Name: Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: asian-american
Ingredients: 6 chicken thighs (about 2 lbs), boneless, skinless; 1/3 cup honey; 1/3 cup soy sauce (low-sodium); 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup chicken broth or water; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional); 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons cold water; green onions or sesame seeds for garnish

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When weeknights get hectic and dinner feels like one more task on your endless to-do list, the Instant Pot comes to the rescue. It transforms simple ingredients into flavorful, comforting meals in record time—like these Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs. This recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweetness, savory depth, and tender chicken that practically melts in your mouth. It’s the kind of dish that feels special without requiring an ounce of extra effort. Whether you’re cooking for family or just need something fast and delicious, this recipe turns busy evenings into satisfying, no-stress dinners.

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs for Easy Weeknight Dinners

Why You’ll Love Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

A Memory That Started It All

The night I first made Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs was one of those evenings when time never seemed to slow down. Work had run late, the kids were hungry, and I needed something hearty yet quick. I glanced at the chicken thighs sitting in the fridge and decided to experiment with my Instant Pot. Within minutes, the kitchen filled with the aroma of garlic, soy sauce, and honey—warm, slightly sweet, and unbelievably comforting. When I lifted the lid, the chicken thighs were glistening in a rich, sticky glaze. My family gathered around the table, curious and impatient, and one bite turned silence into smiles. From that day on, Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs became our go-to weeknight meal—it’s simple enough for the busiest evenings but flavorful enough to feel like a special occasion. Every time I cook it, I’m reminded of that first night and the joy of finding an effortless dinner winner hiding in plain sight.

What makes Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs so beloved is the beautiful balance between comfort and ease. The Instant Pot does the heavy lifting, locking in savory juices while infusing each piece with the bold sweetness of honey and the depth of garlic. Unlike stovetop versions that require constant monitoring, this method frees you up to unwind or tackle other tasks. Pair the tender chicken and glossy sauce with a simple bowl of rice, fluffy noodles, or even steamed vegetables—it all works perfectly. This dish captures the essence of easy weeknight dinners: fast preparation, minimal cleanup, and a meal that delights everyone at the table with every bite.

Getting Ready to Cook Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Simple Ingredients That Make Big Flavor

One of the best parts about making Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs is that you don’t need anything fancy—just a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients. Everything blends together into a sauce that’s the perfect mix of savory, sweet, and garlicky richness. Most of these items are likely sitting in your kitchen right now, making this recipe ideal for those last-minute weeknight cravings.

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Chicken thighs	6–8 pieces (about 2 lbs)	Boneless, skinless thighs cook quickly and stay juicy. Bone-in may require an extra 2–3 minutes of cook time.
Honey	⅓ cup	Adds natural sweetness and sticky glaze texture.
Soy sauce	⅓ cup	Provides deep umami flavor—use low-sodium to control salt level.
Garlic	4–5 cloves, minced	Key for the rich aroma and classic honey-garlic combo.
Water or chicken broth	¼ cup	Helps generate steam for pressure cooking.
Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar	1 tablespoon	Balances the sweetness with a slight tang.
Sesame oil (optional)	1 teaspoon	Adds nutty depth to the sauce.
Cornstarch	1 tablespoon	Used later to thicken the sauce after cooking.
Cold water	1–2 tablespoons	For mixing the cornstarch slurry.
Green onions or sesame seeds	For garnish	Optional, for color and texture.

Budget-friendly and flexible, this recipe’s beauty lies in its simplicity. You can tweak the quantities based on your taste—more garlic for those who crave bold flavor, or a touch more honey for a sweeter glaze. Every ingredient plays a role in giving Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs that restaurant-quality finish without requiring extra time or effort.

Must-Have Tools for the Best Result

Even though the Instant Pot does most of the heavy lifting, having the right kitchen tools can make cooking smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare, cook, and serve perfectly glazed chicken every time:

Instant Pot (6-quart preferred): A 6-quart model evenly cooks up to eight chicken thighs and allows space for proper browning. Its sauté function is ideal for searing meat before pressure cooking for extra flavor depth.
Tongs: Essential for turning the chicken while sautéing and removing it after cooking safely.
Whisk or fork: Perfect for blending honey, soy sauce, and garlic together and for stirring in the slurry at the end.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy ensures balanced sweet-savory flavor.
Small bowls: For mixing sauce or cornstarch slurry ahead of time to speed up cooking.
Cutting board and sharp knife: For prepping chicken and garlic efficiently.

Each tool helps you create tender, sauce-coated Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs that rival your favorite restaurant takeout. A little organization before cooking makes it seamless to move from prep to plate—keeping weeknight dinners as simple and delicious as possible.

Step-by-Step Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Cooking Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs is all about combining simple ingredients and letting the pressure cooker do the magic. With just a few preparation steps, you’ll have juicy chicken coated in a glossy, flavorful sauce ready for your dinner table. Follow these easy instructions:

Prep the chicken and sauce. Trim fat from chicken thighs and pat them dry. In a small bowl, whisk honey, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, broth, and sesame oil (if using) for a balanced sauce.
Sauté to build flavor. Turn on Sauté mode, heat oil, and sear the chicken 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
Deglaze the pot. Add a splash of broth or water, scraping up browned bits to prevent a burn notice.
Add sauce and chicken. Pour in the honey-garlic mixture, stir, then return chicken to coat evenly.
Pressure cook. Secure lid and cook on Manual/Pressure Cook: 8 minutes for boneless, 10 minutes for bone-in thighs. Natural release for 5 minutes, then quick-release remaining pressure.
Thicken the sauce. Remove chicken, switch to Sauté mode, and whisk in a cornstarch slurry. Stir until glossy and thickened (1–2 minutes).
Coat and finish. Return chicken to sauce, turning to coat. Simmer 1 minute; garnish with green onions or sesame seeds.

In under 30 minutes, Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs come out tender inside, caramelized outside, and bursting with a silky, rich sauce that’s impossible to resist.

Serving Suggestions and Meal Pairings

The sweet-savory sauce of Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs pairs wonderfully with countless sides, making it endlessly versatile:

Over rice: Serve atop steamed white, jasmine, or brown rice for a filling meal.
With noodles: Toss with soba, spaghetti, or rice noodles for an Asian-inspired bowl.
Add vegetables: Complement the sweetness with broccoli, green beans, bok choy, or asparagus.
Low-carb swaps: Try mashed cauliflower or veggie noodles for lighter versions.
Build-a-bowl idea: Layer rice, sliced chicken, cucumbers, shredded carrots, and drizzle extra sauce for a customizable dinner bowl.

For family-style dinners, serve straight from the Instant Pot so everyone can help themselves. Leftovers reheat beautifully—the flavors deepen overnight—making this recipe a smart pick for meal prep throughout the week.

Tips, FAQs, and Final Thoughts

Pro Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Adjust sauce thickness: Add or reduce slurry for your desired glaze consistency.
Boneless vs. bone-in meat: Boneless cooks in 8 minutes; bone-in takes 10 for deeper flavor. Always check for 165°F internal temperature.
Sear first: Browning adds caramelized richness—worth every extra minute.
Store and reheat: Keep refrigerated up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of water to revive sauce texture.
Make ahead: Mix sauce or marinate chicken in advance for even faster weeknight prep.

FAQ + Conclusion

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes. Cook boneless chicken breasts for 7 minutes and use quick release to keep them tender.

How long do leftovers last in the fridge?
Up to 4 days sealed airtight; the sauce flavor deepens beautifully overnight.

Can I double this recipe in the Instant Pot?
Yes—keep the same cook time, but don’t exceed the maximum fill line. Perfect for batch cooking.

Is it freezer-friendly?
Freeze cooled chicken and sauce up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Substitute tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce and use certified gluten-free cornstarch.

At the end of a long, busy day, nothing beats the comfort of a home-cooked meal that comes together effortlessly. Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs deliver that perfect blend of flavor, tenderness, and ease every family craves. With only a few ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a meal that tastes as if it simmered all afternoon. Serve it over rice, noodles, or vegetables, and enjoy sweet, savory satisfaction without the stress. Next time your schedule feels packed, trust your Instant Pot and this reliable recipe to bring everyone together over a warm, comforting bowl of Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs.