Chinese Food Recipes Instant Pot Sesame Chicken

This Instant Pot Sesame Chicken recipe is sweet, savory, and perfectly tender — ready in just 25 minutes! Skip the takeout and make this easy Chinese-style dinner at home with simple pantry ingredients.

Each ingredient in this Instant Pot Sesame Chicken plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors. Here’s how every component contributes to this better-than-takeout dish:

Sesame Oil

The sesame oil adds a nutty aroma and depth to the dish. Start with 1 tablespoon, then add more if needed while browning the chicken. Its warm, toasty flavor sets the foundation for authentic sesame chicken.

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts

Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy eating. Prefer richer flavor? Substitute with boneless chicken thighs for a juicier, more tender result.

Honey

Honey provides a natural sweetness that balances the salty and umami notes of soy sauce. You can substitute it with maple syrup if you prefer a slightly different kind of sweetness.

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce brings that signature savory, umami base to the dish. For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead. It delivers the same deep flavor without compromise.

Garlic

Freshly minced garlic infuses the sauce with a sharp, aromatic punch that ties all the flavors together. Jarred garlic works in a pinch, but fresh garlic delivers the most vibrant flavor.

Crushed Red Pepper Flakes

A touch of red pepper adds gentle heat that balances the sweetness of the sauce. Adjust the amount to your spice preference — from mild warmth to a bold kick.

Cornstarch

Cornstarch thickens the sauce into a glossy, clingy coating that perfectly covers each chicken piece. It’s the secret to that takeout-style sticky glaze.

Cooked Rice

Serve the sesame chicken over hot cooked rice to soak up the savory, slightly sweet sauce. Jasmine or basmati rice are both excellent choices for a light, fragrant pairing.

Sesame Seeds

These small but mighty seeds add a crunchy garnish and an extra hit of sesame flavor. For a deeper nuttiness, lightly toast the sesame seeds before sprinkling.

Thinly Sliced Green Onions

Green onions add a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color to finish the dish beautifully. They also balance the richness of the sauce with a refreshing bite.

Pro Tip: Prep and measure all your ingredients before you start cooking — Instant Pot recipes move fast once you begin!

Directions

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Select the Sauté or Browning setting on a 6-quart electric pressure cooker (Instant Pot) and adjust to medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil to the pot.

Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces in batches, browning each side lightly. Avoid overcrowding the pot — this ensures even browning and keeps the chicken from steaming. Add more oil as needed between batches.

After all the chicken has browned, press Cancel to stop the sauté function.
Return all the browned chicken pieces to the pot.

💡 Editor’s Tip: Browning the chicken in batches prevents overcrowding and allows each piece to develop a beautiful golden crust — the key to rich, flavorful sesame chicken.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, water, minced garlic, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Pour the sauce mixture over the browned chicken in the pressure cooker, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated.

Place the lid on the Instant Pot, lock it securely, and close the pressure-release valve to seal.

💡 Editor’s Tip: Mixing the sauce before adding it ensures all ingredients blend evenly and prevents clumping once pressure cooking begins. 

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce and Serve

Once the pressure has released and the lid is safely removed, it’s time to create that signature glossy sesame glaze.

In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the sauce in the pressure cooker.

Select the Sauté setting again and adjust to low heat. Simmer gently, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens — about 1 to 2 minutes. The sauce should become rich, glossy, and cling perfectly to the chicken.

Serve the sesame chicken hot over cooked rice, letting the savory sauce soak in. Finish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a fresh, flavorful garnish.

💡 Editor’s Tip: Stir continuously while thickening to avoid lumps and achieve that silky, takeout-style sauce texture.

Instant Pot Sesame Chicken Variations

Customize this recipe to suit your taste or mix things up for a fun twist!

Step Up the Heat

Add more crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce, or drizzle Sriracha over the finished dish for an extra kick of spice. Perfect for those who love bold flavors.

Add Vegetables

Incorporate some fresh or frozen broccoli florets just before pressure cooking. They’ll steam perfectly in the Instant Pot, adding color, crunch, and extra nutrition.

Try Different Proteins

Swap out chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist. Cook the shrimp in the sauce on the Sauté setting for 3–4 minutes, or until they turn pink and are just cooked through.

💡 Pro Tip: These variations let you customize the dish for your family’s preferences — from spicier heat to extra veggies or a seafood version, making this recipe versatile and fun to experiment with. 

How to Store Instant Pot Sesame Chicken

Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

💡 Editor’s Tip: Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat to preserve the sauce’s glossy texture and prevent the chicken from drying out.

How Long Does Instant Pot Sesame Chicken Last?

Leftover Instant Pot sesame chicken can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. When ready to eat, reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.

💡 Pro Tip: Reheating slowly helps preserve the sauce’s glossy texture and keeps the chicken tender, so it tastes almost as good as freshly made. 

Instant Pot Sesame Chicken FAQs

1. How do you thicken the sauce for sesame chicken?

The best way to thicken the sauce is with a cornstarch slurry. Simply mix cornstarch with cold water, then add it to the sauce while simmering until it reaches your desired consistency. This creates a glossy, clingy coating that sticks perfectly to the chicken.

2. Can you use chicken thighs for Instant Pot honey sesame chicken?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add more fat, making the dish juicier and richer in flavor. If you use thighs, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as they can take an extra minute under pressure to cook through.

3. What do you serve with Instant Pot sesame chicken?

This dish is perfect served over steamed rice or noodles. For extra texture and nutrition, pair it with steamed vegetables like broccoli, snow peas, or a fresh cucumber salad. The combination balances the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken beautifully.