If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, quick to prepare, and simply irresistible, this Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. Juicy chicken breasts soak up the perfect balance of sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, all cooked effortlessly in the Instant Pot to lock in moisture and tenderness. It’s comfort food elevated with ease, making every bite a delightful moment whether you’re feeding family or impressing guests. Let’s dive in and bring this crowd-pleaser to your dinner table tonight!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is a breeze for this Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe, and each one plays an essential role in creating the rich layers of taste and texture you’ll love. From tender chicken to the glossy sauce, every addition enhances the dish’s vibrant character.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that becomes tender and juicy when pressure-cooked.
- ½ cup water: Helps create steam in the Instant Pot which cooks the chicken evenly and prevents sticking.
- 1 ½ cups teriyaki sauce: Choose store-bought or homemade for a luscious, savory-sweet flavor that infuses the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: A simple thickener to turn the cooking liquid into a glossy, irresistible sauce.
- Cooked rice: The perfect fluffy base to soak up every bit of teriyaki goodness.
- Steamed vegetables: Adds vibrant color and a fresh, healthy contrast to the rich chicken.
- Optional garnishes (chopped green onions and sesame seeds): These little touches add freshness and a subtle crunch, elevating presentation and flavor.
How to Make Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Pressure Cook the Chicken
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts inside your Instant Pot. Pour the teriyaki sauce and water over the chicken, ensuring they are well coated. Seal the lid tightly and set your Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 12 minutes. This step tenderizes the chicken beautifully while allowing it to soak up all those irresistible teriyaki flavors.
Step 2: Natural Pressure Release
Once the cooking time is up, don’t rush to open the lid! Allow a natural pressure release—this means letting the pot release steam slowly and naturally rather than manually opening the valve. It helps retain maximum juiciness and ensures the chicken is cooked through without drying out.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce
Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the pot and place them on a plate to rest. Switch your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and whisk in the cornstarch directly into the cooking juices. This transforms the liquid into a glossy, thickened teriyaki sauce that clings to every bite of chicken.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the Instant Pot, tossing gently in the thickened sauce until every morsel is coated. This step is what makes this Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe irresistibly saucy and fun to eat!
How to Serve Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds not only boosts the dish’s visual appeal but also introduces fresh and nutty notes that contrast beautifully with the rich sauce. They’re simple touches that take your teriyaki chicken from delicious to restaurant-quality at home.
Side Dishes
Serve this chicken over a bed of fluffy cooked rice that will soak up all those wonderful flavors. Pair it with steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas to add a vibrant crunch and healthy balance to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this teriyaki chicken in lettuce cups or wrapped in warm tortillas for an Asian-inspired wrap. Or place the chicken on a bed of soba noodles with a drizzle of extra teriyaki sauce and a handful of toasted sesame seeds for a noodle bowl sensation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the sauce and chicken together to maintain maximum flavor and moisture, and don’t forget to store rice and vegetables separately if possible.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this dish later, it freezes well. Place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the chicken and sauce gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth. Serve over fresh rice or steamed veggies for a quick, satisfying meal that tastes just as good the second time around.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe. They tend to be even more flavorful and tender, so feel free to swap them in using the same cooking time.
Do I have to use store-bought teriyaki sauce?
Not at all! While store-bought teriyaki sauce is convenient, homemade sauce with soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic can make your dish even more personalized and delicious.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free teriyaki sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce, and ensure your cornstarch or thickener is gluten-free.
Can I double this recipe in the Instant Pot?
You can double the recipe if your Instant Pot is large enough to hold the extra volume, but avoid exceeding the max fill line to ensure proper pressure cooking.
What if I don’t have cornstarch?
No worries! You can use arrowroot powder or all-purpose flour as an alternative thickener, adjusting the amount slightly to achieve the desired sauce consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is that perfect combination of ease, flavor, and comfort that you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re new to pressure cooking or a seasoned pro, it delivers reliably juicy chicken and a rich, glossy sauce that will excite the whole family. Give it a try tonight and watch how quickly it becomes a staple in your dinner rotation!
Print
Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken recipe is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a savory teriyaki sauce. Using the Instant Pot ensures juicy chicken with minimal effort, while the thickened sauce offers a perfect glaze. Served over rice with steamed vegetables and optional garnishes like green onions and sesame seeds, this recipe is ideal for a delicious weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup water
- 1 ½ cups teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Thickening Agent
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
To Serve
- Cooked rice
- Steamed vegetables
- Optional garnishes: chopped green onions, sesame seeds
Instructions
- Pressure Cook Chicken: Place chicken breasts into the Instant Pot. Pour the teriyaki sauce and water evenly over the chicken. Close the lid securely and set the valve to seal. Cook on high pressure for 12 minutes to ensure the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Natural Pressure Release: After cooking, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally. This helps keep the chicken moist and prevents it from drying out.
- Thicken Sauce: Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside. Switch the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Gradually whisk in the cornstarch to the remaining sauce inside the pot until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Combine and Serve: Chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the pot. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the thickened teriyaki sauce. Serve the chicken hot over cooked rice and steamed vegetables. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- For best flavor, use homemade teriyaki sauce or a high-quality store-bought variety.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier option, adjusting cooking time slightly if needed.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, add more cornstarch slurry in small increments while sautéing.
- Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
