Instant Pot Honey Sesame Chicken
Updated May 02, 2025
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Dinner just got easier with this tender, sweet and sticky Honey Sesame Chicken made in the Instant Pot.
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!
Table of Contents
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
How to Make Instant Pot Honey Sesame Chicken
Step #1. Sauté cubed chicken in the Instant Pot using cooking oil.
Step #2. Add honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, and ginger, then cook on high for 4 minutes.
Step #3. Mix cornstarch with water, then sauté in the Instant Pot until the sauce thickens.
Step #4. Serve garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, optionally with rice or veggies.
Recipe FAQs
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Did you make this recipe? Leave a ⭐️ review and share it on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest!
Instant Pot Honey Sesame Chicken
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
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.
I am deathly allergic to fish of any kind. Is there an alternative that I could use?
I’d try this recipe instead! Easy Sesame Chicken
Fish sauce just went onto the shopping list!