Unlock the secret to perfect Instant Pot Chinese Sesame Chicken! This quick, incredibly flavorful dish features tender chicken enveloped in a sticky-sweet sauce with just the right amount of kick. Utilizing your Instant Pot transforms this family-friendly meal into a reality in a fraction of the time, making it ideal for any busy weeknight.
From My Kitchen to Yours: A Love for Asian-Inspired Delights
Here in our home, Asian-inspired cuisine isn’t just a preference; it’s practically a staple. Whenever I ask my kids for dinner suggestions, their answers almost always revolve around vibrant, flavorful dishes like Chinese Hot Pots, savory Korean Pajun Veggie Pancakes, succulent Beef Bulgogi, hearty Cantonese Lo Mein, or rich Thai Panang Chicken Curry. The demand for these aromatic, globally-inspired flavors is constant!
That’s why, when I finally welcomed an Instant Pot into my kitchen, my culinary curiosity led me to experiment with transforming our beloved Asian dishes. And let me tell you, this Instant Pot Chinese Sesame Chicken recipe is an absolute triumph! It’s unbelievably fast and straightforward to prepare, making it a dream for busy evenings. What’s even better? It’s a significantly healthier sesame chicken option compared to traditional takeout versions, without sacrificing any of that irresistible flavor. It has quickly become a steadfast family favorite!
Why This Instant Pot Chinese Sesame Chicken Will Be Your New Go-To Recipe
If you’re searching for a dish that delivers on flavor, convenience, and health, look no further. Our Instant Pot Chinese Sesame Chicken ticks all the boxes, making it a perfect addition to your weekly meal rotation.
- Unforgettable Flavor Experience: Prepare your taste buds for an explosion of flavors! This sesame chicken boasts a perfectly balanced profile of bold, spicy-sweet notes, enriched by a deep, nutty sesame aroma. The magic of pressure cooking ensures the chicken is unbelievably tender, soaking up every nuance of the exquisite sticky-sweet sauce. It’s a truly next-level delicious experience that rivals your favorite Chinese restaurant.
- A Healthier Takeout Alternative: Unlike many traditional sesame chicken recipes that involve deep-frying, our Instant Pot version skips the deep fryer entirely. By opting for pan-searing and pressure cooking, we eliminate the excess fat and calories associated with breading and frying oil. Rest assured, this lighter approach doesn’t compromise on taste; in fact, it allows the authentic flavors to shine even brighter! You can enjoy all the deliciousness guilt-free.
- Effortless Weeknight Wonder: This recipe is a lifesaver for those hectic weeknights. From start to finish, the entire dish comes together in approximately 30 minutes, plus a little extra time for the Instant Pot to build pressure. This means you can whip up a cozy, vibrant, and satisfying dinner with minimal fuss, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy with your loved ones. It’s quick to put together after a long day, perfect for enjoying without barely any effort.
- Excellent for Meal Prep & Leftovers: Planning meals ahead? This recipe is a meal prep champion! Leftover sesame chicken stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several days. It reheats wonderfully in the microwave, maintaining its tenderness and flavor. Simply serve it with fresh rice and your favorite steamed vegetables for a convenient and delicious lunch or a quick dinner reboot.
The combination of speed, incredible taste, and health benefits makes this Instant Pot Chinese Sesame Chicken an irresistible choice for any home cook. It’s an authentic taste of Asia, made effortlessly in your own kitchen.
Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Sesame Chicken
Crafting this incredible Instant Pot Chinese Sesame Chicken relies on a harmonious blend of fresh ingredients and pantry staples. Each component plays a vital role in building the layered flavors that make this dish so special.
- Chicken: The foundation of our dish. You can use either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs, diced into uniform bite-sized pieces. Chicken breasts offer a leaner profile, while thighs provide a richer flavor and more tender texture. Choose what your family prefers!
- Cornstarch: This is our secret to achieving that coveted crispy texture and glossy, thick sauce without the need for deep-frying or flour. It also makes this a naturally gluten-free dish. It helps to coat the chicken and later thickens the sauce beautifully.
- Sesame Oil: Essential for that characteristic nutty, aromatic flavor. Be sure to use toasted sesame oil for the most profound taste, as it adds a depth that is irreplaceable.
- Aromatics: The fresh trinity of flavor! Finely diced onions, minced garlic, and fresh grated ginger create an aromatic base that infuses the entire dish with warmth and complexity. Don’t skimp on these fresh ingredients for the best results.
- The Irresistible Sauce: This sticky-sweet concoction is what truly makes the dish shine. It’s a perfect balance of:
- Brown Sugar: For that signature sweetness and a hint of caramelization.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Providing savory umami without making the dish overly salty.
- Dry Sherry: Adds a sophisticated depth and slight acidity, enhancing all the other flavors. If you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can substitute with chicken broth or rice vinegar, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.
- Chili Garlic Sauce: This is where the “little kick” comes from. Adjust the amount to your preferred spice level, from mild to fiery. It provides a lovely balance to the sweetness.
- Garnish: The finishing touches that elevate both flavor and presentation. A generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds texture and a final nutty flourish, while fresh chopped green onions (scallions) provide a pop of color and a mild, fresh oniony crunch.
Gathering these ingredients ensures you’re well on your way to creating an Instant Pot Chinese Sesame Chicken that’s bursting with authentic flavor and homemade goodness.
Crafting Your Delicious Instant Pot Chinese Sesame Chicken
Making this incredible Chinese Sesame Chicken in your Instant Pot is surprisingly simple, transforming fresh ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort. Here’s a brief overview of the process:
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by dicing your chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes. Coating them lightly with cornstarch not only helps achieve a slight crispness but also ensures the sauce clings beautifully.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Using the Instant Pot’s Sauté function, warm the sesame oil and then add your diced onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until fragrant, building a foundational layer of flavor.
- Brown the Chicken: Add the cornstarch-coated chicken to the pot and brown it on most sides. This step is crucial for developing deeper flavor and texture. Remember to scrape the bottom of the pot frequently to prevent any sticking, which can trigger the “Burn Notice.”
- Create the Sauce: Pour in the delightful mixture of brown sugar, low-sodium soy sauce, dry sherry, and chili garlic sauce, along with a bit of water. Stir thoroughly to ensure all the chicken is coated and any bits stuck to the bottom are loosened.
- Pressure Cook to Perfection: Seal the Instant Pot and set it to Pressure Cook High for just 3 minutes. The pressure cooker works its magic, tenderizing the chicken and infusing it with all those wonderful flavors in record time.
- Quick Release and Serve: Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a Quick Release of the pressure. This prevents the chicken from overcooking, keeping it incredibly tender. Stir the chicken, garnish with fresh sesame seeds and chopped scallions, and serve immediately with your favorite accompaniments.
Crucial Tips for Instant Pot Success
- Mastering the Quick Release: A critical step for this recipe! After the pressure cooking time is complete, quickly release the steam. This prevents the chicken from continuing to cook in the residual heat, ensuring it remains incredibly tender and juicy, not overcooked or dry.
- Preventing the “Burn Notice”: Electric pressure cookers, like the Instant Pot, can sometimes give a “Burn Notice” if food bits (especially those coated with cornstarch or flour) stick to the bottom of the pot. To avoid this, make sure to thoroughly scrape the bottom of the pot with a metal spatula after sautéing the chicken and before adding the sauce and sealing the lid. This deglazing step ensures a smooth cooking process without interruption.
- Uniform Chicken Pieces: Dicing your chicken into roughly 1-inch pieces ensures even cooking. Smaller pieces might overcook quickly, while larger pieces might require more time.
- Taste and Adjust: Before serving, always taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. You might want a little more spice from the chili garlic sauce, extra sweetness from a touch more brown sugar, or a deeper savory note with a splash more soy sauce.
Find the complete Chinese Sesame Chicken recipe with detailed instructions, precise measurements, storage tips, and a helpful video tutorial in the printable recipe card located at the bottom of this post.
Storage and Reheating for Delicious Leftovers
One of the many benefits of this Instant Pot Chinese Sesame Chicken is how wonderfully it stores and reheats, making it perfect for meal prepping throughout the week. Properly stored, this dish maintains its fantastic flavor and tender texture, ensuring you have a delicious and convenient meal ready when you need it.
This Instant Pot chicken recipe will stay fresh and flavorful in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place your desired portion in a microwave-safe dish. Reheat in 15-20 second bursts at 50% power, stirring in between, until heated through. This gentle reheating method helps prevent the chicken from drying out and keeps the sauce perfectly sticky. It’s a fantastic option for packed lunches or a quick dinner on a busy evening!
Elevate Your Meal: Delicious Serving Suggestions
While this Instant Pot Sesame Chicken is undeniably the star of the show, pairing it with the right side dishes can transform your meal into a complete, authentic Asian-inspired feast. Here are some classic and creative serving suggestions to complement your flavorful chicken:
- Perfect White Rice: The most classic accompaniment! A side of piping hot jasmine or basmati rice is ideal for soaking up every drop of that irresistible sticky-sweet sauce. You can even make your rice directly in your Instant Pot for ultimate convenience.
- Nutty Quinoa or Brown Rice: For a healthier, high-fiber option, serve your sesame chicken with cooked quinoa or brown rice. Their nutty flavors beautifully complement the sesame sauce.
- Steamed or Stir-fried Vegetables: A medley of crisp-tender steamed broccoli, snap peas, bell peppers, or carrots adds freshness, color, and essential nutrients. You can even quickly stir-fry them with a splash of soy sauce and sesame oil for extra flavor.
- Noodles: Transform your meal by serving the chicken over a bed of lo mein noodles or thin rice vermicelli for a heartier dish.
- Classic Chinese Appetizers: Pair your main course with some beloved takeout-inspired starters for a full restaurant experience at home:
- Homemade Chinese Dumplings (Potstickers)
- A comforting bowl of Wonton Soup
- Delicate Egg Drop Soup
- A vibrant side of Panda Express Broccoli Super Greens Copycat
No matter how you choose to serve it, this Instant Pot Chinese Sesame Chicken is guaranteed to be a hit!
Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Sesame Chicken
Instant Pots are programmed to give a “Burn Notice” when the sensor detects something stuck to the bottom of the pot, indicating insufficient liquid or scorching. This often happens when sautéing ingredients like chicken coated in cornstarch, which can easily stick. To prevent this, ensure you stir the food frequently during the sautéing phase. More importantly, after browning the chicken and before adding the sauce and sealing the lid, use a metal or wooden spatula to thoroughly scrape the bottom of the pot. Make sure all browned bits are loosened and incorporated into the liquid. This deglazes the pot and prevents any food from triggering the burn sensor during pressure cooking.
These three popular Chinese-American dishes often get confused due to their similarities, particularly their use of deep-fried chicken bathed in a sticky-sweet glaze. However, each has distinct characteristics:
- Sesame Chicken: Think of this as the “mother” recipe from which others often derive. It’s characterized by a savory, sweet, and lightly spicy sauce with rich, nutty undertones from sesame oil. It typically features a generous sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds over tender, often crispy, chicken pieces. Heat levels are usually mild, focusing more on the balanced sweet-savory profile.
- General Tso’s Chicken: Very similar to sesame chicken but usually does not contain sesame seeds. The defining characteristic of General Tso’s is its pronounced spiciness, derived from the addition of dried red chilies. While still sweet and savory, it leans towards a bolder, spicier flavor profile. It’s also the most likely of the three to be served with additional vegetables mixed in, such as bell peppers and onions.
- Orange Chicken: This dish stands out with its unique citrusy essence. It is typically the sweetest of the trio, often without any significant spice or sesame seeds. The bright, tangy flavor comes from orange peel and/or fresh orange juice, which gives it a distinct zesty aroma and taste that differentiates it from the others.
Absolutely! The beauty of cooking at home is customization. The chili garlic sauce is the primary source of heat in this Instant Pot Chinese Sesame Chicken. If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the amount of chili garlic sauce to 1-2 tablespoons. For those who love a fiery kick, feel free to increase it to 4-5 tablespoons or even add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the sautéing stage. Always taste the sauce before adding the chicken to the pressure cooker to ensure it matches your preferred spice level.
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Instant Pot Chinese Sesame Chicken
10 minutes
10 minutes
20 minutes
6
Video
Ingredients
- 2 – 2.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh grated ginger
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup dry sherry
- 3 tablespoons chili garlic sauce
- 3 tablespoons chopped scallions
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
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Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes, and toss the cubes with cornstarch to coat evenly. Prepare all the herbs and vegetables by dicing the onion, mincing the garlic, and grating the fresh ginger.
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Set your Instant Pot to the Sauté function. Pour in the sesame oil. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for 2 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant. Then, add the cornstarch-coated chicken pieces. Stir and brown the chicken for 3-5 minutes, until golden on most sides. Crucially, scrape the bottom of the pot with a metal spatula to ensure nothing is stuck to the bottom. (This is key to preventing the dreaded “Burn Notice” on your Instant Pot.)
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Add the brown sugar, low-sodium soy sauce, dry sherry, chili garlic sauce, and 2 tablespoons of water to the Instant Pot. Stir well to thoroughly coat all the chicken pieces with the sauce. Ensure any remaining bits are scraped from the bottom.
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Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and ensure the valve is set to ‘Sealing’. Set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook High (or Manual High Pressure) for 3 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete, turn off the pressure cooker and perform a Quick Release by carefully turning the steam release handle to ‘Venting’. Once the steam valve button drops and it is safe to open, remove the lid. Stir the sesame chicken, which should now be tender and coated in a glossy sauce. Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds and chopped scallions. Serve warm immediately with rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
Storage: This Instant Pot Chinese Sesame Chicken recipe stores beautifully. Leftovers will stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave in 15-20 second bursts at 50% power, stirring between intervals, until thoroughly warm. This makes it an excellent option for quick weekday lunches or convenient dinners.
Nutrition
Per serving (approx. 6 ounces):
- Calories: 346 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 96 mg
- Sodium: 655 mg
- Potassium: 664 mg
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugar: 18 g
- Vitamin A: 145 IU
- Vitamin C: 13.9 mg
- Calcium: 42 mg
- Iron: 1.3 mg
*Nutrition facts are an approximation and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
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More Instant Pot Delights You’ll Love
If you enjoyed the simplicity and deliciousness of this Instant Pot Chinese Sesame Chicken, you’re in for a treat! The Instant Pot is a versatile tool for creating a wide array of globally-inspired meals quickly and easily. Here are some other fantastic Instant Pot recipes you might love to try next, perfect for expanding your repertoire of effortless weeknight dinners:
- Instant Pot Green Chicken Curry
- Easy Instant Pot Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
- Instant Pot Asian Chicken Thighs
- Instant Pot Italian Beef