Craving something savory and satisfying? This Instant Pot Sesame Chicken recipe is here to save the day! With its tender chicken pieces coated in a rich, sesame-infused sauce, this dish is not only quick to prepare but also bursting with flavor. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it pairs beautifully with steamed rice or veggies. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to whip up this delightful meal!
Ingredients
– 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
– 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 15 minutes in the Instant Pot.
Nutritional Value
Each serving of Instant Pot Sesame Chicken (approximately 1 cup) contains roughly 350 calories, 20g protein, 15g fat, and 30g carbohydrates. This nutritional information is based on one serving.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Start by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
3. Place the chicken pieces in the Instant Pot.
4. Pour the soy sauce mixture over the chicken.
5. Close the lid and ensure the valve is set to sealing.
6. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and cook for 10 minutes.
7. Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure.
8. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
9. Turn on the sauté function and stir in the slurry to thicken the sauce.
10. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce is glossy.
11. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.
Alternative Ingredients
If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner option. Additionally, maple syrup can substitute honey for a different flavor profile.
Serving and Pairings
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, sautéed broccoli, or a fresh garden salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a side of egg rolls or dumplings.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container.
Cooking Mistakes
– Avoid overcooking the chicken to prevent dryness.
– Don’t skip the quick release; it helps keep the chicken tender.
– Measure the soy sauce carefully to avoid overpowering saltiness.
– Stir the sauce well after adding the cornstarch to prevent lumps.
– Ensure the Instant Pot is sealed properly before cooking.
Helpful Tips
– For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for an hour before cooking.
– Consider adding vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for added crunch.
– Use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake.
– Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey.
– Garnish with additional sesame seeds for a nice presentation.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but increase the cooking time to about 15-18 minutes. Ensure the chicken is in a single layer for even cooking.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha into the soy sauce mixture before cooking.
Can I cook this recipe without an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can cook this on the stovetop. Just simmer the chicken in the sauce until fully cooked, about 20-30 minutes.
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftovers can be turned into a delicious chicken salad or added to stir-fried noodles for a quick meal.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Conclusion
This Instant Pot Sesame Chicken is a delightful meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Perfect for busy nights or when you want something comforting, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy this dish with your favorite sides and savor every bite!
Instant Pot Sesame Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs boneless and skinless
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 green onions sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
- Place the chicken pieces in the Instant Pot.
- Pour the soy sauce mixture over the chicken.
- Close the lid and ensure the valve is set to sealing.
- Select the 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' setting and cook for 10 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
- Turn on the sauté function and stir in the slurry to thicken the sauce.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.
Nutrition
