Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe for 6

Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken is a deliciously easy dish that brings a taste of Japan right to your kitchen. This amazing recipe allows you to prepare tender, flavorful chicken in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special family dinners. With its sweet and savory teriyaki sauce coating each piece of chicken, you’ll find it hard to resist going back for seconds.
Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook, you’ll love the simplicity of this recipe. The Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting, cutting down on cooking time while delivering incredible flavor. Imagine savory chicken served over a bed of fluffy rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions. It’s not just a meal; it’s a culinary experience that will satisfy your cravings and impress your family and friends.
What makes this recipe so special? Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken combines tender chicken thighs with a homemade teriyaki sauce that balances sweetness and umami. Its quick preparation makes it an instant favorite for any weeknight dinner. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Here are seven amazing reasons why this recipe will win your heart:
1. Quick and Easy – Using the Instant Pot drastically reduces cooking time, allowing you to have dinner ready in under 30 minutes.
2. Flavorful Chicken – The combination of soy sauce, ginger, and honey creates a rich teriyaki flavor that envelops the chicken beautifully.
3. Healthy Option – By using chicken thighs, you ensure a juicy result without excess fat, making it a healthy choice for you and your family.
4. Versatile – You can serve it over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables for a different twist each time.
5. Minimal Clean-Up – Cooking everything in one pot means fewer dishes to wash, saving you time in the kitchen.
6. Meal Prep Friendly – Make it ahead of time and store leftovers in the fridge for easy lunches throughout the week.
7. Kid Approved – Its sweet and savory flavor profile is often a hit with children, making mealtime easier for parents.
With all these benefits, you’ll see why this dish is not just ordinary but incredible!

Preparation and Cooking Time

Preparing Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken is straightforward and fast. Here’s a breakdown of the time you’ll need to create this wonderful dish:
– Preparation Time: 10 minutes
– Cooking Time: 10 minutes
– Natural Pressure Release Time: 10 minutes
– Total Time: 30 minutes
These estimates can vary based on your kitchen experience and Instant Pot model, but this should give you a good sense of what to expect.

Ingredients

– 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons water
– Sesame seeds, for garnish
– Green onions, sliced, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken is a breeze when you follow these easy steps:
1. Prepare Chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and set them aside.
2. Mix Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger until well combined.
3. Add Chicken to Instant Pot: Place the chicken thighs in the Instant Pot. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated.
4. Seal the Pot: Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position.
5. Pressure Cook: Select the manual or pressure cook setting and set the timer for 10 minutes.
6. Natural Release: Once cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. Then, carefully switch the valve to vent to release any remaining pressure.
7. Thicken Sauce: Remove the chicken and set it on a cutting board. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Turn the Instant Pot to the sauté function, stir in the slurry, and cook until the sauce thickens.
8. Shred Chicken: Shred the chicken with two forks or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
9. Combine: Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir it gently in the thickened sauce to coat thoroughly.
10. Serve: Dish out the teriyaki chicken and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

How to Serve

Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken can be served in multiple delightful ways to enhance your dining experience:
1. Over Rice: Serve the chicken over a bowl of steamed jasmine or brown rice for a fulfilling meal.
2. With Noodles: Pair it with udon or soba noodles for a delicious twist.
3. On a Salad: Toss the teriyaki chicken on a bed of mixed greens, topped with crunchy vegetables for a refreshing salad.
4. As Tacos: Use tortillas to create fusion-style tacos, adding fresh vegetables and a light drizzle of extra teriyaki sauce.
5. With Steamed Vegetables: Serve alongside steamed broccoli, carrots, or snap peas to add vibrant colors and nutrients to your meal.
6. As Meal Prep: Portion into containers for lunch or dinner throughout the week, reheating easily in the microwave.
This Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken is versatile and will surely cater to various preferences and occasions. Enjoy your cooking and serving experience!

Additional Tips

– Choose High-Quality Soy Sauce: A good soy sauce elevates the dish. Opt for low-sodium varieties to control saltiness while maintaining flavor.
– Marinate for Extra Flavor: If time permits, marinate the chicken in the teriyaki sauce for a few hours or overnight to deepen the flavors.
– Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will contribute a much stronger flavor compared to dried.
– Experiment with Sweeteners: While honey is traditional, you can also try using maple syrup or agave nectar for different sweet flavor profiles.
– Garnish Generously: Don’t skip the sesame seeds and green onions. They add color, crunch, and freshness to the dish.

Recipe Variation

Feel free to customize this dish according to your taste. Here are some ideas:
1. Spicy Teriyaki Chicken: Add red pepper flakes or Sriracha to the teriyaki sauce for a spicy kick.
2. Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
3. Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken: Add chunks of fresh pineapple or canned pineapple rings during cooking to introduce a tropical twist.
4. Teriyaki Chicken Skewers: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces, thread them onto skewers, and grill them after pressure cooking for a smoky flavor.
5. Citrus Teriyaki Chicken: Incorporate orange or lemon juice into the sauce for a zesty and refreshing taste.

Freezing and Storage

– Storage: Store any leftover Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last about 3 to 4 days.
– Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Special Equipment

To make cooking Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken a breeze, a few essential tools are helpful:
– Instant Pot or any electric pressure cooker
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Medium mixing bowl for combining the sauce
– Whisk or fork for mixing
– Cutting board and knife for preparing chicken

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may dry out more quickly. Consider adjusting cooking time slightly.
What can I serve with Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken?
This dish pairs well with rice, noodles, or a variety of steamed vegetables.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use tamari sauce as a gluten-free substitute for soy sauce.
How long can leftovers stay in the fridge?
Leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Is it okay to cook from frozen?
You can cook frozen chicken in the Instant Pot. Just increase the cooking time by a couple of minutes but be cautious with the texture of the chicken.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken is a delightful meal that combines quick preparation with incredible flavor. It fills your kitchen with an enticing aroma and brings friends and family together around the dinner table. The balance of sweet and savory makes it an instant favorite, while the versatility ensures you can enjoy it in numerous ways. Whether you’re a busy parent or a culinary enthusiast, this recipe is bound to make mealtime enjoyable and satisfying. Give it a try, and watch it become a staple on your table!