Chinese Sesame Chicken (Instant Pot)

Chinese sesame chicken in a bowl with rice and chopsticks resting on the side.

5 from 1 vote

Chinese Sesame Chicken (Instant Pot)

Instant Pot Chinese Sesame Chicken is a little sweet and a little spicy. Tender chunks of chicken breast are bathed in rich sesame chicken sauce that pairs perfectly with rice or noodles.

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Total Time30

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian, Chinese

Servings: servings

Author: Mariam Ezzeddine

Ingredients

1 ½ lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce
3 tablespoons ketchup
1 teaspoon garlic minced
1 teaspoon ginger grated
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground pepper
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Chopped chives to garnish

Instructions

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-size pieces and place the chicken pieces into the Instant pot.
In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, ginger, salt & pepper. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken pieces and mix it well. Cover the Instant pot with a lid and place the valve in the “sealing” position.
Pressure cook the chicken on “HIGH” for 3 minutes, and once the cycle is complete, “QUICK RELEASE” the valve.
Carefully open the lid and add brown sugar and sesame oil. Press the “SAUTE” setting and add the cornstarch slurry (2 tbsp water +1 tbsp cornstarch) cook until the sauce thickens.
Add in the sesame seeds and give a quick mix. Switch off the saute setting.
Garnish the sesame chicken with chives and serve the chicken over rice.

Notes

Chicken breast is our preferred cut because it’s tender and kid friendly. You can use chicken thighs if you prefer.
Add some red pepper flakes or sriracha to make this dish spicy.
Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165 degrees F.
Be sure to do a quick release of pressure, so you don’t overcook the chicken.
Cooking times do not include the time it takes for the Instant Pot to come up to pressure.
Make a cornstarch slurry by combining cold water and cornstarch. Just before serving, add it to the Instant Pot using the Saute setting to thicken the sauce.

Nutrition