Name: Instant Pot Chicken Thighs with Honey Garlic Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 2 lbs. chicken thighs (skin-on); 1.5 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1/3 cup honey; 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari); 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce; 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon warm water; 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

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If you’re craving a dish that hits all the right notes—sweet, savory, a little spicy, and packed with tender, juicy chicken—look no further than this Instant Pot Chicken Thighs with Honey Garlic Sauce Recipe. It’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, coming together quickly thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot. The honey-garlic sauce wraps the chicken in a glossy, flavorful coat that makes every bite unforgettable. Whether it's a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will soon become your go-to favorite.

Ingredients You'll Need

Four golden-brown chicken thighs with crispy skin sit inside a round metal pot. The chicken pieces are evenly spaced, showing a browned and slightly oily surface with seasoning specks. The pot's interior is dark and shiny, with some cooking juices pooling at the bottom. The pot rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To create this mouthwatering dish, you just need a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that pack a punch. Each element plays a vital role—from the caramelized honey glaze to the tender chicken thighs—bringing balance in flavor, texture, and even color to your plate.

Chicken thighs (2 lbs, skin-on): The star of the show, skin-on thighs stay juicy and develop perfect flavor when seared.

Olive oil (1.5 tablespoons): Helps crisp up the chicken and adds richness to the dish.
Minced garlic (1 tablespoon): Provides that irresistible aromatic base with a punch.
Honey (⅓ cup): Adds a natural sweetness that balances the savory soy sauce perfectly.

Soy sauce or tamari (2 tablespoons): Brings umami depth and a touch of saltiness.
Chili garlic sauce (1 teaspoon): Gives a subtle kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Cornstarch slurry (optional, ½ tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon warm water): A quick way to thicken the sauce for extra coating goodness.

Sesame seeds (optional, 1 teaspoon): Adds a fun, nutty crunch and a lovely finish.

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Thighs with Honey Garlic Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Chicken

Start by patting your chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This simple step is key to getting a beautifully browned crust when you sear them, which adds so much flavor and texture to the final dish.

Step 2: Sear to Perfection

Turn your Instant Pot onto the sauté mode and heat the olive oil. Once hot, add each chicken thigh skin-side down and brown for 2-3 minutes per side. This caramelization gives that irresistible golden color and an extra layer of savoriness.

Step 3: Mix the Honey Garlic Sauce

While the chicken is searing, combine the minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, and chili garlic sauce in a small bowl. This mixture is the magic that infuses the chicken with sweet and savory notes, elevated by a gentle spicy tingle.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Pressure Cook

After searing, turn off the sauté feature and pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken. If you want to avoid any burn notices, you can place the chicken on the trivet inside the pot, but it’s often not necessary. Seal the Instant Pot lid, set it to manual high pressure for 5 minutes, and let it work its magic.

Step 5: Quick Release and Check

When the timer beeps, carefully quick-release the steam by turning the valve. Open the lid and check the chicken’s internal temperature to make sure it’s between 160ºF and 165ºF, ensuring it’s perfectly cooked and safe to eat.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

If you love a thicker glaze, switch the Instant Pot back to sauté mode and stir in the cornstarch slurry you made earlier. Whisk it in until the sauce thickens, coating the chicken beautifully without any clumps.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Pour that luscious honey garlic sauce over the chicken thighs and sprinkle with sesame seeds if using. Your Instant Pot Chicken Thighs with Honey Garlic Sauce Recipe is now ready to impress!

How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Thighs with Honey Garlic Sauce Recipe

A white bowl holds four pieces of glazed chicken thighs, each coated in a shiny, thick dark brown sauce with a slightly sticky texture. The chicken shows juicy, golden brown skin underneath the sauce, glistening with small sesame seeds sprinkled evenly over the top. To the upper left of the bowl is a smaller white bowl filled with more sauce and a gold spoon resting inside, and to the upper right is another white bowl filled with white rice. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface with a gray and white striped cloth near the bottom edge of the main bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate this dish even further, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for a little crunch and nutty flavor. Fresh chopped green onions or a handful of chopped cilantro can add a bright, fresh contrast that lightens the plate beautifully.

Side Dishes

Because the chicken is richly flavored, it pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed rice, fluffy quinoa, or roasted vegetables. A side of stir-fried greens or crispy roasted broccoli can add a lovely color and texture contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the chicken thighs over a bed of cauliflower rice or swirl the sauce into a bowl of mashed sweet potatoes. You can also plate it alongside noodle dishes or fresh Asian-style slaws to boost the fresh-crisp factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover chicken thighs and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more as it rests, making it an excellent make-ahead meal option for busy days.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken thighs with the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator for best results, retaining that juicy tenderness and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. This helps maintain the sauce’s silkiness and keeps the chicken tender without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?

Absolutely, but keep in mind chicken breasts are leaner and can dry out more easily. Lower the pressure cooking time slightly and consider using bone-in breasts for best flavor and moisture retention.

Is chili garlic sauce necessary?

It adds a nice subtle heat and depth, but if you prefer no spice, you can omit it or substitute with a milder chili sauce or even a pinch of red pepper flakes.

How do I avoid the “burn” notice on the Instant Pot?

Make sure to brown the chicken well and add the sauce on top of the meat rather than the bottom of the pot. Using the trivet can also help prevent direct contact with the heating element and reduce burn warnings.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! Just make sure not to overfill your Instant Pot. Cooking times remain mostly the same, but you might need to increase the pressure build-up time slightly.

What can I substitute for soy sauce in this recipe?

Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative and works beautifully here. Coconut aminos is another option if you need a soy-free substitute, though it’s a bit less salty.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Instant Pot Chicken Thighs with Honey Garlic Sauce Recipe enough—it’s the kind of meal that brings pure joy with minimal effort. From the sticky, shiny sauce to the tender chicken, it’s comfort food elevated to an easy weeknight star. You’re going to love how quickly it comes together and how every mouthful bursts with flavor. Trust me, it’s one recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

Instant Pot Chicken Thighs with Honey Garlic Sauce Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need