into the details and make dinner a breeze!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in just 10 minutes and cooked in 10 minutes in the Instant Pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  2. Flavorful Sauce: The combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates a deliciously sticky and savory sauce that enhances the chicken perfectly.
  3. Versatile Dish: This honey garlic chicken can be served with rice, noodles, or vegetables, making it a versatile option for any meal.
  4. Healthy Ingredients: Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts and low-sodium soy sauce keeps this dish on the healthier side without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

– 1/4 cup honey

– 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce

Aromatic Ingredients

– 4 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

Cooking Essentials

– 1 tablespoon sesame oil

– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Thickening Agent

– 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Garnishes

– 2 green onions, sliced

– Sesame seeds

Gathering the right ingredients sets the stage for a great dish. I love the blend of sweet and savory in this honey garlic chicken. The chicken breasts provide a nice, lean protein. Honey and soy sauce bring a sweet touch and umami flavor.

The garlic and ginger add depth to the sauce. I always use fresh garlic for the best taste. The sesame oil gives a lovely nutty flavor, while black pepper adds a subtle kick. If you like a bit of spice, the red pepper flakes are a great option.

To thicken the sauce, I use a cornstarch mixture. This gives the dish a nice, glossy finish. Finally, green onions and sesame seeds make perfect garnishes. They add color and crunch. Enjoy cooking this easy, tasty meal!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

– Season the chicken breasts with black pepper and red pepper flakes.

– Set the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and heat sesame oil.

First, take your chicken breasts and sprinkle black pepper all over. If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes too. This simple step gives your chicken a nice kick.

Next, turn on your Instant Pot. Choose ‘Sauté’ mode. Pour in the sesame oil and let it heat for about a minute. This oil adds a rich, nutty flavor that is perfect for the dish.

Cooking Steps

– Sauté garlic and ginger, followed by adding honey and soy sauce.

– Add chicken and set to high-pressure cooking for 10 minutes.

Now, add minced garlic and freshly grated ginger to the pot. Stir them for 1-2 minutes until they smell great. Be careful not to burn them.

Pour in the honey and low-sodium soy sauce. Stir well and let it simmer for a minute. This mix will create a sweet and savory sauce that makes the chicken shine.

After that, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the pot. Make sure they are coated with the sauce. Close the lid and set the valve to ‘Sealing.’ Cook on ‘Manual’ high pressure for 10 minutes.

Finishing Touches

– Release pressure and remove chicken.

– Thicken sauce with cornstarch mixture, slice chicken, and coat with sauce.

When the timer goes off, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes. Then, do a quick release to let out any remaining steam. Carefully take the chicken out of the pot and place it on a cutting board.

Set your Instant Pot back to ‘Sauté’ mode. Stir in the cornstarch mixed with water. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Then, slice the chicken and return it to the pot. Coat it well with the thickened sauce.

Your Honey Garlic Instant Pot Chicken is ready to serve!

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips

Season the chicken well. This step boosts flavor. Use black pepper and red pepper flakes.

Watch the garlic closely. Garlic burns fast. Sauté for only 1-2 minutes until it smells good.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with rice or veggies. This makes a full meal. Pairing balances the sweet sauce.

Add more sauce on top. Drizzling extra sauce enhances flavor. It makes each bite delicious.

Perfecting the Dish

Try different spice levels. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes. It gives a nice kick.

Adjust the honey. Add more or less for your taste. This lets you control sweetness.

Pro Tips

  1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will enhance the flavor of your dish significantly compared to dried versions.
  2. Don’t Skip the Sauté: Sautéing the garlic and ginger before adding liquids helps to release their essential oils and flavors, resulting in a more aromatic dish.
  3. Thicken the Sauce: To achieve a luscious sauce, make sure to mix the cornstarch with water thoroughly before adding it to the pot to avoid lumps.
  4. Customize Your Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice preference; you can even omit them for a milder flavor.

Variations

Spicy Version

You can make this dish spicy if you like heat. Add more red pepper flakes to the sauce. This gives it a good kick. You can also slice fresh jalapeños and toss them in. This adds a nice crunch and flavor.

Herb Variations

Want to change the taste? Fresh herbs can help. Use cilantro or basil for added flavor. You can also swap chicken for tofu or shrimp. This twist makes it a great meal for everyone.

Ingredient Swaps

If you want a new flavor, try using maple syrup instead of honey. It adds a rich taste. For a gluten-free option, replace soy sauce with coconut aminos. This keeps the dish tasty while meeting dietary needs.

Storage Info

Refrigeration

Store your leftover honey garlic chicken in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge. It tastes best within 3-4 days. After that, the flavor can fade.

Freezing Instructions

Before freezing, let the chicken cool completely. Place it in a freezer-safe container. You can keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months. This way, you can enjoy it later!

Reheating Tips

To reheat, use the microwave or stovetop. If it seems dry, add a splash of water. This keeps the chicken moist and tasty. Enjoy your delicious meal again!

FAQs

How long does it take to cook Honey Garlic Instant Pot Chicken?

Total time is approximately 35 minutes including prep and cooking. This quick time makes it great for busy nights. You can have a tasty meal ready in no time.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but increase the cooking time by a few minutes. If using frozen chicken, set the Instant Pot to cook for about 12 to 15 minutes. Check that chicken is fully cooked before serving. This is a great way to save time when you’re in a hurry.

What can I serve with Honey Garlic Instant Pot Chicken?

It pairs well with rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also serve it with a fresh salad or noodles. Each option adds a nice touch and makes your meal complete.

In this blog post, I shared a simple recipe for Honey Garlic Instant Pot Chicken. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips for better cooking, tasty variations, and storage options. This dish is easy to prepare and versatile. You can change flavors and ingredients based on your taste. Enjoy your cooking journey and feel free to share this recipe with others. It’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for any mea

- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water - 2 green onions, sliced - Sesame seeds Gathering the right ingredients sets the stage for a great dish. I love the blend of sweet and savory in this honey garlic chicken. The chicken breasts provide a nice, lean protein. Honey and soy sauce bring a sweet touch and umami flavor. The garlic and ginger add depth to the sauce. I always use fresh garlic for the best taste. The sesame oil gives a lovely nutty flavor, while black pepper adds a subtle kick. If you like a bit of spice, the red pepper flakes are a great option. To thicken the sauce, I use a cornstarch mixture. This gives the dish a nice, glossy finish. Finally, green onions and sesame seeds make perfect garnishes. They add color and crunch. Enjoy cooking this easy, tasty meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Season the chicken breasts with black pepper and red pepper flakes. - Set the Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode and heat sesame oil. First, take your chicken breasts and sprinkle black pepper all over. If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes too. This simple step gives your chicken a nice kick. Next, turn on your Instant Pot. Choose 'Sauté' mode. Pour in the sesame oil and let it heat for about a minute. This oil adds a rich, nutty flavor that is perfect for the dish. - Sauté garlic and ginger, followed by adding honey and soy sauce. - Add chicken and set to high-pressure cooking for 10 minutes. Now, add minced garlic and freshly grated ginger to the pot. Stir them for 1-2 minutes until they smell great. Be careful not to burn them. Pour in the honey and low-sodium soy sauce. Stir well and let it simmer for a minute. This mix will create a sweet and savory sauce that makes the chicken shine. After that, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the pot. Make sure they are coated with the sauce. Close the lid and set the valve to 'Sealing.' Cook on 'Manual' high pressure for 10 minutes. - Release pressure and remove chicken. - Thicken sauce with cornstarch mixture, slice chicken, and coat with sauce. When the timer goes off, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes. Then, do a quick release to let out any remaining steam. Carefully take the chicken out of the pot and place it on a cutting board. Set your Instant Pot back to 'Sauté' mode. Stir in the cornstarch mixed with water. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Then, slice the chicken and return it to the pot. Coat it well with the thickened sauce. Your Honey Garlic Instant Pot Chicken is ready to serve! - Season the chicken well. This step boosts flavor. Use black pepper and red pepper flakes. - Watch the garlic closely. Garlic burns fast. Sauté for only 1-2 minutes until it smells good. - Serve with rice or veggies. This makes a full meal. Pairing balances the sweet sauce. - Add more sauce on top. Drizzling extra sauce enhances flavor. It makes each bite delicious. - Try different spice levels. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes. It gives a nice kick. - Adjust the honey. Add more or less for your taste. This lets you control sweetness. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will enhance the flavor of your dish significantly compared to dried versions. Don't Skip the Sauté: Sautéing the garlic and ginger before adding liquids helps to release their essential oils and flavors, resulting in a more aromatic dish. Thicken the Sauce: To achieve a luscious sauce, make sure to mix the cornstarch with water thoroughly before adding it to the pot to avoid lumps. Customize Your Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice preference; you can even omit them for a milder flavor. {{image_2}} You can make this dish spicy if you like heat. Add more red pepper flakes to the sauce. This gives it a good kick. You can also slice fresh jalapeños and toss them in. This adds a nice crunch and flavor. Want to change the taste? Fresh herbs can help. Use cilantro or basil for added flavor. You can also swap chicken for tofu or shrimp. This twist makes it a great meal for everyone. If you want a new flavor, try using maple syrup instead of honey. It adds a rich taste. For a gluten-free option, replace soy sauce with coconut aminos. This keeps the dish tasty while meeting dietary needs. Store your leftover honey garlic chicken in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge. It tastes best within 3-4 days. After that, the flavor can fade. Before freezing, let the chicken cool completely. Place it in a freezer-safe container. You can keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months. This way, you can enjoy it later! To reheat, use the microwave or stovetop. If it seems dry, add a splash of water. This keeps the chicken moist and tasty. Enjoy your delicious meal again! Total time is approximately 35 minutes including prep and cooking. This quick time makes it great for busy nights. You can have a tasty meal ready in no time. Yes, but increase the cooking time by a few minutes. If using frozen chicken, set the Instant Pot to cook for about 12 to 15 minutes. Check that chicken is fully cooked before serving. This is a great way to save time when you're in a hurry. It pairs well with rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also serve it with a fresh salad or noodles. Each option adds a nice touch and makes your meal complete. In this blog post, I shared a simple recipe for Honey Garlic Instant Pot Chicken. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips for better cooking, tasty variations, and storage options. This dish is easy to prepare and versatile. You can change flavors and ingredients based on your taste. Enjoy your cooking journey and feel free to share this recipe with others. It’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for any meal!

Honey Garlic Instant Pot Chicken

A delicious and easy chicken dish made in the Instant Pot with honey, garlic, and soy sauce.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 0.25 cup honey
  • 0.25 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 pieces green onions, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions
 

  • Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with black pepper and red pepper flakes, if using.
  • Set your Instant Pot to the 'Sauté' mode. Once hot, add sesame oil and let it heat up for about a minute.
  • Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant (be careful not to burn).
  • Pour in the honey and soy sauce, stirring until well combined. Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional minute.
  • Add the seasoned chicken breasts into the pot making sure they are well coated with the sauce.
  • Close the lid of the Instant Pot and ensure the valve is set to 'Sealing.' Set to cook on 'Manual' high pressure for 10 minutes.
  • Once the cooking time is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then perform a quick release to remove any remaining steam.
  • Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the pot and place them on a cutting board.
  • Set the Instant Pot back to 'Sauté' mode and stir in the cornstarch-water mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  • Slice the chicken and return it to the pot, coating it with the thickened sauce.
  • Serve the honey garlic chicken on a plate, drizzling additional sauce over the top. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Notes

Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
Keyword chicken, honey garlic, Instant Pot

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