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Chunks of cooked chicken coated in a savory brown sauce are topped with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, creating a classic instant pot sesame chicken dish served on a white countertop.
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Instant Pot Sesame Chicken Recipe - Sweet & Savory

This Instant Pot Sesame Chicken recipe turns simple ingredients into a delicious dish in under an hour. With its perfect balance of sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and nutty sesame flavors, this pressure cooker version delivers all the taste you crave with minimal effort!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time8 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 256kcal
Author: Melissa Griffiths

Ingredients 

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1 inch cubes, about 2 pounds
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil
  • ½ cup honey
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 4 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • Sesame seeds optional garnish
  • Chopped green onions optional garnish

Instructions

  • Set the instant pot to the sauté mode.
  • Working in batches, sauté the chicken in the instant pot with the cooking oil. Cook for about 1-2 minutes or until chicken browns. You do not want the chicken to cook all the way through.
  • Add in the honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, and ground ginger.
  • Seal the instant pot and cook on high for 4 minutes. Once done cooking, do a quick release and carefully open the lid after all the pressure has released.
  • In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch together with the water.
  • Turn the instant pot to the sauté mode again and add in the cornstarch mixture. Sauté until sauce thickens up, about 1-2 minutes.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Plate and serve with sesame seeds and chopped green onions as a garnish. You can serve it with a side of cooked rice.

Notes

Vegetable Additions: Broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers can be added during the last 2 minutes of pressure cooking for a complete one-pot meal.
Pressure Release: Use the pressure release valve to rapidly release pressure for a quicker meal.
Garnish Options: Fresh sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes add beautiful color and extra flavor to the finished dish.
Storage Tips
  • Store the leftovers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
  • For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 of 6 servings | Calories: 256kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 630mg | Potassium: 327mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 23IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 1mg