Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Rest Time 5 mins
Total Time 30 mins
Cooking Method: ,
Cuisine:
Courses: ,
Difficulty: Beginner
Cooking Temp: 120  C
Servings: 4
Best Season: All Seasons
Description

This Instant Pot Sesame Chicken is a quick and easy take on the classic takeout favorite. Juicy, tender chicken bites are coated in a rich, savory-sweet sesame sauce, delivering restaurant-quality flavor in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish pairs beautifully with rice or steamed vegetables for a wholesome meal.

Ingredients
    For the Chicken:
  • 1 lbs 1.5 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
    • For the Sauce:
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger (minced)
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tbsp 1 cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry for thickening)
    • For Garnishing:
  • 2 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
  1. 1
    Prep the ChickenCut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and toss with 1 tbsp cornstarch to coat evenly. This helps the sauce cling better to the chicken.
  2. 2
    Sauté the ChickenSet the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and sear for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned. Don’t cook fully; just brown the edges.
  3. 3
    Prepare the Sauce

    In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), and water. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the Instant Pot.

  4. 4
    Pressure Cook

    Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Select Pressure Cook (High Pressure) for 5 minutes.

  5. 5
    Thicken the Sauce

    Press Sauté mode again. In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water to create a slurry. Turn off Sauté mode.

  6. 6
    Garnish and ServeSprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the chicken. Serve hot over white rice or steamed vegetables.
Note
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water.
  • Make it Spicier: Add 1 tbsp sriracha or extra red pepper flakes.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
  • Alternative Proteins: Try shrimp or tofu instead of chicken.
Keywords: Instant Pot, easy, quick, Chinese, dinner
Read it online: https://petitepanini.com/recipe/instant-pot-sesame-chicken/