Begin by turning on your Instant Pot and selecting the 'Sauté' function. Once it’s hot, add the olive oil. Carefully place the chicken pieces in the pot, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes or until the chicken is slightly browned on all sides.
Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional minute. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning, as this can lead to a bitter flavor.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, water, and lemon juice. Pour this mixture over the sautéed chicken and garlic in the Instant Pot. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything.
Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, ensuring the valve is set to 'sealing.' Select the 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' setting and set the timer for 10 minutes. Once cooking is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 5 minutes before carefully switching the valve to 'venting.'
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Once the pressure is released, open the pot and switch back to the 'Sauté' function. Stir in the cornstarch mixture, allowing the sauce to thicken for about 2-3 minutes.
Once the sauce has thickened, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the honey garlic chicken over rice or alongside vegetables, garnished with fresh chives, scallions, or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
