Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

This mouthwatering Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a deliciously glazed, tender meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. With its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality teriyaki chicken with minimal effort – making it the ideal solution for busy weeknights when you want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ridiculously Simple: Just dump, set, and forget! The Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting while you attend to other things.
• Time-Saving Wonder: From prep to plate in about 30 minutes, with most of that time being completely hands-off.
• Incredibly Versatile: Works beautifully as a rice bowl topper, sandwich filling, salad protein, or even wrapped in lettuce cups.
• Family-Friendly: That irresistible teriyaki flavor appeals to both adults and kids alike – no more cooking separate meals!
• Meal Prep Champion: Makes excellent leftovers that taste even better the next day after the flavors have melded together.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken Breast: The star protein that becomes wonderfully tender in the pressure cooker. Boneless, skinless thighs work beautifully too if you prefer darker meat.
• Teriyaki Sauce: The flavor foundation of this dish – use your favorite bottled version for convenience or make your own for a more customized taste.
• Water: Creates the steam needed for pressure cooking and helps thin the sauce to the perfect consistency.
• Cornstarch: The magic thickener that transforms the cooking liquid into that gloriously clingy teriyaki glaze.
• Rice: Not technically in the recipe, but essential for serving. Acts as the perfect vehicle for soaking up that incredible sauce.
• Green Onions/Sesame Seeds: Optional garnishes that add a pop of color, texture, and fresh flavor to the finished dish.

Variations

Spicy Teriyaki Chicken

Add a tablespoon of sriracha or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a delicious heat that balances the sweetness.

Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken

Toss in a cup of pineapple chunks and use the juice as part of your liquid for a tropical twist that adds natural sweetness.

Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables

Add broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, and snap peas after pressure cooking (during the sauce-thickening stage) for a complete one-pot meal.

Honey Garlic Teriyaki

Add 2-3 tablespoons of honey and 4 minced garlic cloves to create a deeper flavor profile with notes of caramelized sweetness.

How to Make Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Step 1: Prep and Load

Place your chicken breasts in the Instant Pot. Pour the teriyaki sauce evenly over the chicken, then add water to the pot.

Step 2: Pressure Cook

Close and seal the lid securely. Set the Instant Pot to high pressure and cook for 12 minutes. Once finished, allow the pressure to release naturally – this helps keep the chicken tender!

Step 3: Create the Sauce

Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and set aside temporarily. Switch your Instant Pot to the saute setting, then whisk in the cornstarch until the sauce thickens to a beautiful, glossy consistency.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and return them to the pot. Stir well to coat every piece in that luscious sauce. Serve over freshly cooked rice with your favorite steamed vegetables, and garnish with sliced green onions and/or sesame seeds.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Slice Before Serving: For maximum flavor absorption, cut the chicken against the grain into thin slices or bite-sized pieces.
• Sauce Consistency: If your sauce gets too thick, add a splash of water. Too thin? Mix a little more cornstarch with cold water before adding to the pot.
• Even Cooking: For particularly thick chicken breasts, consider butterflying them or cutting them in half horizontally before cooking.
• Flavor Boost: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in some of the teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Cornstarch Technique: Always mix cornstarch with a small amount of cold water before adding it to the hot liquid to prevent clumping.

How to Serve

Classic Rice Bowl

Serve over steamed white or brown rice with a side of steamed broccoli, carrots, and snow peas for a balanced meal.

Teriyaki Chicken Sandwich

Place the chicken on a toasted brioche bun with lettuce, sliced cucumber, and an extra drizzle of teriyaki sauce.

Teriyaki Power Bowl

Create a nutritious bowl with brown rice, quinoa, avocado slices, edamame, shredded carrots, and cucumber.

Teriyaki Noodle Bowl

Toss with cooked soba or udon noodles for a Japanese-inspired noodle dish.

Regardless of how you serve it, a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions adds the perfect finishing touch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavor actually improves after a day as the chicken continues to absorb the sauce.

Freezing

This teriyaki chicken freezes beautifully! Store in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze the chicken and sauce separately from any rice or vegetables.

Reheating

Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
Stovetop: Reheat gently in a covered skillet with a splash of water to revive the sauce.
Instant Pot: Use the “Keep Warm” setting with a splash of water if reheating a larger batch.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! You’ll need to increase the pressure cook time to 15 minutes instead of 12. No need to thaw first – that’s the beauty of the Instant Pot. Just make sure your chicken pieces aren’t frozen together in a large block for even cooking.

What if I don’t have teriyaki sauce on hand?
You can easily make your own by combining 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons mirin (or rice vinegar with a pinch of sugar), and 1 teaspoon grated ginger. It won’t have the thickness of store-bought, but the flavor will be fantastic.

Can I make this recipe with other meats?
Definitely! Boneless pork chops work beautifully with the same cooking time. For beef, try using chuck roast cut into chunks and increase the cooking time to 20 minutes. Tofu fans can skip pressure cooking altogether – just simmer extra-firm tofu cubes in the sauce on sauté mode.

My sauce is too thin/thick – how can I fix it?
If your sauce is too thin, mix another tablespoon of cornstarch with equal parts cold water and stir it in while the sauce simmers. If it’s too thick, gradually add water or chicken broth, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken recipe truly delivers that perfect combination of convenience and incredible flavor. I love how it transforms a few simple ingredients into a meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weeknight or meal prepping for the days ahead, this recipe will quickly become a regular in your rotation. Give it a try tonight – your taste buds (and schedule) will thank you!

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