If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and a little bit of tangy goodness, the Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken soaked in a rich homemade or store-bought teriyaki sauce, all made effortlessly in your Instant Pot. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing friends, this dish brings out deep flavors with minimal fuss and maximum flavor, making mealtime something to look forward to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is how simple yet essential each ingredient is. Every element has a role in creating the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and inviting color on your plate.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These provide tender and lean protein that absorbs the teriyaki flavors beautifully.
- ½ cup water: Adds steam to cook the chicken perfectly in the Instant Pot without diluting the sauce.
- 1 ½ cups teriyaki sauce: Choose either store-bought for convenience or homemade for a personalized touch; this sauce is the heart of the dish.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: A small but mighty thickener that transforms the cooking liquid into a luscious sauce.
- Cooked rice: A neutral platform that soaks up that amazing sauce and balances the meal.
- Steamed vegetables: They add freshness, crunch, and vibrant color to round out the plate.
- Optional garnishes (chopped green onions, sesame seeds): These give the dish a final pop of flavor and eye-catching presentation.
How to Make Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Pressure Cook the Chicken
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts directly into your Instant Pot. Pour the teriyaki sauce and water evenly over the chicken, which will infuse it with incredible flavor while providing the liquid needed for pressure cooking. Secure the lid, seal the valve, and set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for exactly 12 minutes. This timed pressure cooking ensures your chicken will come out tender and juicy every single time. Once done, allow the pressure to release naturally; this extra few minutes of cooking lets the flavors deepen and the chicken rest perfectly.
Step 2: Thicken the Sauce
After removing the cooked chicken breasts and setting them aside to rest, switch your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with a bit of cold water to make a slurry, then add it to the flavorful teriyaki liquid remaining in the pot. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens into a glossy, mouthwatering glaze. This step turns all that wonderful cooking liquid into the perfect coating for the chicken pieces.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
Chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and return them to the Instant Pot with the thickened sauce. Stir well to ensure every piece is generously coated in that sticky, delicious teriyaki glaze. Serve your Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe hot over freshly cooked rice alongside steamed vegetables. Don’t forget to sprinkle on some chopped green onions and sesame seeds for that authentic look and added flavor boost.
How to Serve Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes are the little details that take this dish from good to unforgettable. Chopped green onions add a mild, fresh crunch while the toasted sesame seeds contribute a nutty finish that complements the teriyaki sauce beautifully. You can also consider a light drizzle of sriracha or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you enjoy a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
Steamed broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy make fantastic accompaniments offering vibrant color and a crisp contrast to the tender chicken. You might also try serving with a side of garlic fried rice for a comforting twist, or even some pickled vegetables to bring a tangy brightness that cuts through the sweet sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family meal, present the chicken and sauce buffet-style alongside rice and veggies, allowing everyone to customize their plates. Another option is to assemble a vibrant bento box with neat compartments for the chicken, rice, steamed greens, and fresh fruit for dessert. Adding edible flowers or finely shredded carrots on top can elevate the look for a dinner party or date night at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Keeping the sauce and chicken together helps maintain that wonderfully tender texture and rich flavor—just a quick reheat away from deliciousness.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this recipe freezes well. Simply portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving room for expansion, and store for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the sauce silky and the chicken tender.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your leftovers in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally to restore the sauce’s glossy texture. You can also reheat in the microwave but do so in short increments, stirring in between, to avoid drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a juicy and flavorful alternative that works wonderfully in this Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe. Just adjust the cooking time to 10 minutes on high pressure for best results.
Is it necessary to use cornstarch to thicken the sauce?
Cornstarch is the easiest way to achieve that thick, glossy teriyaki sauce. If you prefer, you can use arrowroot powder or reduce the sauce by simmering longer, but cornstarch provides quick and consistent results.
Can I make teriyaki sauce from scratch for this recipe?
Definitely! Homemade teriyaki sauce often tastes fresher and lets you control the sweetness and saltiness. A simple mix of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar works beautifully.
What if I don’t have an Instant Pot? Can I make this on the stove?
You can replicate this recipe on the stovetop by simmering chicken breasts in teriyaki sauce and water covered until cooked through, then thickening the sauce with cornstarch at the end. The Instant Pot just speeds things up and locks in flavor so well.
How spicy is this dish?
The Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is naturally mild and sweet with no inherent spiciness, making it family-friendly. You can spice it up easily by adding chili flakes or Sriracha either during cooking or at the table.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about pulling off a flavorful, tender, and saucy chicken dish with very little effort, and that’s exactly what the Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe delivers every time. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this quick, delicious dinner in your recipe arsenal. Give it a go—you’ll be hooked!
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Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken recipe offers a quick and flavorful way to enjoy tender chicken breasts coated in a rich, homemade or store-bought teriyaki sauce. Cooked under pressure and finished with a thickened sauce, it makes a perfect weeknight meal served over rice and steamed vegetables, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for an authentic touch.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup water
- 1 ½ cups teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
To Serve
- Cooked rice
- Steamed vegetables
- Optional garnishes: chopped green onions, sesame seeds
Instructions
- Pressure Cook Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the Instant Pot. Pour the teriyaki sauce and water over the chicken evenly. Secure the lid, ensure the valve is sealed, and cook on high pressure for 12 minutes. After cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally for the best texture and flavor.
- Thicken Sauce: Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the pot and place it aside. Switch the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a little cold water to make a slurry, then whisk it into the sauce inside the pot. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens to the desired consistency.
- Combine and Serve: Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the thickened sauce in the pot. Stir gently to coat the chicken thoroughly. Serve the teriyaki chicken hot over cooked rice and steamed vegetables. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For homemade teriyaki sauce, combine soy sauce, mirin, sugar, garlic, and ginger to taste before cooking.
- To avoid overcooking, make sure to use fresh chicken breasts and follow the pressure cooking time strictly.
- Cornstarch slurry must be mixed well with cold water before adding to prevent lumps in the sauce.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for more moist and flavorful meat if preferred.
- Ensure natural pressure release to keep the chicken juicy and tender.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes (pressure cooking) + 5 minutes (thickening sauce)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Asian
