Instant Pot Honey Sesame Chicken Lettuce Wraps

If you love sweet, sticky, and savory flavors, these Instant Pot Honey Sesame Shredded Chicken Lettuce Wraps are going to be your new favorite! The Instant Pot makes the chicken fall-apart tender in just minutes, soaking up all that delicious sauce. These wraps are healthy, kid-friendly, and perfect for busy nights. Bonus: You can prep ahead and make this an easy meal anytime!

this recipe!

What You’ll Need

For the Chicken

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup water or chicken broth

For the Sauce

• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 tsp fresh ginger (grated)
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry)

For Assembly

• 1 head butter lettuce (leaves separated)
• 2 green onions (sliced)
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 1/2 cup crispy chow mein noodles (optional)

Pro Tips

1. Use a hand mixer to shred chicken! It’s the easiest way to get perfectly shredded chicken in seconds.
2. Thicken the sauce after shredding so it coats every bite evenly.
3. Want it spicier? Add sriracha or red pepper flakes.
4. Double the recipe! The leftovers are great for meal prep.
5. No Instant Pot? Use a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3-4 hours instead.

Tools You’ll Need

• Instant Pot (6 or 8-quart)
• Measuring spoons & cups
• Mixing bowls
• Forks or a hand mixer (for shredding)
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Substitutions & Variations

• Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
• Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweetness.
• Try romaine or iceberg lettuce for a crispier wrap.
• Add crushed peanuts or cashews for a nutty crunch.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Cook and shred the chicken ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Make the sauce and keep it refrigerated for up to a week.

How to Make Instant Pot Honey Sesame Shredded Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Step 1: Pressure Cook the Chicken

Place chicken breasts in the Instant Pot and pour in 1/2 cup water or chicken broth. Close the lid, set the valve to Sealing, and cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes. Let the pressure naturally release for 5 minutes, then quick release the rest.

Step 2: Shred the Chicken

Remove the cooked chicken from the Instant Pot and shred it using two forks or a hand mixer for quick shredding. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Press Sauté mode on the Instant Pot. Add honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, hoisin sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce & Add Chicken

Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1 more minute until the sauce thickens. Add the shredded chicken back into the pot and mix well to coat.

Step 5: Make Crispy Chow Mein Noodles

Heat 2 tbsp oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add cooked and dried chow mein noodles in a thin layer and pan-fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a paper towel, let cool, and break into smaller pieces before sprinkling over the wraps.

Step 6: Assemble the Wraps

Spoon the honey sesame shredded chicken into butter lettuce leaves. Sprinkle with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and crispy chow mein noodles.

Leftovers & Storage

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the Instant Pot on Sauté mode or in the microwave.
• Don’t store assembled wraps—only prep the lettuce when ready to eat.

Conclusion

These Instant Pot Honey Sesame Shredded Chicken Lettuce Wraps are sweet, savory, and ridiculously easy! They’re perfect for meal prep, light lunches, or family dinners. Let me know in the comments—Did your family love them? Any fun twists you tried? Happy cooking! 😊