Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Transform your dinner routine with this easy Honey Garlic Chicken recipe, a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with a sweet and savory sauce, perfect for meal prepping or family dinners.

This dish is not only quick and easy, but it’s also packed with flavor, making it an excellent option for both lunches and dinners. Let’s get started!

Ingredients You Will Need

Before we jump into the cooking process, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe. This Honey Garlic Chicken requires:

• Fresh chicken (about three and a half pounds)
• 1/3 cup of honey
• 1/2 cup of ketchup
• 1/2 cup of low-sodium soy sauce
• Four cloves of garlic (minced)
• Dried oregano
• Fresh parsley (two tablespoons, chopped)
• Sesame oil (about a tablespoon)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Cornstarch (one tablespoon)
• Optional: Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Preparing the Sauce

First, let’s get the sauce ready. This is what will give your chicken that delicious honey garlic flavor.

1. Mixing the Ingredients: Grab a mixing bowl and combine 1/3 cup of honey, 1/2 cup of ketchup, and 1/2 cup of low-sodium soy sauce. Add the four minced garlic cloves to the mixture. For an extra garlicky flavor, you can add more garlic. Garlic is an essential part of this dish, and more of it will only enhance the taste.
2. Adding Oregano and Parsley: Next, add a dash of dried oregano to the mixture. Although fresh oregano can be used, dried oregano is perfectly fine for this recipe. Finally, chop up the parsley and add two tablespoons to the mix. If you enjoy a stronger parsley flavor, feel free to add a bit more.

Searing the Chicken

To add a caramelized flavor to the chicken, we need to sear it before cooking. This step is crucial for enhancing the dish’s taste.

1. Heating the Sesame Oil: Set your Instant Pot to the sauté setting and add about a tablespoon of sesame oil. If you accidentally add a bit more, don’t worry; it should still turn out great.
2. Searing the Chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sear it in the Instant Pot for about two to three minutes on each side until it’s browned. This will help lock in the juices and ensure a more flavorful final product.

Cooking the Chicken

Now that the chicken is nicely seared, it’s time to cook it all the way through.

1. Adding the Sauce: Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce over the seared chicken in the Instant Pot. Make sure the chicken is completely covered by the sauce.
2. Setting the Instant Pot: Change the Instant Pot setting to “poultry” and set the timer for 12 minutes. Close the lid and let it cook.
3. Natural Release: After the cooking time is up, allow the Instant Pot to do a natural release for about five minutes, then manually release the remaining pressure.

Final Touches and Serving

Once the chicken is cooked, there are just a few more steps to finish off this delicious meal.

1. Thickening the Sauce: Remove the cooked chicken from the Instant Pot. To the remaining sauce, add one tablespoon of cornstarch and stir well to thicken it up. This will make the sauce perfect for drizzling over your chicken and rice.
2. Serving the Chicken: Shred or slice the cooked chicken as desired and mix it back into the thickened sauce. Serve the chicken over a bed of rice for a complete meal.
3. Garnishing: For an extra touch, garnish the dish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. This not only enhances the presentation but also adds a nice crunch and fresh flavor.

Storing for the Week

One of the best parts of meal prepping is having ready-to-eat meals throughout the week. Simply portion out the chicken and rice into individual containers and store them in the refrigerator. This makes it super convenient to grab a container on your way out the door, ensuring you have a delicious and nutritious meal ready whenever you need it.

Tips and Variations

• Using a Crock-Pot: If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can easily prepare this dish in a crock-pot. Simply follow the same steps for preparing the sauce and searing the chicken, then cook it in the crock-pot on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
• Stovetop Method: To make this recipe on the stovetop, use a large pot or Dutch oven. Sear the chicken as described, then add the sauce and simmer on low heat for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian twist, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Marinate the tofu or tempeh in the sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to absorb the flavors.
• Extra Spice: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce.

Conclusion

Meal prepping doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With this Honey Garlic Chicken recipe, you can enjoy a delicious, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

The combination of honey, garlic, soy sauce, and herbs creates a flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with succulent chicken and a bed of rice. Whether you’re using an Instant Pot, a crock-pot, or your stovetop, this versatile recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal prep routine.

Give this Honey Garlic Chicken recipe a try and let me know how it turns out. Happy meal prepping!