It should entice the reader and set the tone for the dish. This Instant Pot Sesame Chicken Recipe is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, making it a family favorite. With tender chicken coated in a rich sesame sauce, this dish is not only satisfying but also quick to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your household.
Ingredients
– 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tbsp sesame oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ginger, minced
– 1 tbsp cornstarch
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tbsp sesame seeds
– 2 green onions, chopped
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is 10 minutes, and cooking time is 10 minutes under pressure, with a total time including natural release of about 30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1/4 of the recipe) contains approximately 300 calories, 15g protein, 35g carbohydrates, 10g fat, and 5g sugar. This nutritional value is based on one serving for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Begin by cutting the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. 2. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. 3. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and marinate for at least 10 minutes. 4. Turn on the Instant Pot and select the sauté function. 5. Add the marinated chicken to the pot, stirring occasionally until browned. 6. In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch with water until smooth. 7. Pour the cornstarch mixture into the pot, stirring well. 8. Close the Instant Pot lid and set it to manual high pressure for 10 minutes. 9. Once cooking is complete, allow for a natural release for about 10 minutes before venting. 10. Open the lid, sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the chicken before serving. 
Alternative Ingredients
If you prefer, you can substitute chicken breast with thighs for a juicier option. Additionally, you can use agave syrup instead of honey for a vegan version.
Serving and Pairings
Serve this sesame chicken over steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal. It pairs wonderfully with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a fresh salad for added crunch.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover sesame chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months, but the texture may change slightly upon reheating.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overcooking the chicken can make it dry; ensure you follow the timing closely.
- Not allowing the natural release can result in tough meat.
- Skipping the marinade step can lead to less flavor.
- Using too much cornstarch can make the sauce overly thick.
- Not browning the chicken first may reduce flavor depth.
Helpful Tips
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce sodium intake.
- Adjust honey based on your desired sweetness level.
- For extra flavor, add crushed red pepper flakes.
- Let the dish sit for a few minutes after cooking for the flavors to meld.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you will need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes. Ensure it is cut into smaller pieces for even cooking.
What can I serve with sesame chicken?
Sesame chicken pairs well with steamed rice, noodles, or a fresh salad. You can also enjoy it with stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, you can mix a little cornstarch with water and add it to the pot after cooking. Stir well and let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Store them separately and combine them when ready to cook for maximum freshness.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative in place of regular soy sauce.
Conclusion
This Instant Pot Sesame Chicken Recipe is a delightful and easy way to enjoy a flavorful meal any day of the week. With its quick cooking time and minimal cleanup, it’s perfect for busy families. Enjoy the rich sesame flavor and tender chicken that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Instant Pot Sesame Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp ginger minced
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 green onions chopped
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
- Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and marinate for at least 10 minutes.
- Turn on the Instant Pot and select the sauté function.
- Add the marinated chicken to the pot, stirring occasionally until browned.
- In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch with water until smooth.
- Pour the cornstarch mixture into the pot, stirring well.
- Close the Instant Pot lid and set it to manual high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, allow for a natural release for about 10 minutes before venting.
- Open the lid, sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the chicken before serving.
Nutrition
