Instant Pot Sesame Chicken with Broccoli: A Weeknight Wonder

There are some dishes that just feel like coming home, no matter where you are. For me, Instant Pot Sesame Chicken with Broccoli is one of those culinary anchors. I still remember the first time I successfully recreated this familiar takeout favorite in my pressure cooker. It was a particularly hectic Tuesday evening, the kind where the thought of chopping and simmering for an hour felt like scaling Everest. I desperately craved that sweet, savory, slightly tangy sesame chicken, but my energy reserves were decidedly low. With a sigh, I pulled out my Instant Pot, and within what felt like a blink, the aroma of ginger, garlic, and toasted sesame filled my kitchen, a comforting promise of a delicious, speedy meal. It was a revelation – a weeknight savior that delivered all the beloved flavors without the usual fuss.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 minutes (plus natural release time)
• Total Time: Approximately 25 minutes (depending on pressure build and release time)
• Servings: 4
• Yield: 4 servings (includes rice)
• Dietary Type: Omnivore

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful and convenient dish:

• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (for garnish)
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 3 scallions, chopped (for garnish)
• 4 cups cooked brown rice (for serving)

Equipment Needed

• Instant Pot (6-quart or larger recommended)
• Small bowl
• Whisk or fork
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife

Instructions

Let’s bring this weeknight favorite to life, step by step:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Begin by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thin strips. This ensures they cook quickly and evenly.
2. Sauté the Chicken: Set your Instant Pot to the Sauté function. Add the canola oil to the inner pot and let it heat up. Once shimmering, add the prepared chicken strips. Cook the chicken for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s no longer pink on the outside. This initial sear helps build flavor.
3. Craft the Sauce: While the chicken is searing, prepare the delectable sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, ketchup, honey, reduced sodium soy sauce, grated fresh ginger, and minced garlic clove.
4. Combine Sauce and Chicken: Pour the prepared sauce into the Instant Pot with the partially cooked chicken. Stir well to ensure all the chicken pieces are thoroughly coated.
5. Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and ensure the steam release valve is set to the sealing position. Select the Manual or Pressure Cook setting and set the cook time for 4 minutes on high pressure.
6. Prepare the Thickener: While the chicken is under pressure, in a separate small bowl, mix together the orange juice and cornstarch until smooth. This slurry will be used to thicken the sauce.
7. Release Pressure and Simmer: Once the 4-minute cook time is complete, carefully perform a quick release of the pressure according to your Instant Pot’s instructions. Once all the steam has escaped, remove the lid.
8. Thicken the Sauce and Cook Broccoli: Set your Instant Pot back to the Sauté function and bring the liquid to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cornstarch mixture (the orange juice and cornstarch blend). As the sauce begins to thicken, add the broccoli florets directly into the pot. Continue to cook for 3 minutes more, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency and the broccoli is just slightly tender.
9. Serve: Ladle the finished sesame chicken and broccoli over the cooked brown rice. Garnish generously with chopped scallions and toasted sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor and texture.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Chicken Cut: For the most tender chicken, ensure your chicken strips are relatively uniform in size. This helps them cook evenly.
• Broccoli Texture: If you prefer your broccoli softer, you can add it a minute or two earlier in step 8. For a crisper texture, ensure it cooks for the full 3 minutes and no longer.
• Sauce Consistency: The cornstarch slurry should be smooth before adding it to the pot. If you find the sauce isn’t thickening enough, you can mix a little more cornstarch with a teaspoon of water and stir it into the simmering sauce, cooking for another minute until thickened.
• Make-Ahead Rice: Cooking the brown rice ahead of time is a great way to save even more time on busy evenings.
• Instant Pot Variations: If your Instant Pot has a “Poultry” or “Meat” setting, you might experiment with those, but the Manual/High Pressure for 4 minutes is a reliable standard for this recipe.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Instant Pot Sesame Chicken with Broccoli is designed to be a complete meal served over fluffy cooked brown rice. The vibrant green of the broccoli and the glossy sheen of the sauce make for a visually appealing dish. For an extra touch, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat, or serving with a side of pickled ginger.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, it holds up reasonably well for meal prep.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (including rice):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	574 kcal	29%
Total Fat	14 grams	18%
Saturated Fat	2 grams	10%
Cholesterol	109 milligrams	36%
Sodium	619 milligrams	27%
Total Carbohydrate	67 grams	24%
Dietary Fiber	6 grams	21%
Sugars	13 grams	26%
Protein	43 grams	86%

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian Option: While this recipe is written for chicken, you could adapt it for a vegetarian meal. Tofu or firm tempeh, pressed and cubed, could be used instead of chicken. Ensure to sauté them until golden brown before adding the sauce and pressure cooking. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
• Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, ensure you use tamari instead of soy sauce and a gluten-free cornstarch or arrowroot powder.
• Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture or a dash of sriracha to the simmering sauce at the end.
• Different Vegetables: Feel free to swap out the broccoli for other quick-cooking vegetables like snap peas, bell pepper strips, or asparagus florets. Add them in the last few minutes of sautéing in step 8.

FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs will yield an even more tender and flavorful result. You may need to increase the pressure cooking time by 1-2 minutes if using thighs.

Q: How do I prevent the chicken from becoming tough?
A: The short cooking time of 4 minutes on high pressure is key to keeping the chicken tender. Avoid overcooking it during the initial sauté phase.

Q: What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?
A: You can adapt this recipe for the stovetop. Sear the chicken in a skillet, add the sauce ingredients, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook until the chicken is done. Then, add the cornstarch slurry and broccoli and cook until thickened and tender.

Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can whisk together all the sauce ingredients (except the cornstarch and orange juice) and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Mix the cornstarch and orange juice just before you’re ready to add them.

Q: Is it okay to use pre-minced garlic?
A: While fresh garlic offers the best flavor, pre-minced garlic can be used in a pinch. Use about the same amount.

Final Thoughts

The beauty of this Instant Pot Sesame Chicken with Broccoli lies in its deceptive simplicity. It’s a dish that delivers on flavor, speed, and satisfaction, proving that delicious and healthy weeknight meals are not just a myth. It’s the perfect example of how a few pantry staples and a smart appliance can transform ordinary ingredients into something truly special. Give it a try the next time you’re short on time but big on cravings, and I’m confident it will become a go-to in your kitchen repertoire. I love serving this with a side of extra steamed broccoli or a simple Asian-inspired cucumber salad. Enjoy!