Tender Honey Sesame Chicken

Instant Pot honey sesame chicken has totally saved my dinnertime scramble—the chicken gets insanely soft and that sticky, sweet glaze is crave-worthy. Prep's a breeze and the flavors hit like you ordered out. If you want something cozy for everyone and don’t want a sink full of dishes, give this a try.

I first cooked this on a super rushed night—my family practically licked their plates. Now I always keep the basics ready for whenever I start thinking about drive-thru but know I can just make it from scratch instead.

Delicious Ingredients

• Sesame seeds: Sprinkle over the top for a crunchy bite Toast them ahead for even more flavor
• Water: Mix with cornstarch so the sauce thickens just right
• Cornstarch: Thickener that leaves you with a shiny, clingy sauce No lumps if you stir it smoothly with water
• Red pepper flakes: A bit of heat if you want Toss in more if you like it spicy
• Minced garlic: Brings a sharp, punchy smell Use the fresh stuff for best taste
• Vegetable oil: Helps the chicken cook evenly and makes the sauce stick Neutral oils like sunflower or canola are fine swaps
• Ketchup: Brings a tangy zip and that bright color Bonus points for using your favorite kind
• Diced onion: Cuts through sweetness with some savoriness Sweet yellow onion works great
• Soy sauce: Adds salty, deep flavor Try low sodium if you want to keep salt down
• Honey: Sweet and sticky with a glossy look Choose a softer-mild honey if you want it light
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Lean, tender bites that grab all the sauce Thighs work too if you want

Easy Step-by-Step Instructions

Finish and Serve:

Chop or pull apart your chicken into bite-sized pieces Toss ‘em back in the thickened sauce so every piece is coated well Scoop onto rice or noodles and shower with those toasted sesame seeds

Thicken the Sauce:

Mix your cornstarch and water together so it’s totally smooth Pour straight into the hot liquid in the Instant Pot Turn on SAUTE and stir for a few minutes. Sauce should bubble and turn glossy

Release Pressure and Remove Chicken:

Set your Instant Pot for a quick release Let out the steam then open the lid Gently pull chicken out with tongs and let it sit on a board to rest while you handle the sauce

Pressure Cook:

Pop the Instant Pot lid on and seal it Hit MEAT and set for twenty minutes It’ll take a few to heat up before the timer starts

Add to Instant Pot:

Lay the seasoned chicken in one layer right in the pot Pour every bit of that sauce over the top Put enough sauce so everything’s covered

Mix the Sauce:

Whisk honey, soy sauce, diced onion, ketchup, oil, garlic, and some pepper flakes in a bowl You want it all shiny and smelling super sweet and savory

Prepare the Chicken:

Pat chicken dry, then salt and pepper both sides. This makes them taste better and stay juicy in the pot

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Honey's my favorite hack here—it makes everything shiny and sticky. My family always brags that this beats anything from takeout and they’re always back for more

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

Toss any extras into a container with a tight lid and stick ’em in the fridge—they’ll stay good for up to three days. For reheating, use the microwave or a little saucepan on low with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Want to freeze? Chicken and sauce are still awesome after up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw in the fridge the night before and warm up when you’re hungry

Swaps and Substitutions

No chicken breasts? Boneless thighs will give you even juicier, tender bites. Want it gluten free? Use coconut aminos or tamari instead of soy sauce. Low on honey? Maple or agave syrup will work, but expect a new twist on the taste. No ketchup? Use a spoon of tomato paste plus a little vinegar and sugar

Ways to Serve

The honey sesame chicken is perfect on a bowl of hot jasmine rice or lo mein noodles. Want color? Throw in some broccoli or snap peas for crunch. If you’re having people over, put it in the middle of the table with roasted veggies and loads of extras like chopped green onions, more seeds, and chili oil for heat

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Backstory and More

Honey sesame chicken’s a go-to favorite at tons of American Chinese spots. You won’t find it in traditional Chinese cooking, but it borrows all those awesome sweet, salty, and sesame-packed flavors. Making it in the Instant Pot means you skip all the tricks and still get that restaurant feel on a weeknight

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I switch to chicken thighs instead?

Sure! Chicken thighs are a great option and can even make the dish a bit juicier. Just adjust the timing if using bone-in thighs.

→ How do I make the sauce thicker?

Once the chicken is out of the pot, mix cornstarch with water, add it to the sauce, and set the Instant Pot to SAUTE. Cook until it’s thick and shiny.

→ Does this dish have any heat?

The sauce leans sweet and savory, but you can add red pepper flakes if you’d like a bit of spice.

→ What side dishes pair well with this?

This dish goes great with steamed rice, noodles, or sautéed veggies. It’s a balanced, complete meal.

→ Can I make it in advance?

Yes! Cook it ahead, store in the fridge, and reheat gently whenever you’re ready to eat.

→ How can I keep the chicken tender?

Pressure cooking keeps it moist by cooking quickly. Cut the chicken after cooking so it doesn’t dry out.