Instant Pot Honey Sesame Chicken
User Reviews
4.5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
8 mins
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Total Time
13 mins
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Servings
4 People
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Calories
392 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Chinese
Instant Pot Honey Sesame Chicken
Description
Instant Pot Honey Sesame Chicken features boneless chicken thighs seasoned and optionally seared for caramelization before pressure cooking with a sauce blending chicken broth, honey, soy and dark soy sauces, apple cider vinegar, sriracha, sesame oil, and cornstarch. This combination creates a sauce that is sweet, tangy, with a touch of heat and a nutty aroma from sesame oil. Pressure cooking for 8 minutes yields tender chicken that absorbs these flavors.
After pressure release, the sauce is thickened by sautéing it briefly to coat the chicken well. Garnishing with sesame seeds and chopped scallions adds contrast and visual appeal. This recipe is adaptable to other cooking methods such as slow cooker or stovetop, with adjusted cooking times, as noted.
Using dark soy sauce darkens the sauce color but is optional. Chicken breasts can be used with adjusted pressure cooking time to remain tender. For pan-searing, a non-stick skillet or skipping searing altogether are viable alternatives depending on cookware and preference.
Ingredients
Honey Sesame Sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 1/2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce Rooster brand, or most to taste
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Wash and rinse the chicken thighs with cold water, then pat them dry with paper towels. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper and set aside. In a separate bowl, mix all the ingredients for the Sauce together, stirring until well combined. Ensure that the honey and cornstarch are completely dissolved. Set aside.
- Turn on the Sauté mode on your Instant Pot. Once the pot is fully heated (to prevent the chicken from sticking), add the cooking oil. Pan-sear the chicken thighs until they turn slightly brown. If they stick too much, you can use a non-stick skillet for pan-searing or skip this step.
- Add the garlic and sauté for a minute. Pour in the sauce and top with white sesame seeds. Cover the pot, select Manual, and set it to High Pressure for 8 minutes.
- When it beeps, turn to Quick Release. Once the valve drops, carefully remove the cover, add the chopped scallions, and serve immediately. Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode to reduce the sauce for about 2 minutes, or until it slightly thickens.
- If the sauce is lighter in color than shown in the pictures, you might consider adding some dark soy sauce to achieve a deeper color. Different soy sauces have varying colors; some are lighter, while others are darker. If you use a lighter soy sauce, the sauce will appear lighter, but the taste should remain about the same.
Notes
- This recipe uses a 6-quart Instant Pot; adjust times as needed for different sizes.
- Dark soy sauce deepens color without changing taste; omit if unavailable.
- If no Instant Pot, use slow cooker on high for 3 hours or stovetop simmer until tender.
- Chicken breasts require about 10 minutes pressure cooking for tenderness.
- Pan-searing chicken before pressure cooking is optional and can be done in a non-stick skillet to prevent sticking.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4People
Amount Per Serving
Calories 392 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1g | |
| Calories | 392kcal | 20% |
| Carbohydrates | 14g | 5% |
| Protein | 42g | 84% |
| Fat | 20g | 31% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 15g | 88% |
| Cholesterol | 208mg | 69% |
| Sodium | 1096mg | 46% |
| Sugar | 11g | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.5
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