Deliciously quick and savory Instant Pot Sesame Seed Chicken with a sticky-sweet sauce! Perfect for busy weeknights. Better than take-out!

Better Than Take-Out: Instant Pot Sesame Seed Chicken

Indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of our Instant Pot Sesame Seed Chicken recipe – a delightful blend of tender chicken pieces coated in a sticky-sweet sauce with a tantalizing kick! This dish is so delicious; it will rival your favorite Asian take-out, and your family will be clamoring for more.

My culinary journey with Asian cuisine began with my husband, who grew up in the Bay Area and knows what authentic Asian flavors should taste like. His discerning palate set the bar high, and I hesitated to attempt Asian dishes for fear of falling short of his expectations. However, my culinary confidence soared when I succeeded in making Instant Pot Pho to his delight, and his encouraging feedback motivated me to try more.

One magical night, I paired Instant Pot Pork Fried Rice with this delightful Instant Pot Sesame Chicken, and it was a revelation! My husband’s praises were abundant, and I even heard “I love you” a couple of times during the meal. The entire family enjoyed it, making it an instant hit at our dinner table.

 

 

The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its taste but also in its simplicity. It’s a breeze to whip up, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you crave a homemade, flavorful meal without the hassle. Serve it over freshly steamed rice or alongside some tender broccoli, or even mix the broccoli right into the dish for added goodness.

If you’re mindful of your sodium intake, fear not! Simply opt for reduced-sodium soy sauce to ensure a healthier yet equally delightful outcome. The magic of Sesame Chicken lies in the exquisite sauce, expertly crafted with honey and soy sauce, delivering a subtle sweetness and just the right amount of spice. The sauce thickens beautifully, coating the chicken with a glaze that’s both tantalizing and irresistible.

As a culinary enthusiast, I invite you to explore more incredible Instant Pot recipes on my Pinterest Instant Pot board, including this delightful pressure cooker honey Sesame Chicken.

Don’t let take-out tempt you when you can create a restaurant-quality dish at home with ease. Instant Pot Sesame Seed Chicken is destined to become a cherished addition to your family’s rotation of easy weeknight meals. So, roll up your sleeves, fire up your Instant Pot, and get ready to savor the goodness of this delectable dish that’s bound to become a household favorite.

 

 

Instant Pot Sesame Seed Chicken

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 3 minutes

Saute Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 13 minutes

The Instant Pot Sesame Seed Chicken can be prepared and cooked within  minutes, making it a quick and convenient meal option for busy weeknights.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken tenders or skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch, divided
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Chopped green onions, for garnish

How to Make Instant Pot Sesame Seed Chicken:

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Instant Pot by selecting the saute function and adding the olive oil to the pressure cooker.
2. In a small bowl, coat the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
3. Add the coated chicken and minced garlic to the Instant Pot and saute for about 5 minutes until the chicken turns golden brown. Make sure to turn the chicken pieces to brown them evenly and enhance their flavor.
4. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the Sesame Chicken sauce. In a small mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, ketchup, red pepper flakes (if using), and water. Stir until well combined.
5. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the Instant Pot.
6. Lock the Instant Pot lid in place, set the valve to the “sealing” position, and choose the Manual or Pressure Cook setting on High Pressure.
7. Set the timer for 3 minutes.
8. Once the timer beeps, perform a Quick Pressure Release to release the pressure.
9. After releasing the pressure, open the lid and stir in the sesame oil and honey to coat the chicken with the sticky sauce.
10. Switch the Instant Pot to the Saute function again.
11. In a small bowl, whisk the remaining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold water until smooth to create a cornstarch slurry.
12. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the chicken and continue stirring for about 2 minutes or until the sauce thickens to the desired consistency.
13. Remember to bring the sauce back to a simmer after adding the slurry to activate the thickening agents properly.
14. Once the sauce has thickened, remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and sprinkle sesame seeds over the top.
15. Serve the Instant Pot Sesame Seed Chicken alone or over your choice of accompaniment, such as Jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, brown rice, or noodles.
16. Garnish with chopped green onions for added freshness and flavor.

Enjoy your delicious and flavorful Instant Pot Sesame Seed Chicken!

Serve alone or over Jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, brown rice, or noodles; we recommend this pork fried rice.

Garnish with green onions.

You can pair this with pan fried dumplings recipe.

 

Conventional Method – Sesame Seed Chicken

If you don’t have an Instant Pot, worry not! You can still indulge in this delectable Sesame Seed Chicken using the conventional stovetop method. Follow these simple steps to savor the same amazing flavors:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken tenders or skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

To Serve:

• Cooked rice (Jasmine, brown, or your choice)

Instructions:

1. In a small mixing bowl, prepare the Sesame Chicken sauce by combining soy sauce, ketchup, honey, water, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to create a flavorful sauce.
2. Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces, ensuring even sizes for consistent cooking.
3. In a large pan or skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
4. Sear the chicken pieces in the hot oil, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown and almost cooked through. This process usually takes about 4 minutes.
5. Add the minced garlic to the pan with the seared chicken and cook for an additional 1 minute to infuse the chicken with the garlic flavor.
6. Pour the prepared Sesame Chicken sauce over the chicken in the pan.
7. Bring the sauce to a boil over medium heat.
8. Once the sauce starts boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let it simmer for 5 minutes. This allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce fully.
9. In a separate small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of water with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to create a cornstarch slurry.
10. Add the cornstarch slurry to the simmering sauce, stirring continuously until it is fully incorporated.
11. Continue to simmer the chicken and sauce until the mixture thickens to your desired consistency. This will take approximately 2-3 minutes.
12. Once the sauce has thickened, turn off the heat.
13. Serve the delicious Sesame Seed Chicken over a bed of cooked rice, such as Jasmine rice, brown rice, or your preferred variety.
14. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for future enjoyment.

Enjoy this savory and satisfying Sesame Seed Chicken made using the conventional stovetop method. It’s a flavorful dish that will surely become a family favorite!

Instant Pot Sesame Seed Chicken Tips:

1. Preparation is Key: This recipe moves quickly, so it’s essential to have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking. Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces, mince the garlic, and measure out the sauce ingredients, so everything is at hand when needed.
2. Saute to Perfection: When sauteing the chicken in the Instant Pot, ensure it gets a nice golden brown color on all sides. This browning process enhances the flavor and texture of the chicken, making it more delicious.
3. Monitor Sauce Thickness: During the final saute setting, the longer you cook the chicken and sauce mixture, the thicker the sauce will become. Keep a close eye on it and stir continuously to prevent burning or sticking. Avoid leaving the Instant Pot unattended during this step.
4. Batch Cook Rice: Use your Instant Pot or rice cooker to prepare a large batch of rice, such as white rice, brown rice, basmati rice, or jasmine rice. After cooking, divide it into smaller portions and freeze them for easy and quick use in future meals.
5. Customize with Veggies: Feel free to add some vegetables to this dish for extra color, nutrients, and flavor. Bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or sliced carrots are excellent choices to include in the recipe.
6. Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier version, increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the sauce. On the other hand, if you want a milder taste, you can omit the red pepper flakes altogether.
7. Serve with Sides: While this Instant Pot Sesame Seed Chicken is delicious on its own, you can make it a complete meal by pairing it with various sides. Steamed vegetables, stir-fried greens, or a simple cucumber salad can complement the dish beautifully.
8. Freezer-Friendly: This chicken dish freezes well, so consider making extra portions and storing them in airtight containers in the freezer. It’s a convenient option for a quick and tasty meal on busy days.
9. Healthier Options: For a healthier twist, you can use low-sodium soy sauce, reduce the amount of honey, or substitute with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar.
10. Make It a Family Favorite: Instant Pot Sesame Seed Chicken is a classic Chinese-American favorite that beats take-out any day. Prepare it for your loved ones, and it’s sure to become a family go-to recipe for satisfying weeknight dinners.

We hope you enjoy making and relishing this wonderful Instant Pot Sesame Seed Chicken. Share your delicious creations with friends and family and let them savor the flavors of this delightful dish.

What’s on your menu for dinner tonight? We’d love to hear about your culinary adventures!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Instant Pot Sesame Seed Chicken Recipe:

1. Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe? While it’s best to use fresh chicken for optimal texture and flavor, you can use frozen chicken in this recipe. Keep in mind that the cooking time will need to be adjusted accordingly, as frozen chicken will take longer to cook through.
2. Can I substitute the honey with another sweetener? Yes, you can use other sweeteners like maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar as a substitute for honey. However, keep in mind that the flavor profile may slightly vary based on the sweetener you choose.
3. How do I adjust the spice level? If you prefer a spicier version, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the sauce. Conversely, if you want a milder taste, you can omit the red pepper flakes altogether.
4. Can I add vegetables to this dish? Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or sliced carrots to the Instant Pot along with the chicken. This will not only enhance the flavor but also add color and nutrients to the dish.
5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this Instant Pot Sesame Seed Chicken ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or stovetop until heated through.
6. How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin? If the sauce is thinner than desired, you can make a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir the slurry into the sauce while it’s simmering and continue to cook until the sauce thickens to your preference.
7. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, you can use boneless and skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Thighs will add a slightly richer flavor and stay moist during cooking.
8. Can I freeze the leftovers? Absolutely! If you have leftover Instant Pot Sesame Seed Chicken, you can store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
9. Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of using an Instant Pot? Yes, you can make this dish on the stovetop using a large pan or skillet. Follow the steps in the Conventional Method mentioned in the recipe to achieve similar results.
10. Is this recipe gluten-free? The recipe can be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce. Ensure that other sauce ingredients and cornstarch used are also gluten-free to maintain the gluten-free status.

We hope these FAQs help answer any queries you may have about the Instant Pot Sesame Seed Chicken recipe. Enjoy cooking and savoring this delightful dish!