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

When dinner needs to happen fast but you still want bold, comforting flavor, Instant Pot honey mustard chicken is the answer. This easy 30-minute dinner combines tender pressure-cooked chicken with a sweet, tangy honey mustard sauce that tastes like it simmered all afternoon — without the wait.

Honey mustard is one of those universally loved flavor combinations. Sweet yet sharp, cozy yet bright, it pairs beautifully with juicy chicken. Thanks to the Instant Pot, the sauce penetrates the meat while cooking, creating chicken that’s incredibly moist and packed with flavor from the inside out.

This recipe is designed for busy weeknights, family dinners, and meal prep success. Everything cooks in one pot, cleanup is minimal, and the result feels like something you’d happily serve guests.

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Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Chicken

This recipe earns a permanent spot in your rotation because it checks every box:

• Ready in about 30 minutes
• Sweet, tangy, and kid-friendly
• One-pot pressure cooker meal
• Juicy chicken every time
• Easy to pair with many sides

Unlike baked honey mustard chicken that can dry out, the pressure cooker locks in moisture and intensifies the sauce’s flavor.

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What Makes Honey Mustard So Irresistible?

Honey mustard works because it balances opposites. Honey brings warmth and sweetness, while mustard adds tang and sharpness. When combined with garlic and broth, the sauce becomes rich and savory without being heavy.

Cooking this sauce under pressure allows the flavors to meld quickly, creating depth in a fraction of the time.

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Ingredients

Simple pantry staples come together for big flavor.

• 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ⅓ cup Dijon mustard
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tbsp whole-grain mustard
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ¾ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
• Fresh parsley or thyme, for garnish

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Instructions

Follow these steps for perfectly tender Instant Pot honey mustard chicken.

1. Season the Chicken
   Season chicken on both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Sauté for Flavor
   Set Instant Pot to Sauté. Add olive oil and lightly brown chicken for 1–2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. Build the Sauce
   Add garlic to the pot and sauté 30 seconds. Stir in Dijon mustard, honey, whole-grain mustard, and chicken broth. Scrape up any browned bits.
4. Pressure Cook
   Return chicken to the pot. Lock lid and cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes. Allow a 5-minute natural release, then quick release remaining pressure.
5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
   Remove chicken. Set Instant Pot to Sauté. Stir in cornstarch slurry and simmer until sauce thickens.
6. Serve
   Spoon sauce over chicken and garnish with fresh herbs.

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Tips for Perfect Results

• Chicken thighs stay extra juicy, but breasts work great too
• Use Dijon for smooth flavor and whole-grain for texture
• Don’t skip deglazing — it prevents burn warnings
• Thicken sauce only after pressure cooking

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Make-Ahead, Storage & Meal Prep

This recipe is excellent for leftovers.

Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer:
Freeze cooked chicken and sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating:
Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth.

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Delicious Variations

Change it up with these easy tweaks:

Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken
Stir in ¼ cup cream or sour cream after cooking.

Spicy Honey Mustard
Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Honey Mustard Veggie Chicken
Add carrots or green beans before pressure cooking.

Maple Mustard Chicken
Swap honey for pure maple syrup.

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What to Serve with Honey Mustard Chicken

This dish pairs beautifully with:

• Steamed rice or buttered noodles
• Mashed or roasted potatoes
• Steamed broccoli or green beans
• Simple side salad

The extra sauce is perfect for drizzling over everything.

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Why Instant Pot Chicken Is a Weeknight Hero

Pressure cooking transforms everyday ingredients into deeply flavorful meals fast. The Instant Pot excels at sauces like honey mustard, where moisture, heat, and time work together to deliver restaurant-quality results at home.

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Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot honey mustard chicken proves that quick dinners don’t have to sacrifice flavor. Sweet, tangy, comforting, and incredibly easy, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll reach for again and again.

When dinner needs to be fast and delicious, this one delivers every time.