If you’re craving a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and savory in a bowl, you’re in for a treat with these Instant Pot Honey Garlic Spicy Noodles! Juicy chicken, punchy garlic, and rainbow-bright veggies get tossed with glossy rice noodles in an utterly slurp-worthy sauce—all in under 30 minutes. This dish is my ultimate weeknight hero!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks right in your Instant Pot, making cleanup a total breeze.
- Customizable Heat and Sweet: Easily adjust the honey or chili garlic sauce to suit your perfect spicy-sweet balance.
- Packed with Protein and Veggies: Chicken breasts, broccoli, and bell peppers turn this into a nourishing (and colorful!) meal-in-one.
- Speedy Weeknight Favorite: From start to finish, Instant Pot Honey Garlic Spicy Noodles are on the table in just 30 minutes—no takeout menu required.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Instant Pot Honey Garlic Spicy Noodles is in its spot-on simplicity—you only need a handful of bold, flavorful ingredients, but each is absolutely indispensable for creating the saucy, crave-worthy magic in every forkful.
- Sesame Oil: Adds a fragrant, nutty base that anchors the sauce’s flavor.
- Low Sodium Soy Sauce or Tamari: The umami-rich saltiness that ties everything together—opt for tamari for a gluten-free touch!
- Fresh Garlic, Minced: Six cloves might sound like a lot, but trust me—this is where the bold flavor happens.
- Honey: Balances the heat and brings a gorgeous glossy sheen to the sauce.
- Chili Garlic Sauce (Sriracha or Sambal Oelek): This is where you control your spicy destiny—start with a tablespoon and add more if you dare!
- Chicken Breasts, Diced: Protein-rich and quick-cooking, these soak up all the saucy goodness.
- Water: Essential for pressure cooking the noodles and melding the flavors.
- Rice Noodles: Tender but springy, these noodles absorb the sauce without turning to mush.
- Broccoli Florets: A burst of green plus crunch—add at the end for vibrant color and texture.
- Red and Yellow Bell Peppers, Sliced: Sweet, colorful, and slightly crisp, they make every bite lively.
- Sesame Seeds: Just a sprinkle for nutty crunch on top—it’s the perfect finish!
Variations
Part of the fun of Instant Pot Honey Garlic Spicy Noodles is how flexible this recipe can be. Mix and match proteins, veggies, or even swap the noodles to truly make this dish your own—there’s no limit to the delicious customizations!
- Swap the Protein: Try tofu, shrimp, or thin-sliced beef instead of chicken for a twist that fits your mood and pantry.
- Noodle Choices Galore: Rice noodles are classic, but vermicelli, soba, or even regular spaghetti work in a pinch (just keep an eye on cook time).
- Veggie Rainbow: Feel free to toss in snap peas, carrots, baby corn, or mushrooms to boost nutrition and color.
- Make it Vegan: Skip the chicken and add marinated tofu or extra veggies—just as satisfying, and totally plant-based.
How to Make Instant Pot Honey Garlic Spicy Noodles
Step 1: Build the Saucy Base & Layer Ingredients
Start by pouring the sesame oil into the bottom of your Instant Pot, followed by the low sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, sweet honey, and a generous dollop of chili garlic sauce. Add in the diced chicken breasts and gently toss to coat. Pour in two cups of water, then lay your rice noodles on top—making sure they float just above the liquid, not submerged. This layering is the secret to perfect noodles!
Step 2: Pressure Cook to Perfection
Seal up your Instant Pot and set it to high pressure for just 2 minutes. It will take about 15 minutes to pressurize (totally hands-off), and then the quick cooking magic happens. As soon as the timer counts down, perform a quick pressure release so the noodles don’t overcook, and open the lid when it’s safe.
Step 3: Add Crunchy Veg & Finish Steaming
Time for those colorful veggies! Scatter the sliced red and yellow bell peppers plus chopped broccoli right into the hot pot. Gently toss everything—pulling the hot noodles over the veggies—and pop the lid back on (no need to cook, just let the residual heat work). After 5–10 minutes, your veggies will be bright, crisp-tender, and perfect.
Step 4: Toss & Serve
Remove the lid, give everything a final, gentle toss, and serve your Instant Pot Honey Garlic Spicy Noodles piping hot into bowls. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and get ready for that first, irresistible bite!
Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot Honey Garlic Spicy Noodles
- Noodle Placement Matters: Always add the rice noodles last, gently layering them just above the liquid to prevent clumping or mushy texture.
- Balance Your Sauce: Taste your chili garlic sauce before adding—a little goes a long way, and you can always stir in more heat at the end!
- Veggies After Cooking: By adding the broccoli and bell peppers after pressure cooking, you get vibrant color and perfect crunch, instead of soggy vegetables.
- Quick Release Timing: Don’t wait too long after the timer—immediate quick release means the noodles stay pleasantly chewy and don’t turn to mush.
How to Serve Instant Pot Honey Garlic Spicy Noodles
Garnishes
Finish your piping-hot noodles with a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for nutty crunch, a handful of chopped green onions for zing, or even a drizzle of chili oil if you want to up the heat level. A wedge of lime on the side brings a lovely burst of freshness too!
Side Dishes
These noodles are hearty enough for a full meal, but for a real feast, pair with crisp veggie spring rolls, a cucumber salad, or even some pan-fried gyoza. Honestly, even a handful of salted edamame is a perfect match for the bold flavors of Instant Pot Honey Garlic Spicy Noodles.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your noodles piled high in wide, shallow bowls to showcase all those colorful veggies, or twirl into delicate nests on individual plates for a dinner party feel. For family-style, simply platter up the noodles in a big serving dish and let everyone dig in—don’t forget the extra garnishes in little bowls on the side!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Instant Pot Honey Garlic Spicy Noodles keep beautifully! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. The noodles soak up even more flavor, making for an irresistible lunch the next day.
Freezing
This recipe freezes surprisingly well—simply portion out cooled noodles into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to two months and enjoy a saucy, satisfying meal in minutes whenever a noodle craving strikes.
Reheating
For best results, reheat noodles in the microwave in 1-2 minute bursts, stirring in between. If reheating from frozen, microwave for 5-6 minutes, stirring halfway. Add a splash of water or a drizzle of soy sauce to revive that saucy goodness!
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of noodle?
Absolutely! While rice noodles give Instant Pot Honey Garlic Spicy Noodles their signature texture, you can use vermicelli, soba, or even wheat noodles—just adjust the cook time as needed to avoid overcooking.
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Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free rice noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce, this recipe is totally gluten-free. Always check the labels on your sauces to be sure.
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How spicy do Instant Pot Honey Garlic Spicy Noodles turn out?
The spice level is totally up to you! Start with one tablespoon of chili garlic sauce for a mild kick, or go up to two for a fiery experience. You can always serve extra hot sauce on the side, too.
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Can Instant Pot Honey Garlic Spicy Noodles be made vegetarian?
You bet! Simply swap chicken for firm tofu or toss in extra veggies—no other adjustments needed. The sauce alone brings so much flavor to vegetarian versions.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend these Instant Pot Honey Garlic Spicy Noodles enough—every time I make them, the kitchen fills with delicious aromas and my family gathers with eager appetites. Try them for your next cozy dinner or quick weeknight meal, and you’ll see why this recipe has earned a permanent spot in my rotation. Happy noodling!
Print
Instant Pot Honey Garlic Spicy Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Instant Pot Honey Garlic Spicy Noodles are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines sweet, spicy, and savory flavors in one satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Noodles:
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 4 tbsp low sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1–2 tbsp chili garlic sauce (like Sriracha or Sambal Oelek)
- 2 medium-sized chicken breasts, diced
- 2 cups water
- 1 (225g/8oz) package rice noodles
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds for garnish
For the Vegetables:
- 1 head broccoli, chopped into small florets
- 1 each red and yellow bell pepper, sliced
Instructions
- Add Ingredients: Add sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, honey, chili garlic sauce, chicken, water, and rice noodles to Instant Pot in that order, ensuring the noodles are slightly above the liquid. Cook on high pressure for 2 minutes.
- Quick Release: Release pressure quickly, then open the lid. Add bell peppers and broccoli, gently toss with noodles, and cover for 5-10 minutes.
- Serve: Remove the lid, serve in bowls, and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Enjoy!
Notes
- Feel free to substitute rice noodles with other types, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 5 days and reheated in the microwave.
- Freeze the dish for up to 2 months; reheat from frozen in the microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
