Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
This Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is a delightful dish that captures the essence of Chinese cuisine with its sweet and savory flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressive dinner parties, this meal comes together in just 30 minutes. You’ll love how the Instant Pot locks in the honey-garlic goodness while making it incredibly easy to prepare. This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with rice, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy schedules.
- Flavorful: The combination of honey and garlic creates a mouthwatering sauce that enhances the chicken’s taste.
- Versatile: Enjoy it over rice or noodles; it’s equally delicious as leftovers.
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein from chicken and minimal added fats, this meal is nutritious without sacrificing flavor.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet and savory flavor profile.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes preparing Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken straightforward and enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before getting started.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
Importance of Each Tool
- Instant Pot: This multi-cooker speeds up cooking time while ensuring your chicken remains tender and juicy.
- Cutting Board: A sturdy surface is essential for safely chopping your ingredients.
- Knife: A sharp knife allows for quick and efficient preparation of chicken and vegetables.
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
For Serving
- 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: Make the Sauce Mixture
In a small bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, onion, ketchup, vegetable oil, and minced garlic. Pour this mixture over the seasoned chicken. Close the lid on your Instant Pot and set it to seal.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Cook on the Meat setting (or on HIGH pressure if using a non-Instant Pot) for 15 minutes. Once cooked, perform a quick release of pressure. Remove the chicken from the pot but leave the sauce inside.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Dissolve 3 teaspoons of cornstarch in 1/4 cup of water in a small bowl. Pour this mixture into your pot with the sauce. Stir to combine. Press the Saute button on your Instant Pot and cook for about 5 minutes or until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Cut the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return it to the pot and toss with the thickened sauce before serving. Sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions on top, then serve over rice.
Enjoy your delicious Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken!
How to Serve Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
Serving Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken can elevate your dining experience. This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, enhancing its sweet and savory flavors. Here are some tasty serving suggestions to complement your meal.
Over Rice
- Serve the chicken over steamed rice for a comforting meal that soaks up the flavorful sauce.
With Steamed Vegetables
- Pair with steamed broccoli or green beans to add a healthy crunch and vibrant color to your plate.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Use large lettuce leaves as wraps for a fresh, low-carb option that’s fun to eat!
With Noodles
- Toss it with cooked noodles for a delicious stir-fry effect that mingles the honey garlic flavor throughout.
On a Salad
- Serve it atop a mixed green salad for a light and refreshing twist, drizzling extra sauce on top.
As Tacos
- Create chicken tacos with tortillas, adding toppings like avocado and salsa for an exciting fusion dish.
How to Perfect Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
To ensure your Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and quality honey will enhance the flavors significantly.
- Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on cooking times; overcooking can dry out the chicken.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey to suit your taste preference for sweetness.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking helps retain juices and improve tenderness.
- Thicken the Sauce: Ensure you give the sauce enough time to thicken by sautéing it after adding cornstarch.
- Garnish Generously: Adding sesame seeds and green onions not only improves presentation but also adds texture and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
Pairing side dishes with your Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken can enhance its deliciousness. Here are some great options:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: Fluffy jasmine rice is perfect for soaking up all that savory sauce.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with garlic complement the bold flavors of the chicken.
- Stir-Fried Bok Choy: Lightly stir-fried bok choy adds crunch and complements Asian flavors beautifully.
- Coconut Rice: Sweet coconut rice adds a tropical twist that pairs well with honey garlic chicken.
- Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad loaded with veggies provides a nutritious contrast.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts add depth and balance to your meal.
- Fried Rice: Transform leftover rice into fried rice for an easy side that matches seamlessly.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and freshness, making it an excellent side choice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes.
- Ignoring the seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper can lead to bland flavor. Always season your chicken generously before cooking.
- Overcrowding the pot: Placing too much chicken in the Instant Pot may prevent even cooking. Stick to 3-4 chicken breasts for best results.
- Skipping the quick release: Allowing the pressure to release naturally can overcook the chicken. Always perform a quick release after cooking for tender results.
- Not thickening the sauce: Failing to thicken the sauce can result in a watery dish. Use cornstarch dissolved in water to achieve that perfect glaze.
- Neglecting to serve immediately: Letting the dish sit too long before serving can affect its texture and flavor. Serve it right after tossing the chicken in sauce for optimal enjoyment.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Allow the chicken to cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.
- Make sure to label and date your container for easy identification.
Reheating Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat covered for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring occasionally until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat, stirring often until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken.
What is Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken?
This dish is a Chinese-style recipe featuring tender chicken cooked in a sweet and savory honey-garlic sauce, all made effortlessly in an Instant Pot.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but increase the cooking time by about 5-10 minutes, depending on thickness.
How do I customize my Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken?
Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli during cooking for added nutrition and flavor variations.
Is Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken healthy?
Yes! This recipe is relatively low in calories while being high in flavor, making it a satisfying meal option.
What should I serve with this dish?
Serve over rice or quinoa. You can also pair it with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is not only quick and easy but also packed with delightful flavors. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the irresistibly sweet and savory flavors of Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken, a delightful dish that brings the essence of Chinese cuisine to your dinner table. Perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests, this quick recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish. The Instant Pot locks in the honey-garlic goodness while ensuring your chicken remains tender and juicy. Serve it over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps for a versatile meal that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt and pepper; place in the bottom of the Instant Pot.
- In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, ketchup, and minced garlic; pour over chicken.
- Close the lid and set to seal; cook on HIGH pressure for 15 minutes.
- Perform a quick release of pressure; remove chicken and leave sauce inside.
- Dissolve cornstarch in water; add to sauce and sauté until thickened.
- Cut chicken into pieces; return to pot and toss with sauce before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
