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Instant Pot Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken

Tender, savory-sweet brown sugar garlic chicken cooked in the Instant Pot and finished under the broiler for crispy skin.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 4 pieces chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil or vegetable oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper or to taste
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 3 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce optional
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • garnish chopped green onions; sesame seeds

Instructions

  • Set the Instant Pot to Sauté on High and wait until it displays HOT.
  • Season the chicken thighs with the salt and pepper.
  • Add the canola oil to the hot pot and brown the chicken thighs, skin-side down first, about 3 minutes per side until golden; brown in batches if needed and set browned pieces aside.
  • Pour the chicken broth into the pot and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon.
  • Add the trivet to the pot and arrange the browned chicken thighs on the trivet, skin side up.
  • Close and lock the lid, set the valve to Sealing, select High Pressure and set the cook time to 10 minutes.
  • When cooking finishes, allow a 5-minute natural pressure release, then carefully quick-release any remaining pressure and open the lid.
  • Preheat the oven broiler and line a baking sheet with foil and a little oil.
  • Remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and place it skin side up on the prepared baking sheet.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, light brown sugar, sesame oil, hot sauce (if using), smoked paprika and 2 tablespoons of the cooking liquid from the pot until smooth.
  • Spoon or brush the sauce evenly over the chicken pieces.
  • Broil the chicken for about 5 minutes, watching closely, until the top is golden brown and sticky; do not let it burn.
  • Serve the chicken garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

Equipment

  • Instant Pot or Electric Pressure Cooker
  • Tongs
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Trivet
  • Small Bowl
  • Baking sheet lined with foil

Notes

  • Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for best texture.
  • Brown the chicken well for more flavor.
  • Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add hot sauce only if you want heat.