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Introduction
This revamped Honey Garlic Instant Pot Chicken Breasts recipe combines simple ingredients to create a savory-sweet dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Experience this culinary delight with perfectly tender chicken infused with honey and garlic flavors.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 680 grams)
120 ml honey
60 ml soy sauce
60 ml chicken broth
30 ml rice vinegar
4 garlic cloves, minced
10 grams fresh ginger, grated
10 ml olive oil
10 grams cornstarch
30 ml cold water
5 grams dried thyme
5 grams ground black pepper
5 grams salt
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
In this recipe, the chicken breasts are seasoned and seared to create a golden-brown crust. The infusion of minced garlic and fresh ginger adds an aromatic touch that elevates this dish. The combination of honey, soy sauce, chicken broth, and rice vinegar creates a delicious glaze that enhances the chicken’s natural flavor. After cooking, a cornstarch slurry thickens the sauce, making it perfect for drizzling over the succulent chicken. Finish with a sprinkle of parsley for a fresh touch. Enjoy this easy yet impressive meal with your family or friends!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt, ground black pepper, and dried thyme on both sides.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add olive oil. Once heated, place the seasoned chicken breasts in the pot. Sear for about 2 minutes on each side until they are lightly browned. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Ginger
In the same pot (still on sauté mode), add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds or until the mixture is fragrant.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, chicken broth, and rice vinegar. Pour this mixture into the Instant Pot and deglaze the pot by scraping the bottom with a spatula to release any browned bits.
Step 5: Pressure Cook the Chicken
Return the seared chicken breasts to the pot. Close the lid, ensuring it is sealed, and set the Instant Pot to manual pressure for 8 minutes.
Step 6: Natural Pressure Release
Once the cooking time is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes. Afterward, perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
Step 7: Remove Chicken
Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the pot and set them aside on a plate.
Step 8: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Switch the Instant Pot back to sauté mode, add the slurry to the pot, and stir continuously until the sauce thickens.
Step 9: Coat Chicken with Sauce
Return the chicken breasts to the pot and coat them with the thickened sauce.
Step 10: Serve
Serve the chicken with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley on top for garnish.
Notes
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
Pair the chicken with steamed rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Variations
Feel free to add vegetables to the pot, such as bell peppers or snap peas, for added nutrition and flavor.
Dietary Considerations
This recipe is gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce.
Storage Instructions
To store leftover Honey Garlic Instant Pot Chicken, allow it to cool completely. Place the chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating Tips
Reheat the chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop. If using the microwave, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. If reheating on the stovetop, add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.
Serving Suggestions
This Honey Garlic Instant Pot Chicken can be served over a bed of steamed rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a healthy meal. Pair it with sautéed vegetables, such as broccoli or bell peppers, for a colorful and nutritious side dish. You can also serve it in lettuce wraps or in a sandwich for a unique twist.
Garnish Options
Adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds or sliced green onions on top can introduce a delightful crunch and extra flavor. Fresh herbs like cilantro can also be a great addition.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (1 chicken breast with sauce), this dish contains approximately:
– Calories: 310
– Protein: 37g
– Carbohydrates: 30g
– Dietary Fiber: 0g
– Sugars: 24g
– Fat: 9g
– Saturated Fat: 1g
– Sodium: 740mg
Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you need to modify any ingredients, here are some suggestions:
– Honey: Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as a substitute for a vegan option.
– Soy Sauce: Tamari or coconut aminos can be alternative choices for a gluten-free option.
– Rice Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can be used in its place.
– Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth works well for a lighter flavor or for a vegetarian version.
– Fresh Ginger: Ground ginger can be used, but use it sparingly (about 1 teaspoon) as it’s more concentrated.
– Cornstarch: Arrowroot powder or potato starch can be used as a thickening agent if cornstarch is unavailable.
Cook Techniques
Sautéing
Sautéing is used initially to brown the chicken, enhancing flavor through the Maillard reaction. Preheating the Instant Pot and adding olive oil ensures that the chicken sears properly.
Deglazing
Deglazing involves adding liquid to the pot after sautéing to dissolve any browned bits stuck to the bottom. This not only adds flavor to the sauce but also prevents burning during pressure cooking.
Pressure Cooking
Pressure cooking allows the chicken to cook quickly while retaining moisture and flavors. Setting the Instant Pot to manual pressure for a specific time ensures that the chicken remains tender and juicy.
Natural Pressure Release
Allowing natural pressure release for a few minutes helps the meat relax, making it more tender and juicy. It also prevents a rapid loss of liquid, which can make the dish dry.
Thickening Sauce
Using a cornstarch slurry thickens the sauce, creating a luscious coating for the chicken. Stirring continuously on sauté mode helps prevent lumps and ensures a smooth consistency.
FAQ
Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time as bone-in chicken typically takes longer to cook.
What can I serve with Honey Garlic Chicken?
This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, the cooked chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and is excellent for meal prep.
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce substitute in place of regular soy sauce.
How can I adjust the sweetness?
You can modify the amount of honey to your taste; use less honey for a less sweet dish or add more for extra sweetness.
Conclusion
This Honey Garlic Instant Pot Chicken Breasts with a Twist is a delightful blend of savory and sweet flavors that elevate a simple weeknight dinner into a culinary experience. The tender chicken, infused with aromatic garlic and ginger, is complemented by a rich, thick sauce that makes every bite enjoyable. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures a satisfying meal with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy schedules.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Honey Garlic Tofu
Replace chicken with firm tofu in the same honey garlic marinade for a vegetarian alternative. Tofu absorbs flavors beautifully and makes a great plant-based dish.
Honey Garlic Shrimp
Substitute chicken with shrimp for a quick-cooking seafood option. The sweet and savory sauce pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness of shrimp.
Pineapple Honey Garlic Chicken
Add chunks of pineapple to the recipe for a tropical twist. The acidity of the pineapple balances the sweetness of the honey, creating a flavorful contrast.
Honey Garlic Brussels Sprouts
Use Brussels sprouts as a side dish by tossing them in the honey garlic sauce. Roast or pressure cook them alongside the chicken for a delicious combination.
Honey Garlic Veggie Stir-fry
Mix a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli, and stir-fry them in the honey garlic sauce for a colorful and nutritious meal.
Honey Garlic Pasta
Toss cooked pasta with the thickened honey garlic sauce for a quick and satisfying dish. Add sautéed vegetables or chicken for added protein.
Citrus Honey Garlic Chicken
Introduce citrus flavors by adding orange or lemon juice to the marinade. The brightness of citrus will enhance the overall flavor profile and add freshness to the dish.
