Instant Pot sesame chicken
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken breasts
boneless and skinless, cut into bite-size or 1-inch pieces
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic
minced
- 1 inch ginger
peeled and grated
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce or sriracha
- ¼ cup honey
or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
and 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
to garnish
- chopped green onion
to garnish
Directions
- 1
Add the chicken to the Instant Pot, followed by soy sauce, garlic, ginger, ketchup, and hot sauce or sriracha. Give everything a quick stir.
- 2
Cover the pot with the lid, and make sure that the valve is in sealing position. Press on MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK (this depends on which Instant Pot do you have), and cook on high for 3 minutes.
- 3
Allow the Instant Pot to come to pressure, and count down to when it beeps, quickly release the steam by turning the vent to RELEASE position and make sure that it's not close to your face as the steam will be really hot.
- 4
Carefully remove the lid, and press on the SAUTE setting. Add the honey (or brown sugar), sesame oil, and make the cornstarch slurry.
- 5
To make the slurry, combine 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water. Add it to the sauce, and stir with a wooden spoon until the sauce thickens. Switch off the saute setting.
- 6
Serve over rice, and garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
Instant Pot sesame chicken
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About this Recipe
Craving that irresistible sweet and savory flavor of classic sesame chicken but don't want the hassle or price tag of takeout? This Instant Pot sesame chicken recipe is your answer, delivering authentic Chinese-American taste with incredible ease, perfect for any busy weeknight.
What makes this dish truly stand out is its "dump and start" simplicity in the Instant Pot, cooking up perfectly tender chicken in a rich honey soy sauce. It transforms a beloved classic into a faster, fresher take that's not only incredibly convenient but genuinely delivers a superior flavor experience compared to ordering out.
Prepare for wonderfully juicy, bite-sized chicken pieces, effortlessly cooked to perfection in your Instant Pot. Each tender morsel is enveloped in a glossy, deeply flavorful sauce that strikes a masterful balance: the comforting sweetness of honey is perfectly complemented by savory low-sodium soy sauce, brightened by aromatic minced garlic and grated ginger, and finished with a subtle, optional kick from hot sauce or sriracha. The toasted sesame oil adds an extra layer of nutty depth, making every bite satisfying. This is a wonderfully satisfying meal that feels special, yet comes together remarkably quickly, leaving you with more time to savor your evening.
The beauty of this Instant Pot sesame chicken lies in its adaptability. For a slightly different sweetness profile, you can easily swap the honey for brown sugar in the sauce. If you're a fan of extra spice, feel free to increase the amount of hot sauce or sriracha to your personal preference. While chicken breasts are specified, this rich honey soy sauce base is versatile enough that you could consider similar protein types for future batches, if desired.
This Instant Pot sesame chicken is the ideal centerpiece for a delicious mid-week dinner, offering comfort and flavor without the fuss. It pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice or brown rice, perhaps alongside some simple blanched green beans or a crisp cucumber salad. The vibrant garnishes of toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onion add a lovely, professional finish, making it visually appealing for family and guests alike.