There is something simply magical about the Instant Pot Honey Garlic Maple Chicken Thighs Recipe that makes it an absolute favorite for busy weeknights and casual dinners. Picture tender, juicy chicken thighs bathed in a sticky, sweet-savory sauce that perfectly balances honey, garlic, and maple syrup—all cooked effortlessly in your Instant Pot. This dish delivers deep flavor with minimal fuss, transforming simple ingredients into a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a few straightforward ingredients is the key to making this dish shine. Each one plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, creating that irresistible glossy sauce and tender chicken everyone will ask for seconds of.
- 2 lbs. bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: These provide juicy, flavorful meat with crispy skin when seared properly.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Simple seasoning that brings out the chicken’s natural goodness.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Adds vibrant aroma and a robust punch of flavor.
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup: Brings natural sweetness and depth—honey can be a perfect substitute.
- 2 tbsp barbecue sauce: Adds tanginess and smoky undertones to the sauce.
- 1½ tbsp olive oil: Essential for browning the chicken skin to golden perfection.
- ¼ cup water: Helps deglaze and build the base for the cooking sauce.
- ½ tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water: Combined into a slurry to thicken the sauce into a luscious glaze.
How to Make Instant Pot Honey Garlic Maple Chicken Thighs Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Begin by patting your chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels—this step is crucial for achieving crispy skin later on. Generously season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to build that foundational flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, pure maple syrup, and barbecue sauce. This blend will create the sweet and tangy sauce that coats the chicken beautifully once cooked.
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken
Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function and pour in olive oil. Once it’s shimmering hot, carefully place the chicken thighs skin side down. Cook until the skin turns golden brown and crispy, about 4 minutes per side. This step creates that irresistible texture contrast everyone loves.
Step 4: Deglaze the Pot
After browning, remove the chicken and set it aside. Pour in ¼ cup of water and scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to loosen all those delicious browned bits—it’s flavor gold.
Step 5: Combine Sauce and Chicken
Cancel the sauté mode and pour your prepared sauce mixture into the pot. Stir it to combine with the deglazing liquid, then nestle the chicken thighs back in, skin side up. Give the chicken a gentle toss to coat it in the sauce before sealing the lid.
Step 6: Pressure Cook the Chicken
Lock the Instant Pot lid and set it to pressure cook on high for 5 minutes. After the cooking time ends, allow a natural release of pressure for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining steam. This slow release keeps the chicken tender and moist.
Step 7: Thicken the Sauce
Remove the chicken and switch the pot back to sauté mode. Whisk together the cornstarch and extra water to form a slurry, then stir it into the simmering sauce. Let it bubble gently until thickened, turning off the Instant Pot once it reaches a glossy, saucy consistency perfect for drizzling.
How to Serve Instant Pot Honey Garlic Maple Chicken Thighs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate this dish even further. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions over the chicken right before serving to add a bright pop of color and freshness that complements the richness of the sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that soak up the sauce. Think creamy mashed potatoes, buttery rice, or even roasted seasonal vegetables. These sides keep the meal balanced and allow the Instant Pot Honey Garlic Maple Chicken Thighs Recipe to truly shine.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun, modern twist, serve the chicken over a bed of quinoa or cauliflower rice. You can also shred the cooked chicken thighs and toss them into tacos or wraps for an entirely different but equally delicious meal, showcasing the versatility of this recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken thighs with the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating to preserve the texture and taste.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken gently on the stovetop or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickened too much. This keeps the chicken juicy and the sauce silky.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless thighs will cook faster, so reduce the pressure cooking time to about 4 minutes to avoid overcooking and drying out the meat.
Is maple syrup necessary or can I substitute something else?
Maple syrup lends a distinct sweetness and depth, but you can swap it with honey or even brown sugar for a similar effect. Just keep the amount the same for balanced flavors.
Can I make this recipe without barbecue sauce?
While barbecue sauce adds smoky tang, you can omit it or replace it with soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for a different flavor profile. The dish will still be delicious but slightly less smoky.
How crispy does the chicken skin get using the Instant Pot?
The skin crisps up beautifully during the sauté step before pressure cooking, but it won’t be as crunchy as oven-roasted. For extra crispiness, you can broil the chicken briefly after cooking.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! It reheats well and stores nicely, making it an excellent choice for making ahead and enjoying throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Honey Garlic Maple Chicken Thighs Recipe is a true gem for anyone craving a quick, flavorful, and comforting meal. Its perfect balance of sweet and savory, combined with juicy, tender chicken, makes it a recipe you’ll want to keep close at hand. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—you might just find your new weeknight favorite!
