Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Hey there, foodies! If you’re like me, you want all the flavor without spending hours in the kitchen. Enter Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken. Tender chicken, coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, all cooked in a fraction of the time it would take on the stove. Plus, the best part? You don’t even have to babysit it!

For anyone who’s ever felt like they’re running out of time but still want a delicious home-cooked meal, the Instant Pot might become your best friend (if it isn’t already). It’s that easy, and you’ll get rave reviews on its deliciousness. It’s also a great way to satisfy that craving for something comforting without all the stress.

Why You’ll Love This Asian Inspired Dish:

Instant Pot Magic: Set it and forget it! Your Instant Pot does the heavy lifting while you kick back and relax. There’s no need to hover over the stove, stirring constantly, or worrying about your food burning.

Flavor Galore: The teriyaki sauce is sweet, salty, and savory. It’s a total crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Thanks to the combo of honey, soy sauce, and brown sugar — every bite is an explosion of flavor. Your taste buds will thank you!

Minimal Prep: Toss everything in the pot and let it work its magic. No complicated steps here—just easy cooking that feels like a treat. Whether you’re rushing through dinner prep or you just want something that’s low maintenance, this recipe has you covered.

How to make Easy Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
  • 1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken stock
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 teaspoon butter
• For the Teriyaki Sauce:
  • ½ cup light soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon minced ginger
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• For Serving:
  • Chopped green onions
  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Cooked rice
  • Steamed broccoli or simple cabbage salad

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce and Coat the Chicken

1. Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the teriyaki sauce. The combination of soy sauce, honey, and brown sugar makes this sauce so deliciously addictive! It’s super easy to pull together and gives the chicken the perfect burst of flavor.

2. Coat the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the sauce and stir to coat evenly. It’s all about getting that flavor absorbed right from the get-go. Be sure the chicken pieces are well-covered—this is when the chicken starts absorbing all that goodness!

Step 2: Sauté and Cook the Chicken in the Instant Pot

3. Sauté in the Instant Pot: Set the Instant Pot to SAUTE mode and add ½ cup of chicken stock. This step helps create the perfect base for your chicken to cook in. It’s a great trick for keeping things juicy without drying out your chicken.

4. Add the Chicken: Add the chicken and all the marinade, spreading the pieces evenly. Let it sit for a minute so the chicken can soak up all those yummy flavors! This is the beauty of the Instant Pot—the flavors develop while you barely lift a finger.

5. Pressure Cook: Select the PRESSURE COOK button on HIGH PRESSURE for 10 minutes. (Make sure the valve is in the SEALING position!) And boom, that’s it! Instant Pot, you rock! While cooking, work on your sides, whether it’s rice, veggies, or a quick salad.

Step 3: Release Pressure and Thicken the Sauce

6. Release Pressure: When the cooking cycle is done, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes. After that, manually move the valve from SEALING to VENTING to quick-release any remaining pressure. Carefully open the lid.

Step 4: Finish and Serve the Teriyaki Chicken

7. Thicken the Sauce: Here’s the secret to a silky smooth sauce. Select the CANCEL button and combine the cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Select SAUTE again, stir in the cornstarch mixture, and let it simmer for 3 minutes. This thickens the sauce and gives it that glossy shine. This final step takes the dish to the next level.

8. Finish with Butter: For an extra touch of richness and shine, stir in a teaspoon of butter at the end. This will make the sauce velvety and smooth. This step makes a big difference in the finished product.

9. Serve: Cancel SAUTE mode, serve the chicken over a bed of rice, and garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and/or a side of steamed broccoli. Serve it with a refreshing cucumber salad or sautéed bok choy for an Asian-inspired feast. Don’t forget that extra drizzle of sauce on top!

Essential Tips for Perfect Teriyaki Chicken in the Instant Pot:

• Add Veggies: For a one-pot meal, toss in some chopped veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli right alongside the chicken. They’ll cook perfectly in the Instant Pot and soak up the delicious teriyaki sauce.
• Make it Spicy: If you like heat, add a splash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce. It’ll give the dish a nice kick!
• Use Chicken Thighs: If you love dark meat, chicken thighs are a great alternative to breasts. They’re juicy and even more flavorful when cooked in the Instant Pot. Plus, the extra fat in the thighs adds even more flavor to the sauce.
• Quick Cleanup: The Instant Pot is known for its easy cleanup, but if you’re feeling extra lazy, line the inner pot with parchment paper for a super simple post-dinner wash-up.
• Low-Sodium Tip: If you don’t have low-sodium chicken stock, you can dilute regular stock with a little water to cut back on the sodium. You can also use homemade chicken stock for a richer, more personalized flavor.

Nutritional Info for this Pressure Cooker Recipe:

This Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken is a well-balanced meal packed with protein from the chicken and lots of flavor from the soy sauce and honey. Serve it with rice or a crunchy salad to round out the meal. It’s quick and relatively healthy, especially when made with low-sodium chicken stock and served with steamed veggies.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

Pair your teriyaki chicken with a crisp, chilled glass of white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. For a non-alcoholic option, a cold iced green tea would complement the dish beautifully!

For dessert, why not follow up with a light Asian-inspired treat like mango sticky rice or a matcha-flavored dessert? It’s the perfect way to end an evening full of flavor. And don’t forget a light dessert that pairs with the sweetness of the teriyaki. A coconut flan or fruit sorbet would be the perfect refreshing end to the meal!

How to Store the Teriyaki Chicken:

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It freezes well, so you can easily make a big batch and save some for later!
• Freezer-Friendly: This dish is great for meal prep. Make extra servings and freeze the leftovers for a super quick meal later in the week.

Additional Dishes to try:
Sticky Chicken
Chicken Yakitori
Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple

So there you have it—Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken, a flavorful, easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something delicious without the effort. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I do!

Be sure to leave a comment if you try it out—whether you added your twist, made it extra spicy, or served it with your favorite sides. I’d love to hear how it turns out. Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite!