Transform your dinner routine with our incredibly simple Instant Pot Honey Mustard Chicken recipe. Crafted with just four key ingredients and featuring succulent boneless, skinless chicken thighs, this delightful meal comes together in under 20 minutes and is surprisingly budget-friendly, typically costing less than $10 for the entire dish. Say goodbye to complicated weeknight meals and hello to a flavorful, healthy, and speedy dinner solution.
Have you ever savored the rich, tangy-sweet flavors of honey mustard chicken at your favorite restaurant and wished you could recreate it at home? With just a few pantry staples like Dijon mustard, savory chicken broth, golden honey, and a touch of olive oil, you can whip up a luscious sauce that perfectly coats and cooks your chicken. We are passionate about easy Instant Pot recipes, and this one truly stands out as one of the simplest and most satisfying options for a busy weeknight.
Our family adores anything with honey mustard, so I decided to experiment with chicken thighs for a quick 15-minute dinner last night, and it has quickly become our new favorite! For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a thinly sliced onion to the pot along with the chicken. The sauce naturally thickens as it rests after pressure cooking, creating a rich glaze that clings beautifully to the tender chicken.
This versatile recipe works flawlessly in your Instant Pot, Crockpot Express, or even your Ninja Foodi. As long as your appliance features a high-pressure function, the cooking process and delicious results will be the same, regardless of the brand.
For this recipe, I highly recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs. While bone-in chicken can sometimes be a more economical choice, boneless, skinless thighs are incredibly convenient for serving, especially for children, and come with most of the excess fat already trimmed. You’ll be utilizing both the sauté and pressure cook functions of your Instant Pot to achieve maximum flavor and tenderness.
Can You Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Boneless Chicken Thighs?
Absolutely! You can certainly substitute chicken breasts for boneless chicken thighs in this recipe. However, for optimal results, I suggest using medium-sized breasts. If they are too thick, they may not cook through evenly to the center in the allotted time. Personally, I find that dark meat, like chicken thighs, offers a richer flavor profile and tends to be more budget-friendly, making it a win-win in my kitchen.
Can You Make This with Bottled Honey Mustard Salad Dressing?
Yes, you can! I have successfully prepared this dish using bottled honey mustard salad dressing, and I’ve included specific directions for that method in the notes section below. While using bottled dressing makes the process even easier, crafting your own homemade sauce allows for greater customization of flavors to suit your preferences. If you opt for bottled dressing, remember to thin it out slightly with some water to prevent triggering your Instant Pot’s “burn” notification.
Achieving the Perfect Sauce: How to Thicken It
If you desire a thicker, more luxurious sauce after the chicken is cooked, the solution is simple: cornstarch! You’ll need just one tablespoon. Always whisk the cornstarch with a small amount of the hot liquid from your pot or a few tablespoons of cool water until you have a smooth, lump-free slurry. Once the chicken has been removed from the pot, set your Instant Pot back to the sauté function. When the sauce begins to bubble, slowly pour in the cornstarch mixture while stirring consistently. Continue to stir for 1-2 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired thickness. This simple trick will yield a beautifully rich and glossy sauce that elevates the entire dish.
These flavorful chicken thighs, especially when topped with a vibrant coleslaw, make fantastic little appetizers for any gathering. This recipe sparked a whole new obsession with easy Instant Pot chicken recipes in our household!
Essential Tips for Instant Pot Honey Mustard Chicken Success
To ensure your chicken cooks through quickly and evenly, aim for medium-sized chicken thigh pieces. Interestingly, you can adapt this same method to cook thin pork chops, offering another versatile meal option.
For the most tender and juicy results, I’ve found it’s best to brown the exterior of the chicken thighs first using the sauté function. This crucial step locks in the natural juices and develops a deeper flavor. After browning, it’s vital to deglaze your Instant Pot. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the delicious, stuck-on bits from the bottom of the pot. Skipping this step can lead to a “burn” notice, interrupting your cooking process.
This honey mustard chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, but we particularly enjoy serving it over fluffy Instant Pot white rice. It’s a simple, protein-packed meal bursting with incredible flavor. Honey mustard is my husband’s favorite salad dressing, which got me thinking – why not transform it into a delicious marinade and sauce? And so, this fantastic recipe was born!
Instant Pot Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
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Equipment
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1 pressure cooker
Ingredients
- 3-4 lbs chicken thighs, boneless, skinless
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 cup chicken stock, or broth
Instructions
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Season both sides of the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. Set your pressure cooker to the sauté function and allow it to heat up.
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Add the olive oil to the hot pot. Once shimmering, add 4 chicken thighs, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Sear and brown them on both sides for 2-3 minutes per side until golden. Remove the browned chicken and repeat with the remaining thighs until all are seared.
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Pour 1/3 cup of your chicken broth or stock into the pot. Use a sturdy wooden spoon to carefully scrape all the cooked, flavorful bits of chicken from the bottom of the pot. This crucial step, known as deglazing, prevents a “burn” notice and adds depth to your sauce.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining chicken broth, Dijon mustard, and honey. Mix until well combined to create your delicious honey mustard sauce. Do not add cornstarch at this stage.
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Return all the browned chicken thighs to the pot, arranging them in a single layer as much as possible to ensure even cooking. Pour the freshly mixed honey mustard sauce evenly over the chicken.
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Secure the lid on your pressure cooker and ensure the steam release valve is set to the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure.
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Carefully remove the cooked chicken thighs from the pot and set them aside. If you prefer a thicker sauce, set the pot back to the sauté function. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a few tablespoons of the hot liquid from the pot until smooth and free of lumps. Pour this cornstarch slurry into the bubbling sauce in the pot and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking. Turn off the pot and serve immediately with the chicken.
Video
Notes
Quick Method with Honey Mustard Salad Dressing
For an even faster approach, you can prepare this Instant Pot Honey Mustard Chicken using bottled salad dressing. Here’s what you’ll need:
- One bottle of your favorite honey mustard salad dressing (approximately 16 oz).
- 3/4 cup water.
- One packet of onion soup mix (dry).
- 3 chicken breasts, cut in half (or 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs).
Combine the salad dressing and the dry onion soup mix in a bowl and stir well. Place your chicken (breasts or thighs) into the Instant Pot, then pour the prepared dressing mixture over the top. To ensure you get every last drop of dressing, pour the water into the empty dressing bottle, secure the lid, and shake vigorously. Pour this diluted mixture into your Instant Pot as well. Close the lid and steam valve, then cook on high pressure for 13 minutes. Once done, perform a quick release. This method simplifies the ingredient list while still delivering delicious results.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Creative Ways to Serve Instant Pot Honey Mustard Chicken
This versatile honey mustard chicken can be served in numerous delicious ways. For a fun, handheld meal, shred the chicken and tuck it into small tortillas, perhaps with a scoop of creamy coleslaw for added texture and flavor. It’s also fantastic served simply over a bed of fluffy rice or healthy pressure cooker quinoa.
If you’re aiming for a low-carb dinner, this dish pairs beautifully with a variety of vegetables. Some of our family’s favorites include crispy air fryer cauliflower, vibrant green beans, or a comforting side of slow cooker mashed potatoes for a heartier option. The rich sauce complements almost any vegetable, making it easy to create a balanced and satisfying meal.
Storing Leftovers: How Long Does Cooked Chicken Last in the Fridge?
Properly stored, cooked Instant Pot Honey Mustard Chicken will typically last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. To maximize freshness and ensure safety, always store leftovers in an airtight container with as much air removed as possible. For ultimate convenience, we often portion out individual servings into separate containers or baggies, making it incredibly easy to grab and reheat throughout the week.
When reheating, you can warm it in a pan on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, or in 30-second increments in the microwave until thoroughly warm. To prevent the chicken thighs from drying out on the outside while the inside warms up, consider slicing them in half before reheating.
Can You Freeze Leftover Cooked Chicken?
Absolutely, you can freeze leftover cooked honey mustard chicken! While we rarely have leftovers of this popular dish, it freezes exceptionally well. Store it in airtight freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. For the best flavor and texture, aim to consume it within 4 months, though it is safe to store in the freezer for up to nine months. Once thawed, it’s crucial to reheat and consume the chicken within 24 hours to ensure food safety.
Explore More Easy Instant Pot Chicken Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re keen to explore more delicious chicken thigh recipes, you absolutely must try our Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Thighs. This recipe can be easily adjusted to be mild or spicy, and the homemade teriyaki sauce is simply outstanding!
Here are a few more of our favorite simple and flavorful Instant Pot chicken dishes:
- Instant Pot Apricot Chicken – another fantastic recipe that cleverly uses salad dressing for a quick sauce.
- Budget-friendly Instant Pot Salsa Chicken – an incredibly easy meal requiring only three ingredients.
- Super simple Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken – a healthy and kid-friendly meal that’s always a hit in our home.
- One of our most popular and flavorful meals is this delightful Instant Pot Sesame Chicken dish.
