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Homemade Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe photo

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Tender chicken pieces simmered in a sweet-savory honey garlic sauce, ready in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • 6-quart Instant Pot (or pressure cooker)
  • Small Bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula
  • Small bowl for cornstarch slurry

Ingredients
  

  • 3 pieces chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
  • fresh chives or scallions chopped, for garnish (optional)
  • fresh parsley to taste, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, water, lemon juice, and minced garlic until combined.
  • If making rice, start it now according to package instructions so it finishes with the chicken.
  • Set the Instant Pot to Sauté, add the olive oil, then add the chicken and cook, stirring often, about 3 minutes to brown the pieces slightly.
  • Pour the honey-garlic mixture over the chicken and stir to combine. Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on High pressure for 5 minutes (allow time for the pot to come to pressure).
  • When the cook time ends, perform a quick release of the pressure following the manufacturer's instructions, then open the lid.
  • Set the Instant Pot to Sauté again. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the pot.
  • Cook, stirring, for a few minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking; taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  • Serve the honey garlic chicken over rice and garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired.

Notes

  • You can cook this on the stovetop in a large skillet using the same steps and covered until chicken is cooked.
  • Use a 6-quart Instant Pot for best fit.
  • Mix cornstarch with cold water before adding to prevent lumps.
  • Start rice before pressure cooking so it finishes with the chicken.
  • Adjust honey and soy sauce to taste for sweeter or saltier sauce.