Sweet and Tangy Instant Pot Honey Mustard Chicken

Transform your weeknight dinners with our incredibly easy and utterly delicious Instant Pot Honey Mustard Chicken. This highly-rated recipe is a true kitchen hero, requiring just four main ingredients and delivering tender, intensely flavorful boneless, skinless chicken thighs in under 20 minutes. It’s not just a meal that comes together quickly and easily; it’s also remarkably budget-friendly, often costing less than $10 for the entire family. Get ready to add this amazing pressure cooker honey mustard chicken to your regular rotation, promising a healthy and satisfying meal every time!

Have you ever found yourself craving the irresistible sweet and tangy flavors of honey mustard chicken, typically savored at your favorite restaurant? The good news is, you can effortlessly replicate that gourmet experience right in your own kitchen! With a handful of essential ingredients like robust Dijon mustard, savory chicken broth, golden, sweet honey, and a touch of quality olive oil, you can create a simple yet profoundly delicious sauce that tenderizes your chicken to succulent perfection. As an enthusiastic advocate for easy Instant Pot recipes, I can confidently attest that this one couldn’t be simpler or more satisfying for any busy weeknight dinner.

My family’s undeniable love for all things honey mustard inspired me to experiment with boneless, skinless chicken thighs in our pressure cooker just last night. The goal was a quick 15-minute dinner, and the outcome was nothing short of spectacular—it has instantly become our new favorite meal! For an extra layer of aromatic depth and a touch of sweetness, consider thinly slicing an onion and adding it to the pot alongside the chicken. It will caramelize beautifully within the rich sauce.

The magic of pressure cooking truly shines with this recipe. The honey mustard sauce, infused with all the savory chicken juices, thickens beautifully as it sits after cooking, creating a luxurious glaze that coats every piece of chicken. This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, meaning you can achieve the same fantastic results regardless of your specific appliance. Whether you’re using an Instant Pot, a Crockpot Express, or a Ninja Foodi machine, as long as it features a high-pressure cooking function, your honey mustard chicken will cook consistently and perfectly. The brand truly doesn’t matter when it comes to delivering this tender, flavorful dish.

For optimal results and ease of eating, I strongly prefer using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe. While bone-in options can sometimes be more cost-effective, the convenience of pre-trimmed boneless, skinless thighs makes them an excellent choice, particularly for families with children. They’re much simpler for little hands to manage, and they come with a significant amount of the excess fat already removed, contributing to a slightly leaner meal. This recipe will guide you through utilizing both the “sauté” and “pressure cook” functions of your Instant Pot to achieve perfectly cooked chicken with a beautifully developed sauce.

Can You Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Boneless Chicken Thighs?

Yes, absolutely! Chicken breasts can certainly be substituted for boneless chicken thighs in this recipe, offering a leaner alternative if that’s your preference. However, for the best cooking results and to ensure uniform tenderness, I recommend using medium-sized chicken breasts. If the breasts are excessively thick, they may struggle to cook thoroughly to the center within the recommended pressure cooking time, potentially leading to a dry exterior or an undercooked core. From a flavor perspective, I personally find that the dark meat of chicken thighs offers a much richer, more succulent taste. Additionally, chicken thighs are often more budget-friendly, making them a delicious and economical choice for a win-win situation in the kitchen.

Can You Make This with Store-Bought Honey Mustard Salad Dressing?

For those seeking an even quicker shortcut, yes, you can absolutely prepare this dish using store-bought honey mustard salad dressing! I’ve successfully tested this method, and you’ll find detailed instructions for this variation in the notes section below the main recipe card. While bottled dressing simplifies the process considerably, remember that crafting your own homemade sauce allows for greater flexibility in tweaking the flavors to perfectly suit your palate. If you opt for the bottled dressing, a crucial tip is to thin it out slightly with a bit of water. This helps prevent the “burn” notification that can sometimes appear on your pressure cooker’s display, which is often triggered by thick sauces sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Achieving the Perfect Sauce Consistency: How to Thicken the Sauce

If you desire a thicker, more luscious sauce to coat your tender honey mustard chicken once it’s finished cooking, achieving that ideal consistency is remarkably simple. All you’ll need is one tablespoon of cornstarch, a common pantry staple. The secret to a perfectly smooth, lump-free sauce lies in how you prepare the cornstarch slurry: always whisk it with a small amount of hot liquid drawn directly from your pot, or alternatively, a few tablespoons of cool water, until it forms a perfectly uniform, smooth mixture. Once your beautifully cooked chicken has been carefully removed from the Instant Pot, set your appliance back to the “sauté” function. As the remaining sauce in the pot begins to bubble gently, gradually pour in your prepared cornstarch slurry, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon or whisk. Continue to stir for just 1 to 2 minutes; you’ll witness the sauce magically transform, thickening to your desired richness and creating an irresistible glaze. Once achieved, simply turn off the pot, and your perfectly thickened sauce is ready to elevate your meal!

This versatile honey mustard chicken isn’t just limited to dinner! Shredded and nestled into small tortillas with a dollop of creamy coleslaw, these make perfect, slightly spicy and incredibly flavorful appetizers for any party or gathering. In fact, this particular recipe sparked a delightful Instant Pot chicken recipes obsession in our household, leading us to explore and discover many more quick, easy, and undeniably delicious meals that utilize the magic of pressure cooking.

Essential Tips for Instant Pot Honey Mustard Chicken Success

To ensure your Instant Pot Honey Mustard Chicken turns out flawlessly every single time, resulting in perfectly tender chicken and a rich, flavorful sauce, keep these invaluable tips in mind during preparation:

• Consistent Chicken Size: When preparing your chicken thighs, aim to cut them into medium-sized, relatively uniform pieces. This consistency is crucial for promoting faster and, more importantly, even cooking throughout the batch. Uniform pieces ensure that every bite is equally tender and juicy. This same principle can be applied if you wish to cook other meats, such as thin pork chops, using an analogous pressure cooking method.
• The Power of Browning: Through extensive experimentation, I’ve consistently found that pre-browning the exterior of the chicken in the Instant Pot’s “sauté” function is a game-changer. This essential step isn’t just about aesthetics; it expertly locks in the natural juices of the chicken, ensuring each piece remains incredibly moist and develops a deeper, more complex flavor profile as it cooks under pressure.
• Crucial Deglazing: After you’ve finished browning your chicken and removed it from the pot, it is absolutely imperative to deglaze the pot. This vital step involves pouring a small amount of liquid (usually a portion of your chicken broth) into the hot pot and using a sturdy wooden spoon to diligently scrape off any flavorful browned bits that have stuck to the bottom. Not only does deglazing incorporate all those delicious caramelized fond flavors into your sauce, enhancing its richness, but it also crucially prevents the infamous “burn” notice from triggering on your pressure cooker, which can halt your cooking process.

We find that this honey mustard chicken truly shines when served atop a fluffy bed of Instant Pot white rice. This simple pairing creates a meal that is both satisfyingly packed with protein and bursting with incredible flavor, I assure you. My husband is particularly fond of honey mustard as a salad dressing, which prompted the thought: why not transform it into a delicious marinade and cooking sauce? It’s a decision that consistently yields fantastic results!

★★★★☆

4.67 from 3 votes

Instant Pot Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe

By
Justine

This Instant Pot honey mustard chicken is an incredibly simple recipe to make, perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight meal. Just throw your ingredients into the pressure cooker, and you’ll have a delightful dinner ready in less than 20 minutes, all for under $10 total. Served over rice, it’s an effortless and flavorful honey mustard chicken experience.

Prep:

10 mins

Cook:

10 mins

Total:

18 mins

Servings:
6

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Equipment

• 1 pressure cooker (Instant Pot, Ninja Foodi, Crockpot Express)

Ingredients

• 3-4 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 cup chicken stock, or broth
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• (Optional) 1 tbsp cornstarch, for thickening sauce (whisked with 2-3 tbsp liquid from pot or cold water)

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Instructions for Instant Pot Honey Mustard Chicken

1. Begin by patting your chicken thighs dry and generously seasoning both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Set your pressure cooker to the “sauté” function, and allow it to heat up until hot.
2. Add the olive oil to the hot pot. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add 3-4 chicken thighs (or as many as fit without overcrowding) to sear and brown for 3-4 minutes per side until beautifully golden. Once browned, remove these thighs and set them aside. Repeat this process with any remaining chicken until all pieces are seared to perfection.
3. Pour approximately 1/3 cup of your chicken broth or stock into the pot. Immediately use a sturdy wooden spoon to diligently scrape all the flavorful cooked bits of chicken off the bottom of the pot. This crucial “deglazing” step not only incorporates rich flavors but also prevents the pressure cooker from triggering a burn notice.
4. In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the remaining chicken broth, Dijon mustard, and honey until thoroughly combined. This mixture forms your delectable homemade honey mustard sauce.
5. Carefully return all the seared chicken back into the Instant Pot. Arrange the pieces so they overlap as little as possible to ensure even cooking and better sauce coverage. Then, pour the prepared honey mustard sauce evenly over the top of the chicken.
6. Secure the lid onto your pressure cooker and ensure the steam release valve is set to the sealing position. Set the cooking function to “high pressure” for 10 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure by carefully turning the steam valve to the venting position.
7. Carefully remove the tender cooked chicken from the pot and transfer it to a serving platter. If you desire 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 hot liquid from the pot until completely smooth and lump-free. Pour this cornstarch slurry into the bubbling sauce in the pot and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. Turn off the pot, pour the thickened sauce over the chicken, and serve immediately.

Video Tutorial

For a comprehensive visual guide, watch our step-by-step video tutorial below. It demonstrates each stage of making this delectable Instant Pot Honey Mustard Chicken, ensuring you achieve perfect results every time!

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Notes and Variations for Your Honey Mustard Chicken

Quick Version: Made with Honey Mustard Salad Dressing

For those times when you need dinner on the table even faster, you can opt to use store-bought honey mustard salad dressing. This simplified version delivers a fantastic meal with minimal effort. Here’s what you’ll need for this speedy variation:

1. One bottle of your favorite honey mustard salad dressing (approximately 16 oz)
2. 3/4 cup water
3. One packet of dry onion soup mix
4. 3 chicken breasts, cut in half (or 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs)

To prepare: In a mixing bowl, combine the bottled salad dressing with the dry onion soup mix and stir thoroughly until well blended. Place your chicken pieces into the Instant Pot, arranging them in a single layer if possible. Evenly pour the dressing mixture over the chicken. For extra flavor and to ensure all dressing is utilized, pour the specified amount of water into the empty dressing bottle, cap it, and shake vigorously. Then, pour this diluted dressing into your pot as well. Secure the lid, ensure the steam valve is set to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 13 minutes. Once done, perform a quick release.

Additional Serving Suggestions:

• Fresh Garnish: Brighten up your plate with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thinly sliced green onions for a pop of color and herbaceous freshness.
• Grain Bowls: Create a hearty and balanced meal by serving the chicken and its rich sauce over a bed of fluffy Instant Pot white rice, nutrient-dense quinoa, or even creamy mashed potatoes.
• Low-Carb Option: If you’re focusing on a low-carb diet, pair the flavorful chicken with an array of vibrant, non-starchy vegetables. Excellent choices include crispy air fryer cauliflower, tender steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a simple fresh side salad.

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Serving: 3oz,
Calories: 657kcal,
Carbohydrates: 28g,
Protein: 39g,
Fat: 44g,
Saturated Fat: 11g,
Cholesterol: 223mg,
Sodium: 469mg,
Potassium: 550mg,
Fiber: 1g,
Sugar: 24g,
Vitamin A: 192IU,
Vitamin C: 1mg,
Calcium: 32mg,
Iron: 2mg

Please note: Nutrition information is an estimation calculated automatically and should only be used as an approximation. Individual results may vary.

Additional Recipe Information

Course:
Entree, Main Course

Cuisine:
American

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Creative Ways to Serve Your Instant Pot Honey Mustard Chicken

Once your delectable Instant Pot Honey Mustard Chicken is ready and infused with its sweet and savory flavors, the serving possibilities are truly endless! This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, allowing you to tailor it to any meal or dietary preference. Here are some of our favorite creative and satisfying ways to enjoy it:

• Casual Tacos or Sliders: For a fun, informal, and utterly delicious meal, shred the tender honey mustard chicken and nestle it into small soft tortillas or slider buns. For an added layer of flavor and texture, consider a generous dollop of creamy coleslaw or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
• Hearty Grain Bowls: Serve the chicken and its rich, thickened sauce over a comforting bed of fluffy Instant Pot white rice, a wholesome and nutritious pressure cooker quinoa, or even a flavorful wild rice medley. These options soak up the sauce beautifully, creating a well-rounded and satisfying dish.
• Low-Carb & Healthy Pairings: For those following a low-carb lifestyle, this honey mustard chicken is an excellent fit. Pair the flavorful chicken with an array of vibrant, non-starchy vegetables. Some of our top recommendations include crispy air fryer cauliflower, tender green beans, steamed broccoli, or roasted asparagus. A side of creamy slow cooker mashed potatoes (if carb count allows) or a fresh garden salad also makes for a delightful complement.

Storing Leftovers: How Long Will Cooked Chicken Last in the Fridge?

Proper storage is absolutely essential to ensure you can safely and deliciously enjoy your Instant Pot Honey Mustard Chicken leftovers. As a general rule of thumb, cooked chicken will remain fresh and safe to eat for approximately 3 to 4 days when stored correctly in the refrigerator. To maximize its freshness and make future meal prep incredibly convenient, I highly recommend portioning individual servings into airtight containers or sturdy freezer bags. When sealing, try to remove as much air as possible to prevent spoilage. This method makes it incredibly easy to grab a ready-to-heat, flavorful meal on those particularly busy days.

When it comes to reheating your leftovers, you have a couple of simple and effective options. You can gently warm the chicken in a pan on the stove over medium-low heat until it is heated through, ensuring the sauce doesn’t dry out. Alternatively, for a quicker solution, use your microwave, heating the chicken in 30-second increments and stirring in between each burst until it’s evenly warm. A useful tip to prevent the outsides of the chicken thighs from drying out while the insides heat through is to slice larger pieces of chicken in half before reheating.

Can You Freeze Leftover Cooked Chicken?

Yes, you most certainly can freeze leftover cooked Instant Pot Honey Mustard Chicken! While it’s often so delicious that leftovers are a rare luxury, freezing is an excellent option for proactive meal prep or for preserving any extra portions. To ensure maximum freshness and quality, store the cooked chicken in airtight freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, again, removing as much air as possible before sealing. For the best possible flavor and texture, it is generally recommended to consume frozen chicken within 4 months. However, for food safety purposes, it is considered safe for up to nine months. When you’re ready to enjoy, always thaw the chicken thoroughly in the refrigerator overnight. Once it has completely defrosted, you’ll need to reheat it to a safe internal temperature and consume it within 24 hours to ensure optimal food safety.

Explore More Easy Instant Pot Chicken Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re now completely hooked on the incredible convenience and delicious results of Instant Pot chicken, especially these flavorful chicken thigh recipes, you’re in for a fantastic culinary journey! We have a treasure trove of other easy, quick, and undeniably tasty pressure cooker chicken dishes that are sure to become new family favorites. Expand your Instant Pot repertoire with these highly recommended recipes:

• Instant Pot Spicy Teriyaki Chicken Thighs: These can be customized to be delightfully spicy or wonderfully mild, depending on your preference. The homemade teriyaki sauce in this recipe is truly exceptional and makes all the difference!
• Instant Pot Apricot Chicken: Another fantastic recipe that ingeniously utilizes bottled salad dressing for a quick and incredibly flavorful sauce. It offers a unique sweet and savory profile that’s surprisingly simple to achieve.
• Cheap Instant Pot Salsa Chicken: Perfect for those evenings when you need a super quick, budget-friendly meal, this recipe requires just three simple ingredients and delivers a vibrant Tex-Mex twist.
• Super Easy Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken: This is a healthy, satisfying, and incredibly simple meal that our kids absolutely adore. It’s perfect for both quick weeknight dinners and efficient meal prepping.
• Instant Pot Sesame Chicken: This dish has quickly risen through the ranks to become one of our most popular Instant Pot recipes, thanks to its irresistible sweet and savory sesame sauce and perfectly tender chicken.

There you have it – a simple yet profoundly flavorful Instant Pot Honey Mustard Chicken recipe that promises to become a beloved staple in your home. It’s perfectly suited for bustling weeknights, efficient meal prepping, or simply for satisfying a craving for something utterly delicious and comforting. We hope you enjoy making and savoring this fantastic dish as much as we do!