Craving a delightful dish that brings the bold flavors of Chinese cuisine right to your kitchen? Look no further than this mouthwatering Instant Pot Chinese Sesame Chicken! In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a savory, sweet, and slightly tangy meal that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. This recipe is not only quick and easy but also perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests at your next dinner party. Get ready to uncover the secrets of this delectable dish that promises to become a family favorite!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken thighs, cubed
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by trimming any excess fat from the chicken thighs and cutting them into 1-inch cubes. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to ensure better browning.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced ginger, and minced garlic to create a marinade. Reserve 2 tablespoons of this mixture for later.
- Add the cubed chicken to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Let the chicken marinate for 10 minutes at room temperature to absorb the flavors.
- Turn on the Instant Pot and select the Sauté function. Add a tablespoon of oil and allow it to heat up for 1-2 minutes.
- Working in batches, brown the marinated chicken pieces for 2-3 minutes, turning to ensure even color. Remove browned chicken and set aside.
- Cancel the Sauté mode and add the browned chicken back into the Instant Pot. Pour the reserved marinade over the chicken.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure.
- Open the lid and use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to a serving platter.
- If the sauce is too thin, use the Sauté function to reduce it for 2-3 minutes until it reaches desired consistency.
- Pour the thickened sauce over the chicken and generously sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or your preferred side dish. Garnish with additional sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Tips
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 10 minutes to absorb the savory goodness of the soy sauce and honey. For even more intense flavor, consider marinating it for an hour in the refrigerator.
- Achieve Perfect Browning: Pat the chicken pieces dry before browning them in the Instant Pot. This helps achieve a nice golden color and prevents steaming.
- Batch Cooking: Don’t overcrowd the pot while sautéing the chicken. Browning in batches ensures that each piece gets the attention it deserves, resulting in a deliciously caramelized exterior.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If you find the sauce too thin after cooking, simply switch back to the Sauté function and let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens to your liking.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, but feel free to get creative with your sides! Consider serving it alongside stir-fried vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Garnish for Presentation: Don’t forget to sprinkle extra sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top before serving! Not only do they add a pop of color, but they also enhance the flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 140mg
