Instant Pot Honey Mustard Chicken (Easy 30-Minute Dinner)

When weeknights get busy and time feels tight, nothing saves dinner quite like the Instant Pot. This Instant Pot Honey Mustard Chicken is the perfect example of how simple ingredients and smart cooking can deliver big flavor in minimal time. Sweet, tangy, savory, and comforting, this dish comes together in about 30 minutes and tastes like something that simmered all day.

Honey mustard has long been a favorite flavor combination, balancing sweetness with sharp mustard bite. When paired with tender chicken and cooked under pressure, the sauce transforms into a silky, deeply flavored glaze that coats every bite. Whether you are cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a casual dinner, this recipe checks every box: fast, affordable, and incredibly satisfying.

This recipe is ideal for beginners and experienced cooks alike. You do not need complicated techniques or specialty ingredients. Everything happens in one pot, which means fewer dishes and less cleanup. The Instant Pot locks in moisture, ensuring juicy chicken every time, even if you are using lean chicken breasts.

Let’s dive into why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your weekly rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Honey Mustard Chicken

This dish is more than just quick. It is thoughtfully balanced and endlessly versatile.

• Fast and reliable: Dinner is ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish.
• One-pot convenience: Sauté, pressure cook, and thicken the sauce all in one appliance.
• Family-friendly flavor: Sweet enough for kids, tangy enough for adults.
• Meal-prep friendly: Stores and reheats beautifully without drying out.
• Customizable: Easy to adjust sweetness, spice level, or thickness of the sauce.

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/3 cup Dijon mustard
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 1 tablespoon water (optional, for slurry)
• Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish

Instructions

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add olive oil. Allow it to heat until shimmering.
2. Season the chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika if using.
3. Sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
4. Add garlic to the pot and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Deglaze the pot with chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together honey and Dijon mustard.
7. Return the chicken to the pot and pour the honey mustard mixture over it.
8. Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing, and pressure cook on high for 8 minutes.
9. Allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully quick release remaining pressure.
10. Remove the chicken and set aside.
11. If you prefer a thicker sauce, turn sauté mode back on and stir in cornstarch slurry. Simmer until thickened.
12. Return chicken to the pot, spoon sauce over the top, garnish, and serve.

Tips for the Best Results

• Use Dijon mustard for depth and smooth texture. Yellow mustard is sharper and thinner.
• Do not skip deglazing. Scraping the bottom prevents burn warnings and adds flavor.
• Chicken thighs stay extra juicy, while breasts are leaner and slightly firmer.
• Adjust sweetness by reducing honey slightly if you prefer a more savory sauce.

Variations and Add-Ins

This recipe is a great base for creativity.

• Spicy Honey Mustard Chicken: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of cream or Greek yogurt at the end.
• Herb-Forward: Add fresh rosemary or thyme during pressure cooking.
• Vegetable Boost: Add baby carrots or green beans before pressure cooking.

What to Serve with Honey Mustard Chicken

• Steamed white or brown rice
• Mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash
• Roasted vegetables
• Buttered egg noodles
• Simple green salad with vinaigrette

The sauce pairs beautifully with starchy sides that soak up every drop.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.

A Quick Note on Honey Mustard’s Popularity

Honey mustard became widely popular in American cooking in the late 20th century, especially as a dipping sauce. Its appeal lies in balance. Sweetness tempers acidity, and mustard adds complexity without overpowering. Pressure cooking enhances this balance by melding flavors quickly and efficiently.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Honey Mustard Chicken proves that comfort food does not have to be complicated. With minimal prep, bold flavor, and a foolproof cooking method, it is the kind of recipe you will come back to again and again. Whether you are feeding a family or cooking for yourself, this dish delivers warmth, ease, and satisfaction in every bite.

Instant Pot Honey Mustard Chicken

Tender chicken cooked in a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce using the Instant Pot for a fast and flavorful dinner.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 310

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 0.33 cup honey
• 0.33 cup Dijon mustard
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 0.5 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups

Method

 

1. Set Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat olive oil.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper and sear lightly on both sides.
3. Remove chicken and sauté garlic briefly.
4. Deglaze with chicken broth, scraping the bottom.
5. Whisk honey and Dijon mustard and pour over chicken.
6. Pressure cook on high for 8 minutes with 5-minute natural release.
7. Thicken sauce if desired and serve.

Notes

Adjust sweetness or thickness of sauce to taste.