Looking for a quick and satisfying dinner? This Honey Sesame Chicken Instant Pot recipe is your new go-to solution for delicious, home-cooked meals. Using simple pantry staples and tender chicken breast, this dish comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for hectic weeknights. The pressure cooker infuses the chicken with a rich blend of honey, soy sauce, and aromatic garlic, delivering bold flavors with minimal effort. Say goodbye to greasy takeout and hello to a healthier, more flavorful alternative. Your family will love this sweet and savory favorite that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights.
- Family-friendly: A hit with kids and adults alike.
- Healthier than takeout: Less oil, less sugar, and customizable to your dietary needs.
- Versatile: Serve it with rice, noodles, or veggies.
- Perfect for planning ahead: Keeps well and the flavors deepen beautifully overnight.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable or canola oil
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce (Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative)
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- 2 scallions, chopped (white and green parts)
- Cooked rice and roasted broccoli, for serving (optional)
- Chopped scallions and sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Honey Sesame Chicken
- Season the chopped chicken with salt and pepper.
- Preheat your Instant Pot using the Sauté or Browning function. Once hot, add oil, diced onion, minced garlic, and the seasoned chicken. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the onion softens.
- Add soy sauce, ketchup, and red pepper flakes. Stir well, then lock the lid in place.
- Set to High Pressure for 3 minutes. Once done, perform a quick pressure release.
- Stir in sesame oil and honey once the lid is safely removed.
- Mix cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to form a slurry. Add to the pot.
- Simmer using the Sauté setting, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Add chopped scallions and serve hot over rice. Garnish with more scallions and sesame seeds if desired. Pair with roasted broccoli for a balanced meal.
Honey Sesame Chicken Instant Pot Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Honey Sesame Chicken Instant Pot recipe is a fast, flavorful meal made in just 25 minutes. Sweet, savory, and better than takeout—perfect for busy weeknights. Try it now for a delicious dinner win!
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tbsp vegetable or canola oil
1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce (Tamari for gluten-free)
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
2 tsp sesame oil
1/2 cup honey
2 tbsp cornstarch
3 tbsp cold water
2 scallions, chopped
Cooked rice and roasted broccoli for serving (optional)
Chopped scallions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season the chopped chicken with salt and pepper.
- Preheat your Instant Pot using the Sauté or Browning function. Once hot, add oil, diced onion, minced garlic, and the seasoned chicken. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the onion softens.
- Add soy sauce, ketchup, and red pepper flakes. Stir well, then lock the lid in place.
- Set to High Pressure for 3 minutes. Once done, perform a quick pressure release.
- Stir in sesame oil and honey once the lid is safely removed.
- Mix cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to form a slurry. Add to the pot.
- Simmer using the Sauté setting, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Add chopped scallions and serve hot over rice. Garnish with more scallions and sesame seeds if desired. Pair with roasted broccoli for a balanced meal.
Notes
Tamari keeps it gluten-free.
Use maple syrup or agave if avoiding honey.
Add more chili flakes or hot sauce for extra spice.
Great for meal prep—flavors deepen overnight.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes + Time (Pressure Build/Release): 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Instant Pot / Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx.)
- Calories: 244
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 5g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 48mg
Helpful Tips
- Cut chicken uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness.
- For extra heat, increase the red pepper flakes.
- Stir the cornstarch slurry well to avoid clumps.
- Always use quick release for tender chicken without overcooking.
Substitutions And Variations
- Protein swap: Try with boneless thighs, tofu, or shrimp.
- Sweetener alternatives: Use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey.
- Spice it up: Add sriracha or diced chili peppers.
- Gluten-free: Opt for Tamari or coconut aminos.
- Vegetarian: Replace chicken with tofu or cauliflower florets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without an Instant Pot?
Yes! Use a skillet to cook the chicken, then simmer the sauce separately before combining.
How do I make it spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely—just ensure your Instant Pot can accommodate the volume.
Is it freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! Just transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave or stovetop until heated through. Add a splash of water if the sauce is too thick.
Conclusion
This Honey Sesame Chicken Instant Pot recipe offers an unbeatable combination of ease, bold flavors, and nutritious ingredients. It transforms everyday items into a crowd-pleasing dish that rivals your favorite takeout. Make it tonight, share your thoughts in the comments, and browse our site for more irresistible weeknight dinners!