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Let me share my secret weapon for busy nights: my Instant Pot Sesame Chicken recipe. Juicy bites of chicken, coated in a sauce that's sweet, savory, and a bit sticky, it's dreamy! Think of your favorite takeout, but healthier and ready in less time. You're going to love this, trust me. Let's get cooking, shall we?
Ingredients for Sesame Chicken in the Instant Pot
- Chicken thighs: Tender and flavorful dark meat that stays juicy when cooked, adding richness and depth to the dish.
- Soy sauce: Brings a salty umami flavor that enhances the savory profile of the dish, adding depth and complexity.
- Honey: Balances the saltiness of the soy sauce with a touch of sweetness, creating a harmonious and well-rounded taste.
- Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor that complements the other ingredients, enhancing the overall savory profile of the dish.
- Ginger: Provides a warm and spicy kick that brightens the dish, adding a refreshing and zesty flavor to the mix.
- Sesame oil: Infuses a nutty and toasty aroma that elevates the dish with a rich and distinctive flavor.
- Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent to create a glossy and velvety sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
Read more: Instant Pot Sesame Chicken Recipe Guide
Essential Tools for Making This Instant Pot Recipe
- Instant Pot: Essential for pressure cooking the chicken quickly and infusing flavors efficiently.
- Knife: Needed to cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy eating.
Sesame Chicken Instant Pot Recipe
This Sesame Chicken Instant Pot Recipe is a quick and delicious meal that combines tender chicken thighs with a savory and sweet sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- In the Instant Pot, combine chicken, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
- Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
- Once done, do a quick pressure release and open the lid.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the chicken mixture in the Instant Pot.
- Select the sauté function and cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.
- Serve the sesame chicken over rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes:
For a spicier version, add some red pepper flakes or Sriracha to the sauce.
Nutrition value:
Calories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 32gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 160mgSodium: 1200mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 1gSugar: 17gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 3mg
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Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Read more: Instant Pot Chicken Casserole Recipe
Can You Make Instant Pot Sesame Chicken Ahead of Time?
Make Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the sesame chicken as instructed and let it cool.
- Store the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Freezing Instructions
- Allow the sesame chicken to cool completely.
- Place in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Sesame oil is best added towards the end of cooking to preserve its nutty flavor and aroma.
Common Questions About Making Sesame Chicken in the Instant Pot
FAQ:
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breast for chicken thighs, but be mindful that chicken breast tends to cook faster and may result in slightly drier meat.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add some heat to the dish, you can include red pepper flakes, sriracha sauce, or diced chili peppers when cooking the chicken.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sesame chicken ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze any leftover sesame chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it before serving.
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