Instant Pot Sweet Garlic Chicken Recipe delivers incredibly juicy chicken thighs bathed in a savory-sweet brown sugar garlic sauce. This flavorful meal comes together in an astonishing 7 minutes of pressure cooking time in your Instant Pot, making it the ultimate quick, easy, and undeniably delicious weeknight dinner solution.
Instant Pot Sweet Garlic Chicken: Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal
The Instant Pot has revolutionized home cooking, transforming complex recipes into quick, effortless masterpieces. As a devoted fan, I’ve been steadily converting many of my beloved slow cooker recipes to take advantage of its speed and efficiency. The ability to prepare a delicious, hearty meal without extensive planning or hours of simmering is a game-changer for busy households. This Instant Pot Sweet Garlic Chicken perfectly exemplifies why this digital pressure cooker has earned its spot as a kitchen essential. It’s incredibly convenient, allowing you to whip up a fantastic dinner in mere minutes, without compromising on flavor or tenderness.
This Instant Pot Sweet Garlic Chicken recipe is remarkably simple to prepare, relying on a handful of pantry staples you likely already have on hand. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs emerge from the Instant Pot perfectly cooked, tender, and succulent, thoroughly coated in a rich, sticky, and irresistible brown sugar garlic sauce. It’s a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. I often serve this chicken with creamy mashed potatoes, crisp roasted vegetables, or a refreshing simple salad to complete a balanced and satisfying meal. The ease of preparation makes it ideal for a busy weeknight, yet its incredible flavor makes it impressive enough for guests.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Sweet Garlic Chicken
Beyond its speed, this Sweet Garlic Chicken recipe boasts a flavor profile that will quickly make it a family favorite. Imagine tender chicken infused with a harmonious blend of sweet and savory notes, perfectly balanced by a hint of tang. The garlic truly shines through, offering a robust aroma and taste that complements the rich brown sugar. This isn’t just another chicken dish; it’s a deeply satisfying culinary experience that brings comfort and joy to your dinner table. The sauce, glistening and thick, clings beautifully to every piece of chicken, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.
Its versatility is another huge draw. While chicken thighs are our go-to for their unparalleled juiciness and flavor, you can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences or what you have available. The quick cooking time in the Instant Pot means less time slaving over a hot stove and more time enjoying your evening. Plus, the minimal cleanup is an added bonus that every home cook appreciates. Whether you’re a seasoned Instant Pot user or just starting, this recipe is incredibly forgiving and yields consistently delicious results, making it a perfect entry point into pressure cooking or a reliable staple for your recipe repertoire.
Essential Ingredients for Your Sweet Garlic Chicken
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the power of its core ingredients. Let’s break down what makes this dish so special:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: We opt for thighs because they remain incredibly juicy and tender under pressure. Their slightly higher fat content lends itself well to the Instant Pot, preventing them from drying out and absorbing the flavors of the sauce beautifully. You can use chicken breasts, but adjust cooking time to 5 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- Unsalted Butter: Used for sautéing, it adds a foundational layer of richness and helps the chicken brown evenly, contributing to a more complex flavor profile.
- Fresh Garlic Cloves: The heart of the “garlic” in our sweet garlic chicken! Freshly minced garlic provides an aromatic punch that cannot be replicated by dried garlic powder. Don’t skimp on this essential ingredient!
- Packed Brown Sugar: This is where the “sweet” comes from. Brown sugar offers a deep, molasses-rich sweetness that caramelizes beautifully with the other ingredients, creating that signature glaze.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Provides the perfect savory and umami counterpoint to the sweetness. Using low-sodium allows you more control over the overall saltiness of the dish, so you can season to taste.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: A touch of apple cider vinegar brightens the sauce and cuts through the richness, adding a subtle tang that balances the flavors perfectly.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance all the other ingredients. Always taste and adjust to your preference.
- All-Purpose Flour or Cornstarch: These are used to create a slurry that thickens the sauce to a perfect consistency. Flour yields a slightly opaque sauce, while cornstarch creates a clearer, glossier glaze. Both work wonderfully, so choose based on preference or dietary needs (cornstarch for gluten-free).
- Water: Essential for both the sauce base and for creating the slurry to thicken.
How to Make Sweet Garlic Chicken in Your Instant Pot: Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this delicious Sweet Garlic Chicken in your Instant Pot is a straightforward process, even for beginners. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
- **Prepare the Instant Pot:** Ensure the stainless steel inner pot is properly seated in your Instant Pot.
- **Sauté the Chicken:** Select the “Saute” setting on your Instant Pot. Add the unsalted butter and allow it to melt. Once melted, carefully place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into the hot butter. Brown the chicken on both sides for a few minutes each. This step is crucial for developing flavor and adding a lovely texture to the chicken, though it doesn’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage. Once browned, press the “Cancel/Off” button to turn off the sauté function.
- **Mix the Sauce:** In a separate measuring cup or small bowl, whisk together the water, low-sodium soy sauce, packed brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Grate or mince your fresh garlic cloves and add them to this sauce mixture. Give it another good whisk to combine everything thoroughly.
- **Combine and Pressure Cook:** Pour the prepared sauce mixture evenly over the chicken thighs in the Instant Pot. Close the lid of your Instant Pot, making sure it’s securely locked. Rotate the steam release valve to the “Sealing” position.
- **Set the Timer:** Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting (depending on your Instant Pot model) and set the timer to 7 minutes for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. The Instant Pot will then begin to build pressure, which can take 5-10 minutes, and once pressurized, the 7-minute cooking cycle will start.
- **Natural Pressure Release:** Once the cooking cycle is complete, the Instant Pot will beep and then automatically switch to “Keep Warm” mode. Press the “Off/Cancel” button. It’s important to allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10-15 minutes. This natural pressure release (NPR) helps the chicken stay incredibly tender and prevents it from drying out. Once the floating valve drops, indicating all pressure has been released, you can carefully open the lid away from your face.
- **Remove Chicken:** Transfer the cooked chicken thighs from the Instant Pot onto a clean serving platter.
- **Thicken the Sauce:** Now it’s time to thicken that amazing sauce! In a small measuring cup, whisk together the all-purpose flour and about ¼ cup of water to create a smooth slurry. Make sure there are no lumps.
- **Sauté to Thicken:** Select the “Saute” setting on your Instant Pot again. Once it’s hot, slowly whisk the slurry into the sauce remaining in the inner pot. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. This usually takes just a few minutes. Once thickened, press “Off/Cancel.”
- **Serve:** Pour the luscious, thickened sweet garlic sauce generously over the chicken thighs on your serving platter. Serve immediately with your chosen side dishes and garnish as desired.
A quick note on thickening the sauce: While the pictures here may show a sauce thickened with flour, I often switch between flour and cornstarch. I personally prefer cornstarch as it tends to create a clearer, more translucent, and slightly glazier sauce. Flour, on the other hand, gives a slightly creamier, more opaque finish. Both methods work perfectly, so feel free to use whichever you prefer or have readily available in your pantry.
Serving Suggestions and Flavor Pairings
This Instant Pot Sweet Garlic Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a multitude of side dishes. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy it, ensuring a complete and satisfying meal:
- Classic Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture and mild flavor of mashed potatoes make them the perfect canvas for soaking up every drop of that delicious sweet garlic sauce.
- Fluffy Rice: Whether it’s white rice, brown rice, or fragrant jasmine rice, a bed of rice is ideal for complementing the chicken and its rich sauce. For an extra touch, you could even make coconut rice.
- Roasted Vegetables: Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli, green beans, asparagus, or even a medley of bell peppers and zucchini would add vibrant color, nutrients, and a delightful textural contrast.
- Simple Green Salad: A light, crisp salad with a vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing counterpoint to the rich chicken, cleansing the palate between bites. Consider a creamy cucumber tomato salad for added freshness.
- Noodles: Serve it over egg noodles, ramen noodles (without the seasoning packet), or even zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a lower-carb option.
- Steamed Quinoa or Couscous: For a healthier grain alternative, quinoa or couscous work wonderfully, absorbing the sauce and providing a satisfying bite.
Don’t forget to add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions as a garnish right before serving. Not only does it add a pop of color, but it also brings a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the dish even further. For a hint of heat, a dash of red pepper flakes can be added to the sauce during the cooking process or sprinkled on top for individual servings.
Instant Pot Sweet Garlic Chicken: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to some common questions you might have about making this Instant Pot Sweet Garlic Chicken:
- Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs? Yes, you absolutely can! Chicken breast will also work well, but it tends to dry out more quickly. To keep it juicy, I recommend reducing the pressure cooking time to 5 minutes instead of 7, followed by a natural pressure release.
- Can I use frozen chicken? While it’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking and browning, you can use frozen chicken thighs. You’ll need to increase the pressure cooking time. For frozen boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cook for 10-12 minutes with a natural pressure release. Note that browning frozen chicken directly is not recommended.
- How can I make this recipe gluten-free? To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch for thickening the sauce. Ensure your soy sauce is certified gluten-free (look for tamari). All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
- Can I adjust the spice level? This recipe is designed to be sweet and savory. If you prefer a little heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture before pressure cooking. Adjust to your taste!
- How do I store leftovers? Leftover Sweet Garlic Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It reheats beautifully on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Can I prepare any components ahead of time? Yes! You can mix the sauce ingredients (excluding the thickening slurry) ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. This will save you a few minutes during prep.
- My Instant Pot shows a “Burn” error. What should I do? A “Burn” error usually indicates that there’s not enough liquid in the pot or that something is stuck to the bottom. Ensure you have enough liquid as specified in the recipe. If you’ve sautéed, ensure you deglaze the pot by scraping any stuck-on bits before pressure cooking. The sauce in this recipe contains sufficient liquid, so ensure no solid food is directly touching the bottom during pressure cooking.
More Instant Pot Chicken Recipes to Explore
If you’re loving the convenience and delicious results from your Instant Pot, you’ll definitely want to try these other fantastic chicken recipes:
- Instant Pot Chicken Tacos
- Instant Pot Cashew Chicken
- Instant Pot Chicken Thighs
- Instant Pot Chicken Breast
- Instant Pot Chicken Marsala
Discover even more Instant Pot Chicken Recipes that will make mealtime a breeze!
If you enjoy this recipe and decide to make it, we’d love to see your creations! Snap a photo and share it on INSTAGRAM! Make sure to tag me @crunchycreamysweet so I can admire your culinary skills and leave a comment! Happy cooking!
For those new to pressure cooking, don’t miss my comprehensive Instant Pot Guide for Beginners, packed with all the essential information you need to get comfortable and confident with your new appliance!
Instant Pot Sweet Garlic Chicken
Author: Anna
Juicy chicken thighs in brown sugar garlic sauce, cooked in 7 minutes in the Instant Pot pressure cooker. Quick, easy and so tasty!
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars from 10 votes
Print Recipe | Pin Recipe
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 7 mins | Total Time: 17 mins
Course: Dinner | Cuisine: American
Servings: 5 people
Calories: 123 kcal
Ingredients
- 5 to 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup water (for slurry)
Instructions
- Make sure the stainless steel insert is in your Instant Pot.
- Press “Saute” setting. Add butter to insert and let melt.
- Place chicken thighs in Instant Pot and brown on both sides for a few minutes. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked. Just brown it a bit to add texture. Press “Cancel/Off” button.
- In a measuring cup, whisk together ¼ cup of water, soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, salt and pepper. Add grated garlic cloves. Pour sauce over chicken.
- Close lid of the Instant Pot, switch the valve to “Sealing” position.
- Press “Manual” setting and adjust timer to 7 minutes. The Instant Pot will beep and start coming to pressure.
- When the timer is done, the Instant Pot will beep. Press “Off/Cancel” button. Do not release pressure. Let the pressure release naturally for 10-15 minutes. When the done, carefully open the lid.
- Remove chicken onto a serving platter.
- In a measuring cup, whisk together flour and ¼ cup water to make a slurry.
- Press “Saute” setting on Instant Pot, add slurry to sauce and cook until it thickens. Turn off the Instant Pot.
- Pour sauce over chicken and serve.
Notes
- You can use cornstarch in place of flour to make the sauce gluten-free. Cornstarch will also make the sauce clearer and glazier.
Nutrition
Calories: 123kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 560mg | Potassium: 53mg | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 70IU | Vitamin C: 0.6mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 0.5mg
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