Instant Pot Chinese Sesame Chicken
This Instant Pot Chinese Sesame Chicken features tender, cubed chicken breasts coated in cornstarch and sautéed with aromatic onion, garlic, and fresh ginger. It's combined with a flavorful sauce of brown sugar, low-sodium soy sauce, dry sherry, and chili garlic sauce, then pressure cooked for a quick finish. The dish is garnished with toasted sesame seeds and chopped scallions, creating a balance of savory, sweet, and mildly spicy notes with a moist texture. It pairs well with rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
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
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 346
% 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.