Easy Honey Soy Chicken Thighs (Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker)

Name: Easy Honey Soy Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs ((you can use chicken breasts but it changes the flavor of the chicken)); 1/3 cup soy sauce; 1/3 cup honey; 1/4 cup ketchup; 1 tbsp minced garlic; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp sesame oil; Salt and pepper (to taste); Optional: 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (to thicken); Optional: sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions

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A Quick and Flavorful Weeknight Chicken Recipe

This Easy Honey Soy Chicken is one of those recipes that hits all the right notes — quick to make, family-approved, and full of deep, comforting flavor. Whether it’s a chilly fall evening or a busy spring night filled with after-school activities, this recipe makes dinner feel effortless.

It’s the kind of meal that fits perfectly into your weekly rotation — tender chicken coated in a rich honey-soy glaze that’s equal parts sweet, salty, and savory. Best of all, it’s made with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.

Overhead view of Easy Honey Soy Chicken thighs served in a white bowl on a neutral tablecloth.

The Easiest Family Dinner You’ll Keep Coming Back To

This dish was born out of those nights when there’s barely time to cook — but takeout isn’t an option. With a few pantry staples like soy sauce, honey, and garlic, you can have a homemade dinner that feels special without the stress.

Cooking it in the Instant Pot gives you juicy, perfectly cooked chicken in minutes, but it’s just as easy to make on the stovetop. Either way, you’ll end up with tender bites of chicken coated in a glossy sauce that’s absolutely delicious spooned over a bowl of rice.

This was inspired by my chicken recipes such as these Easy Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls, and pairs well with basmati rice or even this family favorite, Rice Pilaf or Spanish Rice.

Jump to:

A Quick and Flavorful Weeknight Chicken Recipe
The Easiest Family Dinner You’ll Keep Coming Back To
Honey Soy Chicken Ingredients
4 Quick Steps for Making Honey Soy Chicken
Substitutions for Honey Soy Chicken
Variations: Make This Honey Soy Chicken Your Own
Equipment Needed for Easy Honey Soy Chicken
Storage Information
Top Tip
FAQs About Honey Soy Chicken
Weeknight Recipes
Side Dishes

Honey Soy Chicken Ingredients

You only need a few everyday ingredients to bring this flavorful dinner together:

Overhead shot of Honey Soy Chicken in a white bowl with sesame seeds and green onions on top.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Soy sauce (regular)
Honey
Ketchup
Minced garlic
Rice vinegar
Sesame oil
Salt and pepper
Optional: cornstarch slurry (for thickening)
Optional: sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions for garnish

See recipe card for quantities.

4 Quick Steps for Making Honey Soy Chicken

This recipe is fast, easy, and flexible — ideal for weeknights when time is limited.

Overhead view of ingredients for Easy Honey Soy Chicken including soy sauce, honey, garlic mixed

Step 1: Combine the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, ketchup, garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.

Raw chicken coated in honey soy sauce inside an Instant Pot before pressure cooking.

Step 2: Add to the pot: Place chicken in your Instant Pot or Pressure cooker and pour the sauce over the top.

Cooked honey soy chicken in Instant Pot coated in a glossy sauce.

Step 3: For Instant Pot — seal and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then slow release.

Sliced honey soy chicken served over white rice with green onions.

Step 4: Finish and serve: Serve over cooked rice or alongside steamed broccoli. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Hint: If you want to thicken the sauce slightly, remove the lid at the end and let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes.

Substitutions for Honey Soy Chicken

If you’re out of something or want to adjust for dietary preferences, here are a few smart swaps:

Honey: Replace with maple syrup or brown sugar for a different sweetness.
Soy sauce: Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.
Rice vinegar: Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar works well in a pinch.

Variations: Make This Honey Soy Chicken Your Own

One of the best parts of this recipe is its flexibility. Try these easy variations to switch things up:

Add heat: Stir in a little sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes.
Swap the protein: This sauce works beautifully with salmon, shrimp, or even tofu.
Add veggies: Toss in snow peas, bell peppers, or broccoli for extra color and crunch.

Equipment Needed for Easy Honey Soy Chicken

Instant Pot
Mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board

Storage Information

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

Top Tip

Use regular soy sauce (not low-sodium) — the balance of salt and sweetness creates the perfect glaze.

FAQs About Honey Soy Chicken

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! It reheats beautifully. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze Honey Soy Chicken?

Absolutely. Let it cool, then store in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove.

What should I serve it with?

Cooked rice or steamed broccoli are perfect sides, but it’s also great with noodles or roasted vegetables.

Weeknight Recipes

Looking for other recipes that are quick and easy to make? Try these:

Side Dishes

These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Easy Honey Soy Chicken:

Honey Soy Chicken in a white bowl photographed at an angle with a plant in the background.

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