Hey, flavor aficionados! Chef Ethan Harris in the kitchen, and I’ve got a dish that’s saucier than a celebrity gossip column – Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken! This recipe is so easy, even your microwave will be jealous.
Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken is a quick and easy recipe that promises a burst of sweet and savory flavors. Let’s explore the simplicity of the Instant Pot and how it transforms humble ingredients into a mouthwatering dish that will have you coming back for more.
What is Teriyaki Chicken?
Teriyaki Chicken is a popular Japanese dish known for its sweet and savory flavor profile. The term “teriyaki” refers to the cooking method where food is grilled or broiled and glazed with a sauce made from soy sauce, sake (or mirin), and sugar. Teriyaki sauce is characterized by its glossy appearance and a perfect balance of salty and sweet notes.
Here’s a basic breakdown of how Teriyaki Chicken is typically prepared:
Marination: Chicken (or other protein choices like beef, tofu, or fish) is often marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sake (or mirin), sugar, and sometimes ginger or garlic. This allows the flavors to permeate the meat and adds depth to the dish.
Grilling or Broiling: Traditionally, Teriyaki Chicken is grilled or broiled to create a slightly charred and caramelized exterior. This cooking method imparts a smoky flavor and adds texture to the dish.
Teriyaki Sauce Glaze: As the chicken cooks, it is brushed or glazed with the teriyaki sauce, creating a shiny and flavorful coating. This process is repeated several times to build up the layers of the glaze.
Gather the ingredients for the Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken
Let’s round up our flavor entourage – chicken, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and a dash of culinary courage. Spoiler alert: the courage is the secret ingredient!
How To Make Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken
Step 1. Prepare the Chicken
Trim excess fat from the chicken thighs and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels.
Step 2. Mix the Teriyaki Sauce
In a bowl, combine chicken thighs, soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix well to create the teriyaki sauce.
Step 3. Pressure Cook with Flavor
Place the chicken in the Instant Pot, pour the teriyaki sauce over it, and secure the lid. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
Step 4. Natural Release and Optional Thickening
Allow for a natural pressure release. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with a bit of water and stir it into the pot. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode for a few minutes to thicken the sauce.
Step 5. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the teriyaki chicken. Serve over rice or with your favorite sides.
Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Course: MainCuisine: JapaneseDifficulty: Easy4-6
servings10
minutes20
minutes350
kcalQuick, easy, and bursting with sweet-savory perfection. Elevate your dinner routine with this Instant Pot sensation.
Ingredients
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup mirin
1/4 cup sake
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, grated
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken: Trim excess fat from the chicken thighs and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels.
- Mix the Teriyaki Sauce: In a bowl, combine chicken thighs, soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix well to create the teriyaki sauce.
- Sauté the Chicken: Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Add a small amount of oil, and once hot, add the chicken pieces. Sauté until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides.
- Pressure Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid and set it to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode for 8 minutes. Ensure the vent is sealed.
- Natural Release: Allow for a natural pressure release. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with a bit of water and stir it into the pot. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode for a few minutes to thicken the sauce
- Serve: Serve the Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken over a bed of cooked rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Notes
- *Rate Recipe: If you’ve tried the recipe, don’t forget to Rate the Recipe in the Comments Section. Thank you!
Serving Suggestions For Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken
Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes that complement its sweet and savory flavors. Here are some delicious options to serve alongside Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken:
Steamed White Rice: A classic choice to absorb the flavorful teriyaki sauce. Fluffy white rice makes a perfect base for the chicken.
Brown Rice or Quinoa: For a healthier option, serve the Teriyaki Chicken over brown rice or quinoa. These grains add a nutty flavor and extra nutritional value.
Stir-Fried Vegetables: Create a colorful medley of stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots. The crisp texture and vibrant colors complement the tender chicken.
Cucumber Salad: Refreshing cucumber slices drizzled with a light rice vinegar dressing provide a cooling contrast.
Expert Cooking Tip For Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken
- Marinate the chicken for at least 15-30 minutes, or overnight for intensified flavor.
- Sear the chicken using the Instant Pot’s sauté function before pressure cooking for enhanced flavor and texture.
- Customize the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce by adjusting the amount of brown sugar according to your taste
- For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water and add it after pressure cooking. Switch to sauté mode for a few minutes to thicken.
- Allow for a natural pressure release for a few minutes before manually releasing the remaining pressure to maintain chicken tenderness.
- Enjoy Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken immediately after cooking while it’s hot for the best dining experience.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for this recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs are often preferred for their tenderness and flavor, chicken breast can be used as a leaner alternative. Adjust the cooking time slightly as chicken breast tends to cook faster than thighs in the Instant Pot.
Is it possible to make this recipe without an Instant Pot?
Yes, it’s possible to adapt this recipe for stovetop or oven cooking. For stove or oven preparation, marinate the chicken as directed, then cook it in a skillet or bake it in the oven until fully cooked. Simmer the sauce separately and combine it with the cooked chicken.
Can I substitute mirin or sake with other ingredients if I don’t have them on hand?
If you don’t have mirin, you can substitute it with a mixture of white wine, rice vinegar, and sugar. Sake can be replaced with dry sherry or Chinese rice wine. These substitutions may slightly alter the flavor but will maintain the essence of the dish.
How can I adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the teriyaki sauce?
Adjusting the sweetness or saltiness is simple. For a sweeter sauce, increase the amount of brown sugar. To enhance saltiness, add a touch more soy sauce. Always adjust gradually, tasting as you go to achieve the desired balance.
What are some recommended side dishes to serve with Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken?
This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots. Additionally, serving it over steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles complements the flavors of the teriyaki sauce. For added freshness, consider a side salad or pickled vegetables.
Final Thoughts
In the realm of Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken, simplicity meets extraordinary flavor. As you embark on this culinary adventure, these expert tips are your compass, guiding you to a dish that’s not only quick and convenient but also a symphony of sweet and savory perfection.
The art of crafting Teriyaki Chicken in the Instant Pot lies in the nuanced details—the marination, the searing, the balance of sweetness—all orchestrated to create a meal that transcends the ordinary. So, as you savor each bite, let the flavors dance on your palate and the aroma transport you to a culinary haven. Explore more of my Instant Pot recipes and enjoy the simplicity and exquisite taste—happy cooking!