Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are one of my favorite ‘dump and go' dinners, and making these in the Instant Pot makes it even easier! Bold Asian flavors are pressure cooked deep into these chicken thighs, and you crisp up the skin with a quick bake under the broiler.

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

These Instant Pot honey garlic chicken thighs are the kind of no-fuss, high-reward dinner that checks every box. They’ve got bold, sticky-sweet flavor, juicy chicken, and a short ingredient list that’s easy to keep on hand. You’re tossing everything in the Instant Pot, setting the timer, and letting it go. A quick broil at the end brings that skin back to life, giving you crisp edges and that classic honey garlic finish.

Cooking the chicken in the liquid in the Instant Pot does such awesome things to the meat. The flavors of the sauce really have a chance to come through. You can also be as aggressive (or not), as you'd like when it comes to the heat. If I didn't have kids eating this, I would crank up the sriracha and toss in the chili garlic sauce too.

This recipe's a win for weeknights, especially when you’re too tired to think. It’s simple, it’s fast, and it’s got real flavor.

Serve it over rice, throw in some veggies, and you’ve got a full plate with very little effort. It’s just solid comfort food.

Why You'll Love This Dish#

Versatile – Great with rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables.
Set It And Forget It – Just load the pot, press start, and let it cook.
Kid And Adult Approved – That honey garlic combo is always a hit.
Crispy Skin Finish – A quick broil adds texture and extra flavor.
One Pot + One Pan – Easy cleanup and minimal kitchen mess.

Recipe Shopping List

Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here's the list of items you'll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Chicken Thighs – Bone-in, skin-on thighs hold up well under pressure and stay juicy.
Salt – Basic seasoning to start the flavor base.
Garlic Salt – Adds a little extra punch of flavor to the skin.
Soy Sauce – Salty, savory, and the backbone of the sauce.
Water – Balances out the salt and keeps the sauce from reducing too much.
Honey – Brings sweetness and that signature sticky glaze.
Garlic – Use fresh if you can, or jarred in a pinch.
Mirin (Optional) – Adds a mild sweetness and acidity. Nice to have but not required.
Cornstarch + Cold Water – Thickens the sauce at the end to give it that classic glazed texture.
Toasted Sesame Seeds – Nutty and crunchy garnish that finishes the dish nicely.
Chopped Green Onions – Fresh and bright, they cut through the rich sauce.

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How To Make This Recipe

This is just the overview so you can see what you're actually getting into here. When you are cooking, you'll want to use the full recipe at the bottom of the page.

Prep The Chicken – Lightly spray your Instant Pot and place the chicken thighs skin-side up inside. Season with salt and garlic salt.
Add The Sauce – Pour in soy sauce, water, honey, garlic, and mirin if using.
Pressure Cook – Seal the lid, set to manual high pressure, and cook for 12 minutes.
Natural Release – Let the pressure release naturally for 20 minutes. Then carefully vent any remaining pressure.
Finish And Serve – Remove the chicken to a baking sheet and broil for 2–4 minutes to crisp the skin. Meanwhile, whisk the slurry, set Instant Pot to sauté, stir in the slurry, and cook until thick. Serve with rice and veggies, and spoon sauce over everything.

Recipe FAQ

What If I Don't Have An Instant Pot?

If you don't have an electric pressure cooker, you can totally cook these on your stovetop, or even if your oven. You'll have to watch for doneness because I haven't specifically tested in those appliances, but I don't see any reason why it wouldn't turn out amazing in either case.

Do I Have To Use Chicken Thighs?

Nope! You can totally use chicken breasts if you'd like. I would skip the broil at the end unless you use skin-on breasts. I would also not hesitate to throw a heap of wings into this mix either. SO delicious!

If you are looking for a way to use up the rest of those chicken thighs, check out my Chicken Tamale Pie Recipe!

Serve This With

Yield: 8 servings

Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are an easy weeknight meal that is mostly hands-off, had big bold flavors that all of my kids (and the adults too) LOVE, and is perfect for any beginners or pros.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 12 minutes

Natural Pressure Release 20 minutes

Total Time 37 minutes

Ingredients

Chicken

9 chicken thighs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup honey
2 teaspoons garlic
1 tablespoon mirin, optional

Slurry

1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water

Garnish

2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
2 teaspoons green onions, chopped

Instructions

Spray your Instant Pot lightly with cooking spray. Place the chicken thighs skin-side up directly into the bottom of the pot. Sprinkle the skin with salt and garlic salt.
Pour the soy sauce, water, honey, mirin (if using) and garlic into the pot.
Close the pot, seal the vent, and turn onto manual high pressure for 12 minutes.
Once the time runs out, allow to naturally release the pressure for 20 minutes.
Vent any remaining pressure, and carefully open the lid when it is safe to do so.
Remove the chicken thighs to a lined baking sheet, and place under the broiler for 2-4 minutes, or until the skin crisps up a bit.
While the chicken is broiling, whisk together the slurry ingredients, turn the Instant Pot to saute mode, and whisk in the slurry until the mixture is thickened.
Remove the chicken from the broiler, serve with a big pile of rice and steamed vegetables.

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs