Instant Pot Garlic Sesame Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Instant Pot Garlic Sesame Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken thighs simmer in a savory garlic and sesame sauce, delivering rich, comforting flavors in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless and skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1-2 inch pieces)
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for slurry)
• 2 green onions (sliced, for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Add the chicken, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, chicken broth, rice vinegar, red pepper flakes, and water into the Instant Pot.
2. Step 2: Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
3. Step 3: Close the lid and seal the pressure cooker. Set it to cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Allow a 10-minute Natural Release, then turn off the heat and release any remaining pressure before opening the lid.
5. Step 5: Select the Sauté function on LOW to prepare for thickening the sauce.
6. Step 6: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water until smooth to create a slurry.
7. Step 7: Add the slurry to the Instant Pot and gently stir. Cook on Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
8. Step 8: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cooking liquid and add it to the pot, cooking a bit longer.
9. Step 9: Let the chicken stand for 5-7 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken further.
10. Step 10: Serve the chicken over rice, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Tips & Variations

• For added crunch, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds just before serving.
• Use chicken breasts if preferred, but reduce cook time to 3 minutes under high pressure to avoid dryness.
• Add steamed broccoli or snap peas for a complete meal.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spiciness according to your taste.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken thighs for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs, but increase the cooking time to 8 minutes on high pressure and allow a 10-minute natural release to ensure they cook through properly.

Is there a substitute for cornstarch in the slurry?

You can use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch as a 1:1 substitute for cornstarch to thicken the sauce effectively.

Instant Pot Garlic Sesame Chicken Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.8 from 64 reviews

• Author: Julian
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This Instant Pot Garlic Sesame Chicken recipe is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender chicken thighs are cooked in a savory sauce made with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil, then thickened to perfection in the Instant Pot. Garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, this easy recipe delivers delicious Asian-inspired flavors in just 30 minutes.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Sauce

• 2 lbs boneless and skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1–2 inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Thickening Slurry

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Garnish

• 2 green onions, sliced
• Sesame seeds

---

Instructions

1. Prepare and add ingredients: Add chicken, sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, red pepper flakes, brown sugar, chicken broth, and water to the Instant Pot.
2. Combine the ingredients: Stir well to ensure all ingredients are fully combined in the pot.
3. Pressure cook: Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes.
4. Release pressure: Allow a 10-minute Natural Release, then carefully release any remaining pressure manually. Open the lid when safe.
5. Sauté on low: Select the Sauté function on LOW setting to prepare for thickening the sauce.
6. Make slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water until smooth with no lumps.
7. Thicken sauce: Add the slurry to the Instant Pot and stir gently. Continue cooking on the Sauté setting for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens.
8. Adjust thickness: If desired, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon juice from the pot and add to thicken further.
9. Let chicken stand: Allow the chicken and sauce to rest for 5-7 minutes; the sauce will continue to thicken.
10. Serve: Serve the garlic sesame chicken over rice, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a perfect finish.

Notes

• Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs keeps the meat tender and juicy.
• Low-sodium soy sauce and chicken broth help control the salt content.
• Natural release allows the chicken to finish cooking gently, preserving texture.
• The cornstarch slurry is key to creating a glossy, thick sauce.
• Adjust the red pepper flakes amount for desired spice level.
• Serving over steamed rice makes a complete meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Instant Pot
• Cuisine: Asian

Keywords: Instant Pot, Garlic Sesame Chicken, Asian chicken recipe, pressure cooker chicken, easy chicken dinner, garlic chicken, sesame chicken