Some weeknights, the call for takeout is almost deafening. After a long day, the last thing I want is a complicated meal with a mountain of dishes. That’s when I turn to my secret weapon for a fast, flavorful dinner: this Instant Pot Sesame Chicken. It satisfies that craving for savory, slightly sweet, and sticky chicken but comes together faster than any delivery driver could arrive. Seriously, this recipe has become a family favorite, standing proudly alongside other easy chicken recipes in our regular rotation. The magic of the pressure cooker turns simple ingredients into a dish that tastes like it simmered for hours. Making Instant Pot Sesame Chicken is not just about speed; it’s about creating a delicious, wholesome meal that gets everyone excited for dinner.
Why This Instant Pot Sesame Chicken Works Every Time
Making delicious meals on a busy schedule can feel like a challenge, but this Instant Pot Sesame Chicken recipe changes the game. The pressure cooker infuses the chicken with a rich, savory sauce in a fraction of the time it would take on the stovetop. As a result, you get incredibly tender and juicy chicken pieces coated in a perfectly balanced glaze. This method also keeps your kitchen clean, since everything cooks in one pot from start to finish.
The Perfect Balance of Flavors
The sauce is the star of this dish. It combines savory soy sauce, nutty sesame oil, a touch of sweetness from honey or maple syrup, and a bit of tang from rice vinegar. Fresh garlic and ginger provide an aromatic base that gives the sauce its signature restaurant-quality taste. Because the pot is sealed under pressure, none of these amazing aromas or flavors escape, instead melding directly into the chicken.
So Much Better Than Takeout
When you make Instant Pot Sesame Chicken at home, you control the ingredients. You can adjust the sweetness, use low-sodium soy sauce, and avoid the extra oils and preservatives often found in restaurant versions. Plus, it’s remarkably budget-friendly. You get a meal that tastes better than your local takeout joint for less money and in less time. It’s a win-win for your wallet and your taste buds.
Key Ingredients for Quick Sesame Chicken
Gathering your ingredients is the first step toward a fantastic meal. For this recipe, we rely on a handful of pantry staples that come together to create an unforgettable sauce. Each component plays a specific role in building the final flavor profile, so using quality ingredients makes a noticeable difference.
Building the Perfect Sauce
The foundation of our sesame chicken sauce begins with low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option). Next, we add honey for a natural sweetness that complements the savory notes. Rice vinegar cuts through the richness with a bright acidity, while toasted sesame oil gives the dish its characteristic nutty aroma. Finally, freshly minced garlic and ginger add a layer of warmth and complexity.
Choosing Your Chicken
For this recipe, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the best choice. They remain incredibly moist and tender under pressure and absorb the sauce beautifully. However, boneless, skinless chicken breasts also work well. Just be sure to cut them into uniform 1-inch cubes so they cook evenly. This preparation allows every piece of chicken to get coated in that delicious, sticky sauce.
Making Pressure Cooker Sesame Chicken Step-by-Step
This pressure cooker sesame chicken recipe is straightforward and designed for success, even if you’re new to using an Instant Pot. The process is broken down into a few simple stages: preparing the sauce, cooking the chicken, and thickening the glaze. By following these steps, you’ll have a perfect meal ready in about 20 minutes.
Sautéing and Pressure Cooking
First, you’ll whisk together all the sauce ingredients directly in the Instant Pot liner. This little trick saves you from washing an extra bowl. Next, add the cubed chicken and toss it to coat completely. Then, you secure the lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and pressure cook on high for just a few minutes. The exact time is short because the high pressure cooks the chicken quickly while keeping it succulent.
Creating the Signature Glaze
After the pressure cooking cycle is complete, you perform a quick release of the steam. The chicken will be perfectly cooked, but the sauce will be thin. This is where the final bit of magic happens. Turn on the “Sauté” function and bring the sauce to a simmer. While it heats up, you’ll whisk a little cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry. Pouring this into the simmering sauce and stirring for a minute or two will thicken it into a beautiful, glossy glaze that clings to every piece of chicken. The importance of a good sauce cannot be overstated; the flavor of ingredients like toasted sesame oil truly comes alive here.
Tips for the Best Instant Pot Chicken
A few simple tips can make your Instant Pot Sesame Chicken even better. From preparation to serving, these small adjustments can have a big impact on the final dish. These suggestions help you get consistent results and customize the recipe to your family’s preferences.
How to Serve and Garnish
This sesame chicken is fantastic served over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice to soak up any extra sauce. For a lower-carb option, try serving it with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or steamed vegetables like broccoli and bell peppers. To finish the dish, garnish with a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and some thinly sliced green onions. These additions add a wonderful texture and a fresh, bright flavor that completes the meal.
Meal Prep and Storage
This recipe is also great for meal prepping. You can cook a batch on Sunday and portion it out with rice and veggies for easy lunches throughout the week. Leftover Instant Pot Sesame Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, simply microwave it in short intervals or gently warm it in a skillet on the stove until heated through. The sauce may thicken slightly upon cooling, but it will return to its original consistency once warmed.
Easy Instant Pot Sesame Chicken Recipe
This recipe gives you takeout-quality flavor right from your own kitchen in just 20 minutes. Follow these simple steps for a perfect weeknight dinner.
Secret to the best 20-Min Instant Pot Sesame Chicken
Ingredients
- For the Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into 1-inch cubes
- 0.25 cup cornstarch for coating the chicken
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- For the Sesame Sauce
- 0.5 cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 0.25 cup honey
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger minced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 0.25 cup water or low-sodium chicken broth
- For the Slurry & Garnish
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds for garnish
- 2 green onions thinly sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken cubes dry with a paper towel. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with 1/4 cup of cornstarch until each piece is evenly and lightly coated.
- Mix Sauce: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced ginger, minced garlic, and water. Set aside.
- Sauté Chicken: Set your Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ function on high. Once it displays ‘Hot’, add the sesame oil. Carefully add the coated chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed to avoid crowding). Brown the chicken for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden. It does not need to be cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
- Deglaze Pot: Press ‘Cancel’. Pour a small amount of the prepared sauce into the hot inner pot and use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up all the browned bits stuck to the bottom. This step is crucial to prevent the ‘Burn’ notice.
- Pressure Cook: Return the browned chicken to the pot. Pour the remaining sauce over the top. Secure the lid, ensure the steam release valve is set to the ‘Sealing’ position. Select ‘Pressure Cook’ (or ‘Manual’) on high pressure and set the time for 4 minutes.
- Release and Thicken: When the timer beeps, perform a quick pressure release by carefully turning the valve to ‘Venting’. Once the pin drops, open the lid. Press ‘Cancel’, then select the ‘Sauté’ function again. In a small cup, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water to make a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the bubbling sauce while stirring continuously. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened to a glossy, glaze-like consistency.
- Serve: Turn off the Instant Pot. Garnish generously with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately over steamed rice or with steamed broccoli for a complete meal.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of chicken is best for Instant Pot sesame chicken?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the top choice for this recipe because they stay very moist and tender under pressure. However, boneless, skinless chicken breasts also work well. If using breasts, cut them into uniform 1-inch pieces to prevent them from drying out.
How do you thicken sesame chicken sauce in an Instant Pot?
To thicken the sauce, you use a cornstarch slurry. After pressure cooking the chicken, remove the lid and turn the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. In a small bowl, whisk together one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Pour the slurry into the simmering sauce and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until it thickens to a glaze-like consistency.
Can I make this sesame chicken recipe with frozen chicken?
Yes, you can make this pressure cooker sesame chicken with frozen chicken, but you will need to adjust the cooking time. For frozen chicken breasts or thighs cut into cubes, increase the pressure cooking time to about 8-10 minutes. The pot will also take longer to come to pressure.
How do I store and reheat leftover sesame chicken?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until warm. Alternatively, you can gently reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat.
A New Weeknight Favorite
This Instant Pot Sesame Chicken has truly changed our weeknight dinner routine. It’s a dish that delivers on every front: it’s fast, incredibly flavorful, and made with simple ingredients. The next time you’re tempted to order takeout, give this recipe a try. I think you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create a delicious, satisfying meal that your whole family will request again and again. It brings that comforting, home-cooked feeling to the table with minimal effort.
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