Discover the ultimate weeknight hero: Easy Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken. This Asian-inspired pressure cooker recipe delivers incredible flavor and tender chicken in record time, making it a perfect solution for busy evenings. Whether you prefer succulent chicken breasts or juicy thighs, and crave the rich notes of homemade teriyaki sauce or the convenience of a store-bought option, this dish is wonderfully adaptable. Pair this quick stir-fry with vibrant broccoli, wholesome cauliflower rice, or classic brown rice to create nutritious and delicious meal prep bowls your entire family will love.
This post was originally published in 2019 and has since been extensively updated to provide you with the most comprehensive and delicious Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken recipe. Weeknight dinners often demand speed without sacrificing flavor, and this recipe rises to the challenge. If you’re a fan of Chinese-inspired takeout but prefer the control and health benefits of home cooking, this dish is your new go-to. It’s designed to be on your family’s table in around 30 minutes, offering a total win for flavor, convenience, and health!
Why Your Instant Pot is Perfect for Teriyaki Chicken
The Instant Pot has revolutionized home cooking, especially for dishes like teriyaki chicken that benefit from quick, even cooking and deep flavor infusion. This multi-cooker excels at transforming simple ingredients into a gourmet-like meal with minimal effort. Here’s why it’s the ideal appliance for your next teriyaki chicken:
- **Speed and Efficiency:** Pressure cooking significantly reduces the cooking time compared to traditional methods. What might take an hour or more on the stovetop or in the oven is accomplished in under 30 minutes in the Instant Pot, including prep and natural release time.
- **Tender, Juicy Results:** The high-pressure environment tenderizes chicken to perfection, locking in moisture and flavor. You’ll achieve incredibly succulent chicken breasts or thighs every time, a texture often difficult to get right with other cooking methods without over-drying.
- **One-Pot Wonder:** The beauty of the Instant Pot is its versatility. You can sauté ingredients, pressure cook, and even thicken your sauce all in one pot. This means less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal.
- **Flavor Infusion:** Pressure cooking forces flavors deep into the chicken, creating a more cohesive and robust taste. The teriyaki sauce permeates every fiber of the meat, ensuring a truly satisfying experience.
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken in the Instant Pot
Crafting delicious teriyaki chicken in your Instant Pot is surprisingly straightforward. The process is designed for maximum flavor with minimal hands-on time. Detailed measurements and full instructions are available in the recipe card below, but here’s a simplified overview of the steps you’ll follow to achieve this culinary masterpiece:
- Combine the chicken, chicken broth, and your chosen teriyaki sauce (whether homemade or store-bought) directly in the Instant Pot.
- Secure the lid and ensure the venting knob is set to the “Sealing” position.
- Initiate pressure cooking according to the recipe’s recommended time (typically 10 minutes on High Pressure for chicken breasts).
- Once cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. This crucial step contributes to the chicken’s tenderness.
- Carefully open the pot and remove the cooked chicken.
- On a cutting board, slice or shred the chicken to your desired consistency.
- Return the Instant Pot to the “Saute” function. Prepare a thickening slurry (cornstarch and water, or xanthan gum for a low-carb option) and stir it into the simmering sauce until it reaches your preferred thickness.
- Add the sliced or shredded chicken back into the pot, coating it generously with the rich teriyaki sauce. For a complete meal, this is an excellent point to stir in steamed broccoli or other vegetables.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade, flavorful Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken!
Homemade Teriyaki Sauce: A Flavorful Choice
While store-bought teriyaki sauce offers convenience, making your own at home allows for complete control over ingredients, sugar content, and flavor profile. It’s surprisingly easy and tastes incredibly fresh, elevating your Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken to new heights. To create your own signature teriyaki sauce, you’ll need just a few staple ingredients:
- Soy Sauce or Liquid Aminos: The foundation of teriyaki, providing that essential umami and salty depth. Liquid aminos are a great gluten-free and often lower-sodium alternative.
- Ginger: Freshly minced ginger adds a vibrant, pungent, and slightly spicy kick that is characteristic of authentic teriyaki.
- Brown Sweetener or Brown Sugar: This provides the classic sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor that balances the savory soy. Opt for a brown sweetener like Lakanto Golden for a sugar-free, keto-friendly version.
- Rice Vinegar: Adds a crucial tang and acidity, brightening the sauce and cutting through the richness. Unseasoned rice vinegar is preferred as it avoids added sugars.
- Garlic: Minced garlic contributes aromatic depth and savory complexity, a must-have in any good Asian sauce.
- Water: Used to thin the sauce to the right consistency and help dissolve the sweetener.
Combining these simple ingredients creates a balanced, rich, and customizable sauce that truly shines in this Instant Pot recipe.
Teriyaki Chicken with Bottled Store-Bought Sauce
While a homemade teriyaki sauce offers unmatched freshness and control, sometimes convenience is key. Using a quality store-bought bottled sauce is a perfectly acceptable and quick alternative for your Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken. When selecting a pre-made sauce, consider your dietary preferences and health goals. Many commercial teriyaki sauces contain high levels of sugar and soy.
For those looking for a healthier, lower-sugar option, I highly recommend Primal Kitchen Teriyaki Sauce. It’s known for its clean ingredients and significantly lower sugar content, making it an excellent choice for a more health-conscious meal. Another widely available option is Kikkoman Teriyaki Sauce. While it’s a classic and reliable choice for flavor, be aware that it typically contains soy and added sugars, so it might not be ideal for strict low-carb or soy-free diets. Regardless of your choice, adjust the quantity to your taste – usually ¾ to 1 cup works well for this recipe.
Optimal Cook Time for Tender Chicken
Achieving perfectly cooked, tender chicken in the Instant Pot is all about the right cook time and pressure release method. For this recipe, which primarily uses chicken breasts, I recommend a cook time of **10 minutes on High Pressure**. Following the pressure cooking, it’s crucial to allow the pressure to release naturally for **10 minutes**. This “natural release” period helps the chicken to reabsorb its juices, resulting in incredibly moist and tender meat that won’t dry out. After 10 minutes of natural release, you can then perform a quick release of any remaining pressure.
Additional Toppings and Substitution Ideas for Your Teriyaki Chicken
This Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing for numerous delicious additions and substitutions to customize it to your taste and dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different vegetables and garnishes to enhance both flavor and nutritional value.
Consider these fantastic additions to your teriyaki chicken:
- Carrots: Add a touch of sweetness and vibrant color. They can be added with the chicken or steamed separately.
- Snap Peas: Offer a delightful crisp-tender texture and fresh flavor.
- Bok Choy: A classic Asian green that wilts perfectly into the sauce.
- Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a nutty flavor and appealing crunch as a garnish.
- Corn: For a burst of sweet kernels.
- Green Beans: Another great option for adding a fresh, crisp vegetable.
- Spinach: Quickly wilts into the sauce, adding nutrients without much bulk.
- **Water Chestnuts or Bamboo Shoots:** For an authentic Asian texture and mild flavor.
- **Chili Flakes or Sriracha:** For those who enjoy a little extra heat.
These additions not only introduce new textures and flavors but also make your meal even more wholesome and satisfying. Feel free to mix and match based on what you have on hand or what your family enjoys!
How to Substitute Chicken Thighs in Your Instant Pot Teriyaki
While chicken breasts are a popular choice for their lean protein, chicken thighs offer a richer flavor and often a more forgiving, juicier texture, especially in pressure cooking. You can absolutely substitute chicken thighs in this Instant Pot Teriyaki recipe with just a few minor adjustments to the cooking process.
- **Bone-in Chicken Thighs:** For bone-in thighs, I typically recommend increasing the pressure cook time slightly to **12 minutes** on High Pressure, followed by a **10-minute natural release** of steam. If you desire a deeper flavor and caramelized exterior, you can first brown the bone-in thighs using the “Saute” function on your Instant Pot before adding the sauce and pressure cooking.
- **Boneless Chicken Thighs:** Boneless chicken thighs, being similar in thickness and density to chicken breasts, can generally follow the same cooking instructions as noted in the recipe: **10 minutes on High Pressure** with a **10-minute natural release**. This will ensure they are perfectly cooked through and incredibly tender.
Regardless of the cut you choose, ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
Can You Use Frozen Chicken in the Instant Pot?
One of the Instant Pot’s most celebrated features is its ability to cook frozen meat, and chicken for teriyaki is no exception! This is a fantastic time-saver when you forget to thaw your protein. However, using frozen chicken requires a slight adjustment to the cooking time to ensure it cooks through safely and thoroughly.
If you’re using frozen chicken breasts or boneless chicken thighs for this Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken recipe, increase the pressure cook time to **13 minutes on High Pressure**. Just like with fresh chicken, it’s essential to follow this with a **10-minute natural release of steam**. This extended cook time accounts for the initial temperature difference of the frozen meat, ensuring it reaches the proper internal temperature and remains tender. Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to confirm it has reached 165°F (74°C) before serving.
How to Store Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken and Maximize Its Freshness
This Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken is not only delicious freshly made but also fantastic for meal prep! Proper storage ensures you can enjoy its delightful flavors for days to come, making your weeknights even easier.
Refrigeration: Once cooked and cooled, transfer any leftover teriyaki chicken and sauce to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for **3-4 days**. Ensure the container is tightly sealed to maintain freshness and prevent any odors from permeating other foods in your fridge. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Freezer Tips for Long-Lasting Meal Solutions
This Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken is an excellent candidate for freezing, providing a convenient and healthy meal option for future busy days. Freezing cooked chicken can save you time and effort down the line.
To freeze, allow the cooked teriyaki chicken and sauce to cool completely. Then, transfer it to a sealable freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to **3 months**. When you’re ready to enjoy it, I recommend defrosting it overnight in the refrigerator. This allows for a more even thaw and helps maintain the chicken’s texture. While you can microwave it from frozen, defrosting in the fridge generally yields better results in terms of tenderness and flavor. Once defrosted, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Teriyaki Chicken
This savory Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, allowing you to create a complete and balanced meal. Here are some fantastic recipes to serve alongside your chicken:
Mashed Sweet PotatoesPurple Sweet PotatoRoasted Ranch PotatoesAir Fryer AsparagusAir Fryer Roasted PotatoesAir Fryer Glazed Carrots
Creamy Ranch Mashed Potatoes
More Must-Try Instant Pot Recipes
If you love the ease and efficiency of the Instant Pot, you’re in for a treat! This versatile appliance can whip up a wide array of delicious meals with minimal effort. Explore more of our favorite Instant Pot creations to keep your weeknight meals exciting and simple:
Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Instant Pot RamenInstant Pot Tuscan Chicken ThighsInstant Pot Southern Green Beans
Instant Pot GumboInstant Pot Chicken Tacos
This delectable Chinese-inspired teriyaki chicken and broccoli will pair wonderfully with my Instant Pot Brown Riceor my Keto Low Carb Cauliflower Rice. These sides complement the rich flavors of the chicken, making for a truly satisfying and balanced meal.
Easy Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken
Brandi Crawford
Pin Recipe
Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup chicken broth
- salt and pepper to taste I like to taste repeatedly once the dish is finished and adjust as necessary.
Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
- ½ cup soy sauce or liquid aminos
- ¼ cup water
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar I use unseasoned, as it does not have added sugar.
- ¼ cup brown sweetener Use Discount Code STAYSNATCHED for savings.
- 2 teaspoons minced ginger
Thickening Slurry
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch or 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum for a keto low carb alternative
- 2 tablespoons water
Optional Toppings
- chopped green onions
- sesame seeds
Instructions
- Add the chicken breasts, chicken broth, and all of the ingredients for the homemade teriyaki sauce to the Instant Pot.
- Place the lid on the pot and seal. Cook for 10 minutes on Manual > High-Pressure Cooking.
- When the pot indicates it has finished, allow the steam to release naturally for 10 minutes, as opposed to a quick release.
- Open the pot, remove the chicken, and set aside.
- In a small bowl combine the cornstarch and water. Stir to create a slurry that will resemble a paste. If you are making the low carb version, Take 2 tablespoons of the teriyaki sauce mixture from the Instant Pot and combine it in a small bowl with the xantham gum. Mix until it forms a thick paste.
- Place the Instant Pot on the Saute function. Add the thickener to the pot and stir. Continue to stir until the mixture is fully combined and the sauce thickens.
- Turn off the Saute function on the pot. Slice up the chicken and return it to the pot.
- Serve the teriyaki chicken over cauliflower or brown rice.
Video
Notes
- Adding broccoli to this recipe is optional, but highly recommended. I like to add it to make it a complete meal and boost the fiber content. I often use Steamfresh veggies in a bag and steam them in the microwave while the teriyaki cooks for ultimate convenience.
- You have the flexibility to either make your own teriyaki sauce from scratch or use your favorite store-bought brand. If opting for store-bought, ¾-1 cup will typically suffice for this recipe.
- While the recipe suggests slicing the chicken, feel free to shred it using two forks for a different texture, perfect for sandwiches or wraps.
- For slow cooker users, you can adapt this recipe by cooking it on Low for 7-8 hours until the chicken is tender.
- For a low-carb or keto alternative to cornstarch, you can use 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum to thicken the sauce.
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.