The Crunchy Instant Pot Sesame Chicken Recipe You’ll Love

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delicious solutions that satisfy hunger and delight taste buds.

This crowd-pleasing Instant Pot sesame chicken delivers restaurant-quality flavor in mere minutes.

Tender chicken pieces coated in a glossy, sweet-savory sauce create an irresistible meal that comes together effortlessly.

The pressure cooker works its magic, infusing each bite with rich, complex flavors that dance across your palate.

Aromatic sesame seeds add a nutty crunch that elevates this classic dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Forget takeout and complicated cooking techniques, this recipe brings gourmet comfort directly to your table.

Serve over fluffy rice and watch everyone dive in with enthusiasm.

What Makes Sesame Chicken a Hit

• Combine ingredients effortlessly with simple steps, requiring no complex culinary skills and delivering restaurant-quality taste right at home.
• Perfect for busy families, quick weeknight dinners, and those craving Asian-inspired comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Easily adjust hot sauce and seasonings to suit individual taste preferences, making it a crowd-pleasing option for different palates.

Sesame Chicken Must-Have Ingredients

• Chicken: Tender bite-sized pieces that form the main protein of the dish.

• Soy Sauce, Ketchup: Create a rich, savory base for the chicken.
• Garlic, Ginger: Add depth and aromatic flavor to the sauce.
• Hot Sauce: Provides an optional spicy kick to the dish.

• Honey, Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a glossy sauce coating.
• Sesame Oil: Introduces a classic nutty sesame flavor to the dish.

• Cornstarch, Water: Creates a slurry to thicken and give the sauce a glossy texture.

• Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Provide a fresh, crunchy topping that enhances the visual appeal and adds extra flavor.

How to Make Instant Pot Sesame Chicken

Step 1: Combine Chicken and Flavor Boosters

Toss bite-sized chicken pieces into the Instant Pot.

• Soy sauce
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger
• Ketchup
• Hot sauce

Stir everything to ensure the chicken gets a complete flavor bath.

Step 2: Lock and Pressurize

Secure the Instant Pot lid, positioning the valve to “Sealing.” Select MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK mode and set the timer for 3 minutes.

This quick cooking method preserves the chicken’s juiciness.

Step 3: Release the Steam Safely

Once the timer chimes, carefully shift the valve to “Release” position.

Use a long utensil to manage steam, protecting yourself from potential burns.

Step 4: Create the Sauce Magic

Switch the Instant Pot to SAUTÉ mode.

• Honey
• Sesame oil

Stir thoroughly to develop a rich, glossy coating.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce Perfectly

• Cornstarch
• Water

Pour the mixture into the Instant Pot, stirring continuously until the sauce reaches a luxurious consistency.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish with Flair

Transfer the sesame chicken over steamed rice.

Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Tips for Juicy Sesame Chicken

• Cut chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Adjust cornstarch slurry gradually to achieve desired sauce thickness without making it too heavy or sticky.
• Use fresh ginger and minced garlic for more robust, authentic taste compared to powdered or pre-packaged alternatives.
• Keep stirring during sauté mode to prevent sauce from sticking or scorching at the bottom of the Instant Pot.
• Choose hot sauce wisely to balance heat intensity according to personal preference and family's spice tolerance.

Store and Reheat Sesame Chicken the Right Way

• Transfer cooled sesame chicken into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Pack the chicken in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2-3 months without losing quality or taste.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly and maintain sauce consistency.
• Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to keep it moist. Stir gently until heated through, which helps restore the original texture and prevents burning.

What to Eat with Sesame Chicken

• Pair Perfectly with Rice Pilaf: Create a fluffy, fragrant rice pilaf with buttery texture and mild herbs that complements the sesame chicken's bold flavors and absorbs the rich sauce.
• Refresh with Crisp Asian Slaw: Prepare a tangy coleslaw with rice vinegar, julienned vegetables, and a light sesame dressing that cuts through the chicken's richness and provides a crunchy contrast.
• Toast with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc with bright, citrusy notes that balance the sweet and savory elements of the sesame chicken, cleansing the palate between bites.
• Complement with Cucumber Salad: Whip up a cool cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar, sesame seeds, and a touch of honey that echoes the dish's Asian-inspired flavors and provides a refreshing side.

Flavor Options for Sesame Chicken Recipe

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Replace rice with riced cauliflower to create a keto-friendly version that cuts carbohydrates while maintaining the classic sesame chicken flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, and use gluten-free cornstarch to make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, pressing and cutting into bite-sized pieces to absorb the same delicious sesame sauce and provide a plant-based alternative.
• Air Fryer Adaptation: Cook chicken pieces in an air fryer instead of Instant Pot for a crispy exterior, using the same marinade and finishing the sauce in a separate pan for those preferring a different cooking method.

FAQs

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are perfect. They cook quickly and absorb the sauce wonderfully, creating tender, flavorful meat.

• Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can adapt this to a slow cooker or stovetop. For stovetop, cook chicken in a skillet and simmer the sauce separately, then combine and thicken.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on your hot sauce choice. Use mild hot sauce for less heat, or add more for a kick. You can always control the spiciness by adjusting the amount of hot sauce.

• How do I prevent the chicken from becoming tough?

Cook for exactly 3 minutes in the Instant Pot and do a quick release. This short cooking time ensures the chicken stays moist and tender without overcooking.

Instant Pot Sesame Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 13 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sesame chicken emerges as a quick, flavor-packed delight straight from your instant pot. Home cooks discover an easy Asian-inspired meal that delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal kitchen effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) chicken breasts (boneless and skinless, cut into bite-size or 1-inch pieces)

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (118 milliliters) low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup (59 milliliters) ketchup
• 1/4 cup (59 milliliters) honey (or brown sugar)
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) toasted sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) hot sauce or sriracha

Aromatics and Thickeners:

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) ginger (peeled and grated)
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) water
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) sesame seeds (to garnish)
• chopped green onion (to garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Combine chicken pieces with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, ketchup, and hot sauce in the Instant Pot, ensuring thorough coating of the meat.
2. Secure the lid with valve set to “Sealing” and pressure cook at high intensity for precisely 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and chicken to tenderize.
3. Once cooking completes, perform a quick steam release by carefully shifting the valve to “Release” position, using a long utensil to avoid potential steam burns.
4. Activate the sauté function and introduce honey and sesame oil, stirring vigorously to create a glossy, aromatic sauce base.
5. Create a cornstarch slurry by whisking cornstarch with water until smooth, then gradually incorporate into the bubbling sauce while continuously stirring to achieve desired consistency.
6. Remove from heat and transfer the succulent sesame chicken over steamed rice, generously garnishing with toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Swap chicken thighs for breast meat to reduce fat content and calories while maintaining juicy texture.
• Create a gluten-free version by using tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and confirming cornstarch is gluten-free.
• Reduce sodium levels by selecting low-sodium soy sauce and controlling added salt quantities during cooking process.
• Enhance protein absorption by marinating chicken pieces for 30 minutes before pressure cooking, which helps deeper flavor penetration.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Pressure Cooking
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg