Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this incredibly flavorful and easy-to-make Instant Pot Chinese Sesame Chicken. This recipe delivers the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a hint of spice, all without the hassle of deep-frying. Imagine tender, succulent chunks of chicken breast generously coated in a rich, glossy, and sticky sesame chicken sauce that’s bursting with traditional Asian flavors. It’s the ultimate homemade Asian-style meal, designed to bring the vibrant taste of your favorite Chinese takeout right to your kitchen table in minutes.
Whether you’re craving a quick, family-friendly dinner or looking to recreate beloved Chinese dishes at home, this Instant Pot Sesame Chicken is your go-to. It features juicy chicken pieces simmered in a luscious sauce, making it an ideal pairing for fluffy white rice, savory noodles, or a side of steamed vegetables. Forget long cooking times and complicated techniques – this pressure cooker Chinese chicken recipe is unbelievably straightforward, proving that delicious, restaurant-quality meals can be achieved even on the busiest evenings. It’s perfect for busy families who want to enjoy authentic flavors without compromising on time or health.
If you’re a fan of homemade Asian cuisine and eager to explore more delightful recipes, be sure to check out my other popular dishes like Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp, the spicy Kung Pao Shrimp Recipe, or the comforting Vegetarian Lo Mein Noodles.
Why You’ll Adore This Easy Instant Pot Sesame Chicken Recipe
This Instant Pot Chinese Sesame Chicken isn’t just another dinner recipe; it’s a culinary triumph designed for modern kitchens and palates. Here’s why it will quickly become a cherished part of your meal rotation:
- Lightning-Fast Cooking Time: In today’s fast-paced world, getting dinner on the table swiftly is a top priority. This Chinese chicken recipe stands out with its incredibly efficient cooking process, requiring minimal hands-on time and being ready in approximately 30 minutes from start to finish. The Instant Pot works its magic, ensuring perfectly cooked chicken and a rich sauce without the wait.
- Budget-Friendly and Economical: While takeout offers convenience, the cost can quickly add up, often for dishes made with basic, readily available ingredients. By preparing your favorite sesame chicken at home, you’ll enjoy significant savings, allowing you to indulge in delicious, wholesome meals for a fraction of the price. Plus, you have full control over the quality of ingredients.
- Unforgettable Flavor Profile: Prepare your taste buds for an exquisite experience. This dish features tender, succulent chicken pieces infused with an irresistible, glossy sesame chicken sauce. The sauce is a harmonious blend of savory soy sauce, tangy ketchup, fragrant garlic, pungent ginger, and the signature nutty richness of sesame oil. This combination creates that coveted umami flavor that makes Chinese cuisine so addictive and deeply satisfying.
- Healthier Than Traditional Takeout: Unlike many traditional sesame chicken recipes that involve deep-frying, this Instant Pot version eliminates excessive oil, offering a much lighter and healthier alternative. You get all the flavor without the added guilt, making it a smart choice for health-conscious families.
- Simple and Approachable for All Skill Levels: Whether you’re a seasoned chef or new to cooking, this recipe is incredibly forgiving and easy to follow. The Instant Pot streamlines the process, making it virtually foolproof, so you can achieve fantastic results every time without stress.
- Versatile and Customizable: This recipe serves as an excellent base for customization. You can easily adjust the sweetness, add more spice with chili flakes, or incorporate vegetables for a complete one-pot meal, catering to your family’s preferences.
Essential Instant Pot Sesame Chicken Ingredients
Crafting the perfect Instant Pot Sesame Chicken requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the layered flavors that make this dish so special:
- Chicken: For the most tender and kid-friendly results, opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cube them into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Alternatively, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used for a richer, more succulent texture, though they may require a slightly longer cooking time to reach desired tenderness.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: This is a cornerstone of Asian cooking, providing deep umami and salinity. Using a low-sodium variety allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish, preventing it from becoming overly salty. For those with gluten sensitivities or allergies, tamari or liquid aminos are excellent gluten-free substitutes that maintain a similar flavor profile.
- Ketchup: While seemingly unconventional for a Chinese dish, ketchup adds a crucial sweet-tangy element and a touch of vibrant color to the sauce. You can use regular ketchup or choose a low-sugar option if you’re mindful of sugar content. It contributes to the sauce’s sticky consistency and rich flavor.
- Aromatics (Fresh Garlic and Ginger): These are indispensable in Asian cuisine. Freshly minced garlic and grated ginger impart a warm, pungent, and aromatic foundation to the sauce. Always use fresh for the best flavor; dried or powdered versions won’t deliver the same vibrant taste.
- Salt and Ground Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the overall flavor profile of the chicken and balance the other ingredients in the sauce. Adjust to your personal preference.
- Brown Sugar: This provides the signature sweetness and helps create that desirable sticky glaze. Light or dark brown sugar will work well. If you prefer a more natural sweetener, honey can be used as a substitute, offering a slightly different but equally delicious flavor. Feel free to reduce the amount if you prefer a less sweet sauce.
- Sesame Oil: Toasted sesame oil is a flavor powerhouse, adding an incredibly rich, nutty, and distinctive toasted aroma that is essential to authentic sesame chicken. A little goes a long way. While you *can* substitute with olive oil or vegetable oil, be aware that the final taste will be significantly different and less authentic. Add it at the end to preserve its delicate flavor.
- Water and Cornstarch: These two ingredients are vital for thickening the sauce to that perfect, glossy consistency. When combined, they create a “slurry” which, when added to hot liquid, transforms it into a smooth, thick sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken.
- Sesame Seeds: White sesame seeds are used both in the sauce and as a garnish. They add a delightful crunch, a subtle nutty flavor, and an attractive visual appeal, elevating the dish’s texture and presentation.
- Chives (or Green Onions): Freshly chopped chives or thinly sliced green onions are the ideal garnish. They provide a fresh, mild oniony bite and a vibrant pop of color, completing the dish’s flavor and presentation.
Step-by-Step: How To Make Instant Pot Sesame Chicken
Making this irresistible Chinese Sesame Chicken in your Instant Pot is incredibly simple. Follow these easy steps for a perfect, flavorful meal every time:
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken. Begin by preparing your chicken. Take the boneless, skinless chicken breasts and carefully cut them into uniform, bite-sized pieces. Aim for approximately 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and easy eating. Once cut, place all the chicken pieces directly into the inner pot of your Instant Pot.
- Step 2: Craft the Sesame Chicken Sauce. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the flavorful sauce. Combine the low-sodium soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and ground pepper until thoroughly blended. Once combined, pour this delicious sauce mixture directly over the chicken pieces in the Instant Pot. Use a spoon or spatula to mix everything well, ensuring all the chicken is evenly coated in the aromatic sauce. Secure the Instant Pot lid and make sure to move the steam release valve to the “Sealing” position.
- Step 3: Pressure Cook the Chicken. Set your Instant Pot to the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting on “HIGH” pressure. Cook the chicken for just 3 minutes. The Instant Pot will take some time to come up to pressure before the cooking cycle begins. Once the 3-minute pressure cooking cycle is complete, immediately perform a “Quick Release” by carefully moving the steam release valve to the “Venting” position. This rapid release of pressure is crucial to prevent the chicken from overcooking and becoming tough.
- Step 4: Thicken the Sauce. Once the pressure has fully released and the float valve drops, carefully open the lid away from your face. Add the brown sugar and sesame oil to the pot. Press the “Sauté” setting on your Instant Pot. In a small separate bowl, prepare a cornstarch slurry by whisking together 2 tablespoons of cold water with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch until smooth. Pour this slurry into the Instant Pot, stirring continuously. Allow the sauce to simmer gently while stirring, until it begins to bubble and thickens to a glossy, desirable consistency.
- Step 5: Incorporate Sesame Seeds. Once the sauce has reached your desired thickness, stir in the sesame seeds. Give it a quick mix to distribute them evenly throughout the sauce and chicken. Immediately switch off the sauté setting to prevent further cooking.
- Step 6: Garnish and Serve. Ladle the hot, flavorful sesame chicken onto serving plates. Garnish generously with fresh chopped chives or green onions for a pop of color and a fresh, mild oniony flavor. Serve immediately over a bed of fluffy white rice, noodles, or alongside your favorite Asian-inspired side dishes. Enjoy your delicious homemade Instant Pot Chinese Sesame Chicken!
Expert Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Sesame Chicken
Achieving restaurant-quality results with your Instant Pot Sesame Chicken is easy with these helpful tips:
- Choosing Your Chicken: While boneless, skinless chicken breast is preferred for its tenderness and universal appeal, especially for kids, feel free to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor and slightly more forgiving texture. Thighs might require a minute or two more pressure cooking.
- Adjusting Spice Levels: If you enjoy a kick, elevate the heat by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha sauce to the sauce mixture before pressure cooking. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
- Ensure Proper Doneness: Food safety is paramount. Always use a meat thermometer to verify that your chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Mastering the Quick Release: The “Quick Release” (QR) method is crucial for this recipe. Immediately releasing the pressure after the 3-minute cooking cycle prevents the chicken from overcooking, which can lead to dry, tough results.
- Understanding Instant Pot Timing: Remember that the stated cooking times for Instant Pot recipes do not include the time it takes for the appliance to build up pressure. This “come to pressure” time can vary based on the amount and temperature of the liquid inside, typically ranging from 5 to 15 minutes.
- Perfecting the Cornstarch Slurry: For a lump-free, perfectly thickened sauce, always create a cornstarch slurry by whisking cornstarch with cold water until completely smooth before adding it to the hot sauce. Adding cornstarch directly to hot liquid can cause clumps.
- Preventing Burn Notices: Ensure there’s enough liquid in the pot (the soy sauce and ketchup provide this) and avoid any solid food touching the bottom of the pot without liquid, which can trigger a “Burn” warning.
- Resting the Chicken: While not strictly necessary, allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking and before serving can help the juices redistribute, resulting in even more tender and moist chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Sesame Chicken
As written, this sesame chicken recipe highlights the aromatic flavors of garlic and ginger but is not inherently spicy. It’s designed to be mild and family-friendly. However, if you enjoy a bit of heat, you can easily customize it by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha sauce to the sauce mixture. Start with a quarter teaspoon and adjust to your preferred spice level.
While both sesame chicken and General Tso’s chicken are popular Chinese-American dishes featuring crispy chicken in a sweet and savory sauce, there are subtle differences. General Tso’s chicken is typically spicier and often includes dried red chilies, giving it a more pronounced fiery kick. Sesame chicken, on the other hand, is usually milder and characterized by a stronger sesame flavor and a generous garnish of toasted sesame seeds. Our Instant Pot version provides a lighter, non-fried take on the classic sesame chicken.
To achieve that perfect, glossy, and thick sauce, we use a cornstarch slurry. After the chicken is pressure cooked, set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” setting. In a separate small bowl, whisk together cold water and cornstarch until a smooth paste forms (the slurry). Pour this slurry into the simmering sauce in the Instant Pot, stirring continuously. The sauce will begin to bubble and thicken within a minute or two. If you’re concerned about overcooking the chicken while the sauce thickens, you can carefully remove the chicken pieces to a plate and add them back to the pot once the sauce has reached your desired consistency.
Leftover Instant Pot Chinese Sesame Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, reheat it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if the sauce has become too thick. Serve it over freshly steamed rice for the best experience.
Absolutely! This recipe is great for meal prepping and freezing. Allow the cooked sesame chicken to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe, airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat it in the microwave or a skillet until warm, and serve as desired.
This delicious Instant Pot Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Classic choices include fluffy white rice (jasmine or basmati), lo mein noodles, or a healthy serving of steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. For a more elaborate meal, consider serving it with Chinese Vegetable Fried Rice or even alongside appetizers like Spicy Salmon and Rice Egg Rolls.
Explore More Delicious Chicken Recipes
If you loved this Instant Pot Chinese Sesame Chicken, you’re in for a treat! Discover more fantastic chicken recipes that are sure to delight your family and friends:
- Homemade Sweet and Sour Chicken
- Sweet and Spicy Asian Chicken
- Korean Crispy Fried Chicken
- Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers
- Air Fryer Orange Chicken
- Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
I genuinely hope you enjoy every recipe I share with you, and this delightful Chinese chicken recipe is no exception. It’s a dish I’m proud of, bringing incredible flavor and ease to your home cooking. I encourage you to try it, savor every bite, and share your experience!
If you give this recipe a try and love it as much as I do, please consider leaving a star rating and a comment below. Your feedback means the world! Also, stay connected and follow me at Cookin’ With Mima on FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST for all my latest social posts, kitchen tips, and delicious new recipes.
Chinese Sesame Chicken (Instant Pot)
Instant Pot Chinese Sesame Chicken is a little sweet and a little spicy. Tender chunks of chicken breast are bathed in rich sesame chicken sauce that pairs perfectly with rice or noodles.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Chopped chives, to garnish
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breasts into bite-size pieces and place the chicken pieces into the Instant Pot.
- In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, ginger, salt & pepper. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken pieces and mix it well. Cover the Instant Pot with a lid and place the valve in the “sealing” position.
- Pressure cook the chicken on “HIGH” for 3 minutes, and once the cycle is complete, “QUICK RELEASE” the valve.
- Carefully open the lid and add brown sugar and sesame oil. Press the “SAUTE” setting and add the cornstarch slurry (2 tbsp water + 1 tbsp cornstarch) cook until the sauce thickens.
- Add in the sesame seeds and give a quick mix. Switch off the saute setting.
- Garnish the sesame chicken with chives and serve the chicken over rice.
Notes
- Chicken breast is our preferred cut because it’s tender and kid friendly. You can use chicken thighs if you prefer.
- Add some red pepper flakes or sriracha to make this dish spicy.
- Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165 degrees F.
- Be sure to do a quick release of pressure, so you don’t overcook the chicken.
- Cooking times do not include the time it takes for the Instant Pot to come up to pressure.
- Make a cornstarch slurry by combining cold water and cornstarch. Just before serving, add it to the Instant Pot using the Saute setting to thicken the sauce.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 18g |
Protein: 39g |
Fat: 9g |
Saturated Fat: 2g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 3g |
Trans Fat: 0.02g |
Cholesterol: 109mg |
Sodium: 1359mg |
Potassium: 766mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 11g |
Vitamin A: 110IU |
Vitamin C: 3mg |
Calcium: 47mg |
Iron: 1mg
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