Instant Pot Garlic-Sesame Chicken Thighs

Using an Instant Pot to pressure cook chicken thighs in a garlic-sesame sauce infuses them with serious flavor.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Calories: 308 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 pinch salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
• 6 tablespoons water, divided
• 4 bone-in, skin on chicken thighs
• 0.25 cup soy sauce
• 0.25 cup hoisin sauce

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.

Step 2

Release pressure using the natural-release method according to manufacturer's instructions, about 5 minutes. Release remaining pressure carefully using the quick-release method, about 5 minutes. Unlock and remove the lid. Remove chicken with tongs or a slotted spoon and set aside.

Step 3

Turn on a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot) and select Sauté function. Heat sesame oil in the pot. Add chicken thighs and sauté until browned on the first side, 3 to 4 minutes. Add garlic and flip chicken, cooking until the other side is browned and garlic is fragrant, 3 to 4 minutes more. Hit Cancel and transfer chicken to a plate using tongs or a slotted spoon.

Step 4

Pour 4 tablespoons water into the pot and use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom. Whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and honey in a small bowl until smooth. Return chicken to the pot and pour sauce over the top.

Step 5

Close and lock the lid. Select high pressure according to manufacturer's instructions; set the timer for 10 minutes. Allow 6 to 10 minutes for pressure to build.

Step 6

Mix remaining 2 tablespoons water with cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth. Turn on Sauté function and whisk cornstarch slurry into sauce. Simmer until sauce thickens, about 2 minutes. Cancel Sauté function.

Step 7

Return chicken to sauce, sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds, and toss everything together.