Experience a twist on a Chinese classic with tender chicken simmered in rich honey soy sauce. Aromatic garlic, ginger, and a hint of spice meld together. Infused with sesame seeds and fresh green onions, this Instant Pot dish delivers exceptionally sweet, savory, and spicy flavors to delight your palate perfectly.

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I love making this Instant Pot Sesame Chicken because it’s always a winner when I need a fast and flavorful dinner. I start with 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-size chunks, then toss it with 1/3 cup soy sauce and 1/3 cup honey.

The rich honey soy sauce really packs in all the flavors, and the addition of 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 tbsp grated ginger gives it that classic Chinese taste. I add 1/4 cup chicken broth to keep the chicken moist while it cooks under pressure.

A quick slurry of 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water thickens the sauce perfectly. I finish it off with 1 tbsp sesame oil, a pinch of 1/2 tsp red chili flakes for a subtle kick, 3 tbsp sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

This dish is a hearty, protein-packed meal that fits right in with my go-to ideas for an easy Sunday night dinner.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s super simple to make and doesn’t take forever when i’m in a rush. I also like how the honey and soy sauce mix to give the chicken a sweet and tangy flavor that always hits the spot. I really dig that it cooks fast in my Instant Pot so i have more time to relax after a long day. Plus, when the sauce thickens up it clings to every bite, making the whole dish feel extra satisfying.

Here’s a quick, no-fuss version of what i always tell my friends about it: I just throw all the ingredients into the Instant Pot and let it do its thing. The chicken cooks in a richly flavored honey soy sauce that turns into this amazing, thick glaze. It’s like a revamped Chinese classic that’s really easy to whip up even when i’m not feeling super chef-y.

Ingredients

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Chicken thighs give robust protein and flavors, making the dish filling and tasty.
Soy sauce give a salty, umami flavor while adding a bit of essential minerals.
Honey bring natural sweetness and carbohydrates, giving energy though its sugary taste.
Rice vinegar adds a tangy kick that balances the sweetness with its sour nature.
Garlic offers a bold flavor and even some antioxidant, perfect for a punchy dish.
Ginger adds spice and warmth, complementing other ingredients for a balanced taste.
Sesame seeds give a nutty crunch while providing healthy fats and important minerals.

Ingredient Quantities

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-size chunks)

1/3 cup soy sauce

1/3 cup honey

2 tbsp rice vinegar

2 cloves garlic (minced)

1 tbsp fresh ginger (grated)

1/4 cup chicken broth or water

2 tbsp cornstarch

2 tbsp water (for slurry)

1 tbsp sesame oil

1/2 tsp red chili flakes (optional)

3 tbsp sesame seeds

2 green onions (chopped)

How to Make this

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1. Put the chicken, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, chicken broth (or water) and red chili flakes if using into the Instant Pot, and give it a good stir.

2. Secure the lid and set the pot to high pressure for about 7 minutes.

3. When the time is up, carefully do a quick release of the steam according to your Instant Pot instructions.

4. Open the lid and switch the pot over to sauté mode so the sauce can start to thicken.

5. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to form a slurry.

6. Pour the slurry into the pot slowly while stirring steadily to help the sauce thicken.

7. Let it cook for another minute or two until the sauce gets a nice, rich consistency.

8. Stir in the sesame oil once the sauce has reached your desired thickness.

9. Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the dish and give it one last stir.

10. Top off with the chopped green onions, then serve hot and enjoy your instant pot sesame chicken!

Equipment Needed

1. Instant Pot with its lid
2. Knife and cutting board for prepping the chicken, garlic, and ginger
3. Measuring cups and spoons for the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and broth
4. A small bowl to mix the cornstarch with water for the slurry
5. A stirring spoon or spatula for mixing ingredients and thickening the sauce

FAQ

Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

A: Yeah, you can but be careful since breasts cook faster and might dry out. Thighs usually give you more flavor and tenderness.

Q: How do I get the sauce to the right thickness?

A: Once the pressure is released, switch to saute mode and stir in the cornstarch slurry. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens up to your liking.

Q: Can I adjust the sweetness or spiciness?

A: For sure, you can reduce the honey if you dont like it too sweet or add more red chili flakes if you want extra heat. It's all about tweaking it to match your taste.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A: Yeah, you can. Just store any leftovers in the fridge for a few days and reheat them gently so the chicken stays moist.

Q: Do I really need an Instant Pot?

A: The Instant Pot makes everything super easy and fast, but you could also use a slow cooker or traditional pot. Adjust your cooking times accordingly.

Instant Pot Sesame Chicken Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Chicken: You can try using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or even tofu chunks if u feel like adding a veggie twist.
Soy Sauce: If you don’t have regular soy sauce, tamari or coconut aminos work great especially if you’re trying to avoid gluten.
Honey: Swap out honey with maple syrup or agave nectar, both give a similar sweet kick.
Cornstarch: Arrowroot powder or potato starch are good alternatives as a thickener.
Rice Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can be used in a pinch to give that tangy flavor too.

Pro Tips

1. If you have some extra time, marinate the chicken for an extra 15 minutes or so before cooking. It’ll really help the flavors get in there better.
2. When you add the cornstarch slurry, make sure to stir it really slowly so it doesnt form any clumps. This way, you’ll get a smoother sauce.
3. Taste the sauce after it thickens up; if it feels too sweet or a little bland, feel free to adjust the soy sauce or honey. A little tweak here can really change the dish.
4. Try sprinkling a few extra sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top right before serving for that extra burst of freshness and crunch.