Creamy Instant Pot Honey Mustard Garlic Chicken: Your New Favorite Weeknight Dinner

Prepare to fall in love with a dish that combines succulent, tender chicken with a lusciously creamy, tangy, and subtly sweet honey mustard garlic sauce. This Instant Pot Honey Mustard Garlic Chicken recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience that promises to make you want to savor every last bite. It’s a modern twist on a classic flavor combination, elevated to gourmet status with the addition of creaminess, all while being incredibly easy to prepare.

The magic of this recipe truly shines through the use of an Instant Pot. This versatile kitchen appliance allows us to achieve incredibly tender chicken breasts in a fraction of the time, minimizes cleanup, and locks in all those delicious flavors. However, if you don’t own an Instant Pot, don’t fret! You can absolutely make this mouth-watering dish in a conventional pot or Dutch oven. Simply allow the chicken breasts to simmer gently over low heat for approximately 40 minutes, and you’ll still achieve wonderfully delicious results.

While any cut of chicken breast works beautifully here, experimenting with chicken supremes can add a touch of elegance to your meal. For those unfamiliar, a chicken supreme is a deboned chicken breast with the wing bone still attached, offering a refined presentation. To prepare one, carefully remove the wing bone from the breast by cutting along the breastbone with a sharp knife and following the bone’s contours until it lifts cleanly. Trim any excess fat or skin, and your chicken supreme is ready for cooking. For this particular recipe, we’ve opted for standard boneless, skinless chicken breasts for ease and accessibility, as they are readily available to everyone.

Why This Instant Pot Honey Mustard Garlic Chicken Will Become a Family Favorite:

• Health-Conscious & Weight Watchers Friendly: If you’re on Weight Watchers, you know the value of a delicious, low-point chicken breast recipe. This dish is a true gem, coming in at only 2 WW Points per serving! We achieve its rich creaminess by skillfully incorporating plain, fat-free Greek yogurt, a fantastic alternative to higher-calorie creams. This adaptation allows you to enjoy decadent, creamy chicken dishes without compromising your health goals.
• Effortless Elegance for Any Occasion: This creamy honey mustard chicken is more than just a quick weeknight meal; it’s an impressive yet surprisingly simple dish perfect for a romantic dinner, a special weekend family menu, or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. The golden-brown chicken enveloped in a vibrant, creamy sauce offers undeniable visual appeal and a flavor profile that’s sure to delight.
• Speed and Convenience: The Instant Pot transforms a potentially lengthy cooking process into a quick and convenient affair. From prep to plate, you’ll be enjoying this gourmet-style meal in under 30 minutes, including the time it takes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure.
• Incredible Flavor & Texture: The combination of tangy mustard, sweet honey, aromatic garlic, and savory chicken broth creates a perfectly balanced sauce. Pressure cooking ensures the chicken breasts are unbelievably tender and moist, absorbing all the wonderful flavors of the sauce.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 8 minutes (plus approximately 10-15 minutes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure)

Servings: 4 generous servings

Serving size: Approximately 240g

Only 2 WW Points per serving, making it an excellent choice for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Essential Ingredients for Your Instant Pot Masterpiece:

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to culinary success. This recipe calls for simple, wholesome items that come together to create an extraordinary flavor profile.

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 680 g / 1.5 lbs): The star of our dish. Choose fresh, good-quality breasts for the best texture and flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance the natural taste of the chicken.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Freshly minced garlic provides a pungent, aromatic base that infuses the entire dish.
• 1 teaspoon olive oil: Used for searing the chicken, which is crucial for developing flavor and achieving a beautiful golden crust.
• ¼ cup Dijon mustard (or your preferred mustard): Dijon adds a sophisticated tang, but yellow mustard can also be used for a milder, classic honey mustard flavor.
• 1 tablespoon honey + 1 packet of Splenda (or 2 tablespoons honey if not concerned with points/sugar): Honey provides the classic sweetness. The Splenda helps cut down on sugar and WW points without sacrificing flavor.
• 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred): Forms the liquid base for our pressure cooking and contributes savory depth to the sauce.
• ½ cup plain fat-free Greek yogurt: This is the secret to our creamy sauce, offering richness without heavy cream, keeping the recipe light and Weight Watchers friendly.
• Optional: 1 tablespoon cornstarch for thickening (plus 2 tbsp water): For those who prefer a thicker, more luxuriant sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Instant Pot Perfection:

Follow these detailed steps to create your incredibly tender and flavorful Honey Mustard Garlic Chicken in the Instant Pot.

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps ensure a better sear. Season generously on both sides with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and the minced garlic. Rub the seasonings evenly over the chicken.

2. Preheat Instant Pot for Sautéing: Turn on your Instant Pot. Select the “Sauté” function and adjust to the “Normal” or “More” setting. Allow it to heat for a few minutes until the display reads “Hot.” Add the olive oil to the pot.

3. Sear the Chicken: Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts to the Instant Pot. Do not overcrowd the pot; if necessary, sear in batches. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. This searing step is crucial for building deep flavor. Once seared, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate.

4. Deglaze and Build the Sauce: Keep the Instant Pot on “Sauté.” Pour in the chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This process, called deglazing, adds immense flavor to your sauce and prevents the “BURN” error. Stir in the mustard, honey, and Splenda until well combined.

5. Return Chicken to Pot: Carefully place the seared chicken breasts back into the Instant Pot, ensuring they are partially submerged and coated with the delicious honey mustard sauce.

6. Pressure Cook: Cancel the “Sauté” function. Secure the Instant Pot lid, making sure the sealing ring is properly in place. Rotate the steam release valve to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the cooking time for 8 minutes on high pressure. For thicker chicken breasts (over 1 inch), you might add 1-2 minutes. For thinner breasts, you might reduce by 1 minute.

7. Release Pressure: Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes (Natural Pressure Release – NPR). This helps keep the chicken incredibly tender and juicy. After 5 minutes, carefully perform a quick release (QR) by turning the steam release valve to the “Venting” position to release any remaining pressure. Be cautious of the hot steam.

8. Check Doneness: Once all pressure is released and the float valve drops, open the Instant Pot lid. Using a meat thermometer, check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken. It should register at least 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. If not, replace the lid and cook for another 2-3 minutes on high pressure.

9. Rest the Chicken: Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the pot and transfer them to a serving platter or cutting board. Tent them loosely with foil to allow them to rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring incredibly moist chicken.

10. Create the Creamy Sauce: While the chicken rests, stir the plain fat-free Greek yogurt into the remaining sauce in the Instant Pot until it’s smoothly combined and creamy. If you prefer a thicker sauce, prepare a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Turn the “Sauté” function back on (on a low setting if available) and gradually whisk the slurry into the sauce, stirring constantly until it thickens to your desired consistency. Do not boil vigorously after adding yogurt to prevent it from curdling.

11. Serve: Slice or shred the chicken breasts as desired, or serve them whole. Pour the luscious creamy honey mustard garlic sauce generously over the chicken. Serve hot and enjoy!

Creative Variations and Smart Substitutions:

This Instant Pot Honey Mustard Garlic Chicken recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to customize it to your taste or dietary needs.

• Herbaceous Twist: While excellent on its own, you can easily create different flavor profiles. Omit the honey and garlic for a simpler, yet exquisite creamy mustard chicken. Enhance it with bold aromatic herbs like fresh tarragon or rosemary, adding them with the chicken broth.
• Creamy Pesto Chicken: For an entirely different and equally delicious experience, keep the chicken and Greek yogurt, but swap the mustard, honey, and garlic for a tablespoon or two of vibrant pesto. Creamy pesto chicken, especially served with zucchini noodles, is out of this world and another low-point favorite I promise to feature on the blog soon!
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a touch of heat, or a dash of hot sauce to the finished sauce.
• Different Proteins: This sauce also works well with pork loin or even firm white fish, though cooking times will vary.
• Vegetarian Option: Use firm tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken, adjusting cooking times accordingly, for a plant-based alternative.
• Sweetener Alternatives: If not using Splenda, you can use an additional tablespoon of honey, maple syrup, or another sweetener of your choice, adjusting for taste.
• Dairy-Free Creaminess: For a dairy-free version, use unsweetened, plain full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free plain yogurt alternative for the creaminess. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Pro Tips for Achieving Instant Pot Honey Mustard Garlic Chicken Perfection:

Unlock the full potential of this recipe with these expert tips:

1. Marination is Key (if time allows): For an even deeper flavor and incredibly tender chicken, consider marinating the chicken breasts for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours, before cooking. A quick sprinkle of lime juice or a splash of vinegar in the marinade can also contribute to a more pleasant texture and brightness.
2. Don’t Skip the Searing: The “Sauté” function of your Instant Pot is a game-changer. Searing the chicken until it’s beautifully golden-brown isn’t just for looks; it develops a rich depth of flavor through the Maillard reaction that simply boiling or steaming can’t achieve. If your Instant Pot lacks a sauté function, sear the chicken in a separate skillet. Always aim for that golden hue; bland, white chicken might taste good, but presentation truly matters!
3. Deglaze Thoroughly: After searing, always deglaze the pot with chicken broth, scraping up all the browned bits (fond) from the bottom. This prevents the “BURN” warning and adds layers of flavor to your sauce.
4. Tempering the Yogurt: When adding Greek yogurt to the hot sauce, it’s best to temper it first. Take a small amount of the hot sauce and whisk it into the yogurt in a separate bowl before stirring the yogurt mixture back into the pot. This prevents the yogurt from curdling, ensuring a smooth, creamy sauce. Avoid boiling the sauce vigorously after adding the yogurt.
5. Perfect Accompaniments: This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Think healthy options like steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a fresh side salad. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside fluffy white rice, quinoa, or for a low-carb alternative, our creamy mashed cauliflower (I highly recommend exploring our cauliflower mash recipe for the perfect pairing!).
6. Proper Chicken Thickness: Aim for chicken breasts of relatively even thickness for consistent cooking. If some are much thicker than others, you might consider pounding them slightly to an even ½ to ¾-inch thickness.

Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal:

Elevate your Instant Pot Honey Mustard Garlic Chicken with these delightful serving ideas:

• Classic Comfort: Serve over a bed of fluffy basmati rice or quinoa to soak up every drop of that incredible sauce.
• Low-Carb Harmony: Pair with steamed broccoli, roasted green beans, or, as mentioned, a generous portion of creamy mashed cauliflower for a wholesome, guilt-free meal.
• Pasta Perfection: Toss with your favorite pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or rotini work well) for a quick and satisfying pasta dish. Add some chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color.
• Hearty & Healthy: Serve alongside a vibrant garden salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the chicken.
• Potato Power: Good old mashed potatoes or even roasted baby potatoes make an excellent accompaniment, especially for a comforting family dinner.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

Making a bigger batch for meal prep? Here’s how to store and reheat your delicious leftovers:

• Storage: Allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well! Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can dry out the chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Here are answers to some common questions about this recipe:

• Can I use frozen chicken breasts? While fresh is recommended for best results, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Increase the pressure cook time to 12-15 minutes (depending on thickness) and skip the searing step. Note that the texture might be slightly different.
• What if my sauce is too thin? If after adding yogurt and stirring, the sauce isn’t thick enough, you can use the optional cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water). Add it to the sauce while the Instant Pot is on “Sauté” (low setting) and stir constantly until it thickens.
• What kind of mustard is best? Dijon mustard offers a sharp, tangy flavor. Yellow mustard will give a milder, more classic honey mustard taste. Stone-ground mustard can add a lovely texture. Choose your favorite!
• Can I use full-fat Greek yogurt or sour cream? Yes, you can. However, using full-fat versions will increase the calorie and fat content, and thus the Weight Watchers points. Plain fat-free Greek yogurt provides the best balance for this healthy recipe. If using sour cream, add it off the heat to prevent curdling.
• Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, assuming your chicken broth is also gluten-free.

Weight Watchers Points Breakdown:

One of the fantastic benefits of this recipe is its alignment with Weight Watchers principles. Many core ingredients are ZeroPoint foods, allowing for a delicious meal with minimal points.

• Uncooked boneless, skinless chicken breast: 0 points
• Mustard: 0 points
• Honey: 5 points (per tablespoon, this is where most points come from)
• Table salt: 0 points
• Stevia leaf herbal extract (Splenda): 0 points
• Black pepper: 0 points
• Chicken broth: 0 points
• Garlic: 0 points
• Plain fat-free Greek yogurt: 0 points
• Olive oil: 1 point (per teaspoon)

By carefully selecting ingredients and using zero-point alternatives like Splenda, we keep the total points low while maximizing flavor and satisfaction.

This Instant Pot Honey Mustard Garlic Chicken is a true triumph – a harmonious blend of tender chicken, a rich yet light creamy sauce, and irresistible flavors, all made possible with the speed and convenience of your Instant Pot. Whether you’re aiming for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner or a dish that will impress for a special gathering, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Enjoy the ease of preparation and the delight of every flavorful bite!