Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 lbs. (750g) chicken thighs (4 chicken thighs)
- Salt
- Ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon sugar or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons water or chicken broth (preferred)
- 3 dashes cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Start by sprinkling your chicken thighs with a generous pinch of salt and pepper on both sides. This step makes sure your chicken is seasoned from the get-go.
- Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, combine honey, sugar, soy sauce, water (or chicken broth), and cayenne pepper. Stir until the honey and sugar dissolve completely. Pro tip: If your honey is too thick, pop it in the microwave for 10 seconds before mixing—it’ll blend much easier!
- Sear the chicken: Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and let it preheat. Add about 1 tablespoon of cooking oil (I like using vegetable oil for its neutral flavor). Place the chicken thighs in the pot, skin side down first, and sear until they’re golden brown—about 3-4 minutes per side. This step adds depth to the dish and locks in those juices.
- Sauté the garlic: With the chicken still in the pot, add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of oil, then toss in your minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Add the sauce and cook: Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated. Secure the lid, select “Manual” mode, and set it to cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Quick release: Once the cooking time is up, use the Quick Release method to release the pressure. Carefully remove the lid (watch out for the steam!) and give the chicken a little stir to coat it in the sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately. The sauce should be thick and glossy—perfect for drizzling over rice or noodles.
Notes
Serving and presentation ideas
Serve this honey garlic chicken over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa. For a colorful plate, add a side of sautéed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a crisp cucumber salad. If you’re having guests over, garnish each plate with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or some thinly sliced green onions for a pop of color and texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner