Instant Pot sesame chicken

Dump and start Instant Pot sesame chicken cooked in a rich honey soy sauce. This Chinese-American classic is made so easy in the Instant Pot, perfect for a busy mid-week dinner and definitely much better than a take-out!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 20 minutes from prep to plate, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger creates a deliciously rich sauce that elevates the chicken.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it over rice or noodles, or pair it with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this sweet and savory dish, making it a hit at the dinner table.
• Healthy Option: Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts keeps this dish lean while still being satisfying.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Instant Pot: This multi-cooker allows you to prepare meals quickly with minimal effort while locking in flavors.
• Cutting board & Knife: Essential for safe food preparation, ensuring your ingredients are chopped evenly for cooking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precision in measurements is key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors in your sauce.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this delicious Instant Pot sesame chicken:

For the Chicken

• 2 pounds chicken breasts (boneless and skinless, cut into bite-size or 1-inch pieces)

For the Sauce

• 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

For Thickening and Garnish

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (and 1 tablespoon water)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (to garnish)
• Chopped green onion (to garnish)

How to Make Instant Pot sesame chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Add the chicken to the Instant Pot along with:
– Soy sauce
– Garlic
– Ginger
– Ketchup
– Hot sauce or sriracha

Give everything a quick stir to combine well.

Step 2: Cook Under Pressure

Cover the pot with the lid. Ensure that the valve is set to sealing position. Press MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK depending on your model. Cook on high for 3 minutes.

Step 3: Release Steam Safely

Once it beeps, quickly release the steam by turning the vent to RELEASE position. Be cautious as steam will be hot.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Carefully remove the lid. Press the SAUTE setting. Add honey (or brown sugar) and sesame oil.

To make the cornstarch slurry:
1. Combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl.
2. Add this mixture to the sauce in the pot.
3. Stir with a wooden spoon until the sauce thickens. Switch off the sauté setting.

Step 5: Adjust Thickness if Needed

If you prefer a thicker sauce, add another tablespoon of cornstarch slurry to reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Serve It Up!

Serve your flavorful Instant Pot sesame chicken over rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for an added crunch!

How to Serve Instant Pot sesame chicken

Serving Instant Pot sesame chicken can be a delightful experience, allowing you to explore various textures and flavors. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will enhance your meal.

Over Steamed Rice

• Steamed white or brown rice serves as a perfect base for the rich sauce of the sesame chicken, absorbing all the delicious flavors.

With Stir-Fried Vegetables

• Pairing with colorful stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas adds crunch and nutrition to your plate.

On a Bed of Noodles

• Serve over cooked noodles, such as lo mein or rice noodles, for a comforting twist that complements the savory sauce.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Scoop the sesame chicken into crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh and low-carb alternative that’s both fun and healthy.

With Quinoa

• Quinoa provides a protein-packed base that pairs well with the sweet and savory notes of the dish while adding a nutty flavor.

Topped with Sesame Seeds and Green Onions

• Garnish each serving with additional toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an extra pop of flavor and visual appeal.

How to Perfect Instant Pot sesame chicken

To achieve the best results with your Instant Pot sesame chicken, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger elevate the flavor profile significantly compared to dried options.
• Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of honey or brown sugar based on your sweetness preference; start with less and add more if needed.
• Cut Chicken Evenly: Ensure that chicken pieces are uniform in size for even cooking; this prevents some from being overcooked while others are undercooked.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Cooking on high pressure for 3 minutes is usually sufficient; avoid overcooking to maintain tender chicken.
• Experiment with Sauces: Try adding different sauces or spices for variations, such as teriyaki sauce or chili paste for an added kick.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the cooked dish to rest for a few minutes before serving helps flavors meld together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot sesame chicken

Complementing your Instant Pot sesame chicken with delicious side dishes enhances your dining experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fried Rice: A classic option that can be made quickly; just stir-fry cooked rice with vegetables and soy sauce.
2. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing mix of sliced cucumbers tossed in rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a pinch of salt goes well with the rich flavors.
3. Roasted Broccoli: Toss broccoli florets in olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting until crispy; it adds a lovely texture contrast.
4. Steamed Dumplings: These savory bites provide a wonderful textural counterpart to the soft chicken; consider vegetable or chicken dumplings.
5. Egg Fried Rice: Whip up some egg fried rice by scrambling eggs into leftover rice with peas, carrots, and soy sauce for added flavor.
6. Miso Soup: A bowl of warm miso soup provides warmth and depth alongside your main dish while being quick to prepare.
7. Sesame Noodles: Cold or warm noodles tossed in soy sauce, sesame oil, and scallions make for a delightful side dish that ties in well with your meal.
8. Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus spears grilled until tender add elegance to your plate while keeping things simple.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Instant Pot sesame chicken can be straightforward, but there are common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using regular soy sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is key to controlling salt levels and enhancing flavor without overpowering the dish.
• Skipping the cornstarch slurry: Neglecting this step will leave your sauce thin and unappetizing. Always mix cornstarch with water to thicken your sauce properly.
• Not sealing the pot correctly: If the valve is not in the sealing position, your Instant Pot won’t come to pressure. Make sure it’s sealed before cooking.
• Ignoring resting time after cooking: Letting the dish sit for a few minutes after cooking helps meld flavors and improve taste.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking it for too long can make it dry. Stick to the recommended cooking time for juicy results.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow it to cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing Instant Pot sesame chicken

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.
• Label with date and contents for easy identification later.

Reheating Instant Pot sesame chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Use medium power, heating in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. Stir occasionally.
• Stovetop: Heat over low-medium heat in a skillet, stirring frequently until warmed evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Instant Pot sesame chicken?

Instant Pot sesame chicken is a quick and easy meal made with chicken cooked in a rich honey soy sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.

How do I make Instant Pot sesame chicken less spicy?

You can reduce or omit the hot sauce or sriracha from the recipe if you prefer a milder flavor.

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Yes! You can substitute turkey or beef for chicken in this recipe while maintaining similar cooking times.

How do I serve Instant Pot sesame chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with rice or steamed vegetables, making it a versatile addition to any meal.

Final Thoughts

Instant Pot sesame chicken is not only simple to prepare but also incredibly delicious. Its rich flavors make it a favorite among families looking for quick dinner solutions. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding vegetables or adjusting sweetness levels according to your preference!