This Instant Pot Sesame Chicken is a quick, flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken cooked in a sweet and savory sesame sauce, this easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in under 30 minutes. Serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal the whole family will love.
- 1.5 lb chicken thighs ((boneless, skinless) cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for sautéing)
- 0.5 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 0.25 cup honey
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tsp ginger grated
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds toasted
- 2 green onions (thinly sliced)
- 1 Prepare the Ingredients
Gather all the ingredients and chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger.
- 2 Sauté the Chicken
Set the Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add vegetable oil and sauté the chicken for 3-4 minutes until lightly browned. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- 3 Prepare the Sauce
In the Instant Pot, add soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine. Return the chicken to the pot and coat it with the sauce.
- 4 Pressure Cook the Chicken
Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to pressure cook on high for 5 minutes. Once done, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then quick-release the remaining pressure.
- 5 Thicken the Sauce
Turn the Instant Pot back to sauté mode. Mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry, then add it to the pot. Stir until the sauce thickens (about 2-3 minutes).
- 6 Garnish and Serve
Turn off the Instant Pot and garnish the sesame chicken with toasted sesame seeds and green onions. Serve over steamed rice or noodles.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of sriracha or hoisin sauce to the sesame sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat.