If you’re craving bold, sweet-savory takeout flavor but want something easy you can whip up at home, Instant Pot Sesame Chicken is pure magic. Tender, juicy chicken bites get coated in a glossy, soy-ginger–honey sauce—finished in under 30 minutes, right in your pressure cooker. You’ll fall hard for these sticky, sesame-kissed morsels!
Why You Should Make This Recipe
- Takeout Taste, Made Simple: You don’t need a wok or deep fryer to create restaurant-worthy sesame chicken in your own kitchen.
- Weeknight-Friendly: Everything goes straight into the Instant Pot, and you’ll have dinner ready in less time than it takes to call for delivery.
- Customizable Sweet Heat: Adjust the honey and sriracha to make it just right for your family’s tastebuds—mild or fiery, it’s up to you!
- One Pot, Zero Fuss: Cleanup is a breeze since all the cooking (and most of the flavor magic) happens right inside the Instant Pot.
Ingredients & Substitutions
You only need a handful of pantry-friendly staples and a pack of chicken to bring Instant Pot Sesame Chicken to life. Every ingredient plays its part in building that luscious, craveable sauce or keeping your chicken extra juicy. Here’s what you’ll need—and a few smart swaps if you’re out of something!
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless, and cut into 1-inch chunks for speedy, even cooking. Chicken thighs work if you want a richer flavor.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Adds deep, savory backbone without overpowering saltiness. If all you have is regular soy sauce, dilute with a little water.
- Garlic & Ginger: Freshly minced and grated for the brightest, most aromatic punch—skip the powders for maximum flavor!
- Ketchup: Yes, ketchup! It builds body in the sauce and gives that signature glossy finish.
- Hot Sauce or Sriracha: For a pleasant kick; adjust the amount to suit your spice level.
- Honey or Brown Sugar: Brings sweetness and balance, helping the glaze stick to every piece. Use what you have, both work well.
- Toasted Sesame Oil: For that unmistakable nutty, toasted sesame flavor that makes this dish sing.
- Cornstarch Slurry: A simple mix of cornstarch and water thickens the sauce to velvety perfection.
- Sesame Seeds & Green Onion: Classic finishing touches for crunch and fresh pop of color.
How to Make Instant Pot Sesame Chicken
Step 1: Layer and Mix Ingredients
Place your diced chicken right into the Instant Pot, then add the soy sauce, garlic, ginger, ketchup, and hot sauce. Give it all a quick toss to evenly coat the chicken. This not only saves you an extra bowl, but ensures every piece will simmer in flavor as it cooks.
Step 2: Pressure Cook
Lock on the lid, making sure your valve is set to sealing. Set the Instant Pot to Manual or Pressure Cook on high for just 3 minutes. Don’t wander off—the magic happens quickly! The pot will take about 10 minutes to come up to pressure, giving you just enough time to prep your garnishes or sides.
Step 3: Quick Release and Finish the Sauce
When it beeps, carefully switch the valve to vent and release the steam (use a kitchen towel to shield your hand—steam is hot!). Open the lid, then turn on Sauté mode. Now add your honey (or brown sugar) and sesame oil, and stir in the cornstarch slurry. Watch as the sauce transforms, thickening in just a minute or two to that signature, clingy glaze.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Switch off the Sauté setting and give your Instant Pot Sesame Chicken one last gentle stir. Spoon over fluffy rice, then sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a dish that looks as inviting as it tastes.
How to Serve Instant Pot Sesame Chicken
Garnishes
Nothing beats the classic finishing combo: a shower of toasted sesame seeds for subtle crunch and depth, along with a handful of fresh chopped green onions to add brightness and a pop of color. If you want extra crunch, toss on some thinly sliced red chilies or a swirl of chili oil.
Side Dishes
Instant Pot Sesame Chicken feels right at home over a bed of steaming white rice, jasmine, or brown rice. For a lighter feast, try serving it with sautéed snap peas, bok choy, or crisp cucumber salad for contrast. It’s also wonderful with fluffy cauliflower rice if you want to keep things grain-free.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun, crowd-pleasing twist, pile your sesame chicken into lettuce cups for DIY wraps, or serve as a party-friendly finger food with toothpicks. Leftovers also make a mouthwatering addition to grain bowls or tossed cold with soba noodles and shredded veggies for a quick lunch the next day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Instant Pot Sesame Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it’ll stay perfectly fresh and tender for up to 4 days. The sauce may thicken slightly, but that just means more flavor in every bite!
Freezing
This recipe is surprisingly freezer-friendly. Cool the chicken completely, then transfer to freezer bags or containers. It keeps well for up to 2 months; simply thaw in the fridge overnight for a speedy meal later on.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen up the sauce if needed. You can also microwave it, stirring halfway through, but stovetop will revive the glaze’s beautiful texture best.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen chicken for Instant Pot Sesame Chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Simply increase the pressure cook time to 8-10 minutes, making sure the pieces are separated. The sauce may be a little thinner, so allow it to simmer on Sauté until thickened to your liking.
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Can I double the recipe in a 6-quart Instant Pot?
Absolutely! Double all the ingredients, but keep the pressure cook time the same. Just be careful not to fill past the “Max” line of your Instant Pot to allow safe pressure cooking.
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Is it possible to make Instant Pot Sesame Chicken gluten-free?
Yes, swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos, and check that your ketchup and hot sauce are certified gluten-free. Your sesame chicken will still turn out deliciously sticky and flavorful!
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Can I make this sesame chicken recipe in a slow cooker instead?
Definitely! Combine everything except the honey, sesame oil, and cornstarch in your slow cooker and cook on low for about 3 hours. Stir in the honey/sesame oil, thicken with the slurry, and you’ll have a slow-cooked version of those irresistible flavors.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a weeknight dinner that feels like a treat but comes together with zero stress, Instant Pot Sesame Chicken will win you over from the very first bite. It’s a dish I make on repeat—for family meals, lunches, or anytime I want a little comfort. I hope your kitchen is filled with that irresistible sesame-ginger aroma soon!
Print
Instant Pot Sesame Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Instant Pot
- Method: Instant Pot
Description
A flavorful and easy Instant Pot sesame chicken recipe that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Tender chunks of chicken coated in a sweet and savory sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, served over a bed of fluffy rice.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 pounds chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-size pieces
Sauce:
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, peeled and grated
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce or sriracha
- 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Chopped green onion
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 and cook on high for 3 minutes.
- Allow the Instant Pot to come to pressure, and when it beeps, quickly release the steam by turning the vent to RELEASE position. Carefully remove the lid, and press on the SAUTE setting. Add the honey, sesame oil, and cornstarch slurry.
- Make the cornstarch slurry by combining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water. Add it to the sauce, stir until thickened, and switch off the saute setting.
- If needed, add another tablespoon of cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce more. Serve over rice, garnished with green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
Notes
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to prevent the sauce from being too salty.
- If using regular soy sauce, use ¼ cup soy sauce or tamari and ¼ cup of water.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion without rice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
