Sesame chicken is a beloved dish known for its balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors. Traditionally deep-fried and coated in a rich sauce, this dish can be time-consuming to prepare. Enter the Instant Pot—a game changer for home cooks who want to enjoy delicious sesame chicken with minimal effort. This guide will take you through every step, from ingredients to variations, ensuring you master the art of making perfect Instant Pot Sesame Chicken.
Why Use an Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot is a versatile kitchen tool that simplifies the cooking process. Here’s why it works exceptionally well for sesame chicken:
- Time-efficient: Cuts down cooking time while delivering deep flavors.
- One-pot convenience: Reduces cleanup by allowing sautéing and pressure cooking in the same pot.
- Locks in flavors: Pressure cooking enhances the sauce’s depth, making the dish more flavorful.
Ingredients
To make authentic, flavorful Instant Pot Sesame Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for coating)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for sautéing)
For the Sauce:
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey (for sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water, for thickening)
Garnishes:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- Steamed white rice (for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and toss it in cornstarch. This helps create a lightly crispy texture when sautéed.
2. Sauté the Chicken
- Set the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and heat the vegetable oil.
- Add the chicken pieces and cook for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned. (No need to cook through fully.)
- Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce
- In the Instant Pot, add soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes, and chicken broth.
- Stir well to combine.
4. Pressure Cook
- Return the chicken to the Instant Pot and coat it in the sauce.
- Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to ‘Pressure Cook’ (High) for 5 minutes.
- Once done, allow a 5-minute natural release before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
5. Thicken the Sauce
- Switch back to ‘Sauté’ mode.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water mixture) and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
6. Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the chicken.
- Serve hot over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables.
Tips for the Best Instant Pot Sesame Chicken
- Use chicken thighs: They remain tender and juicy under pressure cooking.
- Adjust sweetness: For a less sweet version, reduce honey and brown sugar slightly.
- Enhance the flavor: A dash of sriracha or extra ginger can boost the dish’s depth.
- Make it crispy: If you prefer crispy chicken, air-fry or pan-fry the cornstarch-coated chicken before adding it to the sauce.
Variations
Healthier Version
- Swap honey for maple syrup or coconut sugar.
- Use skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- Reduce the soy sauce and add more broth for lower sodium.
Spicy Sesame Chicken
- Increase the red pepper flakes or add sriracha for a spicier kick.
- Mix in diced chili peppers while sautéing.
Gluten-Free Version
- Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Ensure hoisin sauce and other condiments are gluten-free.
Vegetarian Alternative
- Replace chicken with cubed tofu or cauliflower florets.
- Reduce cooking time to 2 minutes under pressure for tofu.
What to Serve with Instant Pot Sesame Chicken
- Steamed Rice: Jasmine or brown rice pairs beautifully with the flavorful sauce.
- Noodles: Serve over lo mein or rice noodles for a fun twist.
- Vegetables: Stir-fried broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas add a fresh element.
- Soup Starter: A light miso soup or egg drop soup complements the meal.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Freezing
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Conclusion
Making Instant Pot Sesame Chicken at home is quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. With its rich, savory-sweet sauce and tender chicken, this dish rivals any takeout favorite. Plus, the Instant Pot makes cleanup a breeze! Try this recipe today and enjoy a homemade meal that’s bursting with flavor.
