Instant Pot Honey Sriracha Chicken

If you’re looking for a delicious, quick, and easy weeknight dinner that packs a punch, look no further than this Instant Pot Honey Sriracha Chicken. This flavorful dish brings together the perfect balance of sweetness and heat, elevating your chicken game to new heights. The best part? It’s ready in no time thanks to your trusty Instant Pot. Imagine succulent chicken breasts smothered in a sticky, spicy-sweet sauce and served over fluffy rice. It’s a meal that’s sure to impress the family without keeping you in the kitchen for hours. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe a must-try!

What Makes This Recipe Special

This Instant Pot Honey Sriracha Chicken is not just a meal; it’s an experience! The combination of honey, sriracha, and soy sauce creates an irresistible glaze that caramelizes beautifully during cooking. The pressure cooking method locks in moisture, resulting in tender chicken every time. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be served over rice, in wraps, or even as a protein-packed salad topper. You can whip this up in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

Ingredient Rundown

To create this mouth-watering dish, you will need the following ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the show, providing lean protein.
• 1/2 cup ketchup: Adds sweetness and a rich tomato base to the sauce.
• 1/4 cup sriracha sauce: For that spicy kick!
• 1/4 cup honey: Balances out the heat with natural sweetness.
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor; opt for low sodium if desired.
• 1/2 cup water: Helps create steam for cooking in the Instant Pot.
• 3 teaspoons cornstarch + 1/4 cup cold water: To thicken the sauce to perfection.
• Cooked rice: To serve the chicken over, soaking up all that delicious sauce.
• Scallions, chopped: For garnish and a fresh crunch.

Cook’s Kit

Before you get started, gather your cooking essentials:

• Instant Pot: The key appliance for this recipe.
• Cutting board and knife: For prepping your chicken and scallions.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure your ingredients are perfectly balanced.
• Mixing bowl: For combining the sauce ingredients.
• Serving dishes: To present your delicious creation!

The Method for Instant Pot Honey Sriracha Chicken

Now that you have everything prepped, let’s get cooking!

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the ketchup, sriracha sauce, honey, soy sauce, and water. Whisk until well-blended and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Turn your Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Add the chicken breasts to the pot and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until browned. This step adds flavor and texture to the chicken.

Step 3: Add the Sauce

Pour the prepared sauce over the seared chicken in the Instant Pot. Make sure the chicken is well-coated.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to pressure cook on high for 10 minutes. Once done, allow for a natural release for about 5 minutes before performing a quick release to release any remaining pressure.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Remove the chicken from the pot and keep it warm. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water. Turn the Instant Pot back to the sauté setting and stir in the cornstarch mixture. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 6: Serve

Slice the chicken and serve it over cooked rice, drizzled with the thickened sauce. Garnish with chopped scallions for a burst of freshness.

Make It Year-Round

This dish is not only delicious but also adaptable for different seasons and occasions:

• Winter: Serve with steamed broccoli or roasted root vegetables for a comforting meal.
• Spring: Pair with a fresh salad or wrap it in lettuce leaves for a lighter option.
• Summer: Grill the chicken after pressure cooking for a smoky flavor.
• Fall: Add seasonal spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm twist.

Method to the Madness

The beauty of this Instant Pot Honey Sriracha Chicken lies in its simplicity. By using the pressure cooking method, you can achieve tender and juicy chicken without the risk of overcooking. The combination of sweet and spicy flavors creates a mouthwatering glaze that clings beautifully to the chicken. This recipe also allows for easy cleanup; simply sauté, cook, and thicken—all in one pot!

Shelf Life & Storage

You can enjoy your Instant Pot Honey Sriracha Chicken for days to come if stored properly:

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Your Top Questions

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts, but you will need to increase the pressure cooking time to about 15-20 minutes.

What can I substitute for sriracha sauce?

If sriracha is too spicy for your taste, you can use a milder hot sauce or a sweet chili sauce for a similar flavor profile without the heat.

Can I make this dish in advance?

Absolutely! This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Reheat just before serving for a quick meal.

What should I serve with this chicken?

This honey sriracha chicken pairs wonderfully with cooked rice, quinoa, or even in a wrap with fresh veggies. You could also serve it alongside steamed or roasted vegetables.

Don’t Miss These

If you love this Instant Pot Honey Sriracha Chicken, you might also want to try:

• Honey Sriracha Chicken Meatballs
• Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Time to Try It

Now that you have all the details, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and make this delicious Instant Pot Honey Sriracha Chicken. This recipe is perfect for any day of the week and will surely become a family favorite. The flavorful sauce and tender chicken create a satisfying meal that you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy the explosion of flavors, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family! Happy cooking!