Instant Pot Sesame Chicken: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

Instant Pot Sesame Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the rich flavors of Asian cuisine straight to your dinner table. This dish melds tender chicken with a sticky, sweet, and savory sauce, making every bite wonderfully satisfying. The Instant Pot makes cooking this meal incredibly efficient, allowing you to enjoy a wholesome dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

If you've been searching for an easy yet delicious recipe to impress your family or friends, then Instant Pot Sesame Chicken might be the answer. With its quick preparation time and minimal cleanup, you can have a restaurant-quality meal at home in no time. Coupled with steamed rice or vegetables, this fantastic dish offers a great balance of taste and nutrition to your food routine.

Imagine coming home after a long day and whipping up a meal that tastes like it came from your favorite takeout spot. With Instant Pot Sesame Chicken, the comforting combination of sesame oil, soy sauce, and tender chicken creates a symphony of flavors that will make your weeknight dinners a highlight. In this article, we will explore why you’ll love this recipe, how to prepare it, and the necessary ingredients to get started on this culinary adventure.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Instant Pot Sesame Chicken stands out as a favorite for many reasons. From its irresistible taste to its straightforward preparation, here are some reasons why you’ll love this recipe:

1. Quick and Easy – The pressure cooking function of the Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time, enabling you to prepare this meal in under an hour.
2. Flavor Explosion – The rich and savory sauce pairs perfectly with the chicken, satisfying all taste buds.
3. Customizable Ingredients – You can adjust the recipe according to your preference, adding more vegetables or adjusting the spice levels.
4. Healthy Eating – Using lean chicken breast and fresh ingredients makes this dish a healthier option compared to takeout.
5. All-in-One Cooking – The Instant Pot allows you to sauté, cook, and keep warm, simplifying your cooking process.
6. Perfectly Cooked Chicken – The pressure cooking method guarantees that your chicken is tender and juicy, elevating the culinary experience.

With so many fantastic qualities, it’s no wonder Instant Pot Sesame Chicken has become a favorite among home cooks!

Preparation and Cooking Time

Making Instant Pot Sesame Chicken is efficient. Here’s a breakdown of the total time needed to prepare and cook this dish:

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes under pressure, plus an additional 10 minutes for natural release
• Total Time: Approximately 40 minutes

This quick turnaround makes it ideal not just for dinner but also for meal prepping for busy weeks, ensuring you can enjoy this amazing dish anytime.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
• ¼ cup sliced green onions, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have everything you need, follow this step-by-step guide to make Instant Pot Sesame Chicken:

1. Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and pat dry with paper towels.
2. Sauté Chicken: Turn the Instant Pot on to the "Sauté" setting. Add sesame oil, allowing it to heat up before adding chicken. Sauté until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Flavor: Stir in minced garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Mix Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, chicken broth, and rice vinegar. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
5. Pressure Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid and ensure the valve is set to "Sealing." Select “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” on high pressure for 15 minutes.
6. Release Pressure: After cooking, allow for natural pressure release for about 10 minutes, then switch the valve to "Venting" to release any remaining pressure.
7. Thicken Sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Turn the Instant Pot back to "Sauté" and stir in the slurry. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
8. Garnish: Once the sauce has thickened, stir in toasted sesame seeds. Remove from heat.
9. Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions before transferring to a serving dish.

These straightforward steps will help you create a delicious Instant Pot Sesame Chicken that everyone will love!

How to Serve

Serving Instant Pot Sesame Chicken can be as fun and creative as preparing it. Here are some delightful ways to present this dish:

1. Over Rice: Serve the sesame chicken over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a filling meal.
2. With Vegetables: Complement the dish with steamed broccoli, snap peas, or stir-fried bell peppers to add color and nutrition.
3. Wrap It Up: Use lettuce leaves as wraps filled with sesame chicken and add toppings like shredded carrots or diced cucumbers for a fresh meal.
4. Garnish Thoughtfully: A sprinkle of additional sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions not only adds flavor but enhances the dish's visual appeal.
5. Family Style: Present it in a large serving bowl, allowing everyone to help themselves, fostering a communal dining experience.

With these serving suggestions, your Instant Pot Sesame Chicken will be both appealing and delicious, leaving a lasting impression on those you serve! Enjoy your culinary adventure!

Additional Tips

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh garlic and ginger for a vibrant flavor. Fresh ingredients can elevate the taste of your Instant Pot Sesame Chicken significantly.

• Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add more cornstarch to your slurry. Conversely, if you like it thinner, simply include a bit more chicken broth.

• Marinate the Chicken: For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and sesame oil for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This step allows the chicken to absorb more flavor.

• Add a Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or chili paste to the sauce for an extra spicy kick.

• Experiment with Garnishes: Besides green onions and sesame seeds, explore using crushed peanuts or fresh cilantro as additional garnishes for varied flavor profiles.

Recipe Variation

Feel free to switch it up! Here are a few modifications you can try:

1. Different Protein: Substitute the chicken with beef, shrimp, or tofu for an entirely different meal experience.
2. Add Vegetables: Throw in a variety of vegetables while pressure cooking, such as bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas, to include some more nutrition and color.
3. Sweet and Spicy Version: Add sriracha or another hot sauce to the mix for a sweet and spicy flavor that will tantalize your taste buds.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Keep the leftover Instant Pot Sesame Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for about 3-4 days.

• Freezing: To enjoy this dish later, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Frozen sesame chicken will last up to 3 months. Make sure to label and date the container for easy reference.

• Reheating: When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until heated through. You may need to add a touch of water or chicken broth during reheating to prevent dryness.

Special Equipment

To make your cooking experience smooth, gather these essential tools:

• Instant Pot: The star of the show, essential for pressure cooking.
• Cutting Board & Knife: For chopping vegetables and chicken.
• Mixing Bowls: For whisking sauces and mixing ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient ratios.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring and serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best type of chicken to use in this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work best due to their flavor and tenderness. However, boneless chicken breasts can also be used if preferred.

Can I use regular soy sauce instead of low-sodium soy sauce?

Yes, but be mindful of the saltiness. Low-sodium may be a better choice for those watching their sodium intake.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.

Can I prepare Instant Pot Sesame Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time. It reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep.

What sides pair well with this dish?

Steamed rice or vegetables, cucumber salad, or Asian slaw are delightful complements to this tasty chicken dish.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Sesame Chicken is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary adventure that combines convenience with flavor. Its unique blend of sweet and savory elements is sure to please everyone at the dinner table. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, this dish empowering home cooks to create restaurant-quality meals without the usual hassle. Try it once, and you’ll find it becomes a flavorful staple in your kitchen!

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