easy instant pot chicken recipe
The Best easy instant pot chicken recipe
I love this easy Instant Pot chicken recipe because it’s one of those meals that just works every single time. It’s quick, it’s simple, and it always turns out tender and flavorful—no dry, overcooked chicken here. My kids request it at least once a week, and honestly, I don’t blame them. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a treat but is actually packed with good stuff, like lean protein and fresh herbs, without any weird additives or heavy sauces.
What I appreciate most is how versatile it is. You can throw it together on a busy weeknight when you’re running late, or dress it up a little for a casual dinner with friends. It’s also great for meal prep—leftovers reheat perfectly, and the chicken stays juicy. Plus, since it’s made in the Instant Pot, there’s barely any cleanup, which is a win in my book. The ingredients are basic, but the flavor is anything but boring, and that’s exactly what I look for in a go-to recipe.
Easy Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
A quick and flavorful chicken dish with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal effort.
🥘Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tsp grated ginger (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
👨🍳Directions
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1 Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Set aside.
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2 In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
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3 Add the chicken to the Instant Pot and pour the sauce over it. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.
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4 Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes (for thighs) or 10 minutes (for breasts).
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5 Once cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick-release the remaining pressure.
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6 Remove the chicken and set aside. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
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7 Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode and stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
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8 Return the chicken to the pot and coat it in the thickened sauce. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
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9 Serve hot over rice or with steamed vegetables.
🔧Equipment
- Instant Pot (or electric pressure cooker)
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Knife
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Easy Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Works
This easy Instant Pot chicken recipe is one I always keep in my back pocket because it’s fast, reliable, and never disappoints. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a last-minute family gathering, it delivers juicy, flavorful chicken with almost no effort. It’s the kind of dish that works for everyone—picky kids, busy parents, and even guests who think they don’t like “quick” meals.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this Instant Pot recipe?
Yes! The Instant Pot is great for cooking frozen chicken. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time (usually 5–10 minutes more, depending on the size). Make sure the chicken is fully submerged in liquid and not stuck to the bottom of the pot to avoid the “burn” error.
2. What liquid should I use for the best flavor?
You can use chicken broth, water, or a mix of broth and a splash of soy sauce, lemon juice, or wine for extra flavor. A minimum of 1 cup of liquid is usually needed to build pressure, but you can adjust based on your recipe.
3. How do I prevent the Instant Pot from showing a “burn” error?
To avoid the “burn” error, ensure there’s enough liquid (at least 1 cup), don’t overfill the pot, and scrape the bottom after sautéing to remove any stuck bits. If using thick sauces (like tomato-based ones), layer them on top of the chicken rather than mixing them in.
4. Can I shred the chicken directly in the Instant Pot?
Absolutely! Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it right in the pot. The natural juices will keep it moist. For even easier shredding, let the chicken cool slightly first.
5. How long does the Instant Pot take to come to pressure?
The time varies based on the amount of liquid and ingredients, but it usually takes 10–15 minutes. Larger quantities or cold ingredients may take longer. The Instant Pot will display “On” until pressure is reached, then the cooking timer will start.
