Instant Pot Asian Chicken Seasoning for Quick Meals
If you’re looking for a way to spice up your weeknight dinners, look no further! This Instant Pot Asian chicken seasoning is designed for quick meals that don’t compromise on flavor. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering dish that will impress your family and friends. Cooking in an Instant Pot not only saves time but also locks in the moisture and flavor of the chicken, making it tender and juicy. Let’s dive into this easy and delicious recipe!
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons ginger, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for thickening)
- Green onions, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Start by preparing the chicken. Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, minced ginger, minced garlic, five-spice powder, brown sugar, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly with the marinade. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 10 minutes, or up to 1 hour in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
- Turn on your Instant Pot and select the ‘Sauté’ function. Once hot, add the marinated chicken thighs along with the leftover marinade into the pot.
- Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side until browned. This step adds extra flavor.
- Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is covered in liquid. This will help to cook the chicken thoroughly and keep it moist.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to ‘Sealing’. Select the ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ function and set the timer for 10 minutes.
- Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow for a natural release for 5 minutes, then switch the valve to ‘Venting’ to release any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid carefully and use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside. Mix the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry, then stir it into the liquid in the pot. Select ‘Sauté’ and cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Return the chicken to the pot, coating it with the thickened sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
- Serve the chicken over rice or noodles for a complete meal that everyone will love!
Why Use Instant Pot for Asian Chicken?
The Instant Pot is a fantastic kitchen appliance that can significantly reduce cooking time. It uses pressure cooking technology to tenderize meats quickly while infusing them with flavor. For this Asian chicken seasoning, the pressure cooker helps meld the rich flavors of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic with the chicken, resulting in an irresistible dish. Plus, the convenience of being able to sauté and pressure cook in one pot means less cleanup for you!
Customizing Your Asian Chicken Recipe
This recipe is incredibly versatile! You can easily swap out chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat. Additionally, feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas during the cooking process for a complete one-pot meal. Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly if you add more ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Instant Pot Asian chicken is delicious on its own, but there are many ways to serve it. Here are a few ideas:
- Over steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a hearty meal.
- With soba noodles or rice noodles tossed in sesame oil for a lighter option.
- In lettuce wraps for a fresh and crunchy appetizer.
- As a filling for tacos or sandwiches with crunchy slaw for added texture.
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave until warmed through or heat gently on the stovetop. The flavors will continue to develop, making your leftovers even tastier!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken in the Instant Pot?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but increase the cooking time to about 15-20 minutes. Ensure to add a little extra liquid to prevent burning.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
What can I serve with this chicken?
Pair this flavorful chicken with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It also goes well with a side salad.
Can I freeze the chicken after cooking?
Absolutely! Let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
This Instant Pot Asian chicken seasoning for quick meals is a must-try for anyone looking to simplify dinner without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re a busy parent, a working professional, or simply someone who loves good food, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. With its ease of preparation and rich taste, you’ll find yourself reaching for your Instant Pot again and again. So gather your ingredients, fire up that Instant Pot, and enjoy a delicious Asian-inspired meal in no time!
