Instant Pot Sesame Chicken Recipe

When life gets busy, the Instant Pot can feel like a gift from the kitchen gods, right? This sesame chicken recipe is my go-to when I’m craving something sweet, savory, and packed with flavor but don’t want to spend hours over the stove. It’s a takeout favorite turned into an easy, one-pot homemade dish that’s just as satisfying. The combination of tender chicken, a sticky soy-based sauce, and that pop of sesame flavor? Total perfection. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, which makes it a lifesaver for weeknights.

this RECIPE

The story behind my love for sesame chicken

I’ll never forget the first time I had sesame chicken. It was during a lazy Friday movie night when my family decided to order Chinese takeout. That glossy, slightly sticky sauce clinging to bite-sized chicken pieces—it was love at first bite. Since then, I’ve made it my mission to recreate those nostalgic flavors at home, but without the deep frying or the waiting for delivery. When I discovered how easy it is to whip this up in the Instant Pot, it felt like unlocking a cheat code for weeknight dinners. It’s become a regular in my house, and honestly, it gets devoured every single time.

A little background on sesame chicken

Sesame chicken is thought to be an American-Chinese dish, often found on menus in Chinese restaurants across the United States. While it’s not traditionally Chinese, it’s inspired by Asian flavors like soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil. This dish has evolved to fit American palates, leaning into the sweeter, more saucy side of things. It’s one of those recipes that adapts beautifully to home cooking, especially with modern tools like the Instant Pot, which makes it quicker and easier than ever.

Let’s talk ingredients: the star players in this dish

Every ingredient in this recipe has a purpose, so let’s break it down:

• Chicken breasts: Lean, tender, and perfect for soaking up the sauce. If you’re out of chicken breasts, chicken thighs work wonderfully too—they’re juicier and add even more flavor.
• Soy sauce: This gives the sauce its savory depth. I always go for low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness, but you can use regular if that’s what you have.
• Garlic and ginger: These aromatics build the flavor foundation. Fresh is best, but in a pinch, garlic powder or ginger paste can work.
• Ketchup: Adds tanginess and a little color to the sauce. Don’t skip this one—it’s a game-changer!
• Honey (or brown sugar): The sweetness balances out the soy sauce and spices. I often switch it up depending on what’s in my pantry, and both options work beautifully.
• Toasted sesame oil: Adds that nutty, rich sesame flavor we all know and love.
• Cornstarch slurry: This is your ticket to a glossy, thick sauce. If you’re out of cornstarch, arrowroot powder is a solid substitute.

Pro tip: For garnishes, look for fresh green onions with bright, firm stalks and sesame seeds that are already toasted (or toast them yourself in a dry skillet for maximum flavor).

Kitchen gear: What you need (and what you can skip)

You don’t need much for this recipe, which is part of why it’s so great. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

• Instant Pot: Obviously, the star tool here. It cooks the chicken perfectly while infusing it with flavor. If you don’t have one, a stovetop pressure cooker or even a slow cooker can work—you’ll just need to adjust the cooking time.
• Grater: For grating ginger. If you don’t have one, use the smallest holes on a box grater or finely mince it with a knife.
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: Perfect for stirring and making sure nothing sticks to the pot.
• Rice cooker or pot for rice: Because sesame chicken and fluffy rice are a match made in heaven.

That’s really all you need! No fancy gadgets required.

Step-by-step: My foolproof method for sesame chicken

Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make this recipe, step by step:

1. Add everything to the Instant Pot: Start by tossing your bite-sized chicken pieces into the pot. Pour in the soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, ketchup, and hot sauce. Give it a quick stir to coat the chicken evenly.
2. Cook under pressure: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “sealing.” Select the MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK setting (depending on your model) and cook on high pressure for 3 minutes. While it seems quick, trust me—it’s all the time the chicken needs to become perfectly tender.
3. Quick release the steam: Once the cooking cycle is done, carefully turn the vent to the “release” position. Be cautious here—the steam is super hot!
4. Thicken the sauce: Remove the lid and switch the Instant Pot to the SAUTE setting. Stir in the honey (or brown sugar) and sesame oil. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Pour this into the pot and stir until the sauce thickens. You’ll see it go from watery to glossy and luscious in just a minute or two.
5. Taste and adjust: If the sauce isn’t thick enough, add another round of slurry. Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness or spice level to your liking.

Once it’s done, you’re ready to serve!

Variations you’ll love

The beauty of this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

• Gluten-free: Swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.
• Vegan: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh, and use maple syrup instead of honey.
• Low-carb: Serve the sesame chicken over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of regular rice.
• Spicier version: Double the sriracha or hot sauce for an extra kick!
• Seasonal veggies: Toss in broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas during the saute step for added crunch and color.

Each variation brings something new to the table, so feel free to experiment.

Serving and presentation ideas

To serve, scoop the sesame chicken over a bed of steamed rice (jasmine is my favorite for its aroma). Sprinkle a generous amount of sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for that final touch of color and flavor. Want to go the extra mile? Serve it alongside roasted broccoli or a crisp cucumber salad for a fresh, balanced meal.

If you’re hosting, dish the chicken into a wide serving bowl, garnish it generously, and let everyone serve themselves family-style.

Beverage pairings

This dish pairs beautifully with refreshing drinks. Try serving it with a chilled glass of iced green tea or a citrusy sparkling water to cut through the richness of the sauce. For a sweeter option, a mango or pineapple juice spritzer works wonderfully with the Asian-inspired flavors.

Storing and reheating tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store the sesame chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce (minus the garnishes) for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual.

Adjusting for different serving sizes

This recipe makes about 4 servings, but it’s easy to adjust. Cooking for two? Halve the ingredients, but keep the cooking time the same. Need to feed a crowd? Double the recipe, but make sure not to overfill your Instant Pot—stay below the max fill line!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes! Just increase the pressure cooking time to 8-10 minutes to ensure it cooks through.

2. What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?
No problem! You can simmer the chicken and sauce on the stovetop for about 20 minutes, covered, until cooked through.

3. How do I toast sesame seeds?
Simply heat a dry skillet over medium heat, add the seeds, and stir frequently until golden and fragrant.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Just reheat and serve.

5. Is there a substitute for sesame oil?
While nothing replicates its nutty flavor perfectly, you can use olive oil or skip it altogether—the dish will still be delicious.

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