Name: Instant Pot Sticky Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 Servings
Cuisine: American

It is a Keeper Verified

February 12, 2026

Instant pot chicken breast recipes are so simple and totally delicious. This recipe for instant pot sticky chicken is deliciously sweet and covered in a mouth watering sauce and a great instant pot recipes beginners too! Let me start by saying I am in love with my instant pot. It gets dinner done in no time and everything always comes out juicy and tender, this instant pot chicken breast recipes is one of them! Perfectly sweet and sticky and better than takeout. This recipe makes itself, no babysitting required!

From the Cook

1/5

Instant Pot Sticky Chicken

It is a Keeper Verified

Ingredients

WarningWheat and 2 other allergens identified

Instructions

This recipe also lives on It is a Keeper.Show them some love by checking it out! 😊

Check out original post! 😊

Original PostView

Instructions

Combine 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons soy sauce , ginger, garlic, and cayenne pepper in a bowl.

Add chicken to bowl and toss to coat.

Place chicken in a single layer in the pot and add the remaining marinade and water to the pot.

Cover and lock the lid.

Cook on manual setting/high pressure for 15 minutes.

Allow to naturally release for 5 minutes, the quick release any remaining pressure.

While chicken is cooking, combine remaining 1/2 cup brown sugar, soy sauce and tomato paste in a small bowl.

Preheat the broiler.

When chicken is done, place in a single layer on a baking sheet and brush with a generous coating of sauce.

Broil for about 5 minutes or until chicken is slightly crisp.

Keep a close watch on the chicken as it may burn quickly.

Smart Nutrition

My Calorie Intake

0
Review & Earn

Be the first to review this recipe and earn a 20% Bonus

Level up & unlock free Premium by reviewing recipes!

My Notes

Your kitchen notebook is waiting.

Whether it's a recipe tweak or an inspiration burst — jot it down here.

Tips & Tricks (5)

Marinade Magic 🧊
Marinate chicken thighs in the sauce mixture for 2-4 hours before cooking to intensify flavor absorption and tenderize the meat.
Sauce Thickness Hack 🥄
If the sauce is too thin after cooking, use a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) to quickly thicken and create that perfect sticky consistency.
Ginger-Garlic Power 🧄
Grate fresh ginger and garlic instead of mincing to release more intense oils and create a more robust flavor profile in the sauce.
Browning Technique 🔥
Use the Instant Pot's sauté function to brown chicken thighs before pressure cooking, which will add depth of flavor and create a more appetizing golden exterior.
Spice Level Control 🌶️
Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on heat preference, starting with 1/4 teaspoon and increasing gradually to achieve your ideal spice level.

Intelligent Tags

About the Cook

It is a Keeper

Hi! I’m Christina… welcome to my kitchen! It’s so nice to meet you! I share tried and true recipes that anyone can make. I believe, if you can read, you can cook.