Irresistible Instant Pot Honey Sesame Chicken: Better Than Takeout in Under 30 Minutes

Craving the sweet and savory flavors of your favorite takeout but don’t want the fuss or the wait? Look no further! This homemade Honey Sesame Chicken recipe is not only incredibly delicious and satisfying, but it also comes together in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights. Forget the delivery menu; you can whip up a meal that’s better than takeout right in your own kitchen, often with ingredients you already have on hand!

Using an Instant Pot transforms this dish into a quick-cooking, one-pot wonder, simplifying both the preparation and cleanup. The pressure cooker infuses the chicken with incredible flavor and ensures it’s wonderfully tender, while the rich, glossy honey sesame sauce coats every piece perfectly. Get ready to impress your taste buds and your family with this easy, flavorful dinner!

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe

This Instant Pot Honey Sesame Chicken isn’t just another dinner recipe; it’s a game-changer for anyone who loves delicious, easy-to-make meals. Here’s why it’s destined to become a staple in your kitchen:

• Unbeatable Flavor: The perfect balance of sweet honey, salty soy sauce, aromatic ginger and garlic, and nutty sesame oil creates a complex, irresistible sauce that clings beautifully to every piece of chicken.
• Lightning Fast: Thanks to the Instant Pot, this dish goes from prep to plate in less than 30 minutes. It’s ideal for those busy evenings when you need a hearty, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• One-Pot Convenience: The Instant Pot allows you to sauté, pressure cook, and thicken the sauce all in one pot, significantly reducing cleanup time. This means less washing up and more time enjoying your meal.
• Healthier Than Takeout: By making it at home, you have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to choose lower-sodium soy sauce, fresh produce, and lean chicken breasts, making it a healthier alternative to many restaurant versions.
• Family Favorite: The universally appealing flavors of honey and sesame chicken are a hit with both adults and kids alike. It’s a fantastic way to introduce new flavors or enjoy a comforting classic.
• Versatile & Customizable: Easily adapt this recipe with your favorite vegetables, add a touch of spice, or even swap out the protein for a different meal experience.

The Magic of the Instant Pot for Honey Sesame Chicken

The Instant Pot truly shines when making recipes like this Honey Sesame Chicken. It’s more than just a pressure cooker; it’s a multi-functional kitchen appliance that streamlines the entire cooking process. Here’s how it works its magic for this particular dish:

I love using the Instant Pot for recipes like this because it truly makes it a one-pot meal! You start by utilizing the sauté function to quickly brown your chicken pieces. This crucial step develops a deeper flavor and a lovely texture before pressure cooking. Then, all the sauce ingredients are combined directly in the pot with the chicken. The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking capability cooks the chicken incredibly fast, ensuring it’s unbelievably tender and juicy, absorbing all the delicious flavors of the honey sesame sauce.

Once the chicken is cooked through, a quick release of pressure, and then you’re ready for the final step: thickening the sauce. By switching back to the sauté function, you can effortlessly whisk in a cornstarch slurry, transforming the flavorful liquid into a rich, glossy sauce that perfectly coats the chicken. This seamless transition from sautéing to pressure cooking to simmering for thickening, all within the same pot, is what makes the Instant Pot an indispensable tool for quick and easy weeknight dinners.

No Instant Pot? No Problem! Stovetop Instructions

Don’t have an Instant Pot? No worries at all! You can still enjoy this delicious Honey Sesame Chicken using a large pot or skillet on your stovetop. While it might take a little longer than the pressure cooker method, the results are equally delightful. Here’s how to adapt the recipe:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Dice the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces and season generously with salt and pepper, just as you would for the Instant Pot method.
2. Sauté Aromatics and Chicken: Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and freshly ground ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the diced chicken and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s lightly browned on all sides and mostly cooked through.
3. Add the Sauce Ingredients: Pour in the low-sodium soy sauce, ketchup, sesame oil, and honey. Stir well to combine all ingredients, ensuring the chicken is thoroughly coated in the sauce.
4. Simmer to Cook: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth to create a slurry. Uncover the pot, increase the heat to medium, and gradually pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce while stirring constantly. Continue to stir and simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat. Top with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

This stovetop method yields perfectly cooked chicken bathed in a rich, sweet, and savory sauce that pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or your favorite steamed vegetables.

Key Ingredients for an Unforgettable Flavor

The magic of this Honey Sesame Chicken lies in its simple yet powerful combination of ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating that irresistible sweet and savory balance:

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: We use chicken breasts for quick cooking and a lean protein source. Dicing them into 1-inch pieces ensures they cook evenly and quickly under pressure. Chicken thighs can also be used for a slightly richer flavor.
• Honey: The star of the show, providing the signature sweetness and a beautiful glaze. Choose a good quality honey for the best flavor.
• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: This forms the savory, umami base of our sauce. Opting for low-sodium helps control the overall saltiness, allowing you to season to taste.
• Ketchup: While it might seem like an unconventional addition to an Asian-inspired dish, ketchup adds a subtle tang, a touch of sweetness, and crucial body to the sauce, enhancing its richness.
• Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way! Toasted sesame oil provides that distinctive, deep nutty aroma and flavor that is essential for authentic sesame chicken. Add it at the end to preserve its delicate flavor.
• Fresh Garlic and Ginger: These aromatics are non-negotiable for their pungent, warming, and vibrant flavors that elevate the entire dish. Freshly minced garlic and grated ginger make a huge difference compared to dried or jarred versions.
• Cornstarch and Cold Water: This dynamic duo creates a “slurry” which is key to thickening the sauce to a perfect, glossy consistency. Mixing cornstarch with cold water before adding prevents lumps.
• Green Onions and Sesame Seeds: Not just for garnish! Chopped green onions add a fresh, mild oniony bite, while toasted sesame seeds provide a delightful crunch and an extra layer of nutty flavor and visual appeal.

With these simple yet powerful ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating a truly memorable Honey Sesame Chicken meal.

What You’ll Need to Make Honey Sesame Chicken

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Tablespoon freshly ground ginger
• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup >ketchup
• 2 >teaspoons sesame oil
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons cold water
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 Tablespoon sesame seeds

Serving Suggestions to Complete Your Meal

This Honey Sesame Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides to create a complete and satisfying meal. Here are some of our favorite recommendations:

• Fluffy Rice: The classic pairing! Serve your chicken over a bed of warm white rice (like jasmine or basmati), brown rice for added fiber, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. The rice perfectly soaks up all that delicious honey sesame sauce.
• Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Complement the rich chicken with some fresh greens. Broccoli florets are a fantastic choice, as are steamed edamame, crisp green beans, or tender asparagus. For a more adventurous twist, try stir-frying some bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots.
• Stir-Fry Noodles: For a heartier meal, serve the Honey Sesame Chicken alongside a tangle of stir-fried noodles. Lo mein or ramen noodles tossed with a light sauce would be excellent.
• Quinoa: A protein-rich and gluten-free alternative to rice, quinoa adds a slightly nutty flavor and satisfying texture.
• Fresh Salad: A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the sweet and savory chicken.

No matter what you choose, this chicken with honey and sesame will be the star of your meal, and you’re going to love it!

Tips for the Best Homemade Honey Sesame Chicken

To ensure your Honey Sesame Chicken turns out perfectly every time, keep these simple tips in mind:

• Dice Chicken Evenly: Cut your chicken breasts into uniform 1-inch pieces. This ensures that all the chicken cooks at the same rate, preventing some pieces from being overcooked while others are undercooked.
• Don’t Skip the Sauté: Even though it’s an Instant Pot recipe, browning the chicken first is essential. The sauté function creates a flavorful crust on the chicken, locking in juices and adding depth to the final dish.
• Fresh Aromatics are Key: While pre-minced garlic and ginger are convenient, using freshly minced garlic and grated ginger makes a noticeable difference in flavor. Their vibrant aromas and tastes truly elevate the sauce.
• Use Cold Water for Cornstarch Slurry: When mixing cornstarch, always use cold water. Hot water can cause the cornstarch to clump, leading to a lumpy sauce. Whisk until completely smooth before adding to the pot.
• Thicken Sauce Gradually: When adding the cornstarch slurry, do so slowly while stirring constantly. The sauce will thicken as it simmers. If it’s too thin, you can make a little more slurry; if it’s too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water or chicken broth until desired consistency is reached.
• Season to Taste: Taste the sauce before and after thickening. Adjust salt (if using regular soy sauce), pepper, or even a touch more honey or sesame oil to suit your preference.

Make Ahead, Storage, and Reheating

This Honey Sesame Chicken is not just for dinner tonight; it’s also excellent for meal prepping or enjoying as leftovers. Here’s how to manage it:

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the sauce ingredients (excluding the cornstarch slurry) a day in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Dice your chicken ahead of time as well. This will make assembly on cooking day even faster.
• Storage: Leftover Honey Sesame Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating:
  • Microwave: For individual portions, reheat in the microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
  • Stovetop: For larger portions, gently reheat in a skillet or pot over medium-low heat. You might need to add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much in the fridge. Stir frequently to ensure even heating.

Flavorful Variations & Customizations

One of the best things about this Honey Sesame Chicken recipe is how easily it can be adapted to suit your taste preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

• Add More Vegetables: Bulk up your meal and boost its nutritional value by stirring in some quick-cooking vegetables during the last few minutes of simmering (stovetop) or after pressure cooking (Instant Pot). Great additions include sliced bell peppers, shredded carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms.
• Spice it Up: If you enjoy a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce along with the garlic and ginger, or drizzle with sriracha before serving.
• Gluten-Free Option: Easily make this recipe gluten-free by swapping out traditional soy sauce for tamari, a gluten-free alternative that offers a similar savory flavor.
• Different Protein: While chicken breast is excellent, you can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor and even more tender results. Shrimp or firm tofu could also be adapted with slight adjustments to cooking times.
• Citrus Zest: A tiny bit of orange or lime zest added at the end can brighten the entire dish and add another layer of fresh flavor.
• Garnish Galore: Beyond green onions and sesame seeds, consider adding chopped cilantro, a drizzle of chili oil, or a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for extra texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Honey Sesame Chicken

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

While fresh or thawed chicken breasts are recommended for the best texture and even cooking, you can use frozen chicken in a pinch. If using frozen, you’ll need to increase the pressure cooking time by a few minutes (e.g., 5-7 minutes instead of 3 minutes). You may also want to cut larger frozen chicken breasts in half to help them cook through more evenly.

Is this recipe healthy?

This homemade Honey Sesame Chicken recipe can be a healthier alternative to traditional takeout. It uses lean protein (chicken breast), fresh aromatics, and you control the amount of sugar and sodium. To make it even healthier, use low-sodium soy sauce, reduce the amount of honey slightly if desired, and load up on steamed or stir-fried vegetables as a side. The nutritional information provided in the recipe card gives a good overview of its content per serving.

How do I make the sauce thicker or thinner?

If your sauce is too thin after simmering with the cornstarch slurry, you can make a small additional slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water) and stir it into the simmering sauce. Continue to simmer and stir until it reaches your desired thickness. If the sauce becomes too thick, simply add a tablespoon or two of water or chicken broth and stir until loosened to the right consistency.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead for meal prep?

Absolutely! This Honey Sesame Chicken is fantastic for meal prep. Cook the full recipe, then portion it out into airtight containers along with your chosen sides (like rice and steamed broccoli). It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners.

Other Easy Dinners to Try

• Chicken Noodle Soup
• Chipotle Bowls
• Salmon Rice Bowl
• Sheet Pan Gnocchi
• Instant Pot Egg Roll in a Bowl
• Instant Pot Kung Pao Chicken
• Shredded Sweet Chicken

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