Instant Pot Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Thighs

Are you ready to transform your weeknight dinners with a recipe that’s both incredibly easy and unbelievably flavorful? Say hello to the most delicious Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs you’ll ever taste! This recipe delivers succulent chicken thighs bathed in a sticky, sweet, and savory homemade honey garlic sauce, all thanks to the magic of your pressure cooker.

Imagine perfectly seared chicken, crisped to golden perfection, then pressure-cooked in an aromatic sauce until it’s fork-tender. The best part? This entire meal can be on your table in under 30 minutes, making it an absolute game-changer for busy evenings. You’ll wonder how you ever cooked chicken thighs any other way!

This particular Instant Pot chicken thigh recipe has quickly become a fan favorite, garnering countless 5-star ratings from home cooks just like you. The secret lies in the simple yet powerfully flavorful honey garlic sauce, which coats every piece of chicken, ensuring a consistently perfect result. Whether you’re a seasoned Instant Pot user or a beginner, this recipe is designed for foolproof success.

Whenever I need a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner, these Instant Pot chicken thighs are my go-to. They pair beautifully with simple sides like fluffy white rice and vibrant steamed broccoli, creating a wholesome and complete meal with minimal effort.

P.S. If you prefer a slower cooking method, be sure to check out our equally delicious Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken for a similar flavor profile made in your Crock-Pot!

First Up: What Kind of Chicken Thighs Are Best for Pressure Cooking?

One of the beauties of this Instant Pot honey garlic chicken recipe is its versatility when it comes to the type of chicken thighs you can use. Our team has rigorously tested this recipe with various cuts, and the good news is, they all yield fantastic results! So, whether you have bone-in or boneless, skin-on or skinless chicken thighs, you’re good to go. We recommend using approximately 2 lbs for this recipe.

Feel free to choose from the following:

• Bone-In Chicken Thighs: These tend to stay juicier and more flavorful due to the bone, which acts as a natural heat conductor and infuses the meat with flavor.
• Boneless Chicken Thighs: A great choice for faster cooking and easier eating. Perfect if you prefer to shred the chicken later or are short on time.
• Skin-On Chicken Thighs: The skin gets deliciously crispy during the searing process, adding a rich depth of flavor and texture. Our top recommendation!
• Skinless Chicken Thighs: A leaner option that still absorbs the honey garlic sauce beautifully.

While all options work wonderfully, my personal preference, hands-down, is for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. The combination provides the most tender, succulent meat with a rich, satisfying exterior. However, don’t underestimate the deliciousness of boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a quicker, lighter alternative.

How Long Do You Cook Chicken Thighs in the Instant Pot?

Cooking times for chicken thighs in the Instant Pot are remarkably quick, especially once you’ve seared them. The exact timing can depend on whether your chicken is thawed or frozen:

• From Frozen: For frozen chicken thighs (boneless, skinless recommended for best results), combine them with the sauce (or a cup of water/broth) in your Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for approximately 15 minutes, followed by a quick release.
• From Thawed: After searing your chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes per side (which we highly recommend!), cook them with the prepared honey garlic sauce in your pressure cooker on high for just 5-7 minutes. This short cooking time, combined with the searing, ensures maximum tenderness and flavor.

Pro Tip!

Never Guess, Always Measure with a Thermometer

We absolutely swear by using a high-quality meat thermometer when cooking any cut of meat, and especially poultry. It’s the only way to guarantee your chicken is cooked to perfection and safe to eat. The Thermapen is our trusted, go-to meat thermometer that consistently delivers accurate readings, ensuring perfectly cooked meals every single time.

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Crafting the Best Homemade Honey Garlic Sauce

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting our Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken, then you already know the irresistible deliciousness of our signature honey garlic sauce. This Instant Pot version features a slightly modified rendition of that beloved sauce, ensuring it’s equally potent in flavor and perfectly suited for pressure cooking.

The beauty of this sauce lies in its simplicity and the balance of key flavors. You’ll only need a handful of pantry staples to create this sticky, sweet, and savory glaze that truly elevates the chicken:

• Honey: Provides natural sweetness and creates that desirable sticky texture. Adjust to your preferred level of sweetness.
• Minced Garlic: The backbone of the sauce, offering a pungent, aromatic flavor. Freshly minced is always best!
• Soy Sauce: Delivers essential umami and saltiness. For a gluten-free option, substitute with tamari.
• Chili Garlic Sauce: Adds a subtle kick and depth of flavor without being overly spicy. If you love heat, feel free to add a bit more.
• Cornstarch: The secret ingredient for achieving a perfectly thick, glossy sauce that clings to the chicken.

How Long Do Cooked Chicken Thighs Last in the Fridge?

Proper storage is key to enjoying your Instant Pot honey garlic chicken thighs for days to come. Once cooked, allow the chicken thighs to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will remain fresh and delicious for up to 3-5 days, making them perfect for meal prepping and quick lunches throughout the week.

Freezer Instructions: Prep Ahead or Store Leftovers!

This recipe is incredibly freezer-friendly, allowing you to either prepare ingredients ahead of time for a quick meal later or save cooked leftovers for future enjoyment. Freezing is a fantastic way to ensure you always have a delicious, homemade meal ready to go.

After Cooking: Once your Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are cooked and cooled completely, transfer them to a freezer-safe gallon-size bag or an airtight container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Before Cooking (Freezer Meal Prep): For ultimate convenience, you can prepare this meal as a freezer dump bag! Place all *raw* ingredients (chicken thighs, honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce – essentially everything except the cornstarch slurry and sesame seeds) into a freezer-safe gallon-size bag. Remove as much air as possible, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.

When you are ready to cook your freezer meal, simply transfer the frozen contents of the bag directly into your Instant Pot. Add 1/2 cup of water or chicken broth to ensure sufficient liquid for pressure building. Seal the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick release of pressure. After opening, you can then proceed to thicken the sauce as directed in the recipe card below, by making a cornstarch slurry on the sauté function.

Serving Suggestions to Create a Complete Meal

Turn your Instant Pot honey garlic chicken into a truly satisfying and complete meal by pairing it with your favorite grain and a fresh vegetable. The savory and sweet notes of the chicken sauce complement a wide range of sides. Here are some delightful ideas to inspire your dinner:

• Rice Varieties: Classic white rice, aromatic coconut rice, or even a flavorful shrimp fried rice make excellent absorbents for the delicious sauce.
• Quinoa: For a nutrient-dense and gluten-free option, fluffy quinoa adds a hearty touch.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers bring vibrant color and healthy nutrients to your plate.
• Sautéed Greens: Quick and easy sautéed green beans or spinach offer a lovely contrast in texture.
• Noodles: Serve over ramen, lo mein, or rice noodles for an Asian-inspired noodle bowl.
• Fresh Salad: A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the chicken.

Don’t forget a sprinkle of sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions as a garnish for an extra pop of flavor and visual appeal!

Average rating: 4.80 from 70 votes

Instant Pot Chicken Thighs (with Sticky Honey Garlic Sauce)

Instant Pot Chicken Thighs are incredibly easy to make. Simply sear, add the rich honey garlic sauce, pressure cook, and enjoy! They consistently come out tender, juicy, and wonderfully saucy.

By:
Lee Funke

Prep:
25 mins

Cook:
5 mins

Total:
30 mins

Servings:
6

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
• optional: cornstarch slurry, made with 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon warm water
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, optional, for garnish

Instructions

• First, thoroughly pat your chicken thighs dry with a few pieces of paper towel. Removing as much moisture as possible is key to achieving a great sear.
• Next, activate the Instant Pot’s “Sauté” feature (on high). Once hot, add the olive oil. Carefully place the chicken thighs, skin-side down first if applicable, into the pot in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Sear both sides of each chicken thigh for 2-3 minutes per side, until beautifully golden brown and crispy. This step builds incredible flavor.
  
• While the chicken thighs are searing, prepare your delicious honey garlic sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, honey, soy sauce (or tamari), and chili garlic sauce until well combined.
  
• Once all the chicken thighs have been seared and browned, press “Cancel” on your Instant Pot to turn off the sauté function. Carefully pour the prepared honey garlic sauce directly over the chicken thighs. If you frequently encounter the “burn notice” with your Instant Pot, you may choose to place the chicken thighs on a trivet above the sauce. However, in our testing, we have never experienced a burn notice with this particular recipe.
• Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and ensure the sealing valve is set to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function, set it to “High Pressure,” and adjust the timer for 5 minutes. Please note that it will take approximately 10 minutes for the Instant Pot to build pressure before the countdown begins.
• Once the cooking timer signals completion, carefully perform a quick release of pressure by turning the sealing valve to the “Venting” position. Stand clear of the steam as it releases.
• Carefully remove the lid. Using a reliable meat thermometer, check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken thighs. They are fully cooked and safe to eat when they reach an internal temperature of at least 165ºF (74ºC). If your chicken isn’t quite at temperature, replace the lid and cook for an additional 1-3 minutes on high pressure, then quick release again.
  
• At this point, you can serve the chicken immediately, spooning the delicious sauce directly over the thighs. Alternatively, for a beautifully thick and glossy glaze, you have the option to thicken your sauce with a cornstarch slurry. To do this, ensure the Instant Pot’s “Sauté” feature is turned on again (the heat is necessary to activate the thickening agent). In a small separate bowl, whisk together the 1/2 tablespoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of warm water until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and no lumps remain. Pour this slurry into the simmering sauce in the Instant Pot, whisking constantly until the sauce visibly thickens to your desired consistency.
• Serve the honey garlic chicken thighs hot, pouring any extra thickened sauce over each serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and optionally some chopped fresh green onions, and enjoy with your favorite grain and cooked vegetables.

Tips & Notes for Success

• Type of Chicken Thighs: This recipe is incredibly adaptable! We have successfully tested it with both bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Both yield fantastic results, so use whatever you prefer or have on hand. Adjust cooking time slightly if your thighs are exceptionally large or small.
• From Frozen Directions: If you’re starting with frozen chicken thighs, place them along with all the sauce ingredients (except the cornstarch slurry and sesame seeds) directly into your Instant Pot. Add 1/2 cup of water or chicken broth. Seal and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, followed by a quick release. For this method, boneless, skinless thighs are often easier to manage and shred at the end. After cooking, follow the instructions above to thicken the sauce to your liking.
• “Burn Notice” Prevention: While this recipe rarely triggers a burn notice, if your Instant Pot is prone to it, ensure you scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot after searing and before adding the sauce and pressure cooking. Adding 1/4 cup of chicken broth or water before the sauce can also help create a buffer.
• Flavor Enhancements: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a dash of ginger paste to the sauce or a squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end to brighten the flavors.
• Nutrition Calculation: The provided nutrition information was calculated using boneless, skinless chicken thighs and reflects only the chicken and sauce. It does not include any serving suggestions like rice or vegetables.

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 be used as an approximation only.