insta pot honey garlic chicken recipes

Amanda Recipes January 31, 2025January 31, 2025

Insta Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipes

The Insta Pot is like a trusty sidekick in the kitchen, making meal prep easier and faster. Honey Garlic Chicken is a flavorful dish that combines sweetness with savory notes, creating a perfect balance. With just a few ingredients and minimal cleanup, you’ll find it fits perfectly into your busy schedule. Stick around to discover the recipe and learn how to whip up this family favorite in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you try this honey garlic chicken recipe, you’ll quickly see why it’s a favorite for many home cooks.

First, the quick preparation takes only 10-15 minutes, perfect for busy evenings. The cooking time is just around 20 minutes, making it easy to whip up a delicious meal.

The instructions are simple: mix the sauce, cook the chicken, and combine everything. You can use an Instant Pot, skillet, or oven, offering flexibility in cooking methods. Plus, cleanup is minimal, especially if you stick to one pot. Not only is it convenient, but the savory and sweet flavor profile, along with the crispy texture, makes each bite enjoyable. This recipe truly fits into any schedule! Additionally, the use of chicken thighs in the recipe enhances the juiciness and flavor, making it even more appealing.

History

Honey Garlic Chicken has an interesting history that showcases its blend of cultural influences. This dish combines elements from Asian cuisine, like soy sauce and garlic, with Western adaptations, such as using chicken thighs and various cooking techniques. Although it doesn’t have a specific origin, its global popularity highlights its appeal across many cultures. The combination of sweet honey and savory garlic resonates in both culinary traditions. Over time, Honey Garlic Chicken has evolved, with modern methods like the Instant Pot making it quicker to prepare. It can also be made using traditional pan-frying or marinating techniques. Additionally, its versatility allows it to be served with rice or noodles, making it a favorite in many households. Boneless chicken thighs are preferred for their richness and tenderness, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.

Recipe

Ingredients:
– 1.5-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional)
– 1/3 cup soy sauce
– 1/3 cup ketchup
– 2-4 cloves minced garlic
– 1/2 onion, diced
– 1-3 tablespoons cornstarch
– Water (for cornstarch slurry)
– Salt and pepper (for seasoning)

Cooking Instructions:

Season the chicken with salt and pepper and set it aside. This will enhance the flavors of the chicken during cooking.
In a mixing bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, and diced onion. Stir until well blended to create the sauce.
Place the seasoned chicken into the Instant Pot and pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, guaranteeing it’s well coated.
Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the vent to sealing position. Select the high-pressure cooking mode and set the timer for 10 minutes. Adjust the time depending on the thickness of the chicken.
Once the cooking time is complete, use the quick-release method to release the steam carefully.
Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add the slurry to the sauce, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.
Return the chicken to the pot, coating it in the thickened sauce, and let it simmer for a couple of minutes to absorb the flavors. Instant Pot cooking allows for quick preparation, making it perfect for flavorful meals.

For best results, always check the chicken’s internal temperature to ascertain it reaches at least 165°F.

If you’re using frozen chicken, remember to increase the cooking time by 5-10 minutes.

Feel free to double the sauce ingredients for a richer flavor without altering the cooking time.

This dish can also be made in a slow cooker, making it versatile for any cooking preference. Enjoy your meal!

Final Thoughts

As you wrap up your cooking experience, remember that making honey garlic chicken in the Instant Pot can be both simple and rewarding. Adjusting the cooking time based on the type of chicken you use is essential; boneless breasts cook faster than bone-in thighs. Using the quick release method helps prevent overcooking, ensuring juicy results. While browning the chicken beforehand enhances flavor, it’s not a must. For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water and heat it on the sauté setting. Additionally, the recipe freezes well regardless of the cooking method, allowing you to enjoy leftovers later. Feel free to customize the sauce with herbs or adjust the sweetness to your taste. This dish pairs well with rice and can easily accommodate various dietary needs, making it a versatile addition to your meal rotation.

FAQ

What do you want to know about making honey garlic chicken in the Instant Pot?

First, cooking time ranges from 10 to 15 minutes under high pressure, plus a quick release. Prep can take just 5 minutes.

You’ll need chicken, honey, garlic, soy sauce, and oil for the main dish. Serve it over rice, topped with sesame seeds and green onions.

You can use frozen chicken, but add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time. For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water.

If you want a complete meal, consider adding broccoli, which can be prepared by steaming frozen broccoli before mixing it into the sauce. This recipe typically serves four, but you can adjust the ingredient amounts as needed.

Happy cooking!