Instant Pot Honey Soy Chicken Thighs – Sticky, Savory & Perfectly Low-Carb!

Looking for a bold, sticky, and deeply savory chicken dish that brings all the flavor of your favorite Asian takeout—without sugar or unnecessary carbs? These Instant Pot Honey Soy Chicken Thighs are exactly what you need. With their golden sear, soft meat base, and signature low-carb glaze, this keto-friendly version delivers all the richness of classic honey soy chicken—in a grain-free, gluten-free format.

Perfect for weeknight dinners , meal prep , or when you’re craving something hearty but staying in ketosis, this one-pot wonder uses simple ingredients like bone-in chicken thighs, tamari, and erythritol-based sweetener to bring bold global flavor into your kitchen. Whether you’re doing strict ketosis , following a low-carb lifestyle , or simply love comforting dishes with depth and richness, these Instant Pot honey soy chicken thighs will quickly become a household favorite.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make this perfect keto honey soy chicken in the Instant Pot , explore ingredient substitutions, offer serving ideas, and answer your most common questions. Let’s get started!

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Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Honey Soy Chicken

This isn’t just any old slow-cooked chicken—it’s a sweet-savory, melt-in-your-mouth delight made with real ingredients that bring bold texture and taste together beautifully—in under 30 minutes!

Here’s why it stands out:

• 🍗 Tender chicken base : Made with juicy bone-in thighs for natural moisture and flavor.
• 🥣 Easy to make : Just season, pressure cook, and glaze—no extra tools needed!
• 🧂 Soy-forward seasoning : Tamari and garlic give deep umami without gluten overload.
• 🍯 Naturally sweetened glaze : Uses powdered erythritol or monk fruit for clean finish.
• ⏱️ Ready in under 25–30 minutes
• 🧁 Great for batch prep or freezer meals
• 🧼 Minimal cleanup : One pot = zero mess!

Whether you’re making it for yourself after work, your family for dinner, or guests at a weekend gathering, this Instant Pot chicken will quickly become a go-to comfort dish.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 4 bone-in chicken thighs (skin-on for best flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp ginger powder or grated fresh ginger
• 1 tbsp avocado oil or sesame oil (for searing)

Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes for heat lovers

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For the Honey Soy Glaze:

• 1/4 cup tamari or coconut aminos (for lower sodium option)
• 1/4 cup water or chicken broth
• 2 tbsp powdered erythritol or monk fruit sweetener
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lemon juice
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 clove minced garlic

Tip: Add a few drops of liquid smoke for deeper flavor

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Final Garnish:

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Fresh lime wedges for brightness

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Turn your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” mode and add avocado oil.

Season chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and ginger.

Sear skin-side down for 3–4 minutes per side , until golden brown and crispy.

Remove from pot and set aside.

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Step 2: Make the Sauce

In the same pot, stir in:

• Tamari or coconut aminos
• Powdered sweetener
• Water or broth
• Rice vinegar
• Garlic
• Sesame oil

Simmer for 2–3 minutes to infuse flavors.

Pro Tip: Stir constantly to avoid burning the sauce on the bottom.

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Step 3: Pressure Cook the Chicken

Return the chicken to the pot, skin-side up.

Pour the sauce over the top.

Cover and seal the lid.

Set to Manual High Pressure for 10 minutes .

Let naturally release for 5–10 minutes , then quick release remaining steam.

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Step 4: Broil for Extra Glaze (Optional)

For a richer glaze and caramelized finish:

• Transfer chicken to a baking sheet.
• Spoon extra sauce over the top.
• Broil in oven for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and slightly charred.

Note: Watch closely to avoid burning.

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Step 5: Garnish and Serve!

Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

Serve warm with:

• Cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles
• Steamed broccoli or bok choy
• A drizzle of extra glaze or chili paste
• Pickled vegetables or kimchi for contrast

Enjoy every sticky, savory bite of your Instant Pot Honey Soy Chicken Thighs !

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Makes 4 Servings)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~280 kcal
Total Fat	~18 g
Saturated Fat	~5 g
Cholesterol	~90 mg
Sodium	~600 mg
Total Carbs	~6 g
Dietary Fiber	~1 g
Net Carbs	~5 g
Protein	~25 g

Note: Values may vary based on exact measurements and optional add-ins.

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Tips for the Best Instant Pot Honey Soy Chicken Thighs

1. Use quality chicken and tamari – Ensures rich flavor and better marination.
2. Don’t skip the sear – Builds deep flavor and texture before pressure cooking.
3. Layer spices early – Helps build complex taste during cooking.
4. Make ahead and store – Keeps best refrigerated in an airtight container.
5. Double the batch for future meals – Great for freezing and reheating later.

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Variations & Customizations

Want to switch things up? Try these tasty variations:

Chicken Breast Version

Replace thighs with boneless breasts—adjust cooking time to 8 minutes .

No-Bake Energy Bowl

Chill leftovers and serve cold with mayo-based dip and greens.

Vegan Option

Use hearts of palm or tofu with tamari-based sauce for plant-based magic.

Pork or Beef Twist

Try pork belly or beef short ribs for different protein options.

Spicy Kick

Add sriracha to the glaze or top with jalapeños for fiery contrast.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is this truly keto-friendly?

Yes! With only ~5g net carbs per serving , it fits perfectly within a ketogenic lifestyle.

Can I use regular soy sauce or brown sugar?

Not recommended—standard soy sauce contains gluten; brown sugar adds too many carbs. Use tamari and powdered erythritol instead.

How do I store leftover chicken?

Store cooled portions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days . Reheat gently in the microwave or air fryer.

What kind of sweetener works best?

Powdered erythritol blends well without gritty texture—monk fruit is great for deeper sweetness.

Can I slow-cook this dish?

Yes! Place everything in a slow cooker and simmer on low for 4–6 hours for softer texture.

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Why This Recipe Works So Well

These Instant Pot Honey Soy Chicken Thighs work because of their perfect balance of textures and bold flavors:

• The chicken stays tender and juicy , soaking up the glaze naturally.
• The tamari gives savoriness and depth , balancing the sweetness of the glaze.
• And the erythritol melts into a rich, golden finish , completing the Asian-inspired experience.

It’s the kind of dish that makes eating clean feel indulgent—because it tastes so good.

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Serving Suggestions

Looking for creative ways to serve your keto chicken thighs beyond just a plate? Here are some ideas:

In Wraps

Wrap warm bites in large lettuce leaves or collard greens for handheld eats.

Over Greens

Top arugula or kale with warm chicken slices and a drizzle of lemon dressing.

With Dipping Sauces

Try tzatziki, chipotle mayo, or tahini for fusion flair.

At a Dinner Party

Cut into bite-sized pieces and arrange on a platter with toothpicks for appetizer servings.

As Leftovers

Crumble over scrambled eggs or mix with Greek yogurt for balanced breakfast bowls.

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Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

Let’s take a quick look at the health benefits of what makes this dish special:

Chicken Thighs

High in iron and B vitamins—supports muscle repair and satiety.

Tamari / Coconut Aminos

Rich in amino acids and gut-friendly compounds—great for digestion and flavor.

Erythritol / Monk Fruit

Natural sweeteners with minimal impact on blood sugar levels.

Even though this is a main course, it’s packed with nutrients that make it more than just a meal—it’s a smart addition to your balanced lifestyle when enjoyed mindfully.

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Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Comfort Dish for Asian Lovers

These Instant Pot Honey Soy Chicken Thighs prove that going low-carb doesn’t mean missing out on bold, comforting global flavors. With its golden crust, juicy center, and signature soy finish, it’s the kind of dish that turns a simple chicken thigh into something magical—even without sugary sauces or starchy sides.

Whether you’re new to keto meal prep, looking for a fast weeknight dinner idea, or want to impress with homemade flair, this honey soy chicken deserves a spot in your kitchen. It’s easy to make, customizable, and loved by kids and adults alike.

So go ahead—whip up a batch, share it with friends, or savor it solo. Either way, you’re treating yourself to something worth celebrating.

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