Honey Sesame Instant Pot Chicken

When you’re craving a flavorful, quick, and comforting meal, Honey Sesame Instant Pot Chicken is the perfect solution. This dish combines the rich sweetness of honey with the savory depth of sesame oil, making it a standout option for busy weeknights. The beauty of cooking this dish in the Instant Pot is that you get tender, juicy chicken coated in a sticky, flavorful sauce—all in under 30 minutes. It’s a deliciously easy dinner that tastes like your favorite Asian carry-out, but without the takeout menu price.

Why This Recipe Works

The Instant Pot offers a game-changing way to cook chicken, especially for recipes like Honey Sesame Chicken, where you want to lock in flavor quickly. Cooking under pressure enhances the tenderness of the chicken while infusing it with the flavors of the sauce. By sautéing the garlic and onion, you create a strong flavor base, which is then perfectly complemented by the honey and mustard combination. Plus, the Instant Pot’s speed means you can enjoy this dish in a fraction of the time that traditional cooking methods would require.

This recipe makes use of pantry staples like soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil, making it both easy and affordable to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, this meal is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients for Honey Sesame Instant Pot Chicken

You’ll need just a few simple ingredients for this flavorful chicken dish:

Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Chicken thighs, whether boneless or bone-in, add richness and juiciness to this dish. If you prefer, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but chicken thighs are ideal for maximum flavor.
Honey: The sweet base for the sauce, honey gives this dish its signature sticky texture.
Soy Sauce: Choose low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt level in the recipe while still maintaining the rich, umami flavor.
Sesame Oil: A small amount of sesame oil brings a nutty, aromatic flavor that is central to the dish’s taste.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic enhances the overall depth of flavor in the sauce.
Ketchup: Used to round out the sweetness and give the sauce some tang.
Cornstarch: A simple cornstarch slurry is added at the end to thicken the sauce and give it a perfect glossy finish.
Carrots and Baby Potatoes: These vegetables add heartiness to the meal, absorbing the sauce and adding texture to each bite.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Honey Sesame Instant Pot Chicken

This recipe is quick and easy, and the Instant Pot makes it even more efficient. Here’s how you can make Honey Sesame Instant Pot Chicken:

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables and Chicken

Set your Instant Pot to SAUTE mode and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season your chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the pot. Sear the chicken on both sides for 2-3 minutes until it’s lightly browned. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

Next, add diced onion and minced garlic to the Instant Pot. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes, until the onions soften and the garlic becomes fragrant. This creates a solid flavor base for your sauce.

Step 2: Add the Sauce Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring the dish together. Add the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and ketchup to the Instant Pot. Stir everything together to combine. This creates the perfect sweet and savory sauce that will coat the chicken and vegetables as they cook.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables and Chicken

Toss in the baby potatoes and carrot slices. Place the browned chicken on top of the vegetables, ensuring it is partially submerged in the sauce. This will allow the chicken to absorb all the flavors while staying juicy.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Secure the Instant Pot lid and make sure the valve is set to sealing. Set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 10 minutes if using bone-in chicken thighs or 8 minutes for boneless, skinless thighs. For boneless breasts, reduce the cooking time to 6 minutes. This will cook the chicken perfectly without drying it out.

Step 5: Quick Release and Finish the Dish

Once the cooking cycle is complete, carefully perform a quick release by turning the valve to venting. When the pressure is fully released, open the lid. The chicken should be tender and juicy, and the vegetables should be perfectly cooked.

To finish the sauce, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the pot and set the Instant Pot to SAUTE mode again. Stir the sauce until it thickens to a glossy finish—this should take about 1-2 minutes.

Step 6: Serve

Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired. Serve the chicken, potatoes, and carrots over cooked rice, and drizzle with the thickened honey sesame sauce.

Variations and Substitutions for Honey Sesame Instant Pot Chicken

This Honey Sesame Instant Pot Chicken recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to make it your own with various ingredient substitutions and changes to suit dietary preferences or available ingredients. Here are some great ways to customize this dish:

1. Use Different Cuts of Chicken

While the recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken thighs, you can easily swap this for other cuts:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: If you prefer a leaner cut of meat, chicken breasts are a great option. However, note that chicken breasts cook faster and may become dry if overcooked, so reduce the cooking time to 6 minutes.
Bone-In Chicken Thighs: Bone-in chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe as they retain more moisture and flavor. If you use bone-in thighs, increase the cooking time to 10 minutes.
Chicken Drumsticks: Drumsticks also work wonderfully with this recipe. If you use them, cook for 10 minutes on high pressure.

2. Adjust the Sauce Sweetness

While honey gives this dish its signature sweetness, you can adjust the level of sweetness based on your preference:

Maple Syrup: For a different twist, use maple syrup instead of honey. The result will be a richer sweetness with an earthy flavor.
Agave Nectar: This is another great substitute for honey if you prefer a slightly lighter sweetness with a more neutral flavor profile.
Brown Sugar: For a deeper, molasses-like flavor, you can substitute honey with brown sugar. Just keep in mind that it will change the texture slightly, so adjust the amount of liquid in the sauce accordingly.

3. Add More Vegetables

The recipe calls for baby potatoes and carrots, but you can add additional vegetables to enhance the dish:

Sweet Potatoes: Swap in sweet potatoes for a healthier, slightly sweeter version. These also complement the honey sesame sauce beautifully.
Broccoli: Toss in some broccoli florets during the last few minutes of cooking for an added crunch and nutritional boost.
Bell Peppers: Sliced bell peppers can add color and sweetness. You can add them along with the potatoes and carrots, or sauté them separately and stir them in after cooking.

4. Spice It Up

If you like your dishes with a little heat, here are some simple ways to add spice to your Honey Sesame Instant Pot Chicken:

Red Pepper Flakes: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a mild spicy kick.
Cayenne Pepper: For a stronger heat, sprinkle cayenne pepper into the sauce. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
Fresh Chilies: Sliced jalapeños or serrano peppers can add a fresh heat to the dish. Stir them into the sauce or sprinkle on top before serving.

Storing Leftovers and Reheating Tips

Honey Sesame Instant Pot Chicken makes excellent leftovers! Whether you have extra chicken or vegetables, here’s how you can store and reheat them:

Storing Leftovers

Cool Before Storing: Allow the chicken and vegetables to cool to room temperature before storing them. This helps prevent condensation from forming inside the storage container.
Airtight Containers: Place the chicken, potatoes, and carrots into airtight containers. The leftovers will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Leftovers: If you want to store the dish for longer, it freezes well for up to 3 months. Store it in freezer-safe containers or bags for easy storage. To thaw, transfer it to the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating Leftovers

Stovetop: To reheat on the stovetop, place the chicken and vegetables in a saucepan over medium heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Stir occasionally until heated through.
Microwave: For a quicker option, place the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through. Stir halfway through heating for even warmth.
Instant Pot: To reheat in the Instant Pot, add the leftovers to the pot with a bit of chicken broth. Use the Saute function on low to warm the dish. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.

What to Serve with Honey Sesame Instant Pot Chicken

This dish is hearty on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate the meal. Here are some great options to serve alongside your Honey Sesame Instant Pot Chicken:

Fluffy White Rice: The sweet and savory sauce from the chicken pairs perfectly with a bed of white rice. It helps soak up all the delicious sauce and adds a neutral base to the meal.
Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli, green beans, or snap peas add crunch and freshness to balance the richness of the chicken.
Asian-Inspired Slaw: A quick, crunchy slaw with cabbage, carrots, and a light vinaigrette dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the rich, sticky chicken.

Expert Tips for Perfect Honey Sesame Instant Pot Chicken

To ensure you achieve the best results with your Honey Sesame Instant Pot Chicken, here are a few expert tips for perfectly cooked chicken, a rich sauce, and tender vegetables:

1. Don’t Skip Searing the Chicken

While the Instant Pot will do most of the work, browning the chicken before pressure cooking helps develop deeper flavors. This extra step builds a rich, golden crust on the chicken, which enhances the overall dish. Ensure that the chicken is seared on all sides for about 2-3 minutes.

2. Cook the Chicken with the Skin On for More Flavor

While you can use skinless chicken, cooking with skin-on chicken, especially bone-in thighs, ensures a juicier result with more flavor. The skin helps to retain moisture, and the bone provides extra richness.

3. Adjust Cooking Time Based on Chicken Size

The cooking time depends on the size of the chicken pieces:

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Cook for 8 minutes.
Bone-in chicken thighs: Increase the cooking time to 10 minutes.
Boneless chicken breasts: Reduce the cooking time to 6 minutes to prevent them from drying out.

4. Use Low-Sodium Soy Sauce

For a healthier dish, use low-sodium soy sauce. This allows you to control the saltiness of the sauce while still keeping that savory umami flavor. Adjust the salt level in the dish as needed.

5. Stir the Slurry Well

To thicken the sauce, use a cornstarch slurry made of cornstarch and water. Be sure to bring the sauce to a simmer after adding the slurry. This helps activate the thickening agents and ensures a smooth, glossy sauce.’

FAQs On Honey Sesame Instant Pot Chicken

1. Why is my Instant Pot chicken rubbery?

Rubbery chicken in the Instant Pot is usually a result of overcooking. If the chicken is cooked for too long, it can become tough and rubbery. To avoid this, ensure you follow the correct cooking times for the size of the chicken pieces:

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs should cook for about 6-8 minutes.
Bone-in chicken thighs need 10 minutes.
For chicken breasts, reduce the cooking time to 6 minutes to prevent overcooking.

Always use a quick release to stop the cooking process immediately and prevent further overcooking.

2. How to make honey and sesame chicken?

To make Honey Sesame Chicken, you’ll need a few simple ingredients:

Chicken: You can use boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks or left whole.
Honey: This gives the dish its signature sweetness.
Sesame Oil: Adds a rich, nutty flavor.
Soy Sauce: For the savory, umami flavor.
Sesame Seeds: For garnish and added texture.

In your Instant Pot, sauté garlic and onions, add the chicken, then stir in the honey, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Pressure cook the chicken for a few minutes, thicken the sauce with cornstarch, and serve with sesame seeds for garnish.

3. Is honey sesame chicken good for you?

Honey sesame chicken can be a healthy meal option, but it depends on how it’s prepared. Using lean cuts of chicken like skinless chicken breasts or thighs helps keep the dish lean. You can reduce the amount of honey for a lighter version, or opt for low-sodium soy sauce to cut down on salt. The sesame oil adds healthy fats, but it’s important to use it in moderation. If served with vegetables or a side of brown rice, it becomes a well-rounded, nutritious meal.

4. Can I use frozen chicken for honey sesame chicken in the Instant Pot?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken in the Instant Pot! If you’re using frozen chicken, skip the browning step and increase the cooking time by 5-10 minutes depending on the size of the chicken. Always make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s fully cooked. A natural pressure release is recommended for frozen chicken to help keep it tender.

5. Can I make honey sesame chicken ahead of time?

Yes, Honey Sesame Chicken can be made ahead of time. After cooking, allow the dish to cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to serve it, reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. You can also freeze the chicken for up to 3 months; just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.