There’s something incredibly comforting about a meal that tastes like it simmered all day but actually comes together in under an hour. That’s exactly what this instant pot honey mustard chicken delivers. Tender, juicy chicken bathed in a sweet-and-savory honey mustard sauce, all made effortlessly in your pressure cooker, this dish is the definition of cozy convenience.

Honey mustard is a classic flavor pairing for a reason. The sweetness of honey balances the sharp tang of mustard, creating a sauce that’s bold but not overpowering. In this recipe, Dijon brings smooth depth, whole grain mustard adds texture, and a touch of garlic rounds everything out. As the chicken pressure-cooks, it absorbs those flavors completely, resulting in meat that’s succulent and deeply seasoned.

This is one of those recipes that saves busy weeknights. There’s minimal prep, almost no babysitting, and the Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting. It’s perfect for nights when you want real comfort food without the time commitment. Even better, it’s versatile—serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles, and you’ve got a meal everyone will love.

What really sets this instant pot honey mustard chicken apart is the sauce. Once the chicken is cooked, the sauce thickens into a glossy, spoonable glaze that clings beautifully to every bite. It’s the kind of sauce you’ll want extra of, just to drizzle over whatever you’re serving alongside.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something warm and satisfying, this dish hits all the right notes. It’s sweet, savory, comforting, and incredibly easy—everything a great Instant Pot recipe should be.

Ingredients:

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Salt
Black pepper
Olive oil
Garlic cloves, minced
Dijon mustard
Whole grain mustard
Honey
Chicken broth
Paprika
Fresh thyme or dried thyme

Instructions:

Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, and paprika on both sides.
Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add olive oil. Sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
Add garlic to the pot and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, honey, and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
Return the chicken to the Instant Pot, turning to coat in the sauce.
Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on HIGH pressure for 8 minutes (10 minutes for chicken breasts).
Allow a natural release for 5 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release.
Remove the chicken and set the Instant Pot to sauté mode again. Simmer the sauce for 3–5 minutes until thickened.
Return chicken to the pot, spoon sauce over the top, garnish with thyme, and serve.

Instant Pot Honey Mustard Chicken

Tender chicken cooked in a sweet and savory honey mustard sauce using the Instant Pot for a quick, comforting meal.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main

Cuisine: American

Calories: 460

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

Honey Mustard Chicken

2 lb chicken thighs boneless, skinless
3 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp whole grain mustard
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup chicken broth

Equipment

Instant Pot
Tongs
Measuring cups
Wooden spoon

Method

Season and lightly sear the chicken.
Sauté garlic and add honey mustard sauce ingredients.
Pressure cook chicken until tender.
Simmer sauce until thickened.
Return chicken to sauce and serve.

Notes

Chicken thighs give the juiciest results.

Tips & Tricks

Chicken thighs stay juicier, but breasts work well too.
Adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey to taste.
If sauce is too thick, thin with a splash of broth.

Variations

Add a splash of apple cider vinegar for extra tang.
Stir in cream at the end for a creamy honey mustard sauce.
Use maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles.
Pair with roasted carrots, green beans, or broccoli.
Spoon extra sauce over vegetables—it’s that good.

Storage Information

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, skip searing and add 2 extra minutes to pressure time.
Is this dish very sweet? It’s balanced, not overly sweet.
Can I double the recipe? Yes—just avoid overcrowding the pot.

History / Fun Facts

Honey mustard sauces date back to Roman times, where honey and mustard were paired for meats.
Pressure cooking helps infuse sauces deeply into protein in a short amount of time

Instant Pot Honey Mustard Chicken – Sweet, Savory, and Weeknight-Perfect