Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs: 7 Easy Steps

Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are a weeknight dinner dream, especially when prepared in the Instant Pot. This recipe transforms humble chicken thighs into a tender, succulent meal coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory sauce that’s universally loved. Whether you’re a seasoned Instant Pot user or just starting, you’ll be amazed at how quickly this comes together. Many people often wonder, how long does it take to cook Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs? The beauty of the Instant Pot means minimal active cooking time, yielding maximum flavor with less fuss than traditional stovetop methods, making it perfect for busy evenings.

There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating a dish that tastes like it took hours, but was actually ready in a fraction of the time. This Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe perfectly captures that magic. A common question that arises is, do you need to sear chicken thighs before pressure cooking? While optional, searing adds a beautiful golden crust and deepens the flavor profile, creating more complex notes that truly elevate the dish. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in the final taste, allowing for a richer, more nuanced experience, much like my grandmother’s slow-cooked Sunday roasts, but without the wait.

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What Makes Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Special

The allure of Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs lies in their irresistible balance of sweet and savory, amplified by the Instant Pot’s ability to infuse flavor deeply and quickly. The pressure cooker creates an environment where the chicken becomes incredibly tender, practically melting in your mouth. One of the best parts is the luscious, thick sauce. Many cooks ask, how do you thicken the honey garlic sauce in the Instant Pot? By creating a simple cornstarch slurry and whisking it into the sauce after the chicken is cooked, you can achieve that perfect glossy, clingy consistency that makes this dish so appealing. This method ensures the sauce is rich and flavorful, coating every piece of chicken beautifully.

Key Ingredients for Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

• Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless are quick, but bone-in can be used for more flavor (adjust cook time).
• Honey: The star sweetness, providing a beautiful glaze.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami and savory depth (use low-sodium or tamari for GF).
• Garlic & Ginger: Essential aromatics for that classic Asian-inspired flavor.
• Rice Vinegar: A touch of acidity to balance the sweetness.
• Sesame Oil: For a nutty, aromatic finish.
• Cornstarch: Key for thickening the sauce to perfection.

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prep the Sauce

Whisk all sauce ingredients together in a bowl.

Step 2: Sear Chicken (Optional)

Sauté chicken in the Instant Pot until lightly browned, then remove.

Step 3: Deglaze

Add broth to the pot and scrape up any bits.

Step 4: Combine

Pour sauce into the pot, then add chicken.

Step 5: Pressure Cook

Cook on High pressure for 8 minutes (boneless), followed by a 5-minute natural release.

Step 6: Thicken Sauce

Remove chicken, sauté the sauce, and whisk in a cornstarch slurry until thickened.

Step 7: Serve

Return chicken to the pot, coat with sauce, and garnish.

📚 Read More: Master chicken marinades on Buz Kitchen.

Storing Your Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Once cooled, store leftover Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This makes them perfect for meal prepping! To reheat, you can gently warm them in the microwave, on the stovetop over low heat, or even in a toaster oven for a slight crisp. For best results, add a tablespoon of water or broth when reheating to prevent drying out and help revive the sauce. A frequently asked question is, can I use frozen chicken thighs in this Instant Pot recipe? Yes, you can, but adjust the cooking time. For frozen boneless, skinless thighs, increase the pressure cook time to 12-15 minutes, allowing a full natural pressure release.

Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Variations & Substitutions

This Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe is highly adaptable. For a gluten-free version, simply use tamari instead of regular soy sauce. If you don’t have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar can be a decent substitute. To make it a complete meal, you can add vegetables like broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or snap peas during the last few minutes of the sauté thickening step, allowing them to gently cook in the sauce. Another common inquiry, what are common mistakes to avoid when making Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs? One major mistake is forgetting to deglaze the pot, which can lead to a ‘Burn’ error. Another is not allowing some natural pressure release, which can make the chicken less tender.

Serving Suggestions for Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of sides. The classic choice is steamed white or brown rice, which soaks up every drop of that irresistible sauce. For a healthier option, consider serving it with cauliflower rice or quinoa. Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus make excellent companions, adding color and nutrients. A light side salad with a simple vinaigrette can also complement the richness of the chicken. Don’t forget a sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh green onions for an extra pop of flavor and visual appeal, elevating your meal to restaurant-quality presentation.

The History of Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

While the Instant Pot is a relatively modern invention, the concept of honey garlic chicken has a rich and delicious history, drawing influences from both Asian and Western cuisines. The combination of sweet honey and pungent garlic has been a culinary staple across many cultures for centuries, prized for its ability to create deeply flavorful marinades and glazes. Honey garlic sauce as we know it today, particularly popular in North America, likely evolved from classic Chinese-American dishes, adapting traditional flavors to suit Western palates. Its quick preparation in the Instant Pot is simply the latest chapter in its delicious evolution.

This Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients and smart cooking techniques can create something truly spectacular. With its tender chicken, glossy sauce, and minimal cleanup, it’s a dish that caters to both your taste buds and your busy schedule. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight family dinner or impressing guests, these Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are sure to become a cherished addition to your recipe repertoire. Enjoy the ease and incredible flavor that makes this dish a consistent crowd-pleaser.

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FAQs

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

This Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken in a sticky, sweet, and savory sauce.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Cuisine Asian-American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 480 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
• 1/2 cup honey
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp cold water for cornstarch slurry
• Green onions, sliced for garnish
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chicken broth. Set aside.
• Sear Chicken (Optional): Press the ‘Sauté’ button on your Instant Pot and add olive oil. Once hot, sear the chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned. This step is optional but adds depth of flavor. Remove chicken and set aside.
• Deglaze and Add Sauce: Pour a splash of chicken broth into the Instant Pot and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom to prevent a ‘Burn’ error. Pour in the prepared honey garlic sauce. Return the chicken thighs to the pot.
• Pressure Cook: Secure the lid, ensure the venting knob is in the ‘Sealing’ position. Set the Instant Pot to ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ on HIGH for 8 minutes. For bone-in thighs, cook for 10 minutes.
• Natural Pressure Release: Once cooking is complete, allow a natural pressure release (NPR) for 5 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure by carefully turning the venting knob to ‘Venting’.
• Thicken the Sauce: Remove the chicken thighs from the pot and set aside. Press the ‘Sauté’ button. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering sauce in the Instant Pot, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
• Serve: Return the chicken to the thickened sauce, tossing to coat. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Notes

• For extra crispy skin on bone-in thighs, finish under the broiler after cooking.
• Always deglaze your Instant Pot to avoid a ‘Burn’ notice and ensure all flavor is incorporated.