Instant Pot Honey Sesame Chicken

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

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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

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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.