Instant Pot Sesame Chicken

Whenever I think about a quick and satisfying meal, Instant Pot Sesame Chicken always comes to mind. It’s a dish that has become a staple in our household, especially on busy weeknights when time isn’t on our side. I remember the first time I made this recipe; I was skeptical about how flavorful it could be, given how simple the ingredients are. But oh boy, was I in for a delicious surprise! The combination of chicken with the sweetness of honey and the umami richness of soy sauce creates an incredible flavor profile that makes you want to go back for seconds. Plus, it’s made in the Instant Pot, which means I can have dinner on the table in no time.

There’s something magical about the way the chicken gets tender and juicy while absorbing all those wonderful flavors. We often enjoy it with fluffy rice, and the whole family digs in, sharing stories from our day while savoring every bite. Whether it’s a family meal or a cozy dinner for two, Instant Pot Sesame Chicken never disappoints. It’s quick, it’s easy, and the results are simply mouthwatering!

What to Gather for Instant Pot Sesame Chicken

The ingredients for Instant Pot Sesame Chicken are a beautiful blend of sweet and savory. They come together to create a dish that is not only delicious but also satisfying. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the flavor profile that makes this meal a standout.

• 2 pounds chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-size or 1-inch pieces: The star of the show, the chicken absorbs all the flavors and becomes tender in the Instant Pot.
• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce: This adds a savory umami flavor while keeping the dish healthier.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings a wonderful aroma and rich flavor that complements the chicken.
• 1 inch ginger, peeled and grated: Ginger adds a zesty kick that enhances the overall taste.
• ¼ cup ketchup: This sweet ingredient balances out the savory notes and adds depth to the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce or sriracha: A little heat to spice things up; adjust according to your preference.
• ¼ cup honey or brown sugar: Sweetness that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma and richness to the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water: To thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, to garnish: A finishing touch that adds flavor and texture.
• Chopped green onion, to garnish: Freshness and color to brighten up the dish.

Making This Instant Pot Sesame Chicken

Creating Instant Pot Sesame Chicken is a breeze and incredibly satisfying. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown to guide you through the process.

1. Start by adding the chicken pieces to your Instant Pot, followed by the soy sauce, garlic, ginger, ketchup, and hot sauce or sriracha. Give everything a quick stir to ensure the chicken is well coated in the sauce. The aroma at this stage is already mouthwatering!

2. Cover the pot with the lid, ensuring that the valve is in the sealing position. Press on MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK (this depends on which Instant Pot model you have), and set it to cook on high for 3 minutes. The anticipation builds as the Instant Pot builds pressure.

3. Once the timer beeps, carefully release the steam by turning the vent to RELEASE position. Be cautious, as the steam will be hot. I recommend standing back a bit, just to be safe!

4. Remove the lid carefully, and you’ll see the perfectly cooked chicken bathed in delicious sauce. Now, press the SAUTE setting on your Instant Pot. This step will help intensify the flavors.

5. Add the honey (or brown sugar) and toasted sesame oil. Then, prepare the cornstarch slurry by combining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water. This will help thicken your sauce.

6. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the pot and stir with a wooden spoon until the sauce thickens. You’ll notice that the sauce transforms into a luscious glaze that coats the chicken beautifully.

7. If you want a thicker sauce, feel free to add another tablespoon of the cornstarch slurry. Just keep stirring until you achieve your desired consistency.

8. Once you’re satisfied with the thickness, serve the Instant Pot Sesame Chicken over fluffy rice. Garnish generously with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for that perfect presentation.

9. Enjoy your meal! As you take your first bite, you’ll appreciate the delightful flavors and tender texture of this dish.

Expert Tips about Instant Pot Sesame Chicken

To elevate your Instant Pot Sesame Chicken game, consider the following expert tips:

• Storage: Make sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors intact and prevents the sauce from spoiling.
• Freezing: You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Just make sure it cools completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
• Pairing: It goes exceptionally well with steamed vegetables or a refreshing salad. Try pairing it with some broccoli or snap peas.
• Adjusting Spiciness: If you want it spicier, increase the amount of hot sauce or add some red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Serving Style: Serve it in bowls for a family-style meal, or plate it individually for a more polished presentation.
• Garnishing: For added crunch, consider adding toasted nuts like cashews or peanuts on top with the sesame seeds.

Perfect Pairings for Instant Pot Sesame Chicken

When it comes to serving Instant Pot Sesame Chicken, the options are practically endless. Here are some ideas to help you create the perfect meal:

• Steamed Rice: This is the classic pairing. Fluffy, white rice soaks up the delicious sauce and complements the chicken perfectly.
• Vegetable Stir-Fry: Add some colorful veggies like bell peppers and snap peas for a healthy side. It adds color and nutrition to your meal.
• Rice Noodles: Serve the chicken over rice noodles for a delightful twist. The noodles absorb the sauce wonderfully.
• Side Salad: A fresh garden salad tossed with a light vinaigrette balances out the richness of the chicken.
• Cashew or Almond Topping: For extra texture, sprinkle some chopped cashews or almonds on top just before serving.
• Occasions: This dish is perfect for family dinners, meal prep for the week, or even a festive table during Ramadan.
• Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container. They can be kept in the fridge for three days or frozen for longer preservation.

FAQ

Conclusion

Instant Pot Sesame Chicken is truly a winner! The blend of sweet and savory flavors creates a dish that is not only satisfying but also incredibly easy to prepare. I encourage you to give it a try the next time you’re looking for a delicious meal that’s quick to make. Your family will love it, and you’ll appreciate how simple it is to whip up!

Instant Pot Sesame Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Instant Pot Sesame Chicken is a sweet and savory delight that comes together in just minutes! This easy weeknight dinner will satisfy your cravings with tender chicken in a rich sauce that pairs beautifully with rice. Make it tonight!

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Asian

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds chicken breasts boneless and skinless, cut into bite-size or 1-inch pieces
• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 inch ginger peeled and grated
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce or sriracha
• ¼ cup honey or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds to garnish
• chopped green onion to garnish

Equipment

• Instant Pot

Method

 

1. Add the chicken to the Instant Pot, followed by soy sauce, garlic, ginger, ketchup, and hot sauce or sriracha. Give everything a quick stir.
2. Cover the pot with the lid, and make sure that the valve is in sealing position. Press on MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK (this depends on which Instant Pot do you have), and cook on high for 3 minutes.
3. Allow the Instant Pot to come to pressure, and count down to when it beeps, quickly release the steam by turning the vent to RELEASE position and make sure that it's not close to your face as the steam will be really hot.
4. Carefully remove the lid, and press on the SAUTE setting. Add the honey (or brown sugar), sesame oil, and make the cornstarch slurry.
5. To make the slurry, combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water. Add it to the sauce, and stir with a wooden spoon until the sauce thickens. Switch off the saute setting.
6. If needed, add another tablespoon of cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce more.
7. Serve over rice, and garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds.

Notes

• Tip 1: It’s important to use low-sodium soy sauce in this recipe, as otherwise, your sauce might be too salty. If you only have regular soy sauce, use ¼ cup of soy sauce or tamari, and ¼ cup of water.
• Tip 2: Nutrition values are calculated per 1 portion of sesame chicken without rice (rough estimate). If you’re following a specific diet or have a health condition, please make your own calculations and don’t rely on our data.

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Meet Quinn Taylor

Great food doesn't have to be complicated, it just has to be smart. I focus on streamlining our recipes so you get maximum flavor with minimum stress. I cooked, timed, and tasted this dish multiple times to ensure it fits perfectly into your busy life while still delivering that 'wow' factor.