Instant Pot Glazed Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Get ready for a truly irresistible dining experience with the most delectable Instant Pot chicken thighs recipe you’ll ever encounter. Prepare to fall in love with these sticky, sweet, and savory honey garlic chicken thighs, featuring a homemade sauce so delicious, it will become an instant family favorite.

This recipe transforms ordinary chicken thighs into an extraordinary meal using the magic of your Instant Pot. We’ll start by searing the chicken to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crisp, then generously slather them with our signature honey garlic sauce before pressure cooking them to succulent perfection in a mere 5-7 minutes. It’s a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful meal that brings gourmet taste to your table with minimal effort.

This particular Instant Pot chicken thigh recipe has consistently been one of our most celebrated dishes, earning rave reviews and countless five-star ratings from home cooks just like you. The secret lies in its incredibly flavorful and simple-to-prepare honey garlic sauce, which ensures your chicken emerges perfectly tender and juicy every single time. It’s truly a testament to how quick and convenient cooking can be without compromising on taste.

When you’re searching for a speedy and satisfying weeknight dinner solution, Instant Pot chicken thighs are an absolute lifesaver. They pair wonderfully with classic sides like fluffy white rice and vibrant steamed broccoli, creating a balanced and complete meal that the whole family will adore. The convenience of the Instant Pot means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying delicious food with loved ones.

Craving more honey garlic goodness? Don’t miss our equally popular Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken recipe for a similar delightful experience, perfect for those days when you prefer a hands-off approach to cooking!

Choosing the Best Chicken Thighs for Pressure Cooking

One of the many beauties of this recipe is its versatility when it comes to chicken thighs. Our culinary team rigorously tested this dish multiple times using various types of chicken thighs, and the fantastic news is that they all yielded delicious results! Whether you prefer the rich flavor of skin-on thighs or the lean convenience of boneless, both options work wonderfully. Feel free to use approximately 2 pounds of any of the following:

• Bone-In Chicken Thighs: Often lauded for their richer flavor and moisture retention.
• Boneless Chicken Thighs: Quicker to cook and easier to eat, perfect for shredding or dicing.
• Skin-On Chicken Thighs: Offer a crispier exterior when seared and add depth of flavor.
• Skinless Chicken Thighs: A leaner option, still incredibly tender in the Instant Pot.

If you’re wondering about my personal preference, I’m hands-down a fan of bone-in chicken thighs with the skin on. The bone adds incredible flavor, and the seared skin provides an unparalleled texture. However, rest assured that boneless, skinless chicken thighs are also exceptionally delicious and a great choice for a lighter meal.

How Long to Cook Chicken Thighs in the Instant Pot?

The Instant Pot makes cooking chicken thighs incredibly fast and efficient. The cooking time will vary slightly depending on whether your chicken is frozen or thawed:

• From Frozen: For frozen chicken thighs, combine them with the sauce (or simply water/broth) and cook for 15 minutes on high pressure, followed by a quick release. This method is especially convenient for impromptu meals.
• From Thawed: After searing your chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes per side, cook them with the prepared sauce in your pressure cooker on high for a quick 5-7 minutes. This shorter cooking time, combined with searing, ensures maximum flavor and tenderness.

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Crafting the Best Honey Garlic Sauce

If you’ve ever enjoyed our renowned Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken, then you’re already familiar with the incredible depth of flavor in our honey garlic sauce. This Instant Pot version is a slightly adapted rendition, carefully formulated to work perfectly with pressure cooking, while retaining every bit of that irresistible sweet, savory, and tangy essence.

Creating this finger-licking good sauce requires just a handful of pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Golden Honey: Provides the perfect natural sweetness and contributes to that desirable sticky glaze.
• Fresh Minced Garlic: The aromatic heart of the sauce, offering a pungent, savory foundation.
• Savory Soy Sauce: Adds umami and salty depth. For a gluten-free option, tamari works beautifully.
• Chili Garlic Sauce: Introduces a subtle kick of heat and a robust garlic flavor, balancing the sweetness. Adjust to your spice preference!
• Cornstarch: Our secret for achieving that luscious, thick, and glossy sauce consistency.

Storing Cooked Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious Instant Pot honey garlic chicken thighs as leftovers. First, allow the cooked chicken thighs to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container. They can then be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. This makes them perfect for meal prepping healthy and flavorful lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.

Freezer Instructions for Easy Meal Prep

Preparing this Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe for the freezer is a fantastic way to streamline your meal prep and ensure you always have a quick, healthy dinner option ready. We’ve outlined two convenient methods:

Freezing After Cooking: Once your Instant Pot Chicken Thighs are cooked to perfection, allow them to cool completely. This is crucial to prevent ice crystal formation and maintain quality. Then, transfer the chicken and any remaining sauce into a freezer-safe gallon-size bag or an airtight container. Press out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Label and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.

Freezing Before Cooking (Ready-to-Cook Meal Kit): For ultimate convenience, you can assemble a raw meal kit. Place all raw ingredients (excluding cornstarch and sesame seeds, which are added later) into a freezer-safe gallon-size bag. Ensure you remove as much air as possible and seal tightly. This uncooked kit can be frozen for up to 3 months. When it’s cooking time, transfer the frozen contents directly into your Instant Pot. Seal the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, followed by a quick release. Afterward, follow the recipe card directions to thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry, if desired.

Delicious Serving Suggestions

Transform your Instant Pot honey garlic chicken into a truly complete and satisfying meal by pairing it with your favorite grain and a fresh vegetable. The sweet and savory profile of the chicken beautifully complements a wide range of sides. Here are some fantastic ideas to inspire your next dinner:

• Rice Variations: Serve with classic steamed white rice, or elevate your meal with savory shrimp fried rice or aromatic coconut rice.
• Healthy Grains: For a nutritious alternative, a fluffy bed of quinoa makes an excellent pairing, soaking up all that delicious sauce.
• Vibrant Veggies: Complement the rich chicken with crisp roasted broccoli, tender sautéed green beans, or a fresh side salad.
• Noodles: Toss with some cooked lo mein or ramen noodles for a hearty, Asian-inspired dish.
• Steamed Vegetables: Simple steamed asparagus or snap peas provide a fresh contrast.

Don’t forget to drizzle extra honey garlic sauce over your chicken and sides for maximum flavor, and garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an added touch of elegance and crunch!

Rated 4.80 stars from 70 votes

Instant Pot Chicken Thighs with Sticky Honey Garlic Sauce

These Instant Pot Chicken Thighs are incredibly easy to prepare. Simply sear, add the homemade honey garlic sauce, pressure cook, and enjoy! They turn out perfectly tender, juicy, and coated in a delicious, sticky sauce.

By: Lee Funke

Prep: 25 mins

Cook: 5-7 mins

Total: Approx. 30 mins

Servings: 6

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Ingredients

• 2 lbs. chicken thighs, skin-on* (or boneless, skinless)
• 1.5 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1/3 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce, or tamari (for gluten-free)
• 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
• Optional: Cornstarch slurry (1/2 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon warm water)
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. First, use several pieces of paper towel to thoroughly pat dry your chicken thighs. Removing as much moisture as possible is key for effective searing.
2. Next, activate the Instant Pot’s “Sauté” function on normal or medium heat. Add the olive oil. Once hot, carefully add the chicken thighs (in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding) and sear both sides for 2-3 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden-brown color. This step builds flavor and creates a delicious crust.
   
3. While the chicken thighs are searing, it’s the perfect time to prepare the irresistible honey garlic sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, and chili garlic sauce until well combined.
   
4. Once the chicken thighs are beautifully browned, turn off the sauté function. Carefully pour the prepared honey garlic sauce over the chicken in the Instant Pot. If you’re concerned about a “burn” notice (though uncommon with this recipe), you can place the chicken on a trivet above the sauce, ensuring it doesn’t directly touch the bottom.
5. Secure the Instant Pot lid and turn the sealing valve to the “Seal” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting, ensure it’s on “High Pressure,” and set the timer for 5-7 minutes (5 minutes for boneless, 7 minutes for bone-in or larger thighs). The Instant Pot will take approximately 10 minutes to build pressure before the countdown begins.
6. Once the cooking cycle is complete and the timer beeps, perform a quick release by carefully opening the steam release valve. Stand clear to avoid steam burns.
7. Remove the lid. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken. It should register at least 165ºF (74ºC) for safe consumption. If the chicken hasn’t reached this temperature, replace the lid and cook for an additional 1-3 minutes on high pressure.
   
8. You can serve the chicken immediately, pouring the flavorful sauce directly over it. Alternatively, for a thicker, more luscious sauce, you have the option to thicken it with a cornstarch slurry. To do this, remove the chicken from the pot, turn on the Instant Pot’s sauté feature (heat is needed to activate the thickening agent). Whisk together 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon warm water until completely smooth to create your slurry. Pour the slurry into the hot sauce in the Instant Pot and whisk continuously until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
9. Serve the saucy chicken over your favorite grain and alongside your chosen vegetables, garnishing with sesame seeds for a final flourish. Enjoy your incredibly delicious and easy Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs!

Tips & Notes for Success

• Chicken Thigh Selection: Both bone-in, skin-on and boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe. Bone-in thighs often yield richer flavor, while boneless are quicker to cook.
• Cooking from Frozen: For a true freezer-to-fork meal, place frozen chicken thighs and all sauce ingredients (except cornstarch and sesame seeds) into the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, then quick release. This method works best with boneless, skinless thighs, which can then be easily shredded. Thicken the sauce as directed in step 7.
• Burn Notice Troubleshooting: While rare with this recipe due to the liquid content, if you frequently encounter the “burn” notice, ensure you deglaze the pot thoroughly after searing. A small splash of chicken broth or water to scrape up any stuck-on bits can prevent this.
• Sauce Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey for sweetness or chili garlic sauce for heat according to your preference. A touch of grated fresh ginger can also add a wonderful aromatic note.
• Nutrition Calculation: The provided nutrition information is an approximation, calculated using boneless, skinless chicken thighs and includes only the chicken and sauce.

Watch the Recipe Video

Watch our step-by-step video guide to see exactly how to make these amazing Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 284 kcal

Carbohydrates: 17 g

Protein: 30 g

Fat: 9 g

Fiber: 0 g

Sugar: 16 g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Variations in ingredients and cooking methods may alter nutritional values.

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