Instant Pot Sesame Chicken
Instant Pot Sesame Chicken is a quick and easy weeknight meal made in the Instant Pot or slow cooker. Your family will love this delicious sauce! Gluten free.
Instant Pot Sesame Chicken is a quick and easy weeknight meal made in the Instant Pot or slow cooker. Your family will love this delicious sauce! Gluten free.
- Carbohydrate 10.6478016768159 g
- Cholesterol 98.656340475 mg
- Fat 7.79740286068014 g
- Fiber 0.680587512190466 g
- Protein 40.1608389207461 g
- Saturated Fat 1.36836555884723 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (193g)
- Sodium 111.825015187643 mg
- Sugar 9.96721416462539 g
- Trans Fat 0.820970558176282 g
- Calories 279 calories
Step-by-step
- Turn Instant Pot to saute. Add 1 tbsp sesame oil into pot and saute half the chicken. Get a bit of browning on all sides, about 3-4 minutes, then remove to a bowl.
- Add more sesame oil and saute the second half.
- In a small bowl mix the honey, tamari, garlic and red pepper with a whisk.
- Put chicken back into pot and add sauce. Turn chicken to cover with sauce. Turn Instant Pot to poultry and set timer for four minutes. Lock the lid in place.
- Turn off the heat when the timer beeps. Carefully use a dishtowel to do a quick pressure release.
- Whisk the cornstarch and water in a small bowl and turn pot to saute. Add mixture and stir well. Saute for a minute or two until sauce thickens to your taste.
My Weeknight Savior: Instant Pot Sesame Chicken
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner prep used to feel like a marathon, a constant battle against the clock and my ever-growing to-do list. But then I discovered the Instant Pot, and my culinary life was transformed. Suddenly, delicious, healthy meals became a reality, even on the busiest of evenings. This Instant Pot Sesame Chicken recipe is a perfect example – quick, flavorful, and satisfying, it's become a staple in my household.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. The ingredients are readily available, the process is straightforward, and the outcome is consistently impressive. The chicken comes out tender and juicy, perfectly coated in a rich, savory sesame sauce. It's the kind of dish that pleases everyone, from picky eaters to adventurous foodies. I often serve it with a side of steamed rice or quinoa for a complete and balanced meal. My kids gobble it up, and honestly, I often find myself sneaking seconds (or thirds!).
But what truly sets this recipe apart is its versatility. It’s easily adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs. For instance, if you’re watching your sodium intake, you can easily reduce the amount of soy sauce or tamari. Prefer a spicier kick? Add a pinch more red pepper flakes. Don't have tamari? Regular soy sauce works perfectly fine. It's a recipe that encourages creativity and experimentation, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences.
Beyond its ease and deliciousness, this dish represents something much deeper for me: a symbol of balance in my hectic life. In the midst of juggling work, family, and everything else life throws my way, this recipe provides a moment of calm, a chance to create something nourishing and delicious for the people I love. It's a reminder that even amidst the chaos, there's always time for a little self-care and a truly satisfying meal.
Beyond the Recipe: A Quick Tip
For even faster prep, I often marinate the chicken in the sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat, resulting in an even more flavorful final dish. While it's not strictly necessary, it definitely enhances the overall taste experience.
Serving Suggestions:
This Instant Pot Sesame Chicken pairs beautifully with various sides. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Steamed Rice
- Quinoa
- Stir-fried Vegetables
- Roasted Broccoli
- Simple Green Salad
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! It’s more than just a meal; it’s a testament to the power of simple, delicious food to bring joy to even the busiest of lives.
