Instant Pot Honey Sesame Chicken

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

Delight in a comforting dish where juicy chicken breasts are pressure cooked in a flavorful blend of honey, soy sauce, and aromatics. Once the chicken is tender, it's tossed back into a thickened, glossy sauce and topped with sesame seeds. Serve this combination over rice or noodles for an easy, satisfying meal that's both sweet and savory. With minimal prep and quick cooking, this method ensures the perfect balance of tenderness and rich flavor in every bite. Ideal when you crave a comforting, homemade dinner with bold flavors and minimal fuss.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Wed, 06 Aug 2025 13:45:47 GMT
A plate of honey sesame chicken. Save
A plate of honey sesame chicken. | lilicooks.com

This Instant Pot honey sesame chicken has become my weeknight lifesaver with its sticky-sweet glaze and ridiculously tender chicken. It takes barely any prep and delivers restaurant-level flavor right at home. If you need a cozy family meal that satisfies everyone but only dirties one pot, this is for you.

I first made this on a busy school night and my family licked their plates clean. Now I keep the ingredients on hand for those nights when takeout seems tempting but homemade is just as easy.

Ingredients

  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Tender and lean protein that soaks up all the sauce Juicy chicken breast works best here but you can swap for thighs if desired
  • Honey: Adds all the natural sweetness plus that sticky glossy finish Choose a mild honey for a softer flavor
  • Soy sauce: Brings deep umami saltiness Use low sodium if watching your salt intake
  • Diced onion: Balances the sweetness with aromatic depth Select sweet yellow onion for best results
  • Ketchup: Gives a tangy complexity and beautiful red color Go for quality ketchup for richer flavor
  • Vegetable oil: Ensures even cooking and helps the sauce stick to the chicken Neutral oils like canola or sunflower also work
  • Minced garlic: Infuses the sauce with fresh sharp notes Always use fresh for a bigger flavor punch
  • Red pepper flakes: Adds optional heat Start with a pinch and add more if you like things spicy
  • Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to a perfect glossy finish Ensure it's fully mixed with water to avoid lumps
  • Water: Needed to activate the cornstarch and reach the right sauce consistency
  • Sesame seeds: To garnish and give a toasty crunch Toast the seeds first for extra nuttiness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:
Pat your chicken breasts dry and season them with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance their natural flavor and help them retain moisture during cooking
Mix the Sauce:
In a medium bowl whisk together the honey soy sauce diced onion ketchup vegetable oil minced garlic and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes until completely combined This sauce should look glossy and smell sweet and savory
Add to Instant Pot:
Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer in the bottom of your Instant Pot Pour every drop of sauce over the top making sure all the chicken is covered
Pressure Cook:
Secure the lid on your Instant Pot Set it to the MEAT setting and cook for twenty minutes The pot will take a few minutes to come to pressure before the countdown starts
Release Pressure and Remove Chicken:
Using a quick release method safely vent the pressure As soon as it is safe open the lid and using tongs transfer chicken breasts to a cutting board Let them rest while you finish the sauce
Thicken the Sauce:
Mix the cornstarch and water together until very smooth and lump free Pour this mixture straight into the hot sauce in your Instant Pot Switch to SAUTE mode and stir for about five minutes The sauce will bubble and thicken to a luscious glaze
Finish and Serve:
Chop or shred your chicken into bite sized pieces then place back into the thickened sauce Stir gently so every piece is coated well Spoon chicken and sauce over a bed of steamed rice or noodles and finish with a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds
A plate of honey sesame chicken. Save
A plate of honey sesame chicken. | lilicooks.com

Honey is my not so secret weapon here It gives that signature glossy sticky finish I love hearing my family announce this is better than takeout as they come back for seconds

Storage Tips

Leftovers can go straight into a sealed container in the fridge and will keep fresh for three days Reheat gently in the microwave or in a saucepan with a splash of water to loosen the sauce For longer storage freeze the chicken and sauce up to three months Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have chicken breasts use boneless thighs for even more juicy and tender results Coconut aminos or tamari can work in place of soy sauce for a gluten free version If you are out of honey swap in pure maple syrup or a mild agave but expect a slightly different flavor Ketchup can be replaced with a tablespoon of tomato paste mixed with a tiny splash of vinegar and sugar

Serving Suggestions

This honey sesame chicken is incredible over fluffy jasmine rice or lo mein Style it with steamed broccoli or snap peas for color and crunch For an easy dinner party serve the saucy chicken family style with bowls of roasted vegetables and lots of garnishes like green onion more sesame seeds and a drizzle of chili oil

A plate of honey sesame chicken. Save
A plate of honey sesame chicken. | lilicooks.com

Cultural and Historical Context

Honey sesame chicken is a beloved dish at many American Chinese restaurants Though not traditionally Chinese it fuses classic flavors from Chinese cooking sweet savory soy rich sauce and those irresistible sesame notes The Instant Pot makes it weeknight friendly without needing any restaurant tricks

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well and may add more juiciness to the final dish. Adjust cooking time if using bone-in pieces.

→ How do I thicken the sauce?

After removing the chicken, stir the cornstarch slurry into the liquid and simmer using the SAUTE function until glossy and thickened.

→ Is this dish spicy?

The sauce is mostly sweet and savory. For more heat, increase red pepper flakes according to your preference.

→ What can I serve alongside this chicken?

It pairs well with steamed rice, noodles, or even sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. The chicken and sauce can be prepared in advance, stored in the fridge, and gently reheated when ready to serve.

→ How do I ensure the chicken stays tender?

Using the pressure cooker avoids overcooking. Cut the chicken after cooking so it stays juicy and moist.

Instant Pot Honey Sesame Chicken

Sweet and savory glazed chicken with honey, soy sauce, and sesame, made quickly using a pressure cooker.

Preparation Time
10 min
Cooking Time
25 min
Overall Time
35 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: Asian

Output: 4 Serves

Dietary Options: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 Salt and pepper to taste
03 1 cup honey
04 1/2 cup soy sauce
05 1/2 cup diced onion
06 1/4 cup ketchup
07 2 tbsp vegetable oil
08 2 cloves garlic, minced
09 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
10 4 tsp cornstarch
11 6 tbsp water
12 Sesame seeds for garnish

Steps

Step 01

Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the Instant Pot. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 02

In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, diced onion, ketchup, vegetable oil, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes.

Step 03

Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken in the Instant Pot. Seal the lid and cook on the MEAT setting for 20 minutes. Use quick release to release the pressure once done.

Step 04

Take the chicken out of the pot, leaving the sauce inside.

Step 05

Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth. Add this mixture to the sauce in the Instant Pot. Press the SAUTE button and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.

Step 06

Cut the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and return to the pot. Toss to coat with the thickened sauce.

Step 07

Sprinkle the dish with sesame seeds and serve over rice or noodles. Add extra red pepper flakes for more heat if desired.

Tips

  1. For best results, ensure the sauce thickens adequately before adding the chicken back.

Required Tools

  • Instant Pot
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Whisk
  • Small mixing bowl

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Soy
  • Sesame

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 325
  • Fats: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Proteins: 24 g