If you're a fan of savory, sweet, and sticky Asian-inspired dishes, this Instant Pot Sesame Chicken recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. With its bold flavors, tender chicken, and glossy sesame sauce, this dish tastes like it came from your favorite takeout spot—but it’s made at home with wholesome ingredients.
Using the Instant Pot not only saves time but also ensures perfectly cooked chicken every time. Whether you're an Instant Pot pro or just starting out, this easy recipe will make dinner a breeze.
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
To create the perfect Instant Pot Sesame Chicken, you'll need a mix of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Here's what you’ll need:
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 3/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup water or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
For Thickening the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water (for making a slurry)
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Ingredients
Start by cutting the chicken into even, bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger for maximum flavor.
2. Sauté in the Instant Pot
Set your Instant Pot to the sauté mode. Add a splash of sesame oil and sear the chicken in batches. This step locks in flavor, but you can skip it if you’re short on time.
3. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, ketchup, hoisin sauce, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and water or chicken broth. Pour the mixture over the chicken in the Instant Pot.
4. Pressure Cook
Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Cook on high pressure for 6 minutes. Allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then do a quick release to safely remove the lid.
5. Thicken the Sauce
Switch the Instant Pot back to sauté mode. Mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to form a slurry. Stir it into the sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
6. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top before serving.
Tips for the Best Sesame Chicken
- Use chicken thighs for juicier results: While breasts work well, thighs offer a richer flavor and stay tender in the Instant Pot.
- Customize the sweetness: Adjust the honey to your taste; you can even swap it for brown sugar or maple syrup.
- Don’t skip the thickener: Cornstarch slurry gives the sauce that perfect sticky texture.
- Toast sesame seeds: A quick toast in a dry pan enhances their nutty flavor and aroma.
Variations to Try
Spicy Sesame Chicken
Add a teaspoon of sriracha or red chili flakes to the sauce for a kick of heat.
Gluten-Free Version
Swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos, and double-check that your hoisin sauce is gluten-free.
Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry
After pressure cooking, add stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to make it a one-pot meal.
Low-Carb Option
Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter take.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Pairings: Serve over steamed jasmine rice or fried rice for a hearty meal.
- Healthy Alternatives: Try quinoa, brown rice, or stir-fried veggies as a base.
- On-the-Go Option: Wrap the sesame chicken in lettuce leaves for an easy, handheld meal.
Storing and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Conclusion: Why This Recipe Stands Out
This Instant Pot Sesame Chicken recipe is the perfect blend of convenience, flavor, and versatility. It’s an ideal weeknight dinner that feels like a special treat. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
With simple ingredients, customizable options, and easy preparation, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and again. Give it a try, and let the flavors speak for themselves!
