Instant Pot Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken

This Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken recipe is super easy to make in your Instant Pot Pressure Cooker. Ready in 30 Minutes!

I make chicken in my Instant Pot Pressure Cooker more than anything else. It's so easy especially that you can use frozen chicken breasts. This Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken recipe happens to be one of my favorite ways to make chicken in my Instant Pot.

If you've never made chicken in your pressure cooker or tired of making plain chicken in your pot, I strongly suggest you check this recipe out. While this recipe does require more ingredients than usual, they are all simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.

When I make this chicken dish, I like to use a trivet in the bottom of the pot. This is totally optional, just a personal preference of mine. I have made it without using the trivet and it doesn't change the flavor or texture.

Additionally, I like the defrost the chicken breasts a bit before putting them in the pot but this is optional. You can use raw chicken or frozen chicken and it will still turn out yummy. I sometimes like to add an extra minute or two when using frozen breasts but the Instant Pot does a pretty good job figuring this out for you.

For the Hot Sauce needed for this recipe, I usually use some Cholula Sauce which I always have on hand, or on a couple of occasions, I've also used Frank's Hot Sauce. Simply use whatever kind of hot sauce you have on hand.

🐓 How to Handle Raw Chicken

Leave the chicken in the fridge until ready to use.
Be careful of dripping juices. Clean up immediately.
Do not wash raw chicken (which prevents cross-contamination).
Wash all utensils and cutting boards (if applicable).
If marinating the chicken, make sure you toss the juices before you cook. Don't ever use the juice from the marinade.
Wash your hands after handling raw chicken.

💭 Instant Pot Pressure Cooker

The Instant Pot is a combination pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer with a few other capabilities. With an Instant Pot, you can make some recipes in minutes compared to hours the traditional way. While not always the case, it's a very handy appliance if you are always on the run.

The Instant Pot comes with several safety features. If you happen to encounter an error message on the display of your IP, I suggest you visit Instant Pot's Official Customer Care Center.

If you frequently use your Instant Pot Pressure Cooker, you've probably experienced a "smelly" lid. Here's a simple way to get rid of the smell. Fill the Instant Pot with 2 Cups of White Vinegar. Seal the lid. Use the steam setting for 2 minutes. Remove the rubber ring from the lid and let dry completely before using it.

For more delicious recipes with crushed red pepper flakes, I suggest you check these recipes out:

📋 What Ingredients do I need

You will need the following ingredients to make this Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken recipe in your Instant Pot Pressure Cooker (see recipe card for quantities): Chicken Breasts, Light Brown Sugar, Apple Cider Vinegar, Lemon-Lime Soda, Garlic Cloves, Low Sodium Soy Sauce, Hot Sauce, Honey, Salt & Pepper, Cornstarch, Cold Water, Dried Parsley Flakes, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes and Cooked Rice or Polenta.

🥣 How to make Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken in the Instant Pot

Add the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, lemon-lime soda, garlic, soy sauce, hot sauce, honey, salt and pepper to your instant pot and stir till combined.
Place the trivet in the bottom of the instant pot. Place the chicken breasts on the trivet and seal the lid on your instant pot.
Cook on High for 15 minutes. Once done, quick release the pressure.
Remove the chicken breasts and shred.
Turn the instant pot on sauté mode. Mix together your cornstarch and cold water and pour it into the instant pot and stir together until the sauce has thickened.
Add your chicken back into pot and stir to coat the shredded chicken with the sauce.
Serve over rice or with a side of Creamy Polenta. Optionally sprinkle parsley and red pepper flakes over the chicken.