Juicy chicken thighs dripping in a sweet, tangy honey mustard glaze—yes, please! This Instant Pot Honey Mustard Chicken is the perfect blend of convenience and flavor. It's a foolproof weeknight winner made with pantry staples and minimal prep, yet impressive enough to serve to guests.
I started making this Instant Pot Honey Mustard Chicken on busy weeknights when I wanted something cozy without standing over the stove. It’s especially great in cooler weather, but honestly, I make it year-round because it’s just that good.
If you love one-pot comfort food, try my Chicken Yaki Soba or the hearty Chicken Tamale Pie.
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💖 Why This Recipe Works
- Sweet & Savory Harmony: Honey and Dijon mustard are the ultimate power couple—perfectly balanced in every bite.
- Quick Comfort: Thanks to the Instant Pot, you get tender, juicy chicken in under 30 minutes.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Stores well and tastes even better the next day.
⭐ Star Ingredients
- Chicken Thighs: I always reach for boneless, skinless thighs—they’re juicy, flavorful, and cook perfectly in the Instant Pot.
- Dijon Mustard: A pantry must-have. It adds that punchy tang that cuts through the sweetness just right.
- Honey: I use local raw honey whenever I can—it melts into the sauce and brings that classic sticky glaze.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Turn up the heat—mix in red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a spicy honey mustard kick.
- Herb it up—bake skin-on thighs with fresh rosemary and thyme for an aromatic, flavor-packed meal.
- Zesty twist—garlic and lemon brighten up the honey mustard sauce for a tangy, refreshing bite.
Love fast, flavorful dinners? Don’t miss our Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets or One Pan Chicken and Asparagus.
🔪How To Make Instant Pot Honey Mustard Chicken
- Step 1: Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. Set your pressure cooker to "sauté." Once hot, add oil. Sear the chicken on each side for about 3 minutes, until it releases easily. Keep the chicken warm and repeat until all thighs are browned.
- Step 2: Pour chicken stock into the Instant Pot. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This adds extra flavor to your dish.
- Step 3: Place the browned chicken thighs back into the pressure cooker. In a small bowl, mix together the honey and mustard. Pour this mixture over the chicken thighs in the pot.
- Step 4: Cook boneless chicken thighs in an Instant Pot using the pressure cook setting for 10 minutes. After cooking, release the pressure and remove the chicken. For a thicker sauce, use the sauté mode and whisk in cornstarch with water. Serve the chicken with mashed potatoes or a favorite side.
💡 Hint: Let the sauce bubble for 2–3 minutes after thickening—this caramelizes the honey slightly for even deeper flavor.
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Use a Thermometer: Make sure chicken reaches 165°F for safe eating.
- Don’t Skip the Sear: Browning the chicken adds flavor you won’t want to miss.
- Double the Sauce: Want extra for drizzling over veggies or rice? Go ahead and double the honey mustard mix.
💭 FAQs
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in thighs. Just keep in mind that boneless thighs will cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.
If you're looking for an alternative to honey, maple syrup or agave nectar can work as a substitute, although the flavor will be slightly different. You can also use brown sugar for a more robust sweetness.
No, this recipe is not spicy, but you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the mustard sauce if you prefer a little heat with the sweetness.
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken in the honey mustard sauce a few hours before cooking, or even overnight, for deeper flavor. Just make sure to refrigerate the chicken while marinating.
Definitely. Let it cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
💖 Serving Suggestions
Here are my favorite sides to serve with Instant Pot Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs:
- Almond Milk Potatoes: Creamy and comforting—the perfect bed for this saucy chicken.
- Air Fryer Roasted Carrots: Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the honey mustard glaze.
- Roasted Beet Salad: A peppery, fresh contrast to balance out the rich chicken.
- Quinoa Pilaf: Hearty, nutritious, and soaks up all the saucy goodness.
- Cucumber Yogurt Dip: For a refreshing cool-down on the side.
🍽 More Tasty Chicken Recipes
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Chicken Thighs In Honey And Mustard Sauce
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 pounds Chicken Thighs Skinless
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Extra Virgin
- ½ cup Dijon mustard
- ½ cup Honey
- 1 cup Chicken Stock
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch to thicken sauce if desired
- Pinch Salt
- Pinch Pepper
Instructions
- Generously season all sides of the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- Set your pressure cooker to the “sauté” setting. Once it's hot, add oil to the pot. Place the seasoned chicken thighs into the oil and sear each side for about 3 minutes, or until the chicken releases easily from the pot. Keep the chicken warm and repeat until all the chicken thighs are browned.
- Pour chicken stock into the Instant Pot. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This adds extra flavor to your dish.
- Place the browned chicken thighs back into the pressure cooker.
- In a small bowl, mix together the honey and mustard. Pour this mixture over the chicken thighs in the pot.
- Place the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the “pressure cook” or “manual” setting and set the timer for 10 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, use a quick release to release the pressure.
- Carefully remove the boneless chicken thighs from the pot. If you prefer a thicker honey mustard chicken marinade, switch the Instant Pot back to the “sauté” mode. Whisk in a thickening agent, such as cornstarch mixed with water, and stir until the honey mustard mixture reaches your desired consistency.
- Your delicious Chicken Thighs in Honey and Mustard Sauce are ready! Serve them with creamy mashed potatoes or your favorite side dish and enjoy.
Sweet, tangy, and incredibly easy—these honey mustard chicken thighs are a weeknight favorite! The sauce is perfectly balanced, and the chicken comes out juicy every time.