Instant Pot Sesame Chicken

Discover the simplicity of preparing savory Instant Pot Sesame Chicken bathed in a delightful honey soy sauce. This Chinese-inspired dish is effortlessly created using your Instant Pot, making it an ideal choice for those hectic mid-week dinners, far superior to take-out options!

How to Prepare Instant Pot Sesame Chicken

Begin by placing the chicken pieces into the Instant Pot, followed by a blend of soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, ketchup, and a touch of hot sauce or sriracha. Give the ingredients a quick stir to combine.

Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, ensuring the vent is set to the sealing position. Select the MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK function (depending on your Instant Pot model) and set it to cook on high pressure for 3 minutes. Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure until the countdown reaches zero. To release any remaining pressure quickly, carefully turn the vent to the RELEASE position, avoiding direct contact with the steam.

Once safe to open, carefully remove the lid and switch the Instant Pot to SAUTE mode. Stir in honey and toasted sesame oil, then prepare the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce to your desired consistency. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary (additional salt is often unnecessary).

For the slurry, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water until smooth. Incorporate it into the sauce, stirring continuously with a spatula or wooden spoon until the sauce thickens. Turn off the SAUTE function to prevent overcooking (removing the stainless steel insert helps stop residual cooking).

If a thicker sauce is desired, gradually add more cornstarch slurry as needed.

Garnish your Instant Pot Sesame Chicken with sesame seeds and fresh spring onions or scallions. Serve over plain white rice, conveniently prepared using the Instant Pot for a complete and satisfying meal.

Thickening Techniques

For optimal thickening, utilize cornstarch slurry at the end of cooking. In the absence of cornstarch, arrowroot powder can serve as an effective substitute.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Time for IP to Come to Pressure: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Enjoy the ease of preparing flavorful Instant Pot Sesame Chicken in a luscious honey soy sauce. This Chinese-American favorite is effortlessly crafted in the Instant Pot, making it an ideal choice for quick mid-week dinners that surpass traditional take-out!

Ingredients

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size or 1-inch pieces
½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece of 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
1 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish
Chopped green onions, for garnish

Instructions

Place chicken pieces into the Instant Pot. Add soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, ketchup, and hot sauce or sriracha. Stir to combine.
Close the lid, ensuring the vent is in the sealing position. Select MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK (depending on your Instant Pot model) and set to cook on high pressure for 3 minutes.
Once cooking is complete, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally. For quick release, carefully turn the vent to the RELEASE position after the countdown reaches zero.
Open the lid carefully and switch to SAUTE mode. Stir in honey (or brown sugar) and toasted sesame oil. Prepare the cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water until smooth. Add it to the sauce, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
Turn off the SAUTE function and serve the sesame chicken over rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 418 kcal
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Protein: 52 g
Fat: 11 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 4 g
Trans Fat: 0.03 g
Cholesterol: 145 mg
Sodium: 1575 mg
Potassium: 1029 mg
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 21 g
Vitamin A: 147 IU
Vitamin C: 5 mg
Calcium: 47 mg
Iron: 2 mg