Instant Pot Sesame Chicken
User Reviews
4.8
Instant Pot Sesame Chicken
Description
The recipe begins by browning chicken breast pieces in sesame oil using the Instant Pot's saute function, which helps develop color and flavor. The sauce combines honey, tamari (or soy sauce), garlic powder, and crushed red pepper for a balance of sweetness, savory umami, and a mild spicy edge. After browning the chicken in two batches, the sauce is added, and the chicken is pressure cooked for four minutes to ensure tenderness while retaining structure.
Following pressure cooking, the cornstarch and water mixture is whisked in and sauteed briefly to thicken the sauce, creating a glossy and clingy finish that coats the chicken. Sesame seeds sprinkled in provide a subtle texture contrast and enhance the sesame flavor.
This dish suits a main course served over rice or alongside steamed vegetables. Cooking times can be extended and natural pressure release used for softer, fall-apart chicken preferred by some. The recipe's control over thickness and flavor components offers flexibility.
Delaying the addition of the cornstarch slurry until after cooking helps maintain sauce clarity and desired thickness without over-thickening during pressure cooking.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pound chicken breast skinless, cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoon sesame oil
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup tamari or soy sauce if not gluten free
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder minced form, dried
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 teaspoon cornstarch
- 3 teaspoon water
Instructions
- Turn Instant Pot to saute. Add 1 tablespoon sesame oil into pot and saute half the chicken. Get a bit of browning on all sides, about 3-4 minutes, then remove to a bowl. Add more sesame oil and saute the second half.
- In a small bowl mix the honey, tamari, garlic and red pepper with a whisk.
- Put chicken back into pot and add sauce. Turn chicken to cover with sauce. Turn Instant Pot to poultry and set timer for four minutes. Lock the lid in place.
- Turn off the heat when the timer beeps. Carefully use a dishtowel to do a quick pressure release.
- Whisk the cornstarch and water in a small bowl and turn pot to saute. Add mixture and stir well. Saute for a minute or two until sauce thickens to your taste.
Notes
- Adding the cornstarch slurry at the end thickens the sauce to your preferred consistency.
- For chicken that falls apart, extend cooking time and use natural pressure release.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 291 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 291kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 21g | 7% |
| Protein | 38g | 76% |
| Fat | 5g | 8% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 108mg | 36% |
| Sodium | 1018mg | 42% |
| Potassium | 715mg | 15% |
| Sugar | 17g | 34% |
| Vitamin A | 200IU | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 2.1mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 33mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1.6mg | 9% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
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