Instant Pot Honey Sesame Chicken
If you’re searching for a quick and delicious meal that can be made in a flash, look no further than Instant Pot Honey Sesame Chicken. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with a sweet and savory sauce that’s bursting with flavor. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the ease of preparation, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep days. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that the whole family will love!
Why Cooks Rave About It
Instant Pot Honey Sesame Chicken is beloved for a multitude of reasons. First and foremost, it cooks in a fraction of the time it would take with traditional methods, allowing you to enjoy a home-cooked meal without the long wait. The Instant Pot locks in moisture, resulting in succulent chicken thighs that practically melt in your mouth. The combination of honey and sesame oil creates a uniquely delightful sauce that pairs wonderfully with rice or steamed vegetables. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to impress!
What You’ll Need
To make this delicious Instant Pot Honey Sesame Chicken, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger root
- 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (more or less to taste)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Prep & Cook Tools
Before you dive into cooking, make sure you have the following tools on hand:
- Instant Pot: The star of the show, ensuring quick and even cooking.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Cutting board and knife: To chop and prepare your ingredients.
- Whisk: For mixing the sauce ingredients together.
- Serving spoon: To dish out that delicious chicken!
Instant Pot Honey Sesame Chicken: How It’s Done
Now, let’s get to the best part—cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your Instant Pot Honey Sesame Chicken:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Make sure your chicken thighs are trimmed of excess fat and cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and chili garlic sauce until well combined. This will be the flavorful sauce that coats your chicken.
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken
Set your Instant Pot to the sauté mode. Once hot, add a drizzle of sesame oil and let it heat for a minute. Add the chicken thighs and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until just browned. This step adds extra flavor to the dish.
Step 4: Add the Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce over the browned chicken in the Instant Pot. Stir to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce.
Step 5: Pressure Cook
Close the lid of your Instant Pot and set the valve to sealing. Select the manual or pressure cook setting and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, allow for a natural pressure release for about 5 minutes, then carefully do a quick release for any remaining pressure.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
Open the lid and switch the Instant Pot back to sauté mode. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes until thickened.
Step 7: Serve
Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, serve your Instant Pot Honey Sesame Chicken over rice or with steamed vegetables. Drizzle with additional sesame oil and garnish with sesame seeds if desired.
Variations for Dietary Needs
This recipe is versatile and can easily be adapted to suit various dietary needs:
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce.
- Low-Carb/Keto: Substitute honey with a keto-friendly sweetener.
- Vegetarian: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh, adjusting cook time as needed.
- Spicy: Increase the chili garlic sauce for a spicier kick or add red pepper flakes.
Slip-Ups to Skip
Cooking can be tricky, but here are some common mistakes to avoid when making Instant Pot Honey Sesame Chicken:
- Not browning the chicken: Skipping the sauté step can result in a less flavorful dish.
- Overcrowding the Instant Pot: Make sure there’s enough space for the chicken to cook evenly.
- Skipping the cornstarch slurry: This step is crucial for achieving that thick, luscious sauce.
- Not allowing for natural pressure release: This can lead to overcooked chicken and a less tender texture.
Storing Tips & Timelines
If you find yourself with leftovers (though they may not last long!), here’s how to store your Instant Pot Honey Sesame Chicken properly:
Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. The sauce may need a little extra water to loosen it up during reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless skinless chicken breasts, but keep in mind that they may dry out more easily. Adjust the cooking time to 8 minutes for chicken breasts to ensure they remain juicy.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep and can be made ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.
What can I serve with Instant Pot Honey Sesame Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or stir-fried vegetables. You can also serve it with a side salad for a complete meal.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe! Just ensure you do not exceed the maximum fill line of the Instant Pot. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, but the base time should remain the same.
Reader Favorites
If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy these reader favorites:
- Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken
- Easy Instant Pot Beef Stir-Fry
- Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken
- Honey Garlic Shrimp in the Instant Pot
Serve & Enjoy
Now that you’ve mastered the art of Instant Pot Honey Sesame Chicken, it’s time to gather your loved ones around the table. Serve this flavorful dish hot, and watch as everyone digs in with delight. The sweet and savory aroma will fill your kitchen and create an inviting atmosphere that makes mealtime special.
This Instant Pot Honey Sesame Chicken is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors and a testament to how easy it can be to create homemade dishes that everyone adores. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share your results and variations!
Instant Pot Honey Sesame Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by gathering all your ingredients. Make sure your chicken thighs are trimmed of excess fat and cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and chili garlic sauce until well combined.
- Set your Instant Pot to the sauté mode. Once hot, add a drizzle of sesame oil and let it heat for a minute. Add the chicken thighs and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until just browned.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the browned chicken in the Instant Pot. Stir to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce.
- Close the lid of your Instant Pot and set the valve to sealing. Select the manual or pressure cook setting and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, allow for a natural pressure release for about 5 minutes, then carefully do a quick release for any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and switch the Instant Pot back to sauté mode. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes until thickened.
- Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, serve your Instant Pot Honey Sesame Chicken over rice or with steamed vegetables. Drizzle with additional sesame oil and garnish with sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
- Reheat gently and add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.
