Instant Pot Sesame Chicken is a delicious weeknight meal that the entire family will love. This hearty dish comes together quickly and has tender chicken covered in a sweet and savory sauce.
I love putting my Instant Pot to work, especially when I need a healthy and delicious meal on the dinner table fast. And there’s no shortage of tasty meals made with this kitchen appliance. Check out Lentil Soup, Pork Tenderloin, or Chicken Curry - all made magically with the help of the Instant Pot.
And then we have this lovely dish that’s sure to become part of your weekly meal rotation.
Instant Pot Sesame Chicken recipe comes together quickly and effortlessly thanks to very simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. This kid-friendly meal is best enjoyed with chopsticks, as is customary for Chinese sesame chicken.
Such an easy weeknight meal starts with sauteing chicken pieces directly in your pressure cooker. Next, you’ll add all the flavors needed for that coveted sweet and spicy sauce. Lastly, let the Instant Pot take it from there while you enjoy a few minutes before gathering around the dinner tonight.
Ingredients
Check out this simple ingredient list in the honey sesame chicken recipe:
- Sesame oil - a few tablespoons of sesame oil is needed to brown the chicken
- Chicken - boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces; I used three large chicken breasts or 1 ½ pounds
- Honey - adds flavor and sweetness but also has an important role in creating that sticky sauce
- Tamari sauce - this is simply gluten-free soy sauce; regular soy sauce works also if not gluten-free
- Minced garlic - use dried minced garlic (not granulated or powdered); this will give great texture and flavor
- Crushed red pepper - adds great spiciness
- Sesame seeds - sesame chicken is not the same without sesame seeds
- Cornstarch - to slightly thicken the sesame chicken sauce and help it stick to the chicken
- Garnish - additional sesame seeds - try a combination of regular and black sesame seeds, green onions, cilantro, red pepper flakes for extra heat and flavor
How to Make Instant Pot Sesame Chicken
This easy chicken recipe comes together quickly in your Instant Pot. The printable recipe is in the recipe card for your convenience.
Step 1.
Pat dry the chicken breast and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
Add sesame oil to the inner pot of your Instant Pot and heat it on saute setting. Add chicken in a single layer to the inner pot and saute on all sides until golden brown, approximately 4 minutes. You may need to brown the chicken in two batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Add more oil as needed.
Transfer browned chicken to a bowl and set aside. Press the cancel/off button.
Step 2.
Whisk to combine the honey, tamari, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
Step 3.
Transfer the chicken back to the Instant Pot and pour sauce over it. Toss to combine well. Cover and seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to poultry setting, and cook for 4 minutes.
Step 4.
After the cooking time has been completed, do a quick pressure release (QPR) by turning the pressure release valve to venting (loosely cover it with a dish towel).
If you want a more tender chicken that falls apart, increase cook time by a few minutes and do a natural pressure release (NPR).
Step 5.
Open the lid and press the Instant Pot to saute setting. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch and water together. Add the cornstarch mixture to the chicken and saute for a minute or two until the sauce thickens to your liking. Give a quick stir to combine everything.
Serve over rice and garnish with sesame seeds.
Dietary Substitutions
Pressure cooker sesame chicken can easily be modified to satisfy personal taste preferences and meet the needs of dietary constraints. This easy meal is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, but you can make minor tweaks to accommodate any healing diet.
- Whole30: sub coconut aminos for tamari sauce and use date paste in place of honey; thin out the date paste with water in a 1-to-1 ratio; sub tapioca starch for cornstarch to thicken the sauce
- Paleo: sub coconut aminos for tamari sauce and swap out cornstarch with tapioca or arrowroot starch
- Keto: sub coconut aminos for tamari or soy sauce and use sugar-free, low carb honey alternative. Omit the cornstarch slurry entirely for a thinner sauce. Or cook down the sauce by keeping it on saute setting for a few minutes. Keep in mind this may also overcook the chicken, so it would be best to remove the chicken first, cook down the sauce, then transfer the chicken back.
Helpful Tips
This Instant Pot chicken recipe comes together quickly and easily. But a few helpful tips may help as you make this easy meal.
- Brown chicken. In order for the chicken to brown and not steam, it’s important to let it sear undisturbed and with plenty of heat circulating in the pot. That means do not overcrowd the pot and brown the chicken in batches.
- Don’t brown to doneness. Similarly, do not brown to doneness because we want to create that golden crust.
- Change up the rice. Jasmine rice is our favorite type of rice to serve sesame chicken with, but basmati rice comes a close second. Try brown rice or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Meal prep idea. Make this recipe on the weekend to have a healthy dinner on busy weeknights. All that’s needed is to throw some rice in the rice cooker and reheat the sesame chicken for an easy meal.
- Avoid burn notice: Instant Pot is notorious for throwing you a burn notice when browning meat. To avoid this, add a little water to the pot after removing the chicken and saute to deglaze, scraping up all of the browned bits on the bottom with a flat spatula. Do not discard that - that’s flavor! Follow the rest of the recipe per instructions.
Should I brown the chicken before pressure cooking?
Before setting it to pressure cook, any searing or browning of the chicken must happen first. If you have an Instant Pot, you can use both settings in the same pot but not simultaneously. Press saute setting first and wait for the pot to warm up. Add oil and sear the chicken on all sides. To get a good sear, the pot must be free from any moisture.
How can I thicken the sauce in Instant Pot chicken recipes?
The best way to thicken sauces is to add a cornstarch slurry at the end of the cooking time. When all pressure has been released and it is safe to open the lid, select saute setting on the Instant Pot. Add a cornstarch slurry (or arrowroot powder slurry if grain-free) and cook for a minute or two until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
Can I use chicken thighs in sesame chicken?
Yes. Chicken thighs can often be a great substitute for chicken breasts, which is true in this sesame chicken recipe. It’s important to note that chicken thighs have less protein and more fat and therefore have different macronutrients than what is in the recipe card but otherwise can be easily swapped in this recipe. If using chicken thighs, follow the directions as written in the recipe card.
Serving Suggestions
Tender chicken pieces covered in a sticky-sweet sauce is begging for a nice bowl of white rice. Serve this Instant Pot garlic sesame chicken over jasmine or basmati rice or another family favorite. If you’re tired of rice, scoop this tasty chicken over a bowl of rice noodles for a change. Don’t forget to garnish with sliced green onions for a nice finishing touch.
To make this a complete meal, pair it with a light salad like Keto Cucumber Salad or Tomato Salad. Or accompany this delicious entree with a simple roast vegetable like this Best Broccoli Ever or Roasted Green Beans.
Check out these More Instant Pot Recipes to Get You Through The Week:
- Instant Pot Chicken Soup
- Instant Pot Curried Pumpkin Soup
- Gluten Free Instant Pot Beef Stew
- Instant Pot Turkey Quinoa Chili
- Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
Instant Pot Sesame Chicken
Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pound skinless chicken breast, cut into pieces, I used three large
- 2 tablespoon sesame oil
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup tamari (or soy sauce if not gluten free)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (dried)
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 teaspoon cornstarch
- 3 teaspoon water
Instructions
- Turn Instant Pot to saute. Add 1 tablespoon sesame oil into pot and saute half the chicken. Get a bit of browning on all sides, about 3-4 minutes, then remove to a bowl. Add more sesame oil and saute the second half.
- In a small bowl mix the honey, tamari, garlic and red pepper with a whisk.
- Put chicken back into pot and add sauce. Turn chicken to cover with sauce. Turn Instant Pot to poultry and set timer for four minutes. Lock the lid in place.
- Turn off the heat when the timer beeps. Carefully use a dishtowel to do a quick pressure release.
- Whisk the cornstarch and water in a small bowl and turn pot to saute. Add mixture and stir well. Saute for a minute or two until sauce thickens to your taste.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Adapted from PressureCookingToday.
Christine Long
Sounds delicious! And, I love the idea of using chopsticks. I think my kids would get a kick out of that.
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen
This would be a huge win at our house too Karen! I still have to get around to getting an Instant Pot! I've heard how easy meals are with one!
Karen @ Seasonal Cravings
So easy! You would love it Maryann!
Jenn
I used my Instant Pot all the time when I first got it, but it's kind of fallen by the wayside. I need to get that baby powered back up! My family would love this.
Karen @ Seasonal Cravings
I know I forget about it too!
Ginny
I love that sauce just by reading the ingredients. The instant pot makes cooking so much easier! Thanks!
Trang
I'm loving all the instant pot recipes! It's making my dinner prep so much easier, thanks for sharing 🙂
Jagruti
I think your sauce sounds incredibly tasty, sticky and yummy, your pictures are really beautiful.
Amy | The Cook Report
This looks lovely, I really need to get an instant pot!
Sue
Made this last night and it was easy and delicious. So good I have to double the recipe next time. The chicken tastes like it has been marinaded all day, but who has time for that?!
Karen Kelly
Sue! Nice to see you here! Thanks so much for letting me know and I'm glad your family enjoyed it.
David
I followed the directions perfectly but the sauce at the consistency of water. Do I need to remove the chicken and then sauté the sauce down? Also my instant pot does not have a pain-free setting so I just use the manual
Karen Kelly
Hi David, Sorry the sauce wasn't right but I'm not sure we have the same Instant Pot so I don't know if I can give you good advice on this one. You did add the cornstarch right? Maybe you should do all the sauce ingredients and let it saute a few minutes like you suggested.
David
I can’t believe AutoCorrect – I meant to say portrait setting not pain free lol.
David
Poultry not portrait. I give up.
Shannon
Can't believe how much flavor this had for being so simple! My family loved it! Will definitely be making it again.
Karen Kelly
Thanks so much for letting me know Shannon!
Barb
this is a very good recipe. We love spicy food, but think I will cut the pepper flakes in half next time.
Karen Kelly
Great Barb. Thanks for letting me know. Glad you can adjust it for your family's preferences!
Sarah
The chicken was really tough and the sauce was too thin. Next time I will natural release and take the chicken out of the sauce to sauté the sauce until it thickens.
Susan
Question: Do you cut the chicken into bite size pieces before you saute?
Karen Kelly
Yes, I cut the chicken first then saute.
Elana
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Karen Kelly
I think you would need to thaw them first. If you do try it with frozen you would have to increase the cooking time.
JEAN L GILLSON
I recently found out that I have Celiac Disease so I'm learning the ropes with being gluten free. We have tried MANY recipes & this is BY FAR my family's favorite. I especially love it because it's so ridiculously easy! It's seriously hard to believe that there are so few ingredients because it is incredibly flavorful!!!
When doubling the recipe, I use 1-2 TABLESPOONS of red pepper because we like the heat.
NOTE: FOR THOSE HAVING CONSISTENCY ISSUES WITH SAUCE.......2 things: 1: Be sure to drain the chicken before adding the sauce mixture. 2. I actually read the recipe wrong & backwards - I musta been one of those days. HA! When *doubling* the recipe, I made the slushy using 3 TABLESPOONS of cornstarch & 2 TABLESPOONS of water. The consistency of the sauce was PERFECT so in spite of recognizing the error, I continue to do it this way intentionally. Hope this helps! OH HAPPY MISTAKES! 🙂
Anyway, THANK YOU for sharing this! My family has enjoyed it tremendously & will continue to do so for years to come!!!
Karen Kelly
Wow, thanks for all the tips and so glad the recipe was a success!
Denvergal
Really good recipe and so easy! My family thought it would be great with more sauce and also some roasted broccoli. I added carrot ribbons as I had carrots on hand, which added a vegetable. Healthier than the takeout version!
Karen Kelly
Thanks so much for your great review!
Patricia
This was delicious and so very easy! I omitted the red pepper flakes. Next time I will cut the soy sauce with water. It was a touch salty but still super yummy! My young kids do not normally like the texture of meats but they devoured every last bite! I usually just pop frozen chicken breasts in my Instant Pot but I was afraid the extra liquid would ruin the sauce so I made sure to thaw them first. I did not cut the chicken breasts into pieces but left them whole and cut them after they were cooked. I will double the recipe next time because we had nothing leftover 🙂
Karen Kelly
Patricia, thanks so much for letting me know. I'd love to figure out how to make it with frozen chicken breasts so I'll try that next. Glad your kids enjoyed it!
Kym
I see sesame seeds are in the ingredient list, but there is nothing in the directions of when they are to be added. Help?
Karen Kelly
Sorry they are just for garnish. Thanks!
Robyn
SOO spicy! I thought I had a tolerance for heat but this made our mouths burn! I’d put a pinch, or maybe 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper. I also doubled the cornstarch & water because it wouldn’t thicken.
Karen Kelly
Oh no, I may make an adjustment to the pepper flakes bc you can always add more if you like it spicy!
Joan
when do you add the sesame seeds? It is not included in the instructions. Thank you
Karen Kelly
They are just for garnish so add them before serving.
Natalia
Can you use chicken thighs?
Karen Kelly
Yes, that should work!
Natalia
Super delicious and EASY/quick meal. I used part chicken breast and part chicken thighs and it worked out great.
Sheli
My son has an intolerance to chicken. Do you think subbing boneless pork chops would work? Anything different for cooking instructions?
Karen Kelly
Hi Sheli I have not made pork chops in the Instant Pot. So sorry I can't be of more help.
MaryM
What happened to your recipe?
Marge Penrod
Can't see the recipe. Is there anywhere I can find this?
Karen Kelly
So sorry! I fixed it!
Rss
Has anyone made the rice in a Pyrex at the same time as the chicken? I’ve read that it’s a possibility in the instant pot but wonder if it will work with this recipe? I made this last week for my first instant pot meal ever and it was a huge hit!!
Karen Kelly
Good idea - let me know what you figure out!
Addison
So hearty and flavorful! My family loved it!
Gen
Just loved the garlic in this recipe! This was so tasty and easy, will definitely make again.
Bella B
We got an instant pot for christmas and have been trying new recipes every week! We will be making this one again because it was delish!
Ksenia
I never got to eat sesame chicken before because I’m sensitive to gluten - and this was a new experience for me! The flavor was delicious and felt quite good and wholesomeX, not what I expected from fast food, haha!
GRETA
We loved it. It was a hit at lunch. Incredible how fast you can have a good delicious recipe. I love Sesame Chicken and I am so happy I could find the Instant Pot version. Recommended.
Jere Cassidy
I am making a point of not going out for dinner which brought me to this recipe. Love how easy this recipe is in the IP, they chicken has great flavor and was nice and tender.
Addison
This was restaurant quality and way better than takeout! So many bold flavors.
Gen
This was soooo good - savory, with delicious sweetness from that honey, and easy to make! I will definitely be making this for another weeknight dinner soon.
Lisa
I’ve always wondered how to make sesame chicken at home! This way so easy and it came out great! Thanks!
Shilpa
I loved this instant pot sesame chicken. I made it using chicken thighs and turned out great.