Honey Bourbon Chicken

No Bourbon, No Fuss—Just Bold Flavor in Every Bite

Sweet, savory, and just the right amount of spicy, this Instant Pot Honey Bourbon Chicken is a weeknight dinner favorite that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Despite the name, there’s no bourbon in the mix—just a nod to Bourbon Street, where the dish first gained popularity. This version, a family favorite of Leah Hanson (sister of beekeeper and vet Lisa Tokach), makes the most of local honey and pantry staples to create a sticky, satisfying sauce that pairs perfectly with rice and steamed broccoli. It’s comfort food with a Kansas connection—easy to make, hard to resist.

Featured in Creating the Next Generation of Beekeeper, from the winter issue of 2019
Ingredients
  • 2 pounds boneless/skinless chicken thighs, diced or whole
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes   
  • 1 cup honey (Note: reduce by half for a less sweet sauce)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon (approximately) of water
Directions
  1. Add chicken, onions, and garlic to Instant Pot.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce and ketchup; add salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  3. Pour sauce over the chicken mixture and then add honey.
  4. Cooking: Once all ingredients are in the Instant Pot, lock the cover and seal the steam vent.
  5. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes (if using frozen chicken, add another10 minutes).
  6. Naturally, release steam for 5 minutes and then quick release.
  7. Turn Instant Pot to sauté.
  8. Mix cornstarch with water; add to liquid in the pot and continue to cook for a couple of minutes until sauce thickens.

 

Preparation Time  Approximately 30 minutes

Serves  4

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