Instant Pot Sesame Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Instant Pot Sesame Chicken is the perfect dish for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal. The sweet and savory sauce, made from honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil, perfectly coats the tender chicken. It’s a comforting, Chinese-American take-out classic made easier and faster in the Instant Pot. The dish is ready in under 30 minutes, without the need for deep-frying or complex steps, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 lbs chicken breasts, boneless and skinless

• ½ cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)

• 2 tablespoons ketchup

• 1 tablespoon sriracha or hot sauce (optional)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

• ¼ cup honey

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 1 tablespoon water

• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

• Chopped green onions (for garnish)

• Cooked rice (for serving)

Directions

1. Add chicken, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, ketchup, and sriracha (if using) to the Instant Pot. Stir to combine.

2. Seal the lid of the Instant Pot and ensure the valve is set to “Sealing.” Set the Instant Pot to MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK on high for 3 minutes.

3. Once the Instant Pot beeps, perform a quick release by turning the valve to “Venting.” Be cautious as the steam will be hot.

4. Open the lid and press “Saute” on the Instant Pot. Stir in the honey and sesame oil.

5. Make a cornstarch slurry by combining the cornstarch with water and stirring it into the sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.

6. Turn off the Instant Pot and remove the inner pot to stop cooking. If the sauce isn’t thick enough, add another tablespoon of cornstarch slurry.

7. Serve the chicken over cooked rice and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 3 minutes

• Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Add Vegetables: Stir in some steamed broccoli or bell peppers for added nutrition.

• Spicy Kick: Increase the sriracha or add red pepper flakes for a spicier dish.

• Vegan Option: Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based alternative.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover sesame chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a bit of water to prevent the sauce from thickening too much.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.

What if I don’t have cornstarch?

Arrowroot powder can be used as an alternative to cornstarch for thickening the sauce.

Can I freeze sesame chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Can I make this dish without an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can make this dish in a slow cooker or on the stovetop. Cooking times will vary.

How can I make the sauce spicier?

Add extra sriracha or some red pepper flakes for more heat.

What should I serve with sesame chicken?

Serve it with steamed white rice, fried rice, or even noodles for a complete meal.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Use cornstarch slurry, as detailed in the recipe, to thicken the sauce to your desired consistency.

Can I use dark soy sauce for a richer flavor?

Yes, dark soy sauce can add a deeper flavor to the sauce, but be careful as it can make the dish saltier.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the ingredients, but ensure the Instant Pot is not overfilled. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

Is this dish gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Sesame Chicken is a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious, restaurant-quality meal at home. The rich, sticky sauce paired with tender chicken makes for a satisfying dinner. With minimal prep and cook time, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or any time you’re craving a comforting, flavorful dish.

Instant Pot Sesame Chicken

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Instant Pot Sesame Chicken is a quick and easy recipe that brings a rich honey soy sauce to life. Made without frying, it’s a healthier version of the Chinese-American classic, ideal for busy weeknights. Perfectly glazed chicken served with white rice, it’s better than takeout!

• Author: Emily
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Instant Pot
• Cuisine: Chinese-American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)




• ½ cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)




• 2 tablespoons ketchup




• 1 tablespoon hot sauce or sriracha




• 2 garlic cloves (minced)




• 1 tablespoon ginger (grated)




• ¼ cup honey




• 1 tablespoon sesame oil




• 1 tablespoon cornstarch




• 1 tablespoon water




• Sesame seeds (for garnish)




• Spring onions or scallions (for garnish)




• White rice (for serving)

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Instructions

• Add chicken, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, ketchup, and hot sauce to the Instant Pot. Stir to combine.

• Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high for 3 minutes. Once done, release the steam quickly.

• Remove the lid, press sauté, and add honey and sesame oil.

• Make a cornstarch slurry (mix cornstarch and water), and add it to the sauce. Stir until the sauce thickens.

• Garnish with sesame seeds and scallions. Serve with white rice.

Notes

• Use arrowroot powder if cornstarch is unavailable.

• Adjust sweetness and spice by varying the amount of honey or hot sauce.