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

Easy Honey Soy Chicken Thighs

A flavorful and quick chicken dinner made with a simple honey soy sauce. Perfect for weeknights, ready in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian Inspired
Calories: 275
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (you can use chicken breasts but it changes the flavor of the chicken)
  • ⅓ cup soy sauce
  • ⅓ cup honey
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoon water to thicken
  • Optional: sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions

Method
 

  1. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, ketchup, garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
  2. Add thinly sliced chicken to the Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker. Brown the chicken and pour the sauce over.
  3. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes (Instant Pot) and let the steam release naturally.
  4. Optional: Stir in cornstarch slurry and simmer to thicken.
  5. Serve with rice or steamed broccoli. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions.

Notes

  • Chicken Choice: You can use either chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs stay a little juicier, but both work beautifully with this sauce.
  • No Cornstarch Needed: The sauce naturally thickens slightly as it cools, but if you prefer a thicker glaze, use the cornstarch slurry at the end.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe reheats well and can be made up to 3 days ahead — perfect for lunches or busy weeknights.
  • Double It: If you’re feeding a larger family, this recipe easily doubles with the same cook time in the Instant Pot.
  • Serving Ideas: Pair it with jasmine rice, brown rice, quinoa, or steamed broccoli. It’s also great spooned over noodles.
  • Make It Your Own: Add a little sriracha or chili flakes for spice, or top with fresh cilantro and lime for a citrusy twist.