Instant Pot Sesame Chicken Recipe

I love exploring new flavors with my Asian Chicken Instant Pot recipe collection. This dish brims with a vibrant sauce of soy, honey, ginger, and garlic that transforms tender chicken thighs into a remarkable meal. Perfect for those busy weeknights, it invites you to discover a burst of intriguing flavor.

I’ve recently been experimenting with a new instant pot creation that totally blew my mind. I started with 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs and seasoned them with just a pinch of salt and pepper.

Then I tossed in a mix of 1/3 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup rice vinegar and 2 teaspoons sesame oil to create a rich sauce full of flavor. I added 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon grated ginger and a dash of red pepper flakes for that extra kick.

The chicken got a head start in a bit of vegetable oil before everything was dumped into the Instant Pot along with 1/2 cup chicken broth. I let it all come together until it formed a luscious sauce, thickened up later with a slurry of cornstarch and cold water.

I finish it off with toasted sesame seeds and green onions on top. This new twist on an easy Asian chicken dish has quickly become one of my favorite Instant Pot recipes and i cant wait for you to try it.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because:
1. I love how fast and simple it is to prepare when I’m in a rush.
2. I really enjoy the sweet and savory mix from the honey and soy sauce.
3. I appreciate how the sauce thickens perfectly to coat the chicken, giving every bite tons of flavor.
4. I like that the garlic and ginger add a fresh, authentic zing that makes it feel like a real Chinese classic.

Dump everything into your Instant Pot and let it work its magic. It’s super easy to whip up a tasty sesame chicken with a rich honey soy sauce that’s packed with flavor. The whole process is really straightforward, and even if you’re not the best cook, it all comes together nicely as one of those classic Chinese meals you can make in no time.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs: high in protein, a great source of essential nutrients and rich flavor.
• Soy sauce: adds salty umami flavor, contains minimal calories but is high in sodium sometimes.
• Honey: natural sweetener providing subtle sugar, energy boost and a few antioxidants.
• Rice vinegar: adds tangy acidity balancing savory dishes with a light, bracing kick in every bite.
• Sesame oil: infuses a nutty nuance with healthy fats for taste and a rich aroma.
• Garlic: offers pungent flavor, a natural defense booster that really enhances overall taste.
• Chicken broth: adds depth and moisture while creating a silky, flavorful sauce.
• Cornstarch slurry: thickens the sauce quickly resulting in a clingy, glossy exterior.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/3 cup soy sauce (or low sodium version if you prefer)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (for slurry)
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make this

1. First, season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.

2. Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add the vegetable oil. When its hot, toss in the chicken pieces and let them brown for about 3-4 minutes.

3. While the chicken is browning, mix together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, red pepper flakes (if you like some heat), and chicken broth in a bowl.

4. Once the chicken has a bit of color, pour the sauce mixture over everything in the pot.

5. Lock the lid in place and set your Instant Pot on Manual/Pressure Cook for 8 minutes.

6. After the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for around 5 minutes then use a quick release for any remaining pressure.

7. Switch the Instant Pot back to Sauté mode. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and let the sauce simmer for about 2 minutes until it thickens.

8. Stir the pot a few times so the sauce thickens evenly and doesn’t stick.

9. Once the sauce is thick and glossy, turn off the Instant Pot.

10. Garnish the sesame chicken with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions then serve hot over rice or noodles.

Equipment Needed

1. Instant Pot (with Sauté and Pressure Cook functions)
2. Mixing bowl (for combining the sauce ingredients)
3. Measuring cups and spoons (for accurate liquid and spice amounts)
4. Cutting board (for prepping the chicken and garlic)
5. Chef’s knife (for chopping and slicing)
6. Spatula or tongs (for stirring and turning the chicken)
7. Small bowl (for mixing the cornstarch slurry)
8. Serving dish (to plate your finished meal)

FAQ

Instant Pot Sesame Chicken Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Chicken thighs – you can substitute with chicken breast; just be careful as they might cook a little differently
• Soy sauce – try using coconut aminos if you need a gluten free or lower sodium option, it works pretty well
• Honey – you could use agave nectar instead, though it might change the flavor profile just slightly
• Rice vinegar – apple cider vinegar can be used in its place, but note that the taste will be a bit different
• Chicken broth – vegetable broth is a good alternative if you want a lighter flavor or need a non-meat version

Pro Tips

1. When browning the chicken, make sure you don’t overcrowd the pot cause that wil stop it from getting that nice sear on the pieces
2. If you want extra flavor let the sauce simmer a bit longer after you add the slurry, just keep stirring so it dont burn on the bottom
3. For a healthier twist you can use low sodium soy sauce and maybe cut back on the honey a little
4. If you like your dish with a kick, try adding a bit more red pepper flakes or even a dash of your favorite hot sauce right before serving