The 3-Ingredient Instant Pot Chicken Recipe That’s So Easy, My Kid Can Make It

I’m at this funny life stage where my weekend is spent meal planning for the week ahead’s dinners, plus also helping my teenage athlete meal prep his lunches. This super simple, 3-ingredient Instant Pot Honey Chipotle Chicken recipe solves for all of this. It’s so easy, my kiddo can now make it on his own without asking me for (too much) help. I’m grateful for simple recipes like these that teach him that cooking from scratch is totally doable and really delicious.

That said, this recipe is inspired by one of his takeout favorites. As an athlete with a robust travel game schedule, my son is a regular at Chipotle. It’s healthful and a good value, and there is always a location at whatever far-flung tournament we’re at for the weekend. The chain has a honey chipotle chicken that he loves. We figured out a way to hack it at home for easy dinners and for lunches he can easily pack up with some rice in a Thermos to eat at school.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Honey Chipotle Chicken

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs

• Canned chipotle in adobo sauce

• Honey

I like to puree whole cans of chipotle in adobo sauce to make it easier to use. Just scoop in a couple of spoonfuls rather than chopping up individual peppers. Chipotle pepper puree is also available to buy, but a little more expensive than just doing it yourself.

You can also add additional onion, garlic, or seasonings like cumin or dried oregano if you like. But because the adobo sauce is so deeply flavored, it’s not necessary.

How to Make Instant Pot Honey Chipotle Chicken

• Season 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs with salt and pepper.

• Add to the Instant Pot.

• Add 2-3 tablespoons pureed chipotle in adobo.

• Add 1 tablespoon honey.

• Give everything a stir to coat the chicken in the chipotles and honey.

• Lock on the lid and make sure the valve is set to seal. Set to cook on HIGH pressure for 10 minutes. When the cook time is up, let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes. Quick release any remaining pressure.

• Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs to the skillet and brown them for about 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they brown quickly because of the honey.

• Remove the chicken to a plate. Reduce the heat to medium, and pour in the cooking liquid from the Instant Pot. Scrape up the bits from the pan and let the liquid reduce by half, about 3-5 minutes.

• Dice or shred the chicken and stir it into the sauce.

What to Eat with Instant Pot Honey Chipotle Chicken

Do like us and take a cue from Chipotle when serving this up.

• In burritos or tacos.

• On top of a salad or burrito bowl.

• Inside a quesadilla.

• As a nacho topping.

Further Reading

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