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Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

This instant pot honey garlic chicken thighs recipe turns boneless chicken thighs into a sticky, garlicky dinner in under 30 minutes. The pressure cooker keeps the chicken tender while the honey and soy sauce reduce into a glossy glaze. It's a weeknight-friendly, budget-conscious meal that works for busy families, meal preppers, and anyone craving honey garlic chicken thighs in instant pot dinner without a sink full of dishes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 900 g boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 green onions sliced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Method
 

  1. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
  2. Sauté in olive oil, 2-3 minutes per side, until golden.
  3. Whisk honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, vinegar, and red pepper flakes together.
  4. Pour sauce into the pot and deglaze the bottom.
  5. Return chicken to the pot.
  6. Pressure cook on high for 10 minutes, then natural release for 5 minutes before quick releasing.
  7. Whisk in cornstarch slurry on Sauté mode; simmer 2-3 minutes until thick.
  8. Toss chicken in sauce and garnish before serving.

Notes

I learned the hard way to keep red pepper flakes on the side — my family loves this sauce mild, with heat added at the table. That one small tweak made this recipe a permanent fixture at my dinner table.
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American-Asian Fusion
Calories: 320