Instant Pot Honey Mustard Chicken

If you love a quick, easy, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, Instant Pot honey mustard chicken is the recipe you need. This dish combines the sweetness of honey and the tang of mustard, creating a rich, flavorful sauce that enhances the juicy chicken. Using your Instant Pot, you can have this mouthwatering meal ready in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to prepare a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why This Recipe Works

Honey mustard chicken is a classic combination of sweet and savory flavors. The Instant Pot not only ensures that the chicken stays juicy, but it also locks in the flavors of the honey and mustard sauce. Whether you’re new to cooking with an Instant Pot or an experienced user, this recipe simplifies the cooking process while giving you a dish full of depth and comfort.

The beauty of cooking with the Instant Pot is its ability to speed up the cooking process without sacrificing flavor. In a traditional recipe, this dish might require several steps and a longer cooking time. However, the Instant Pot allows you to prepare the meal much quicker, while still delivering tender, flavorful chicken. The rich honey mustard sauce, combined with tender baby potatoes and carrots, makes it a one-pot meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Honey Mustard Chicken

For this recipe, you don’t need a long shopping list—most of the ingredients are simple, pantry staples that you probably already have on hand:

Chicken Thighs (Bone-In, Skin-On): While you can use boneless chicken, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provide more flavor and juiciness, which is essential for this dish.
Honey: The natural sweetness of honey is what gives this dish its rich flavor. You can use regular honey or even flavored honey for a unique twist.
Mustard: For the mustard component, we’ll use both Dijon mustard and whole-grain mustard. Dijon provides a smooth, tangy base, while whole grain mustard adds texture and additional flavor.
Olive Oil: For searing the chicken and starting the base of the sauce.
Baby Potatoes: These cook well in the Instant Pot, adding a hearty, starchy element to the meal.
Carrots: Sliced into pieces, carrots bring a sweet and earthy flavor that complements the chicken.
Garlic: Adds aromatic depth to the sauce, bringing together the sweetness of the honey and the tanginess of the mustard.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Instant Pot Honey Mustard Chicken

Making this dish is simple and doesn’t require much time. Here’s a breakdown of the steps:

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Start by selecting the SAUTE setting on your Instant Pot. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and allow it to heat up. While the oil heats, season your chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the pot, skin-side down, and brown the thighs for 2-3 minutes on each side. This step helps lock in the flavor and gives the chicken a nice golden color.

Step 2: Deglaze the Pot

Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the Instant Pot and set it aside. Add ½ cup of water to the pot to deglaze it. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. These bits add great flavor to the dish, so don’t skip this step!

Step 3: Add the Sauce Ingredients

To the Instant Pot, add the garlic, honey, Dijon mustard, and whole grain mustard. Stir to combine, creating the honey mustard sauce. The mustard provides tang, while the honey balances it with sweetness. This combination is the key to the rich, savory flavor of the dish.

Step 4: Add Vegetables

Add the baby potatoes and carrots to the Instant Pot. These vegetables cook beautifully in the Instant Pot and absorb the flavors of the sauce. Season with additional salt and pepper, then stir to coat the vegetables in the sauce.

Step 5: Pressure Cook

Return the browned chicken thighs to the Instant Pot, placing them on top of the vegetables. Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and select the MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK setting on high for 8 minutes. The chicken will cook through, and the potatoes and carrots will become tender.

Step 6: Quick Release and Serve

Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick release to release the pressure. Carefully open the lid, and you’ll see the perfectly cooked chicken, potatoes, and carrots. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a bit of fresh flavor.

Variations and Substitutions for Instant Pot Honey Mustard Chicken

One of the great things about Instant Pot honey mustard chicken is its flexibility. You can tweak the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some variations and substitutions to consider:

1. Using Different Cuts of Chicken

While bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are recommended for flavor and juiciness, you can use other cuts of chicken depending on what you have on hand:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: If you prefer boneless chicken, use skinless chicken thighs. They will cook faster and still absorb the flavors of the honey mustard sauce. Reduce the cooking time to 6 minutes.
Chicken Breasts: You can substitute chicken breasts, but keep in mind that they can become dry if overcooked. To avoid this, reduce the cooking time to 6 minutes for boneless chicken breasts, or 8 minutes for bone-in breasts.
Chicken Drumsticks: If you love drumsticks, they work wonderfully in this recipe. Cook them for about 10 minutes on high pressure.

2. Adjusting the Sweetness

Honey is the star of this dish, but if you’re looking for a variation in sweetness, you can use:

Maple Syrup: For a slightly different flavor, substitute honey with maple syrup. The result will be a slightly richer sweetness with an earthy tone.
Agave Nectar: A great alternative if you’re looking for a vegan option or a sweeter flavor profile without the strong taste of honey.
Brown Sugar: If you prefer a more molasses-like sweetness, replace the honey with brown sugar. It will add a slightly different flavor to the sauce.

3. Varying the Mustard

The two types of mustard used in this recipe—Dijon and whole grain mustard—create a perfect balance of tang and texture. However, you can experiment with different types of mustard for unique flavors:

Yellow Mustard: For a milder, more classic mustard flavor, use yellow mustard instead of Dijon.
Spicy Brown Mustard: If you want more heat and depth, replace Dijon with spicy brown mustard.
Honey Mustard: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can add honey mustard instead of Dijon mustard.

4. Adding Extra Veggies

While the recipe calls for baby potatoes and carrots, you can expand the vegetable variety. Here are some great options:

Sweet Potatoes: Swap in sweet potatoes for a slightly different flavor. They also complement the sweetness of the honey mustard sauce perfectly.
Parsnips: These root vegetables have a sweet and slightly peppery flavor, making them a good choice to pair with the chicken.
Brussels Sprouts: Toss in some halved Brussels sprouts if you love a bit of bitterness to balance the sweet mustard sauce.

5. Spicing It Up

For those who prefer a little heat in their dishes, here are some easy ways to add spice to this recipe:

Cayenne Pepper: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture for a mild spicy kick.
Chili Flakes: For a more controlled heat, sprinkle chili flakes into the sauce or on top before serving.
Fresh Jalapeños: Add sliced jalapeños to the dish or serve as a topping for an extra layer of spiciness.

Storing Leftovers and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers after making this Instant Pot honey mustard chicken, don’t worry—you can store them for later!

Storing Leftovers

Cool Before Storing: Let the chicken and vegetables cool to room temperature before storing them to avoid condensation inside the container.
Airtight Containers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Leftovers: For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken, potatoes, and carrots. Place the cooled meal in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat.

Reheating Leftovers

Stovetop: Place the leftover chicken, potatoes, and sauce in a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Microwave: Transfer the leftovers to a microwave-safe dish. Cover and microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through. Add a little water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Instant Pot: You can also reheat in the Instant Pot. Simply add the leftovers to the pot, cover, and heat on low pressure for about 5 minutes to warm everything through.

What to Serve with Instant Pot Honey Mustard Chicken

Instant Pot honey mustard chicken is a complete meal, but if you want to add extra sides, here are some great options:

Rice: A side of fluffy rice is perfect for soaking up the honey mustard sauce. Brown rice or white rice both work well, depending on your preference.
Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans make great additions, offering a fresh contrast to the richness of the chicken.
Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing helps balance out the richness of the chicken. Try arugula, spinach, or mixed greens for a light and refreshing side.

Expert Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Honey Mustard Chicken

To ensure the best possible results with your Instant Pot honey mustard chicken, follow these expert tips for perfectly cooked chicken, rich sauce, and tender vegetables:

1. Sear the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Don’t skip the browning step! Searing the chicken thighs before pressure cooking locks in flavor and adds a rich color to the dish. Make sure to sear each side until golden brown. This step is essential to building a flavorful sauce.

2. Use Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken Thighs

While boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work, bone-in, skin-on thighs provide better flavor and juiciness. The bones help retain moisture, ensuring the chicken remains tender and flavorful. If you prefer boneless cuts, be sure to reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking.

3. Add Vegetables at the Right Time

Adding the potatoes and carrots at the beginning of the cooking process ensures they absorb the rich flavors of the sauce. However, if you prefer firmer vegetables, consider adding them halfway through cooking.

4. Don’t Overcrowd the Pot

The Instant Pot works best when there’s room for the food to cook evenly. If you’re doubling the recipe, consider cooking in two batches to ensure the chicken and vegetables cook properly and maintain their flavor.

5. Adjust Cooking Time Based on Chicken Size

The size of the chicken thighs will determine the cooking time. For smaller thighs, pressure cook for 6 minutes. For medium thighs, 8 minutes works well, and for large thighs, cook them for 10 minutes. You can always check for doneness by cutting into the thickest part of the chicken and ensuring it’s fully cooked.