Instant Pot Chinese Sesame Chicken
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
346 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Chinese
Instant Pot Chinese Sesame Chicken
Description
Instant Pot Chinese Sesame Chicken highlights bite-sized chunks of boneless, skinless chicken breast coated in cornstarch to give a slight crust after sautéing in toasted sesame oil with onion, garlic, and fresh ginger. This base provides a fragrant foundation before the addition of a sweet and savory sauce made from brown sugar, soy sauce, dry sherry, and chili garlic sauce. Pressure cooking the mixture briefly locks in moisture while infusing the chicken with the sauce's layered flavor.
The result is tender chicken pieces coated in a slightly thickened sauce with the nutty aroma of sesame seeds and the fresh brightness of scallions added at the end. The method prevents dryness while delivering a dish with a well-rounded savory profile and a hint of heat from the chili garlic sauce.
Serve this dish alongside steamed rice, quinoa, or your favorite vegetables to make a complete meal. The combination of quick sautéing followed by pressure cooking makes it practical for a flavorful dinner without long cooking time.
To avoid issues with the Instant Pot, scrape the bottom of the pot after browning the chicken to prevent burnt bits triggering a burn notice. This helps ensure the chicken cooks evenly and the sauce doesn't scorch.
Ingredients
- 2 - 2.5 pounds chicken breast boneless, skinless
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1/4 cup onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons ginger fresh grated
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup soy sauce low-sodium
- 1/4 cup dry sherry
- 3 tablespoons Chili garlic sauce
- 3 tablespoons scallions chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes, and toss the cubes with cornstarch to coat. Prepare all the herbs and vegetables.
- Set the Instant Pot on Sauté. Pour in the sesame oil. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 2 minutes, then add the chicken pieces. Stir and brown for 3-5 minutes, until the chicken pieces are golden on most sides. Scrape the bottom of the pot with a metal spatula to make sure nothing is stuck to the bottom. (This can cause the "Burn Notice" on your IP.)
- Add the brown sugar, soy sauce, sherry, chili garlic sauce, and 2 tablespoons water to the Instant Pot. Stir well to coat the chicken.
- Cover and seal the pot. Set on Pressure Cook High for 3 minutes. Turn off the pressure cooker, and perform a Quick Release. Once the steam valve button drops, and it is safe to open, remove the lid. Stir the sesame chicken and sprinkle with sesame seeds and scallions. Serve warm with rice, quinoa, or with steamed vegetables.
Notes
- Coat the chicken evenly with cornstarch before sautéing to help create a slight crust and thicken the sauce.
- Scrape the bottom of the Instant Pot after browning the chicken to prevent bits causing a burn notice during pressure cooking.
- Serve immediately with grains or steamed vegetables to enjoy the chicken at optimal tenderness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 346 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 6ounces | |
| Calories | 346kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 24g | 8% |
| Protein | 33g | 66% |
| Fat | 11g | 17% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 96mg | 32% |
| Sodium | 655mg | 27% |
| Potassium | 664mg | 14% |
| Fiber | 0g | 0% |
| Sugar | 18g | 36% |
| Vitamin A | 145IU | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 13.9mg | 15% |
| Calcium | 42mg | 4% |
| Iron | 1.3mg | 7% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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