Instant Pot Sticky Chicken

Instant Pot Sticky Chicken is a delicious and easy recipe that packs a punch of flavor. Using simple ingredients, you can create a sticky, sweet, and savory dish in no time. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a tasty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why Make This Recipe

You should make Instant Pot Sticky Chicken because it’s quick, tasty, and satisfying. The best part? It cooks in just 7 minutes! This recipe is also great for families, as kids love the sweet and sticky sauce. Plus, using an Instant Pot means less clean-up and more time for you to relax after dinner.

How to Make Instant Pot Sticky Chicken

Ingredients:

• 6 Tablespoons honey
• 4 Tablespoons ketchup
• 4 Tablespoons sugar
• 2 Tablespoons white distilled vinegar
• 2 Tablespoons soy sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1½ pounds frozen popcorn chicken
• Green onions, for garnish
• Sesame seeds, for garnish

Directions:

1. Press the SAUTE button on your Instant Pot.
2. Add honey, ketchup, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and salt and pepper to the pot. Mix everything together.
3. Bring the sauce to a boil while stirring, then simmer for a few minutes until it slightly thickens.
4. Add 1/2 cup of water and stir.
5. Pour in the frozen popcorn chicken and toss it in the sauce so that all the chicken is covered.
6. Put the lid on the pot and set the VALVE to sealing (not venting).
7. Press the CANCEL button to turn off the saute, then press MANUAL (or PRESSURE COOK) and set the timer for 7 minutes.
8. Once the chicken is done cooking, do a QUICK RELEASE of the pressure.
9. Stir the chicken with the sauce and serve hot over rice.
10. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

How to Serve Instant Pot Sticky Chicken

Serve your sticky chicken over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the sauce. You can also add some steamed vegetables on the side for a complete meal.

How to Store Instant Pot Sticky Chicken

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stove when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Tips to Make Instant Pot Sticky Chicken

• Make sure to stir the sauce well to avoid clumps of sugar.
• Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey and sugar.
• You can use regular chicken pieces instead of frozen popcorn chicken; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Variation

For a spicy kick, add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce. You could also replace popcorn chicken with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a different texture and flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh chicken instead of frozen?
   
   Yes, if you use fresh chicken, reduce the cooking time to about 5 minutes.
2. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
   
   Yes, you can cook it in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours for a similar outcome.
3. What can I serve with Sticky Chicken?
   
   Besides rice, you can serve it with noodles, salads, or steamed vegetables to complete the meal.

Instant Pot Sticky Chicken

A quick and flavorful dish made with frozen popcorn chicken coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 minutes mins

Total Time 17 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Asian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

Sauce ingredients

• 6 Tablespoons honey
• 4 Tablespoons ketchup
• 4 Tablespoons sugar
• 2 Tablespoons white distilled vinegar
• 2 Tablespoons soy sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Chicken

• 1.5 pounds frozen popcorn chicken

Garnish

• Green onions, for garnish
• Sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Press the SAUTE button on your Instant Pot.
• Add honey, ketchup, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and salt and pepper to the pot. Mix everything together.
• Bring the sauce to a boil while stirring, then simmer for a few minutes until it slightly thickens.
• Add 1/2 cup of water and stir.
• Pour in the frozen popcorn chicken and toss it in the sauce so that all the chicken is covered.
• Put the lid on the pot and set the VALVE to sealing (not venting).
• Press the CANCEL button to turn off the saute, then press MANUAL (or PRESSURE COOK) and set the timer for 7 minutes.
• Once the chicken is done cooking, do a QUICK RELEASE of the pressure.
• Stir the chicken with the sauce and serve hot over rice.
• Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

Make sure to stir the sauce well to avoid clumps of sugar. Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey and sugar. You can use regular chicken pieces instead of frozen popcorn chicken; just adjust the cooking time accordingly. For a spicy kick, add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Keyword Easy Dinner, Family Meal, Instant Pot, Quick Recipe, sticky chicken