Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

• servings: 4
• active time: 15 minutes
• total time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless

1 tbsp olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup honey

1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)

2 tbsp rice vinegar

1/2 tsp black pepper

2.5 tbsp cornstarch

2 tbsp water

Sesame seeds and sliced green onions (for garnish)

Directions

Set the Instant Pot to Sauté (High). Add the olive oil. Once hot, sear the chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Work in batches to avoid crowding. Remove chicken and set aside.

Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and black pepper. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pot.

Return the chicken and any juices to the pot, coating them in the sauce.

Secure the lid and set to Pressure Cook (High) for 5 minutes. When the timer finishes, perform a Quick Release.

Remove the chicken to a plate. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch and water to create a slurry.

Set the Instant Pot to Sauté (Medium). Stir the slurry into the sauce and simmer for 2-3 minutes until thick and glossy.

Toss the chicken back into the sauce to coat. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve over jasmine rice or steamed broccoli.

Notes

Searing the chicken first is the "refined" secret here; it adds a layer of caramelized flavor you don't get with "dump and start" recipes.