Make a delicious Instant Pot Sesame Chicken in under 30 minutes! This recipe is quick and easy. It uses tender chicken thighs with a sweet and spicy sauce. It’s perfect for a fast, tasty Asian dish on busy nights.
It’s great if you’re craving Chinese food or want a healthy meal. This dish is gluten-free, packed with protein, and uses good ingredients.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Instant Pot Sesame Chicken is a quick and easy 30-minute recipe
- The dish is gluten-free, high-protein, and made with healthy ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are used for optimal flavor and texture
- The Instant Pot delivers tender, flavorful chicken while retaining nutrients
- The recipe has received 5-star reviews from users
What Makes Instant Pot Sesame Chicken Special
Instant Pot Sesame Chicken is a top pick for Asian-inspired chicken dishes. It uses the Instant Pot to cook chicken thighs to perfection in a tasty sesame sauce. What makes this dish so special? Let’s dive into the details.
Benefits of Using an Instant Pot
The Instant Pot’s many functions make cooking fast and easy, without losing flavor or nutrients. It can cook frozen chicken in under an hour, perfect for busy nights. The pressure cooking keeps the chicken juicy and full of authentic Asian flavors.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
This Instant Pot Sesame Chicken recipe is quick to make and tastes like a restaurant dish. It uses boneless, skinless chicken thighs for tender and flavorful results in minutes. The sauce, with soy sauce, hoisin, brown sugar, and sesame oil, adds a sweet and savory touch. It’s a healthier takeout alternative that’s sure to please.
Instant Pot Sesame Chicken is a standout in pressure-cooked Asian dishes. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a restaurant-quality dish at home. This recipe is sure to wow anyone.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Sesame Chicken
To make the ultimate Sesame Chicken, you need the right ingredients. Start with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer taste. Coconut aminos add depth without too much sodium.
Garlic and honey mix for a sweet-savory flavor. Tomato paste, lime juice, and sriracha add tanginess and heat. Sesame oil gives a nutty aroma and browning to the chicken. Tapioca starch thickens the sauce for a velvety feel.
Red pepper flakes, green onions, and sesame seeds add extra flavor and texture. Bell peppers, onions, and broccoli make the dish more nutritious and colorful.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs | 1-1.5 lbs |
| Coconut Aminos | 1/4 cup |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Honey | 2 tablespoons |
| Tomato Paste | 2 tablespoons |
| Lime Juice | 2 tablespoons |
| Sriracha | 1-2 teaspoons |
| Sesame Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Tapioca Starch | 1 tablespoon |
| Red Pepper Flakes (optional) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Green Onions, sliced (optional) | 2 tablespoons |
| Sesame Seeds (optional) | 1 tablespoon |
With these ingredients, you’re set to make perfect Sesame Chicken. It’s a dish that will delight your taste buds and impress your guests.
How to Make Instant Pot Sesame Chicken
Get ready to enjoy the delightful flavors of asian instant pot recipes with this easy guide. In just 30 minutes, you can make a restaurant-quality sesame chicken dish. It’s full of savory, sweet, and tangy notes. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process!
Preparing the Sauce
Start by whisking together the key ingredients for the sesame chicken sauce. In a bowl, mix coconut aminos (or low-sodium soy sauce), garlic, honey, tomato paste, lime juice, sriracha, and your desired seasonings. Whisk until well-blended and set it aside.
Cooking Process Step by Step
- Turn on your Instant Pot and select the sauté function. Add a bit of olive oil to the inner pot.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry and season them with salt and pepper. Sear the chicken in the hot oil until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the seared chicken, making sure the pieces are evenly coated.
- Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the pressure cook function to 15 minutes on high pressure.
- Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to naturally release for 5 minutes, then manually release the remaining pressure.
- Remove the cooked chicken from the Instant Pot and set it aside.
Thickening the Sauce
To create a wonderfully thick and glossy sauce, make a cornstarch slurry. Whisk together cornstarch and a small amount of water. Slowly pour the slurry into the sauce in the Instant Pot, stirring constantly, until the desired consistency is achieved. This step will transform the sauce into a delectable coating for the chicken.
And there you have it! Your instant pot asian chicken is now ready to be enjoyed. The total cooking time, including preparation, is approximately 30 minutes. This makes it an excellent choice for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal. Serve the sesame chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice and add your favorite steamed vegetables for a complete and flavor-packed dish.
Tips for Achieving Restaurant-Quality Results
Do you love the flavors of Chinese takeout but want to make it at home? You can make your Instant Pot chinese recipes for instant pot taste like a restaurant’s with a few tips.
Tip 1: Opt for Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs are better than breasts for flavor and juiciness. They match the sweet and savory chinese recipes for instant pot perfectly.
Tip 2: Adjust Sweetness to Taste
You can change how sweet the recipe is by adding more honey or brown sugar. Start small and add more until it’s just right.
Tip 3: Add a Spicy Kick
For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to your chinese recipes for instant pot. It adds a nice contrast to the other flavors.
Tip 4: Proper Searing Technique
Before cooking, sear the chicken in the Instant Pot. This locks in juices and adds a tasty crust. It makes your chinese recipes for instant pot even better.
Tip 5: Natural Release for Tender Chicken
After cooking, let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally. This keeps the chicken tender and juicy, avoiding toughness.
Tip 6: Thicken the Sauce
To get a glossy sauce, mix a cornstarch slurry into the sauce. Stir until it’s the right consistency. This makes your chinese recipes for instant pot look and taste like a pro’s.
Tip 7: Garnish with Flair
Top your chinese recipes for instant pot with sesame seeds and green onions. It looks great and adds to the Chinese flavor.
With these tips, you can make amazing chinese recipes for instant pot at home. Enjoy delicious Chinese food without leaving your house!
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Instant Pot Sesame Chicken is great with many side dishes. It makes a full and tasty meal. Try it over jasmine rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb choice. Cooking rice with the chicken in the Instant Pot is easy and convenient.
Rice Options
Jasmine rice is a top pick, adding a light and fragrant touch. Brown rice brings a nutty flavor and chewy texture. Cauliflower rice is a healthier option, soaking up the sauce without extra carbs.
Vegetable Combinations
Adding crisp, tasty veggies makes the meal complete. Roasted green beans, air fryer parmesan broccoli, or garlic-roasted Brussels sprouts are great choices. You can also add diced bell peppers, onions, and broccoli to the dish for extra nutrition and taste.
FAQ
What makes this Instant Pot Sesame Chicken recipe special?
This Instant Pot Sesame Chicken recipe is quick and tastes like a restaurant. It uses healthy ingredients. The Instant Pot cooks fast, keeping flavors and nutrients in, perfect for busy nights.
What are the key benefits of using an Instant Pot for this recipe?
The Instant Pot cooks food fast and keeps it flavorful. It can even cook frozen meat in under an hour. This makes it a great choice for saving time.
What are the essential ingredients in this Instant Pot Sesame Chicken recipe?
The main ingredients are boneless, skinless chicken thighs, coconut aminos, garlic, honey, and tomato paste. Lime juice, sriracha, sesame oil, and tapioca starch are also key. Optional extras include red pepper flakes, green onions, and sesame seeds.
How do you prepare the sauce and cook the chicken in this recipe?
To make the sauce, mix coconut aminos, garlic, honey, tomato paste, lime juice, sriracha, and seasonings. Sear the chicken thighs in the Instant Pot, then add the sauce. Pressure cook for 15 minutes. After a 5-minute natural release, manually release the pressure. Remove the chicken and thicken the sauce with tapioca starch or cornstarch.
What are some tips for achieving the best results with this Instant Pot Sesame Chicken recipe?
Use chicken thighs for better flavor. Adjust the honey to your taste. Add red pepper flakes for heat. Sear the chicken well before pressure cooking. Let it naturally release to keep the chicken tender. Thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry.
What are some recommended serving suggestions and pairings for this Instant Pot Sesame Chicken?
Serve the chicken over jasmine rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Cook the rice in the Instant Pot for a complete meal. Pair it with roasted green beans, air fryer parmesan broccoli, or garlic roasted Brussels sprouts. Add egg rolls or wontons as sides. Consider adding bell peppers, onions, and broccoli for extra nutrition and flavor.
Instant Pot Sesame Chicken
Equipment
- Instant Pot
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring Spoons
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 1-1.5 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
- 1/4 cup Coconut Aminos or low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons Honey
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
- 2 tablespoons Lime Juice
- 1-2 teaspoons Sriracha adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil
- 1 tablespoon Tapioca Starch or cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes optional
- 2 tablespoons Green Onions sliced (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds optional
Instructions
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together coconut aminos, garlic, honey, tomato paste, lime juice, and sriracha. Set aside.
Sauté the Chicken:
- Turn on the Instant Pot and select the sauté function. Add a bit of sesame oil. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Pressure Cook:
- Pour the prepared sauce over the seared chicken. Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 15 minutes.
Natural Release:
- Allow a 5-minute natural release, then manually release the remaining pressure.
Thicken the Sauce:
- Remove the chicken and set it aside. Mix 1 tablespoon tapioca starch with a bit of water to form a slurry. Add the slurry to the sauce in the Instant Pot, stirring until it thickens.
Serve:
- Slice the chicken and return it to the sauce. Serve over jasmine rice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.