Welcome to your new favorite weeknight meal – Instant Pot Honey Sesame Chicken! This delightful dish combines the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with the incredible convenience of your electric pressure cooker. If you’re looking for a quick, effortless, and utterly delicious dinner that will impress everyone at the table, you’ve just found it. Get ready to transform your dinner routine with tender chicken, a luscious sticky sauce, and minimal cleanup, all thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot.
I recently joined the Instant Pot craze, and let me tell you, it has been a game-changer in my kitchen! For years, I (like many others) was wary of traditional pressure cookers, haunted by fears of kitchen explosions and complex operation. But the Instant Pot, with its user-friendly interface and advanced safety features, has completely revolutionized my cooking. It’s an electric pressure cooker that takes all the intimidation out of high-pressure cooking, allowing us to enjoy incredibly tender meats and perfectly cooked grains in a fraction of the time. After snagging a fantastic deal on Amazon Prime day, I couldn’t wait to dive into the world of Instant Pot recipes, and this super easy and incredibly delicious Honey Sesame Chicken was the first triumph I simply had to share with you.
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Why the Instant Pot is a Kitchen Essential
If you’re still on the fence about getting an Instant Pot, allow me to share why this appliance has quickly become my most beloved kitchen gadget:
- **Unbeatable Speed:** The Instant Pot cooks meals in record time. Seriously! It can transform tough cuts of meat into fall-apart tender deliciousness in minutes, not hours. Even frozen meat can go straight into the pot, making it perfect for those forgotten-to-thaw dinner dilemmas. The resulting texture is often superior to slow-cooked or oven-baked dishes, melting in your mouth every time.
- **Perfect Rice in a Flash:** Say goodbye to sticky messes or undercooked grains. My Instant Pot consistently cooks fluffy, perfectly separated rice in just 3 minutes of active pressure cooking time (plus the time it takes to come to and release pressure). This is considerably faster and more hands-off than stovetop methods.
- **Multi-Functionality with Saute Option:** Unlike a traditional slow cooker, the Instant Pot offers a convenient “Saute” function. This means you can brown your meat or sauté aromatics directly in the pot before pressure cooking, eliminating the need for extra pans and reducing cleanup. We utilize this brilliant feature in our Honey Sesame Chicken recipe to thicken the sauce right in the pot.
- **Beyond the Basics: Yogurt and More!** Did you know you can make homemade yogurt in your Instant Pot? While I haven’t tried it myself yet, it’s high on my list, showcasing the incredible versatility of this appliance. It’s not just for savory meals; it can tackle a surprising array of culinary tasks.
- **Replaces Multiple Appliances:** With its slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, and pressure cooker functions all rolled into one, the Instant Pot can declutter your kitchen counters. It’s a true multi-cooker, capable of so much more than just quick meals.
Okay, I know I sound like a zealous Instant Pot evangelist, but I promise this post is not sponsored! I’m genuinely blown away by this appliance and simply want everyone to experience the convenience and delicious results it delivers. If you’re convinced, click HERE to see the model I use (affiliate link).
Unlocking Flavor: Instant Pot Honey Sesame Chicken
This Instant Pot Honey Sesame Chicken recipe is bursting with incredible Asian-inspired flavors, yet it’s incredibly simple to prepare. The beauty lies in its straightforward process: you simply whisk together a handful of sauce ingredients, add your chicken to the Instant Pot, pour over the sauce, and let the pressure cooker do its magic. The chicken cooks to perfection in just 10 minutes under high pressure. Once the pressure is released, the Instant Pot’s saute function comes back into play, allowing us to thicken the glorious sauce with a cornstarch slurry right in the same pot. No transferring, no extra dishes – just pure convenience and mouth-watering results. It’s truly fast, easy, and undeniably delicious. Now that you’ve tried this, what Instant Pot creation should we tackle next?
Instant Pot Honey Sesame Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
For The Sauce:
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger root
- 4-5 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce more or less to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
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In a medium bowl, whisk together all ingredients for the sauce EXCEPT the cornstarch. Ensure everything is well combined.
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Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into the Instant Pot insert. Pour the prepared sauce mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated.
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Secure the Instant Pot lid and ensure the steam release valve is set to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” (or “Pressure Cook”) setting and set the cooking time to 10 minutes on high pressure.
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Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 to 20 minutes. This natural release process helps the chicken remain incredibly tender and juicy. After the natural release period, if there’s still pressure, carefully perform a quick release by turning the steam valve to “Venting.” Wait until the float valve drops before attempting to open the lid.
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Carefully remove the chicken from the Instant Pot; it will be very tender and may fall apart easily. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid (sauce) into a small jar or bowl. Add the tablespoon of cornstarch to this liquid. Seal the jar and shake vigorously to create a smooth slurry (be cautious if the liquid is hot, as pressure can build in the jar and spray). Alternatively, whisk it well in a small bowl until no lumps remain.
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Pour the cornstarch slurry back into the Instant Pot with the remaining cooking liquid. Switch the Instant Pot to the “Saute” mode (low heat is often sufficient here). Gently return the cooked chicken back into the pot with the sauce.
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Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken, stirring frequently, for 10 to 15 minutes. Constant stirring is crucial during this stage to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pot as it thickens. Continue until the sauce reaches your desired consistency – a rich, glossy, and slightly thickened texture. Turn off the Instant Pot once achieved.
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Serve your delicious Instant Pot Honey Sesame Chicken immediately over fluffy white rice, in fresh lettuce wraps for a lighter option, or as a flavorful protein on top of a crisp salad! Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Factors such as specific brands, exact measurements, and optional ingredients can significantly alter nutritional values. This data is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional nutritional advice.
Additional Info
Tips for Instant Pot Honey Sesame Chicken Success
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: While the Instant Pot is magical, it still benefits from proper spacing. For 2 pounds of chicken thighs, a 6-quart or larger Instant Pot works perfectly. If doubling the recipe, consider cooking in batches or using a larger 8-quart pot. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
- Adjust Spice Level: The chili garlic sauce adds a lovely subtle kick. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount or omit it entirely. For those who love heat, feel free to add an extra teaspoon or two! Sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes can also be used.
- Shred or Serve Whole: The chicken will be incredibly tender, making it easy to shred with two forks directly in the pot, especially if you prefer a saucy, pulled chicken consistency. Alternatively, you can carefully remove the thighs and serve them whole.
- Quality Ingredients Matter: While simple, the quality of your soy sauce and honey can make a difference. Opt for a good low-sodium soy sauce to control salinity and a good quality honey for the best flavor depth. Fresh ginger and garlic also provide a much more vibrant taste than their powdered counterparts.
- Check for Doneness: Although the Instant Pot is reliable, it’s always a good practice to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer for food safety.
- Storage and Reheating: Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Delicious Serving Suggestions & Variations
This Instant Pot Honey Sesame Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides, allowing you to customize your meal based on your preferences and what you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions:
- Classic Rice: Serve over fluffy jasmine rice, brown rice, or even quinoa to soak up all that delicious, sticky sauce. The Instant Pot can even cook your rice perfectly in parallel or right after the chicken!
- Fresh Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter, lower-carb option, spoon the chicken into crisp lettuce cups (like butter lettuce or romaine hearts). Add some shredded carrots, cucumber, or even a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for crunch.
- Noodle Bowls: Serve over cooked ramen noodles, udon, or rice vermicelli for a hearty noodle bowl.
- Steamed Vegetables: Complement the rich chicken with some fresh steamed broccoli, green beans, snap peas, or asparagus. You can even steam some vegetables in a steamer basket above the chicken while it cooks in the Instant Pot!
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette makes for a refreshing contrast to the sweet and savory chicken.
Recipe Variations:
- Protein Swap: This sauce works wonderfully with other proteins! Try it with pork tenderloin, turkey breast, or even firm tofu (though cooking times will vary).
- Vegetable Boost: Add some quick-cooking vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli florets, or sliced carrots during the last few minutes of the sauté stage, or steam them separately and mix in at the end.
- Extra Zest: A squeeze of fresh lime juice or a sprinkle of lime zest at the end can brighten up the flavors significantly.
- Garnish Galore: Don’t underestimate the power of garnishes. Toasted sesame seeds, finely chopped green onions, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, or even a few red pepper flakes can elevate the dish both visually and flavor-wise.
Whether you’re new to the Instant Pot or a seasoned pro, this Honey Sesame Chicken recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire. It’s proof that you can create flavorful, wholesome meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy the ease, embrace the flavor, and get ready for rave reviews!
