Go Back
Easy Instant Pot Garlic Sesame Chicken recipe photo

Instant Pot Garlic Sesame Chicken

This Instant Pot Garlic Sesame Chicken is a quick, flavorful dish that cooks itself! Tender chicken thighs in a sweet and savory sauce, ready in just 30 minutes!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:
  • 2 lbs boneless, 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 thickening
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 green onions sliced
  • Sesame seeds for garnish

Equipment

  • Instant Pot
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk
  • Serving spoon

Method
 

Instructions:
  1. Start by cutting your 2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs into 1-2 inch pieces. This size will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors of the sauce beautifully.
  2. Turn on the Instant Pot and select the "Sauté" function. Once hot, add 2 tablespoons of sesame oil. When the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
  3. Add the chopped chicken thighs to the pot, stirring to coat the chicken with the garlic and ginger mixture. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes, just until the chicken begins to brown.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine the low sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, chicken broth, rice vinegar, water, and red pepper flakes. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the Instant Pot, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
  5. Close the lid of the Instant Pot, ensuring it’s sealed properly. Set it to cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. After the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then perform a quick release to let out any remaining steam.
  6. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of water with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to create a slurry. Once the pressure is released, open the Instant Pot and stir in the cornstarch mixture. Select the "Sauté" function again and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
  7. Stir in the sliced green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for garnish. Your Instant Pot Garlic Sesame Chicken is now ready to serve! Pair it with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken in the sauce ingredients for even more flavor.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
  • You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to three months.