Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner into a restaurant-worthy experience with this incredibly easy and irresistibly delicious Instant Pot Sticky Chicken! In just 35 minutes, you'll create a meal so flavorful and tender that your family will think you've been secretly training as a professional chef. Imagine succulent chicken thighs glazed in a perfectly balanced sweet and savory sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds – and this recipe makes it possible with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 bone-in chicken thighs, 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup honey, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of minced ginger, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, minced ginger, and sesame oil. Whisk the mixture together until the honey is fully dissolved and all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Set your Instant Pot to the 'Sauté' mode. Once it’s hot, add a small amount of oil if desired, and then carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the pot. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes until they are golden brown. This step adds flavor but can be skipped if you're short on time.
- After searing, flip the chicken thighs over to the other side. Pour the soy sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring that the thighs are well coated.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot, ensuring that the pressure valve is set to 'Sealing'. Set the Instant Pot to 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' mode and adjust the timer to 25 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully switch the pressure valve to 'Venting' to release any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach at least 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. If necessary, you can return the lid and cook for a few more minutes.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, carefully remove the thighs from the pot and place them on a serving platter. You can use a slotted spoon to help with this.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, set the Instant Pot back to 'Sauté' mode and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it reduces to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Drizzle the thickened sauce over the chicken thighs before serving. Optionally, garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for added flavor and presentation.
- Serve the sticky chicken with steamed rice or vegetables to soak up the delicious sauce. Enjoy your meal!
Tips
- For maximum flavor, take the extra minute to sear your chicken thighs before pressure cooking. This step creates a beautiful golden-brown exterior that locks in delicious caramelization.
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for the juiciest results. The bones help retain moisture and add extra flavor during cooking.
- Don't skip the natural pressure release – it helps keep the chicken incredibly tender and prevents it from becoming tough.
- If you want an even glossier sauce, use a whisk to blend the sauce ingredients thoroughly before pouring over the chicken.
- For a low-carb option, serve the sticky chicken over cauliflower rice or with roasted vegetables instead of traditional white rice.
- Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- If the sauce is too thin after cooking, don't be afraid to use the sauté function to reduce and thicken it to your desired consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 140mg
