Description
Succulent Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken delivers a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors that dance across your palate. Quick weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this simple yet impressive meal that brings restaurant-quality taste directly to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1.5 pounds (750 grams) chicken thighs (4 chicken thighs)
Seasoning and Spices:
- Salt
- Ground black pepper
- 3 dashes cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar or brown sugar
Sauce and Cooking Ingredients:
- 1.5 tablespoons cooking oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons water or chicken broth
Instructions
- Season chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper on both surfaces, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
- Create a harmonious sauce by whisking together honey, sugar, soy sauce, water (or chicken broth), and cayenne pepper until completely smooth and sugar dissolves completely.
- Activate Instant Pot’s “Sauté” function and heat cooking oil, then strategically place chicken thighs skin-side down to achieve a rich golden-brown sear for approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
- After achieving beautiful caramelization, introduce minced garlic and quickly toast for 30 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence without burning.
- Pour prepared honey garlic sauce directly over seared chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the flavorful liquid.
- Secure Instant Pot lid and program to “Manual” high pressure for 10 minutes, allowing chicken to cook thoroughly and absorb sauce’s complex flavors.
- Once cooking cycle completes, perform a quick pressure release by carefully shifting valve position, releasing steam safely.
- Open lid and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, creating visual appeal and introducing a bright, herbaceous note.
- Transfer chicken to serving platter, generously drizzling remaining sauce over the meat for an extra layer of deliciousness.
Notes
- Ensure the honey mixture is well-stirred to avoid sugar crystallization, which can trigger a burn notice in the Instant Pot.
- Sear chicken thighs skin-side down first for a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in maximum flavor and creates a beautiful presentation.
- Sauté garlic briefly to release its aromatic oils without burning, which can turn the flavor bitter and unpleasant.
- Swap honey with maple syrup for a vegan alternative, or use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt intake for those watching their sodium levels.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 90mg