Effortlessly satisfying, this honey bourbon chicken is everything you want in a cozy, low-effort meal — just let your Instant Pot do the work.
If your weeknights are anything like mine, filled with errands, sports practices, and helping your kiddos with homework, it’s a constant shuffle between home and everywhere else. On top of all of that, meal planning can be daunting.
That’s exactly why this honey bourbon chicken has become a regular in our home. It’s filling, flavorful and made entirely in the Instant Pot, which means more time enjoying dinner and less time fussing in the kitchen.
I’ll be honest, I’m a big fan of Instant Pot recipes. They are easy and delicious, especially when the meal gets rave reviews from my kids and husband. This meal fills the house with a scent that makes everyone instantly hungry.
Here’s what I love most: it uses real, simple ingredients that you can feel good about. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a cozy night in, this honey bourbon chicken checks every box. Honestly, you might find yourself looking forward to leftovers; they’re just that good.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is one of those hidden gems that feels fancy enough to serve to company but easy enough to throw together on a weeknight. It’s absolutely perfect for when you're craving something cozy, flavorful and stress-free.
Here’s why it’s a favorite in our house:
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It has a delectable blend of sweet, savory and just a hint of smokiness.
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Kid-approved and picky-eater friendly, so that every kid will enjoy dinner too.
- Made with simple ingredients that taste amazing and are good for you, too.
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Minimal prep and easy steps — Instant Pot meals always win.
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Pairs perfectly with rice, veggies, quinoa, rice noodles and more.
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Makes great leftovers for quick and easy lunches.
Whether it’s your first time making it or your fifth, this is one of those recipes that tastes just as wonderful every single time. It’s crave-worthy and somehow manages to taste like you put way more effort into it than you actually did. It’s comfort food made simple, and honestly, that’s my favorite kind.
Grab These Ingredients
This dish is made with clean, wholesome ingredients that come together to create the most flavorful and delicious meal. The cherry on top: you likely already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen.
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1 ½ pounds of boneless chicken breasts or thighs: A great source of protein, and thighs stay extra tender in the Instant Pot.
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½ cup of Local Raw Honey: Honey adds natural sweetness and antioxidants. We love using our Local Raw Honey for the best flavor and benefits.
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2 teaspoons of minced garlic: Boosts flavor and supports immune health.
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⅓ cup of coconut aminos: A soy-free alternative that adds deep and sweet richness.
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¼ cup of ketchup: Adds tang and subtle sweetness to round out the sauce.
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1 small onion: Gently enhances the overall flavor as it softens and blends into the sauce.
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¼ cup of bourbon: Brings warmth and a hint of smoky flavor.
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⅛ teaspoon of cayenne pepper: Gives a gentle kick to balance the sweetness.
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⅛ teaspoon of black pepper: Just a pinch, but it makes all the difference — rounding out the sauce with a gentle bite that keeps you coming back for more.
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2 tablespoons of avocado oil: A heart-healthy fat that helps brown the chicken and enrich the sauce.
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1 tablespoon of cornstarch + 1 tablespoon of water: This simple mixture thickens the sauce into a glossy glaze.
Each ingredient brings something special, whether it’s flavor, nourishment or both. Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s walk through just how easy it is to bring this delicious Instant Pot meal to life.
Step-By-Step Instructions
The beauty of this recipe is how easy it is to pull off, even on the busiest weeknight. With just a few simple steps, your Instant Pot does most of the heavy lifting, leaving you with tender chicken coated in a rich, sticky-sweet sauce that tastes heavenly. If you don’t have an Instant Pot, any pressure cooker will do!
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Whisk the sauce together: In your Instant Pot, combine the honey, garlic, coconut aminos, ketchup, onion, bourbon, cayenne pepper, black pepper and avocado oil. Give it a good stir until everything is well blended.
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Add the chicken: Place the chicken thighs (or breasts) into the pot in a single layer. Flip them once so they’re nicely coated in that flavorful sauce.
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Seal and set: Lock the lid in place and make sure the vent is set to “Sealing.” Select the Manual or Pressure Cook setting and set the timer for 15 minutes.
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Pressure release: Once the timer goes off, allow the pressure to release naturally for five minutes. Then, carefully switch to a quick release to let out any remaining steam.
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Dice the chicken: Remove only the chicken from the pot and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
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Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch and water until a smooth paste forms. Add this mixture to the sauce in the Instant Pot and switch to the Sauté function. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, until the sauce thickens into a perfect glaze.
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Toss and serve: Return the diced chicken to the pot and stir until fully coated and warmed through. Serve it over a bed of rice, noodles, veggies or your favorite grain.
That’s it — tender, flavorful, sweet, savory chicken made in one pot with minimal effort. If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, you’re going to want to stick around for the next part because this dish might be even better the next day.
What to Do With Leftovers
This honey bourbon chicken makes fantastic leftovers, maybe even better than the first night. The flavors deepen as they sit, and that sticky sauce clings even more beautifully to the chicken the next day.
To store the leftovers, place them in a sealed glass container and store them in your refrigerator for up to four days. When you're ready to reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat for the best flavor.
These leftovers are delicious served over rice, used in a wrap, spooned into lettuce cups or even in a quesadilla. The possibilities are endless, and trust me, this is a meal you’ll be happy to enjoy all over again.
Dinner Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
When dinner is this easy (and delicious), it’s a total win for everyone. This honey bourbon chicken brings big flavor without a lot of fuss, and it all starts with real, high-quality ingredients.
Our Elderberry Queen Local Raw Honey is small-batch, unfiltered and full of natural antioxidants and goodness — perfect for cooking, baking and immune support.
Looking for more yummy, no-stress dinner ideas? Check out a few of our favorite easy recipes to keep your meal rotation fresh and flavorful.
Happy cooking! Don’t forget to grab your raw honey by clicking here.