Instant Pot Chicken Thighs with Sticky Honey Garlic Sauce Recipe

If you’re after a meal that delivers both cozy comfort and bold, unforgettable flavor, then Instant Pot Chicken Thighs with Sticky Honey Garlic Sauce might just become your new weeknight hero. Think deeply savory, tender chicken thighs smothered in a sweet, garlicky glaze that offers the perfect balance of richness and brightness. This dish comes together quickly in the Instant Pot, making it ideal for busy schedules, and every bite is guaranteed to win over both kids and adults. You get juicy chicken, a luscious coating of sauce, and just enough caramelization to keep things interesting—all with minimal cleanup.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe is chosen with care to bring out the full depth of flavor and make your Instant Pot Chicken Thighs with Sticky Honey Garlic Sauce shine. From the umami-rich soy sauce to the sticky-sweet honey, each piece plays a role in creating layers of taste and texture. Nothing is extra or fussy—just simple pantry staples creating pure magic together.

• Chicken thighs: Opt for bone-in, skin-on thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness—they hold up beautifully under pressure cooking.
• Salt and black pepper: A quick seasoning ensures every bite is perfectly balanced and never bland.
• Olive oil: Helps give the chicken a golden sear before pressure cooking, adding richness to the sauce.
• Fresh garlic: Several cloves go into the mix, bringing that mouthwatering aroma and essential garlic warmth.
• Honey: The star of the sticky sauce, honey adds natural sweetness and helps the sauce cling to the chicken.
• Soy sauce: Provides that deep, savory umami backbone and balances the honey’s sweetness.
• Rice vinegar: A splash of acidity lifts the sauce so it’s never cloying, only deliciously bright.
• Cornstarch: Just a bit thickens the sauce into that luscious, glossy finish.
• Chicken broth: Adds even more flavor and ensures there’s enough liquid for the Instant Pot magic to happen.
• Sesame seeds and chopped green onions (optional): For a final flourish of nuttiness and color, these garnishes really make the dish pop.

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

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken thighs dry and seasoning them well with salt and pepper. Turn your Instant Pot to Sauté and add the olive oil. Once it’s shimmering, sear the chicken thighs, skin-side down first, until they’re beautifully golden and crisp. You’re not cooking them through yet—just building an essential layer of flavor both on the chicken and in the pot. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

With the Instant Pot still on Sauté, toss in your minced garlic. Stir constantly for about a minute—until you can really smell the garlic’s sweetness without letting it brown. This creates an aromatic base for the sticky honey garlic sauce that will cling to every bite.

Step 3: Add Sauce Ingredients and Layer Chicken

Pour in the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chicken broth, scraping up any golden bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor. Give it a quick stir, then nestle those seared chicken thighs right back into the sauce. Make sure they’re submerged so they soak up maximum flavor while cooking.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Secure the Instant Pot lid and set it to cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes. After the timer beeps, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes before letting out any remaining steam. This gentle finish ensures the chicken thighs are fall-apart tender but still deliciously juicy, ready for that sticky honey garlic finish.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Remove the chicken thighs to a plate and, with the Instant Pot on Sauté, whisk a cornstarch slurry (just cornstarch and water) into the bubbling sauce. Stir for another 2–3 minutes until it’s thick, glossy, and sticky as promised. Return the chicken to the pot, spoon sauce overtop, and just let them sit for a minute so everything becomes perfectly glazed.

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

Garnishes

Don’t skip the garnishes—they add more than just looks! Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over your Instant Pot Chicken Thighs with Sticky Honey Garlic Sauce for nutty crunch, and scatter chopped green onions for freshness and color. Even a handful of cilantro leaves or a squeeze of lime can take this dish to the next level, adding brightness to each bite.

Side Dishes

This dish craves something simple alongside to soak up all that luscious sauce. Steamed white rice or fluffy jasmine rice are classics, but it’s also magical over garlicky mashed potatoes or paired with crisp-tender steamed broccoli, sugar snap peas, or a light cucumber salad. The savory sauce turns these sides into something special every time.

Creative Ways to Present

You can easily dress up this dish for a dinner party by serving the chicken thighs atop a bed of bright sautéed greens or on a platter with rainbow veggies. For a fun twist, try shredding the chicken and stuffing it into bao buns or soft tortillas for a playful take on honey garlic chicken sliders. However you serve it, Instant Pot Chicken Thighs with Sticky Honey Garlic Sauce always makes an impression!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your leftovers will be just as crave-worthy the next day! Simply cool the chicken and sauce completely, then store together in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sauce keeps the chicken moist and flavorful, making it the ultimate meal prep hero for up to 4 days.

Freezing

If you’d like to prep Instant Pot Chicken Thighs with Sticky Honey Garlic Sauce ahead, it freezes like a dream. Transfer completely cooled chicken and sauce to a zip-top freezer bag or sealed container, squeezing out any extra air. It’ll keep its flavor and texture perfectly for up to 2 months—just remember to date and label your stash.

Reheating

For best results, reheat slowly in a covered skillet over low heat, spooning sauce over the top until the chicken is warmed through and glossy. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid overcooking so the chicken stays juicy and tender.

FAQs

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs work well and will cook a bit faster. Just keep an eye on timing—8 minutes under high pressure often does the trick, and they’ll soak up just as much of that sticky honey garlic goodness.

Is it okay to use chicken breasts instead?

You can make this swap, but chicken breasts are leaner and can be prone to drying out. Decrease the cook time to about 7–8 minutes, and be extra careful with the natural release for the most tender result.

What if I don’t have fresh garlic?

If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder will work, though fresh garlic gives the sauce its signature punch. Substitute about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove, and add it with the liquids instead of sautéing.

Can I double the recipe?

Doubling is no problem in the Instant Pot! The cook time stays the same, just make sure not to fill above the pot’s max fill line. Be ready for even more sticky honey garlic chicken to enjoy or freeze for later.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

With one easy swap, yes! Use a gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) and you’re all set. Everything else is naturally gluten-free, so everyone can tuck into this sticky, saucy comfort food.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re feeding a family or just treating yourself to a little weeknight joy, Instant Pot Chicken Thighs with Sticky Honey Garlic Sauce brings restaurant-worthy flavors right into your own kitchen. It couldn’t be easier or more rewarding—give it a try and let it brighten up your dinner routine!

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