Name: Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes); 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons canola oil; 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 cup low sodium soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1/2 cup water; 1/2 cup honey; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1/2 cup rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 3 tablespoons cornstarch; 3 tablespoons cold water; 2 green onions chopped (for topping); 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Jump to Recipe Print it

Every time I make Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken, I’m reminded of cozy family dinners around the table, sharing laughter and good food. This dish has a special place in my heart because it’s simple yet incredibly satisfying. When life gets busy, I love the fact that I can create a delightful meal in no time using my Instant Pot. The aroma of the sweet and savory sauce fills the kitchen, drawing everyone in. As I serve up the tender, flavorful chicken, I see smiles all around. It’s one of those recipes that brings comfort and warmth, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. My family loves to enjoy Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken over a steaming bed of rice, soaking up all that delicious sauce. It transforms an ordinary evening into something memorable.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
20 mins

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
5 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
290 kcal

Protein:
24 g

Diet:
Whole30, Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
8 g

Tools Used:
Saucepan, Instant Pot, Wooden Spoon, Whisk, Cutting Board, Chef’s Knife

What Sets This Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Apart

Quick and Easy Cooking

One of the standout features of Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken is how effortlessly it comes together. The Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your loved ones. Just toss your ingredients in, set the timer, and let the magic happen!

Flavorful and Satisfying

This dish bursts with flavor, thanks to the perfect combination of soy sauce, honey, and aromatic garlic. Each bite offers a delightful balance of sweetness and umami, making it irresistible.

Healthy Ingredients

When making Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken, I appreciate that I can keep it wholesome. Using lean chicken breast and fresh ingredients means I can enjoy a delicious meal without guilt. Plus, it’s loaded with protein to keep you feeling full.

Versatile Serving Options

This recipe is incredibly versatile. While I love it served over rice, you can also pair it with steamed vegetables or even noodles. It’s an easy way to switch it up and keep the meal exciting every time!

Perfect for Meal Prep

In today’s busy world, meal prep is essential. This dish stores well, making it a fantastic candidate for batch cooking. Just whip it up on a Sunday, and you’ll have delicious lunches ready for the week ahead!

Kid-Friendly

Kids often love the sweet flavor of teriyaki, making this dish a family favorite. It’s easy to serve, and you can customize it to suit their tastes, which makes dinnertime a breeze.

Ingredients Required for Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Creating Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken is all about the harmony of flavors and the quality of ingredients. The key players here include tender chicken breast that soaks up the savory sauce, garlic for depth, and honey for that irresistible sweetness. Together, these ingredients come together to create a dish that’s not only satisfying but also packed with flavor.

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes: The star of the show, these lean cuts of chicken provide a hearty base for the dish.
1/4 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavors of the chicken and sauce.
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of spice.
2 tablespoons canola oil: Used for sautéing, it helps to cook the chicken to a golden perfection.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a robust flavor that complements the sweetness of the sauce.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Additional seasoning for the sauce.
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Continues to build flavor in the dish.
1 cup low sodium soy sauce: This is the backbone of the teriyaki flavor, giving it that classic taste.
1 tablespoon sesame oil: Adds a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the dish.
1/2 cup water: Helps to create the sauce and steam the chicken.
1/2 cup honey: Sweetens the sauce and balances the saltiness of the soy sauce.
2 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds depth and caramel notes to the sauce.
1/2 cup rice vinegar: Provides acidity to balance the sweetness.
1 teaspoon ground ginger: A warm spice that complements the other flavors.
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Adds a hint of heat to the dish.
3 tablespoons cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce for a perfect consistency.
3 tablespoons cold water: Helps to mix with the cornstarch.
2 green onions, chopped, for topping: Freshness and a burst of color to garnish the dish.
Sesame seeds: A lovely garnish that adds texture and flavor.

The Method for Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Cooking Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken is a breeze. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious dinner ready in no time. Let’s dive into the method!

Start by whisking together all the sauce ingredients in a medium bowl. This includes the low sodium soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Set aside once mixed; this will be the delicious glaze for your chicken.
In a large shallow bowl, combine 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Add the chicken cubes and toss them around to coat in the seasoning. This helps to ensure every piece is flavorful.
Next, set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Once hot, pour in the canola oil, letting it heat up for a moment until shimmering.
Add the seasoned chicken to the pot in batches. It’s crucial to brown the chicken quickly on all sides, which should take about three to five minutes. This step enhances the flavor and texture.
After browning the chicken, transfer it back to the Instant Pot and pour the sauce over the top. Give it a quick stir to ensure the chicken is well coated.
Now, place the lid on the Instant Pot and turn the vent to seal. Press the “pressure cook” button and set the timer for 5 minutes. Once the timer goes off, perform a quick release to release the steam.
Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the chicken from the sauce and place it in a large bowl. This will allow you to thicken the sauce without overcooking the chicken.
Set the Instant Pot back to the “sauté” setting. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Gradually whisk this mixture into the simmering sauce until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Turn off the Instant Pot and add the cooked chicken back to the sauce. Stir well to ensure each piece is coated in that delicious teriyaki glaze.
Finally, garnish your Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve over rice for a complete meal!

Things Worth Knowing

Pressure Release: When your cooking time is up, be cautious during the quick release of pressure. Always turn the vent away from you to avoid steam burns.
Browning: Browning the chicken in batches helps to achieve that delicious crust on every piece, enhancing the flavor.
Thickening Sauce: Adjust the amount of cornstarch based on how thick you like your sauce. Start with less and add more if you want a thicker consistency.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Pro Tips and Tweaks

Enhance your cooking experience with these handy tips for making Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken.

Storage: Leftover Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce together. Just portion it into freezer bags and label them. It’ll keep for up to three months, making dinner a breeze on busy nights.
Pairing: This dish pairs beautifully with steamed broccoli or snap peas for added crunch and nutrition.
Variations: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas into the Instant Pot at the same time as the chicken for a complete one-pot meal.
Serving: Serve Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken over jasmine rice for a fragrant touch, or try it with quinoa for a healthy twist.
Garnish: Enhance the presentation by adding a few slices of fresh ginger or lime on top when serving.

How to Serve Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Serving Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken is all about that delightful presentation and the right accompaniments. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this dish:

Over Rice: The classic serving option is to serve the chicken over a mound of fluffy white or brown rice, allowing the sauce to soak in.
With Vegetables: Pair your chicken with steamed broccoli or mixed stir-fried vegetables for a colorful and nutritious meal.
In Wraps: Use the chicken as a filling for lettuce wraps or whole grain tortillas, adding some crunchy veggies for a fun twist.
As a Bowl: Create a rice bowl with your choice of toppings like avocado, edamame, and chopped green onions.
Meal Prep: This dish is perfect for meal prepping. Divide into portioned containers for lunch throughout the week.
With Noodles: Try serving the teriyaki chicken over udon or soba noodles for a refreshing change.
Garnished: Always remember to garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for a pop of color and flavor.

FAQ

To store leftover Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken, wait for it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it in portioned bags for up to three months. Just make sure to label the bags with the date, so you can keep track of freshness. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.

Absolutely! While Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken is a classic, you can easily adapt the recipe using other proteins. For example, tofu makes a great vegetarian option, while thinly sliced beef or pork can also work well. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as necessary to ensure that the meat is cooked through. The sauce will flavor any protein beautifully, making it a versatile recipe.

If you enjoy a bit of heat, there are several ways to spice up your Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken. You can add more crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or even chop up some fresh chili peppers and toss them in. Another option is to incorporate a dash of hot sauce to the mix. Just remember to taste as you go, so you don’t overpower the sweet and savory balance of the sauce!

Yes, you can double the recipe for Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken. However, make sure your Instant Pot can accommodate the increased volume. When doubling, keep in mind that you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. I recommend checking the chicken for doneness after the initial cooking time and adding a couple extra minutes if needed. This way, you’ll ensure that all the chicken is cooked thoroughly.

Conclusion

In summary, Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken combines convenience with incredible flavor, making it a must-try dish for any home cook. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight meal or a special family gathering, this recipe delivers satisfaction and smiles. I encourage you to give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!