Instant Pot Honey Sesame Chicken

5 from 1 vote

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Dinner just got easier with this tender, sweet and sticky Honey Sesame Chicken made in the Instant Pot. 

Close up of a spoon full of sesame chicken pieces with green onion and sesame seeds on top.

You won’t believe it when I say it, but this recipe for honey sesame chicken has a FOUR minute cook time. Game changer for busy nights when you need to get dinner on the table quick.

The beauty of the Instant Pot is that you get tender chicken in a matter of minutes. The sticky honey sesame sauce is a breeze to make and gives the chicken such a great flavor. This meal was a huge hit for the whole family. If you have a little more time, you can also try my crispy sesame chicken recipe!

Top view of an InstaPot full of sesame chicken topped with green onion and sesame seeds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Ready in under 40 minutes with minimal prep and maximum flavor.
  • Loved by everyone, making it a go-to dinner option.
  • Pairs well with various sides, like rice and veggies

Recipe Ingredients

  • Chicken – I like to use boneless skinless chicken breasts but any cut will do
  • Oil – Olive or vegetable oil
  • Honey
  • Soy sauce
  • Sesame oil
  • Spices – garlic powder and ground ginger
  • Cornstarch
  • Sesame seeds – Optional garnish
  • Green Onion – Optional garnish

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities 

Top view of ingredients for honey sesame chicken.

How to Make Instant Pot Honey Sesame Chicken

top view of ingredients for honey sesame chicken

Step #1. Sauté cubed chicken in the Instant Pot using cooking oil.

top view of recipe ingredients for honey sesame chicken

Step #2. Add honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, and ginger, then cook on high for 4 minutes.

top view of diced chicken in an instant pot

Step #3. Mix cornstarch with water, then sauté in the Instant Pot until the sauce thickens.

top view of honey sesame chicken in an instant pot

Step #4. Serve garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, optionally with rice or veggies. 

Recipe FAQs

What is the best cut of chicken to use for honey sesame chicken?

I used boneless skinless chicken breasts but this would also be really great using boneless skinless chicken thighs.


What is a good cooking oil to use?

There are a lot of great oils out there, including: avocado oil, coconut oil, grape seed oil, olive oil, or vegetable oil. Use what you have in your kitchen. 

How do I store Honey Sesame Chicken?

You will want to store the chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate. The chicken will stay good for 3-4 days in the fridge or you can freeze it for 3-4 months. 

What can I serve with Honey Sesame Chicken?

I like to serve this chicken over rice since it will be pretty saucy. It would taste great over noodles too. You can add steamed broccoli, carrots, green beans, or a green salad for a side dish and you have a complete and balanced meal. 

Top view of a white bowl with honey sesame chicken topped with sesame seeds and green onions.

Expert Tips

  • Sauté the chicken in batches to ensure even browning without overcrowding.
  • Stir cornstarch thoroughly with water to avoid lumps in the sauce.
  • Carefully use the pressure release valve on the Instant Pot to quick release the steam for a faster meal.
  • Add sautéed veggies like broccoli for extra nutrition and texture.
Up close of a white bowl with honey sesame chicken topped with sesame seeds and green onions.

How to Serve and Store Instant Pot Honey Sesame Chicken

This saucy chicken is delicious over a bed of white rice, brown rice, or fried rice. You can make my egg drop soup, fried wontons or  egg rolls for fun appetizers!

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for 3-4 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

More Instant Pot Recipes to Consider

spoonful of honey sesame chicken in an instant pot
5 from 1 vote

Instant Pot Honey Sesame Chicken

This Honey Sesame Chicken recipe made in the Instant Pot is one of my favorite quick and easy chicken dinners that my whole family loves. We make it over and over again.
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 8 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients 

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes, about 2 pounds
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 4 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • Sesame seeds, optional garnish
  • Chopped green onions, optional garnish
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Instructions 

  • Set the instant pot to the sauté mode.
  • Working in batches, sauté the chicken in the instant pot with the cooking oil. Cook for about 1-2 minutes or until chicken browns. You do not want the chicken to cook all the way through.
  • Add in the honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, and ground ginger.
  • Seal the instant pot and cook on high for 4 minutes. Once done cooking, do a quick release and carefully open the lid after all the pressure has released.
  • In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch together with the water.
  • Turn the instant pot to the sauté mode again and add in the cornstarch mixture. Sauté until sauce thickens up, about 1-2 minutes.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Plate and serve with sesame seeds and chopped green onions as a garnish. You can serve it with a side of cooked rice.

Notes

  • This is a great dish to add sautéed vegetables too. We love it with cooked broccoli. 
  • Store the chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate. The chicken will stay good for 3-4 days in the fridge or you can freeze it for 3-4 months.
  • Sauté the chicken in batches to ensure even browning without overcrowding.
  • Carefully use the pressure release valve to quickly release pressure for a faster meal.
  • Stir cornstarch thoroughly with water to avoid lumps in the sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 of 6 servings, Calories: 256kcal, Carbohydrates: 27g, Protein: 17g, Fat: 9g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Trans Fat: 0.03g, Cholesterol: 48mg, Sodium: 630mg, Potassium: 327mg, Fiber: 0.3g, Sugar: 23g, Vitamin A: 23IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 9mg, Iron: 1mg
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5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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3 Comments

  1. Judy says:

    I am deathly allergic to fish of any kind. Is there an alternative that I could use?

  2. deb c says:

    Fish sauce just went onto the shopping list!