Are you looking for a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal that comes together in no time? Look no further than this Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe! With tender chicken coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Perfect for busy weeknights, it requires minimal prep time, making it an ideal choice for anyone on the go. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with rice, quinoa, or even tossed in a salad for a lighter meal. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe and how to make it!
Why You’ll Keep Making It
This Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is not just about convenience; it’s about flavor and satisfaction. Here are a few reasons why this dish will be a staple in your kitchen:
- Quick and Easy: With the Instant Pot, you can have a delicious meal ready in under 30 minutes.
- Flavorful: The combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates a rich, mouthwatering sauce.
- Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness or add your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
- Kid-Friendly: The sweet and savory flavor profile is perfect for picky eaters.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Great for batch cooking and easy to reheat for leftovers.
Ingredients at a Glance
Before we jump into the cooking process, let’s gather our ingredients:
- 3 chicken breasts, cut into 1″ pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh chives or scallions, chopped, for garnish (optional)
- Fresh parsley, to taste, for garnish (optional)
Essential Tools for Success
To ensure your cooking experience is smooth and enjoyable, here are some essential tools you’ll need:
- Instant Pot: The star of the show that makes this recipe quick and efficient.
- Cutting board: For prepping your chicken and garlic.
- Sharp knife: To chop the chicken and garlic easily.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Whisk: To mix the sauce ingredients thoroughly.
Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe: From Prep to Plate
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to whip up your Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces. This ensures even cooking and allows the chicken to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Turn your Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Add the olive oil and let it heat up. Once hot, add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the chicken is browned on all sides. This step adds a depth of flavor that you don’t want to skip.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, water, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Whisk until well combined. Pour this mixture over the sautéed chicken in the Instant Pot.
Step 4: Pressure Cook
Close the lid of the Instant Pot, making sure the valve is set to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. The Instant Pot will take a few minutes to build pressure before the cooking time begins.
Step 5: Release and Thicken
Once the cooking time is up, carefully perform a quick release by turning the valve to venting. After all the steam has escaped, remove the lid. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry. Stir this into the chicken mixture to thicken the sauce, and let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on sauté mode.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, serve your honey garlic chicken over rice, quinoa, or even noodles. Garnish with chopped chives or scallions and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Fit It to Your Goals
Looking to tailor this recipe to fit your dietary needs? Here are some options:
- Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carb option.
- Vegetable Boost: Add in some steamed broccoli or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or Sriracha to the sauce for a spicy version.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
Avoid These Traps
Cooking can sometimes lead to mishaps. Here are a few traps to avoid while preparing your Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe:
- Overcrowding the Pot: Make sure there’s enough space for the chicken pieces to cook evenly.
- Skipping the Sauté Step: Searing the chicken adds flavor that enhances the overall dish.
- Not Using Enough Liquid: Always ensure you have enough liquid in the pot to avoid the burn notice.
- Ignoring the Quick Release: Be cautious when releasing pressure; use a towel if necessary to avoid steam burns.
Storage & Reheat Guide
Got leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat your honey garlic chicken:
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.
Common Questions
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just increase the cooking time to 10-12 minutes on high pressure, and ensure the chicken is fully cooked before serving.
What can I serve with honey garlic chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, quinoa, or even tossed into a fresh salad. You can also serve it alongside roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients, but make sure not to fill the Instant Pot beyond the maximum fill line. You may need to increase the cooking time slightly.
What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?
If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can easily make this dish on the stovetop. Just simmer the chicken in the sauce until cooked through, about 20-25 minutes.
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Let’s Eat
Now that you have the recipe for Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken down, it’s time to enjoy your creation! This meal is perfect for sharing with family and friends or savoring all on your own. With its tender chicken and delightful sauce, each bite is a taste of comfort. Happy cooking!
Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by cutting your chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces. This ensures even cooking and allows the chicken to soak up all that delicious sauce.
- Turn your Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Add the olive oil and let it heat up. Once hot, add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until browned on all sides.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, water, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Whisk until well combined. Pour this mixture over the sautéed chicken in the Instant Pot.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot, ensuring the valve is set to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
- Once cooking time is up, carefully perform a quick release by turning the valve to venting. After all steam has escaped, remove the lid. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry. Stir this into the chicken mixture to thicken the sauce, and let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on sauté mode.
- Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, serve your honey garlic chicken over rice, quinoa, or noodles. Garnish with chopped chives or scallions and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Notes
- For a lighter option, serve over cauliflower rice.
- Add steamed broccoli or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- For a spicy kick, incorporate red pepper flakes or Sriracha.
