Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
This Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. With its sweet and savory flavors, this dish not only pleases the palate but also saves you time in the kitchen. The Instant Pot makes it quick and easy to prepare, ensuring that you can enjoy a delicious homemade meal without the fuss. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve alongside rice or steamed vegetables, making it a go-to option for anyone looking to impress their guests or family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a flavorful meal ready in 30 minutes.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of honey and garlic creates an irresistible sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it over rice, noodles, or with veggies for a complete meal tailored to your taste.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and made with wholesome ingredients, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a hit among both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table will enjoy it.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking experience.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Instant Pot
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Instant Pot: This multi-cooker allows for quick cooking under pressure, making meals faster without sacrificing flavor.
- Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently while minimizing mess.
- Knife: A sharp knife helps chop ingredients quickly and safely.
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: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, onion, ketchup, vegetable oil, and minced garlic. Pour this mixture over the chicken. Secure the Instant Pot lid and ensure it’s set to seal.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Cook on the Meat setting (or on HIGH pressure if not using an Instant Pot) for 15 minutes. Afterward, 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 water in a small bowl. Pour this mixture into your Instant Pot with the sauce. Stir to combine. Press the Saute button and cook until slightly thickened—this should take about 5 minutes.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return it to the pot and toss with the thickened sauce before serving. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions on top. Serve over rice for a delightful meal!
How to Serve Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is a delightful dish that pairs well with various sides and garnishes. Serving it creatively can enhance its flavor and presentation, making your meal even more enjoyable.
With Steamed Rice
- Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy steamed rice for a classic pairing that soaks up the delicious sauce.
On a Bed of Vegetables
- Place the chicken on sautéed or steamed vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for a colorful and nutritious meal.
In a Wrap
- Use tortillas to create wraps filled with chicken, sauce, and fresh veggies for a fun and portable meal option.
Topped with Green Onions
- Garnish with sliced green onions for added crunch and freshness that complements the honey garlic flavor.
With Sesame Seeds
- Sprinkle sesame seeds over the chicken before serving to add texture and an appealing visual element.
How to Perfect Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
To achieve the best results with your Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken, consider these helpful tips.
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Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a stronger flavor than pre-minced options, enhancing the dish’s overall taste.
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Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of honey slightly or balance it with extra soy sauce.
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Thicken Sauce Properly: Make sure to dissolve cornstarch completely in water before adding it to the pot to avoid clumps in your sauce.
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Cook Chicken Evenly: Cut chicken breasts into similar sizes for even cooking throughout; this ensures all pieces are tender and juicy.
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Let It Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking before cutting; this helps retain moisture.
Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
Pairing side dishes with your Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options:
- Fried Rice: A savory fried rice can complement the sweet notes of honey garlic chicken beautifully.
- Roasted Broccoli: The slight bitterness of roasted broccoli balances out the sweetness, providing a nutritious side.
- Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad adds refreshing crunch and acidity that contrasts nicely with the rich flavors of the chicken.
- Egg Noodles: Soft egg noodles tossed in soy sauce make for an easy and satisfying accompaniment.
- Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad can add texture and health benefits alongside your main dish.
- Steamed Dumplings: These savory bites offer another layer of flavor that pairs well with honey garlic chicken.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken, avoiding common mistakes can ensure a delicious outcome.
- Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken before cooking can lead to bland flavors. Always season your chicken with salt and pepper for the best taste.
- Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can make it dry. Stick to the recommended cooking time of 15 minutes for juicy results.
- Ignoring sauce thickness: If you don’t thicken your sauce properly, it may be too watery. Use cornstarch mixed with water to achieve that perfect consistency.
- Not letting the pressure release naturally: Quick releasing immediately after cooking can result in tough chicken. Allow a natural release for more tender meat.
- Using low-quality ingredients: Poor quality honey or soy sauce can affect flavor. Opt for good-quality ingredients to enhance your dish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for 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 2-3 months.
Reheating Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring in between until warm, about 2-3 minutes total.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed, stirring frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken that might help you.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time by about 5 minutes.
What side dishes pair well with Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken?
This dish goes great with rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
How spicy is Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken?
This recipe is not spicy at all; it features sweet and savory flavors. You can add red pepper flakes if you prefer some heat.
Can I use thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully and will keep the dish moist and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is an easy and delicious meal that everyone will love. Its sweet and savory flavor makes it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Don’t hesitate to customize it by adding vegetables or adjusting sweetness to suit your taste!
Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that combines sweet and savory flavors, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or special gatherings. This quick and easy recipe allows you to savor tender chicken cooked to perfection in just 30 minutes. The Instant Pot significantly cuts down on cooking time while ensuring your meal is packed with flavor. Serve it over rice or alongside fresh vegetables for a wholesome, satisfying dinner that will impress your family and guests alike.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Place the chicken in the Instant Pot and season with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, onion, ketchup, vegetable oil, and garlic. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
- Secure the lid and cook on HIGH pressure for 15 minutes. Perform a quick release afterward.
- Remove chicken, leaving the sauce in the pot. Mix cornstarch with water until dissolved; stir into the sauce, then press 'Sauté' to thicken for about 5 minutes.
- Cut chicken into pieces, return to the pot, toss with sauce, garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, then serve over rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken with sauce (150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
