Instant Pot Sesame Chicken
Whenever I think about comfort food, Instant Pot Sesame Chicken comes to mind. It’s one of those dishes that evoke warmth and happiness, reminding me of cozy family dinners. Picture a busy weeknight, the kind where you want something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. That’s where this recipe shines! The combination of tender chicken cooked to perfection in a delightful sauce is just what you need to satisfy your cravings. I remember the first time I made it; the aroma wafting through my kitchen had everyone gathering around, eager to dig in. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that delivers on flavor.
Recipe Snapshot
10 mins
5 mins
5 mins
Medium
350 kcal
30 g
Vegan, Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
10 g
Instant Pot
Why Try This Instant Pot Sesame Chicken
Quick and Easy
One of the reasons I absolutely love this Instant Pot Sesame Chicken recipe is its quick preparation. When you’re juggling work and family, having a go-to meal that only takes minutes to make can be a lifesaver. The Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting while you can focus on setting the table or unwinding for a moment.
Flavor Explosion
The flavor profile is out of this world! The combination of soy sauce, ginger, and a hint of honey creates a sweet and savory sauce that clings beautifully to the tender chicken. It’s a delightful explosion of flavors that will elevate your dinner game.
Healthy Twist
Using low-sodium soy sauce in this recipe allows you to enjoy all the taste without the excess salt. It’s an excellent way to indulge in a beloved dish while keeping an eye on health. Plus, with the chicken being boneless and skinless, you’re opting for a leaner protein.
Family Friendly
This recipe is a hit with kids, making it perfect for family dinners. The sweetness of the honey and the tang of the hot sauce can be adjusted to suit your family’s preferences. You can even involve the kids in the kitchen, allowing them to add their favorite toppings.
Versatile Pairings
Another standout feature of this dish is its versatility. You can serve it over rice, noodles, or even alongside a fresh salad. It’s adaptable to any occasion, whether it’s a casual weeknight meal or a special gathering.
Leftovers Done Right
If you have leftovers (which I often do!), they reheat beautifully. The flavors meld even more overnight, making for a tasty lunch the next day.
Main Ingredients for Instant Pot Sesame Chicken
The ingredients in Instant Pot Sesame Chicken truly shine. Each component plays a vital role in creating a harmonious balance of flavors. The chicken serves as the star, while the soy sauce, ginger, and honey work together to create a sauce that is both savory and sweet. Together, they produce a dish that is both satisfying and delicious.
- 2 pounds chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-size or 1-inch pieces: This is the main protein for your dish, providing a hearty base that absorbs flavors beautifully.
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce: Adds necessary umami and saltiness without overpowering the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Elevates the flavor with its aromatic qualities.
- 1 inch ginger, peeled and grated: Brings warmth and spice, enhancing the overall taste.
- ¼ cup ketchup: Adds a hint of sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce or sriracha: Provides a delightful kick, adjustable to your heat preference.
- ¼ cup honey or brown sugar: Sweetens the dish and balances the salty components.
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil: Imparts a rich, nutty flavor that is characteristic of Asian cuisine.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water: This combination creates a slurry that thickens the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, to garnish: Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- chopped green onion, to garnish: Freshness and color to brighten the dish.
Step by Step Instructions for Instant Pot Sesame Chicken
Making Instant Pot Sesame Chicken is a breeze! You’ll be amazed at how quickly this dish comes together. Follow these simple steps to create a deeply flavorful meal that will impress your family and friends.
- Begin by adding the chicken to the Instant Pot. Make sure to cut it into bite-size pieces for even cooking. Follow this with the soy sauce, garlic, ginger, ketchup, and hot sauce. Give everything a quick stir to combine the ingredients well.
- Cover the pot with the lid, making sure that the valve is set to sealing position. This is crucial for building pressure. Depending on your model, select the MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK option and set the timer for 3 minutes. It’s exciting to watch the Instant Pot come to pressure!
- Once the cooking time is up, the Instant Pot will beep. Carefully release the steam by turning the valve to the RELEASE position. Be cautious as hot steam will escape. Wait for the pressure to drop and then unlock the lid.
- Now, press the SAUTE setting on the Instant Pot. This step is essential for thickening the sauce. Add in the honey, toasted sesame oil, and the cornstarch slurry. To make this, combine cornstarch with water and mix until smooth.
- Stir the sauce with a wooden spoon until it thickens. You will notice the sauce transforming into a glossy coating that clings to the chicken.
- If the sauce isn’t thick enough for your liking, you can add a little more cornstarch slurry. Just remember to stir continuously to prevent lumps.
- Serve the chicken over a bed of rice or noodles, garnishing generously with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. The visual appeal will undoubtedly draw everyone to the table!
- Enjoy your homemade Instant Pot Sesame Chicken and relish the compliments that come your way. You’ve created a dish that’s not only delicious but also quick and satisfying!
Things Worth Knowing
- Pressure Cooking: Make sure the seal is tight before starting the Instant Pot. If not, it won’t build pressure.
- Ingredient Preparation: Cut the chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Thickening Sauce: Always add cornstarch slurry to sauces at the end of cooking.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips for Success
To ensure your Instant Pot Sesame Chicken turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips. These suggestions will guide you in making the best version of this recipe!
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen; just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
- Pairing: Consider serving it with steamed broccoli or snap peas for a delightful meal.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey or brown sugar to suit your taste.
- Spicy Variation: If you enjoy heat, add more hot sauce or sriracha to the mix!
Side Dish Ideas for Instant Pot Sesame Chicken
When it comes to serving your Instant Pot Sesame Chicken, there are numerous options to complement this dish. Here are some fantastic ideas:
- Steamed Rice: A classic pairing that soaks up the delicious sauce perfectly.
- Fried Rice: For an extra twist, serve it over fried rice instead.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: Broccoli, snap peas, and bell peppers add a colorful, healthy touch.
- Salad: A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette balances the meal beautifully.
- Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls make for an exciting appetizer or side.
- Seasonal Treats: In the fall, consider serving with roasted pumpkin or sweet potato.
FAQ
Conclusion
The Instant Pot Sesame Chicken is a delightful dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to the table. It’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; you won’t regret it! Your family will be amazed at the delicious flavors and how easy it is to make!
Instant Pot Sesame Chicken
Equipment
- Instant Pot
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
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds to garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onion to garnish
Instructions
- Add the chicken to the Instant Pot, followed by soy sauce, garlic, ginger, ketchup, and hot sauce or sriracha. Give everything a quick stir.
- 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.
- 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.
- Carefully remove the lid, and press on the SAUTE setting. Add the honey (or brown sugar), sesame oil, and make the cornstarch slurry.
- To make the slurry, combine 1 tablespoon 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.
- If needed, add another tablespoon of cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce more.
- Serve over rice, and garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
- Enjoy your homemade Instant Pot Sesame Chicken and relish the compliments that come your way.
Notes
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: It’s important to use low-sodium soy sauce in this recipe, as otherwise, your sauce might be too salty.
- Nutrition Values: Nutrition values are calculated per 1 portion of sesame chicken without rice (rough estimate).
